ATA Virtual Online Workshops

ATA strives to provide opportunities for all levels of tapestry weavers. We recognize the challenges that may exist in taking an in-person class including the cost of travel, time away from work or other obligations, and different learning styles which may require smaller bite-sized pieces of information taken in over a shorter duration of instruction. With so many valuable resources, including knowledgeable and experienced teachers, ATA has created a mini-online workshop model to help weavers pick up specific skills that will enhance their studio practice and future learning experiences. We currently do not have a set calendar of workshops available as this program is new. However, if you are interested in learning a specific technique, would like to work with a specific tapestry weaver, or are a teaching artist, please email education(at) americantapestryalliance.org and let us know!

Surface Matters with Rowen Schussheim-Anderson

Instructional Day: February 21, 2026, 9:30-12:30 and from 3:30-5:00 PM CST

Follow-up Critique/Review: February 28, 2026, 10 AM to 11 AM CST

Register via the link below.  The class is limited to 20 students.

Fee: $150 for Members; $200 for Non-Members

REGISTER HERE
Workshop Description
Surface Matters!

As tapestry weavers, we intersect weft threads with warp threads, creating an image by changing the colors of yarn.  Color and texture are integral components. While honoring the centuries-old technique of tapestry weaving, this workshop will explore new ways to expand the boundaries, with a special focus on the surface quality of the weaving. In pushing the surface of a tapestry—or a section of a tapestry—we will draw attention to the texture.  By adding surface embellishments, it is possible to add dimension, contrast, interest, surprise, depth, and movement.  Inventive approaches will focus on textile techniques that can be combined with tapestry. We will investigate stitching, bead embroidery, wrapping, and needle felting, resulting in the addition of dots, diagonal lines, shading/hatching, and outlines. Working on a section of a tapestry that has already been woven before this class [that is already off the loom], we will be exploring methods to embellish, change, and add interest to the work through innovative pathways. 

About Rowen Schussheim-Anderson
Rowen Schussheim-Anderson taught at Augustana College, Arizona State University, the Smithsonian, the National Endowment for the Arts’ Artists-in-Education program, and the Appalachian Center for Crafts. She was a 2018 American Tapestry Alliance master weaver. Permanent collections include John Deere Headquarters, the National Home Loan Bank Board, the State Department, and many others. Publications include Exploring Fiber Art Volume on Wall Hangings, Fiber Arts Design Book, 1,000 Artisan Textiles, American Craft, and FiberArt Now. Works were juried into FiberArt International Exhibition of Contemporary Fiber Art [2013/2010], International Fiber Biennale: From Lausanne to Beijing [2021.2014. 2012] and many others, including American Tapestry Alliance’s American Tapestry Biennial 11. She received second place in Fiber Celebration 2017, the Northern Colorado Weaver’s Guild’s 43rd annual juried show in Fort Collins, Colorado, and was accepted in ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
 
Materials students should bring:
  • A woven piece of tapestry—OR–cloth other than tapestry could be worked on, such as a piece of upholstery fabric [several layers of felt would work if nothing else is available, although woven fabric is preferable]. The fabric to be worked on should have some substance to it [i.e. not a thin piece of fabric] that can be easily stitched into with a tapestry needle
  • Small beads [seed, pony, or bugle work well]
  • Bead thread [such as NYMO or C-Lon Size D] or regular sewing thread, bead needle [size 10] or regular sewing needles that fit through the selected beads [above,] and needles
  • A range of yarns—shiny, textured, thin, and medium-weight [not too bulky]
  • Sharp and/or blunt tapestry needle [with a large enough eye to accommodate the selected yarns]
  • 1-2 yards clothesline, seine twine, or cord

Optional: sequins, embroidery floss, medium-sized crochet hook
Optional: There will be a demo to present how needle felting can be applied as a surface embellishment on tapestry.  While participants may opt to just watch this demo, for those who wish to try this technique, felting needles and foam are needed:

  • Feltting needles available at Michaels’
  • Foam pad 9’ x 8” x 2” available at Michaels’ OR foam rubber sheet  5” x 5” x 2”  available at Home Depot

Rowen Schussheim-Anderson
Light Reflections, Detail

Previous Workshops

H.V. Technique with David van Buskirk
July 26, 2025

H.V. is a simplified tapestry technique developed in 1903 at Handarbetes Vänners Vävskola (The Friends of Handwork’s Weave School) in Stockholm. The images are created by discontinuous weft inserted into a plain weave ground. Students explored three different variations of this technique during the workshop.

Soumak with Kennita Tully
March 25, 2025

Soumak with Kennita Tully was a 1-day workshop that began with Single Soumak – both closed and open techniques, along with a reverse form that creates little “dots” on the surface of the weave. Next, Vertical Soumak, a unique way to add fine vertical or diagonal lines on the surface of weaving, was introduced. A follow-up session included the opportunity to share work, insights, and questions.