Improv Gems Workshop by MJ Kinman 03/19/26
March 19, 2026 @ 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
$35.00
On March 19, 2026, from 9:00-12:30, MJ Kinman will teach a half-day workshop called “Improv Gems.” The workshop will be held in the Arrowrock South Meeting Room at the Hampton Inn/ Boise Spectrum, 7499 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709.
Ticket sales will open Jan. 1st and the workshop will be made available to everyone — Guild members and the general public alike! The price is $35. Refunds for cancellations may be requested until March 1, 2026.
MJ Kinman, maker of giant gemstone quilts, will show you how to create sparkling gem blocks in a whole new way using the power of improvisational piecing.
Learn how to use improvisational strip-piecing techniques to create emerald-cut, baguette-cut, and Asscher-cut diamonds. These are diamonds that feature long, lovely facets – the “hall of mirrors” that highlight the interior clarity of a gem.
During class, MJ will discuss color selection for gems. (Hint: there is no wrong answer!). She’ll show you how to make your gem sparkle with value contrast, and how to make your gem glow with saturation contrast. Finally, she’ll demonstrate simple assembly techniques to piece together your lovely creation.
Activities include:
• Creating a color palette that brings you joy.
• Playing with high value contrast and saturation contrast to incorporate sparkle and glow into your gem.
• Strip-piecing the interior facets of your gemstone.
• Assembling the strip-pieced facets to create your own unique gemstone.
Supply List:
Note: MJ will bring basic freezer paper templates for members to use. However, if students wish to purchase their own, they can do so by purchasing it at their local grocery store OR from Amazon. The freezer paper should be 18” wide.
• 18” ruler & Small ruler with a ¼” measurement
• 6-8 business-size envelopes
• Scissors and rotary cutting tools (cutter and small personal mat) Bring 2 rotary cutters if you want to cut paper with one and your fabric with another.
• Fabric – Fat Quarters of cotton solids or gradients. Consider bringing a range of values (light, medium, dark) within one or two colorways. This project works best when you have a very dark value, a very light value, and a range of 2 or 3 medium values. White and black also work well to bump up the “bling” in your gem.
• Iron and ironing mat
• Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies
Instructor Contact Information:
MJ Kinman, 709 Fairhill Drive, Louisville, KY 40207 Cell Phone/Text (Eastern Time Zone): 502-287-3034 Email: mjkinman709@gmail.com Website: https://www.mjkinman.com
