Improv Inspired By Nature

Curious About Improv Piecing but Not Sure Where to Start?

In this class, you’ll explore the art of abstract design through improv-style paper piecing. Using photos of plants, animals, or natural scenes as inspiration, you’ll learn how to create your own unique paper piecing blocks—more abstract than literal, driven by shape, rhythm, and movement.

We'll simplify color choices by using just two main colors: one for your subject and one for your background. Each should include 6–8 (or more) shades or values of each. Solid or hand-dyed fabrics work beautifully. Aim for darker tones for the subject and lighter tones for the background to create strong contrast.

You’ll design multiple blocks from a variety of photos and resize them into different proportions to add visual interest. The images won’t be copied exactly; they’ll be simplified and act as springboards for your creative interpretation. Then we will use them to design a larger piece adding in some improv connecting strips.

This can be a 1 - 5 day class.