Embroidered and Embellished Birthday Cake Workshop with Robert Mahar

We’re celebrating Monster’s ‘Sweet 16’ by stitching birthday cakes! Join artist Robert Mahar in learning how to apply embroidery and embellishments to a quartet of vintage inspired birthday cake illustrations custom printed on linen cotton canvas. Sweetly stitched icing, beaded sprinkles, sequined candles and embroidered text add texture, color and charm to fabric panels that could be transformed into keepsake cards, wall banners, festive garlands and more! Everyone you know and love has a birthday (every year!) – take this opportunity to make them something deliciously unique.
This workshop is a unique approach to needlework utilizing a non-traditional, free-form sampler that allows you to utilize your favorite embroidery stitches and determine their placement. Instruction also includes: the application of bead and sequins; optional thread-pulling to create fringed edges; and multiple methods of transferring and stitching text. This class is well suited for adventurous beginners, however, students with more embroidery experience are encouraged to join for a fun refresher course and the opportunity to apply their skills to festive illustrated imagery.
All materials are provided and included in the cost of the class. Each material kit includes: custom printed fabric depicting four vintage style illustrations of birthday cakes, practice fabric, a limited palette of 6-strand embroidery floss, a selection of embellishments (glass seed beads, faux pearls and sequins), a wood hoop, embroidery needle and instructional diagrams. However, if you have favorite embroidery tools or prefer specific colors of embroidery floss (6-strand or perle) you are encouraged to bring these items to the workshop.
Ages 18+
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Robert Mahar is a California-based artist and educator who teaches thoughtfully researched and developed hands-on projects based in historical craft traditions. He’s also a proud contestant alumni, and subsequent associate producer, on NBC’s crafting competition show Making It with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. With an education in studio arts and art history, he has worked in a variety of creative fields including 13 years as an appraiser of modern and contemporary art. Learn more about Robert, explore his video tutorial archive and shop his collection of curious embroidery samplers at robert-mahar.com.