Are you ready to turn seemingly ordinary materials into refreshingly evocative textile art, layered with meaning?
Under the expert guidance of internationally acclaimed Textile Artist, Author and Lecturer Cas Holmes, it’s easier than you might think.
Cas’ signature online course has been designed as an approach-based exploration that offers you the opportunity to delve deep into the thought process and methods Cas uses to create her famous textile landscapes.
Throughout the course Cas encourages you to take a risk as you develop ways to close the gap between materials, making and meaning.
You'll learn achievable ways to create texture and depth in your fibre artwork using printing, layering and stitching techniques with paper and cloth.
All course materials, including self-paced beautifully filmed streaming videos and comprehensive resource guides, are within an easy to use member portal and yours to access and revisit anytime.
Making Connections - Mark, Layer & Stitch is a rich creative resource full of inspiration and ideas to last a lifetime. It’s a worldwide community for enrolled students to connect in a private online forum and share your textile adventures directly with Cas, ask questions, bounce ideas, and gain the skills and confidence needed to create your own mixed media masterpiece.
Cas’ signature online course has been designed as an approach-based exploration that offers you the opportunity to delve deep into the thought process and methods Cas uses to create her famous textile landscapes.
Throughout the course Cas encourages you to take a risk as you develop ways to close the gap between materials, making and meaning.
You'll learn achievable ways to create texture and depth in your fibre artwork using printing, layering and stitching techniques with paper and cloth.
All course materials, including self-paced beautifully filmed streaming videos and comprehensive resource guides, are within an easy to use member portal and yours to access and revisit anytime.
Making Connections - Mark, Layer & Stitch is a rich creative resource full of inspiration and ideas to last a lifetime. It’s a worldwide community for enrolled students to connect in a private online forum and share your textile adventures directly with Cas, ask questions, bounce ideas, and gain the skills and confidence needed to create your own mixed media masterpiece.
What's Included?
Over 8 modules, 8 hours of footage, 8 weeks of ongoing guidance and comprehensive downloadable resource guides, Cas has created an in-depth experience that covers the techniques and methods she has developed over her 40-year career as a textile artist.
Cas invites you to take a walk, collecting a variety of found materials as you learn to make marks and print using paint and ink, exploring how papers and cloth behave differently. Your confidence will grow as you learn to create your own compositions that relate to the things that you’ve seen and you’ll finally understand why your sketchbook is an invaluable tool for connecting drawing with free-motion machine and hand stitching.
Throughout each module, you’ll see Cas’ fine art training shine through as she shares ways to create texture and depth by not only layering materials but through the often overlooked use of colour and tonal value.
In the end you’ll have the skills to create pieces without the limitations of edges or borders with the confidence to create work layered with meaning using your unique voice.
Keep scrolling for a detailed description of each module and learn more about this course in the video below.
Cas invites you to take a walk, collecting a variety of found materials as you learn to make marks and print using paint and ink, exploring how papers and cloth behave differently. Your confidence will grow as you learn to create your own compositions that relate to the things that you’ve seen and you’ll finally understand why your sketchbook is an invaluable tool for connecting drawing with free-motion machine and hand stitching.
Throughout each module, you’ll see Cas’ fine art training shine through as she shares ways to create texture and depth by not only layering materials but through the often overlooked use of colour and tonal value.
In the end you’ll have the skills to create pieces without the limitations of edges or borders with the confidence to create work layered with meaning using your unique voice.
Keep scrolling for a detailed description of each module and learn more about this course in the video below.
Learn at Your Own Pace
As an experienced instructor, Cas recognises that all methods of learning are valid.
This is the only platform that Cas has chosen to deliver a longer online course. Giving you the luxury to take time to develop and evolve the processes between each module.
With instant and lifetime access to beautifully filmed instructional videos and comprehensive written accompaniments, the Making Connections online course also includes ongoing guidance from Cas over the following 8 weeks after enrolments close. This gives you a wonderful opportunity to have a lengthier discussion and delve deeper into your own process, building your knowledge in a more profound way.
This is the only platform that Cas has chosen to deliver a longer online course. Giving you the luxury to take time to develop and evolve the processes between each module.
With instant and lifetime access to beautifully filmed instructional videos and comprehensive written accompaniments, the Making Connections online course also includes ongoing guidance from Cas over the following 8 weeks after enrolments close. This gives you a wonderful opportunity to have a lengthier discussion and delve deeper into your own process, building your knowledge in a more profound way.
You're Not Alone
There’s nothing worse than purchasing an online course only to be left in the dark.
That’s why we have created a worldwide community to further support your learning where you’ll be able to ask questions, get feedback and connect not only with Cas but a close knit network of fellow Making Connections students in a members-only online Facebook group.
Here you’ll receive invaluable support, have access to live Q&A sessions with Cas and it is also yours to access for life.
You are further supported by the team at Fibre Arts Take Two with the personal and attentive customer service that we have become known for!
That’s why we have created a worldwide community to further support your learning where you’ll be able to ask questions, get feedback and connect not only with Cas but a close knit network of fellow Making Connections students in a members-only online Facebook group.
Here you’ll receive invaluable support, have access to live Q&A sessions with Cas and it is also yours to access for life.
You are further supported by the team at Fibre Arts Take Two with the personal and attentive customer service that we have become known for!
Cas will guide you through the below modules sharing her in-depth thought process and methods along the way.
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Module 1
Looking Differently
Cas will demystify the sketchbook allowing you to let go of the old belief “I can’t draw!” Drawing may seem hard at first but under Cas’s guidance, you’ll learn how to engage with your own narrative through your sketchbook to create your own story. From traditional spiral bound to creating your own improvised sketchbooks, you learn how to work on different surfaces using different techniques including continuous line drawing and how it relates so well to free-motion stitching.
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Module 2
Drawing, Observation & Appreciation
Cas will now take you deeper into how to develop what you have discovered. By laying the foundations of a daily sketch practice and bringing the outside in you have the stimulus for your work to progress. Through a series of achievable exercises including, isolation techniques, exploring colour and tonal value together with the beginnings of the layering process through instinctive collage, which is surprisingly similar to how you’ll later work with paper and cloth, you begin to appreciate how everything is related to the sketchbook.
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Module 3
Connecting Drawing to Stitch
Building on what you have been developing with your observations, in this module you’ll understand why the connection between drawing and stitch is so strong. Using the sewing machine with simple exercises and consideration to help you build your confidence with free motion stitch by following forms on paper and constructional straight stitch, with seams and folds. You’ll learn what types of papers work best with machine stitching and why Cas prefers mechanical machines as a simple tool for making a mark with stitch.
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Module 4
Printing with Meaning
Use what’s available from the garden, kitchen and your surroundings to make marks on cloth and paper using printing and other mixed media techniques. You’ll now have the opportunity to build a library of textured cloth and paper to use throughout the course using printing methods Cas has adapted over many years. Explore relief printing with textured cloth, botanicals and printing using different paint and dye mediums whilst discovering their unique qualities. There’s no need for expensive presses, use what you have to create amazing results.
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Module 5
Auditioning Materials
It’s time to find joy in the accidental by looking at your marks in a new light. Using your printed materials and other materials you enjoy working with this is the beginning of where painting meets cloth and your printing meets textile collage. As you move through the auditioning process continuing to investigate what your materials can do and what colours you might use you’ll create some dry sampling in preparation for module 6.
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Module 6
Layering Materials - Wet Appliqué Process
Establishing and continuing your line of enquiry with your found materials you’ll explore how your work and materials further respond to Cas’s unique wet applique method. Temporarily laminating your cloth together allows you to use your sewing machine without pins giving you the freedom to move more instinctively. Step outside of your comfort zone and have some fun by having a go at a new temporary method.
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Module 7
Connecting Your Story Through Stitch
Stitch holds everything together. Using your machine to stitch into your dried pieces you’ll discover how the newly created surfaces respond and how you can further extend your ideas and meaning within your work. You’ll realise this is not a linear process, things can keep moving forwards or backwards at any time remembering the primary motivation is to always discover things anew. You’ll move your palette around the table, rediscover, rework, destroy in order to create, take a risk to never stop reimagining.
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Module 8
Handstitching
Discover different ways of making a mark, from the fast and vibrant machine stitch to the more contemplative and reverent hand stitch. Explore why hand stitch is as equally relevant as making a mark with a machine, by using slow stitch to take a moment to focus and slow down by creating sampler pieces exploring french knots and different textures learning to use your threads as a paint palette, re-evaluate your work whilst enjoying the simple things in life.
Exclusive BONUSES
Reflecting on the process that you have been exploring on the course Cas will take you on a journey through two beautiful pieces of work that document her travels in Australia and her family history, before inviting you to participate in a collaborative project.
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BONUS - The Edges of Australia
Created by composing many different elements of what Cas found and observed along her travels throughout Australia.
You’ll be mesmerized by this impressive 4 metre piece of textile artwork as you begin to
visualise your own. -
BONUS - Family History
Enjoy looking through Cas’s family history as she discusses how you can connect cloth to memory and the connection we make to place.
The peaks and troughs of her life and family ancestry are represented in a beautifully constructed folding book. -
BONUS - Major Project Invitation
With years of community development and collaborative projects under her belt, there is nothing Cas likes better than a group exhibition.
In this exciting bonus, Cas invites you to exhibit and showcase a special piece of work that reflects your
sense of place.
A Resource For Life!
Cas is the author of 5 books including the most recent Embroidering the Everyday and Textile Landscapes with Bastford Publications so it’s no surprise that her course includes comprehensive written accompaniments along with valuable resource guides and detailed action tasks. With over 45 downloadable pages of additional information to complement and extend your online experience.
You’re Protected
With Our 100% Risk-Free Guarantee
This course has been created to the highest standards. Professionally filmed and crafted for your viewing pleasure.
This course is the culmination of Cas’s 40 years of learning, teaching and innovation.
The tuition for lifetime access to Making Connections - Mark, Layer & Stitch is sold in USD for $398 when you pay in full. Payment plans are also available, please see below for details.
We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! If you’ve viewed less than 10% of this course within the first 7 days we’ll happily purchase the course back from you.
We’re confident that if you do the work and engage with your tutor you’ll get enormous benefit from this experience. And we’re happy to back that up with our risk-free guarantee.
This course is the culmination of Cas’s 40 years of learning, teaching and innovation.
The tuition for lifetime access to Making Connections - Mark, Layer & Stitch is sold in USD for $398 when you pay in full. Payment plans are also available, please see below for details.
We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! If you’ve viewed less than 10% of this course within the first 7 days we’ll happily purchase the course back from you.
We’re confident that if you do the work and engage with your tutor you’ll get enormous benefit from this experience. And we’re happy to back that up with our risk-free guarantee.
This Course Is For You If...
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You are looking for clear strategies and techniques to unblock your own creative process and get started knowing you are on the right path.
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You have a desire to create fibre and mixed media artwork that is layered with meaning.
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You are willing to learn new methods and techniques with the aim of developing your own way of working
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You want to move forward with confidence knowing you can translate what you see into well-composed artwork.
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You understand it is important to take a risk, embrace uncertainty and accept failure as part of the learning process.
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You simply want to learn from and engage with one of the worlds best textile and mixed media artists.
What Other's Are Saying
About Cas Holmes!
A Master
"Cas Holmes is a masterful artist and teacher."
A Professional & Thoughtful Approach
"Your approach was not only highly professional but was delivered with respect, thoughtfulness and made us feel we were creating together."
More Than Expected
"Each session is a challenge and an inspiration.
Your encouragement to each of us to look for our own direction with your support is more than I expected – you are indeed a very generous teacher.
Your encouragement to each of us to look for our own direction with your support is more than I expected – you are indeed a very generous teacher.
Inspiring and Encouraging
“You gave so generously not only of your knowledge and ways of working but also of the terrific "self" that you bring to your work and your students.
You are inspiring and encouraging; I am very grateful to have met and learned from you."
You are inspiring and encouraging; I am very grateful to have met and learned from you."
FAQ
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What tools and supplies will I need for the Making Connections online course with Cas Holmes?
Please note a full suppliers list and resource guides will be available for enrolled students with links.
The recommended minimum requirements for this course are:
Starting Kit:
A Notebook or Sketchbook 150 to 300 gsm
A variety of pens and pencils, both water-soluble and non-soluable
Found materials, cloth and textiles
A variety of paper and card
3 Colours of Acrylic Paint plus Black & White
Black Ink
Watercolour Paints
Scissors for Cloth and Paper
Sewing Needles and Threads for Handstitching
A sewing machine with a free motion foot is highly recommended by not essential
Please email [email protected] if you would like a more detailed minimum requirement list emailed to you before enrolling. -
Do I need a sewing machine to participate in this course?
2 out of the 8 modules in the Making Connections course involve techniques demonstrated using a sewing machine.
Whilst it is not essential to have a machine Cas recommends that this is a wonderful place to start and open your practice to new ways of working.
Second-hand mechanical machines are a wonderful investment.
Hand stitching is also covered in this course and is an important part of Cas's practice. -
Is this course for beginners or advanced artists?
Great question! Cas has explained to Fibre Arts Take Two that the Making Connections course is for both beginners looking to learn achievable ways to begin their textile and mixed media practice and advanced artists who are feeling a little unsure about where their work is taking them.
Both beginners and advanced artists will discover more clarity in their making process by connecting the materials with meaning through a series of professionally developed tasks stemming from Cas fine art training and as a professional tutor.
With Cas Holmes supported by Friday Arts Take Two, both professional artists and beginners are in safe hands. -
How long does the course take and *ongoing tuition last for?
The Making Connections - Mark, Layer & Stitch online course - contains the equivalent of 10 days of live workshop material and is designed as deep dive into the process and techniques Cas uses to create her textile landscapes.
There is over 9 hours of pre-recorded content for you to immerse yourself and many techniques for you to try. It may take you weeks or even months to get through all that Cas has to share and that's why it is a self-paced course with 8 weeks of initial support from Cas including live Q&A’s within a closed Facebook group.
When you enrol you have access to the entire course immediately. Some people choose to immerse themselves and watch the entire course before getting started while others choose to take their time working their way through each module tyring out the techniques and experimenting in their own time.
Remember, it’s yours to revisit time and time again!
*Ongoing Tuition
Cas will be available in the private Facebook Community for 8 weeks after enrolments close. Please note as a full time practising artist Cas will engage as much a possible in between her other work and commitments. -
How much does the course cost?
Making Connections, Mark Layer & Stitch online course is $398 USD
A payment plan is available:
2 x Monthly Instalments of $220 USD
Fibre Arts Take Two is a global company. This course is sold worldwide and is priced in USD a recognised international currency.
Please check your local exchange rate before purchase.
All Australian purchases are GST inclusive. -
How does the guarantee work?
The Making Connections online course has a 100% money-back guarantee. Should you view less than 10% of the course within 7 days we will purchase the course back from you.
If you feel that this course doesn’t meet your expectations please email us at [email protected] within 7 days of your enrolment date. -
Can I take this course on my phone or tablet?
Absolutely! All of the course content is fully responsive so it will work regardless of whether you’re on a computer or mobile device.
All you will need is an internet connection to stream the videos anywhere anytime. -
I don’t like social media, is this a necessity?
Nope, you will have full access to the course via your online portal.
We offer a closed Facebook group for enrolled students only to connect and share their journey.
The group also offers you the opportunity to gain further insights and tuition from Cas and other Making Connections students.
Live Q&A's will be hosted through Facebook, recorded and uploaded into your course portal for everyone to access.
This group is not compulsory but is highly recommended! -
What do I do if I have a question about the course?
Good question! You’ll be able to post your questions about the course in our private Facebook group, either someone from the community, Fibre Arts Take Two or Cas herself will be able to help you.
If you have more technical questions please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected]
Full House
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