Classes/Workshops

• Due to unexpected events I will not be able to teach in person workshops in the fall of 2023. please email me to be put on the list for future workshops or to be given a list of alternative places to study.
• During the year, Joan teaches beginning and intermediate tapestry workshops in her Charlottesville,VA studio. She offers both individual instruction as well as small group weekend workshops. All supplies are provided including the use of a loom for the Beginning Tapestry Workshop. The intermediate student can use their loom  or can rent one from me.
•  I also offer 3 month independent study programs for those that  want some guidance in their tapestry practice. Email me for more information.

Tapestry Weaving: Beginning Tapestry Workshop….  I schedule my workshops in my tapestry studio over 2 consecutive days. After many years of weaving and teaching , I think it is important to have a good foundation in the basics of tapestry weaving so that a student can then move on to a more personal expression using the techniques they have learned.  The classes are held in a friendly, learning atmosphere in my studio in order to see a working studio. Students  have access to a large library of tapestry books, different kinds of yarns and looms so they have ideas about what they would like for their own practice.

The 2 day class  concentrates on the basic techniques of tapestry weaving on a portable loom. During the 12 hours of instruction, we cover the basics of tapestry weaving such as warping the loom, finishing and various design shaping techniques. Tapestry weaving is a unique , timeless technique but can be adapted in a multitude of colorful ways to the challenges of contemporary designs. Each student will take home a  tapestry sampler they completed during the weekend for future reference. Check out the dates listed below. Classes are 9:30-3:30 on Sat. and  Sunday. $220 for both days and all supplies included. No previous tapestry experience is necessary. For those from out of town there are many nearby motels available. The photo on the right is from the second day of a beginning student’s work. Please register in advance since the classes are very small.( max 4 students)  a deposit of $100 is needed to reserve your space. contact me via email below.

Design for  Tapestry Workshop. Once a student takes a workshop the challenge begins to figure out how those great ideas can become a reality and be a successful tapestry.  Since only 4 students attend at a time it is possible to work at whatever level you find yourself. Emphasis is on the prep work needed to translate your ideas into a tapestry and focus on the techniques needed to complete the design.. class fee is $220. A deposit of $100 is needed to reserve your space.

• Learn how to translate your ideas into woven tapestries.How do I figure out what it will look like before I weave it?
• Can I weave my design?
• What colors to choose?
• What sett do I use? What warp size?
• How do I finish my tapestry?
• How do I figure out what technique to use for a shape?
• I need some feedback on my tapestry weaving?

Student can rent my loom or use their own. Students will have access to all my yarns to work on their yarn selections  for their actual tapestry. We will focus on the prep work needed to have a successful outcome for their design. Students will have a sample well under way at the end of the second day and will weave their actual tapestry after the workshop.Workshop fee is $220. please register in advance . . contact me via email below.

For more information contact Joan Griffin. or joangriffintapestry at gmail.com  .. (substitute @ for at)

2023 Class Schedule: Beginning Tapestry Workshops

***due to unexpected events I will not be able to schedule workshops at this time. I hope to schedule in the spring of 2024.

. Email me to be put on notification list or if you wish other opportunities to study elsewhere.

What students have said about the tapestry workshops:

“The workshop was amazing! And I do plan to continue on this weaving journey. Thank you for letting me learn in your studio. I am humbled by your knowledge and the way you opened your studio to us.”…Lynn B.

“Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed my class. It was very kind of you to explain everything so patiently”..Deborah B.

“Thank you for your class. We all enjoyed it and learned a lot. You are a very sharing person”….Carol B.

“Thanks for a wonderful class. I feel like I learned so much. Thanks again for your patience and insight.”..Liz A.

“Had  a wonderful time and learned so much”…Molly R.

“Thank you for a great weaving workshop. I most enjoyed learning how you transform a vision of what to weave from an idea.”..Eva C.

“Thank you so much for providing  a wonderful class”..Kay S.

Thank you for an amazing tapestry fundamentals workshop. I left feeling confident enough to move forward and make lots of mistakes and grow!..Jeff T.

Thank you for a great class! I leaned so much and am inspired to find more time to weave…Amy B.

Just a brief note to say thank you so much for leading such an informative tapestry workshop. I discovered much about design and technique which will prove very helpful…Cathie S.