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Tinkering Around: Textile Techniques in Wire
with Heather Allen Hietala
At first glance, wire might seem like a humble material—utilitarian, rigid, even ordinary. But in the hands of an artist, it becomes a line in space, a thread of structure, a vessel for creativity. This fall, Sanborn Mills Farm welcomes internationally renowned studio artist Heather Allen Hietala for a dynamic workshop that invites participants to see—and shape—wire in an entirely new way.
In this hands-on class, students will be introduced to wire as both an artistic and practical medium. With just their hands, a pair of pliers, and cold connection techniques, participants will discover the surprising immediacy of wire work. The workshop begins with the basics: learning to manipulate wire through coiling, lashing, sewing, shaping, wrapping, and twining. Students will explore both the linear qualities and the sculptural potential of the material, using traditional tinkering and fiber construction methods.
From creating small studies to developing more complex three-dimensional forms, students will be guided in exploring a variety of wire gauges and forms. The versatility of wire will also be showcased through its ability to blend with other materials and techniques. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of wire’s properties—its tensile strength, flexibility, and ability to transform space.
Leading the workshop is Heather Allen Hietala, a celebrated artist whose work bridges the worlds of textiles, ceramics, book arts, and sculpture. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Heather’s art has been exhibited internationally and appears in publications such as Fiberarts Magazine, American Craft, and Surface Design Journal. Her work is held in numerous public and private collections, including the Racine Art Museum, Asheville Art Museum, and the Gregg Museum of Art and Design.
Heather brings not only decades of experience but also a passion for sharing process and cultivating creativity. Her teaching journey has taken her across the U.S. and around the globe—from Canada to Japan, Nepal, and Thailand. A recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Regional Grant and a Tennessee Arts Commission Fellowship, she is also the author of Weaving Contemporary Rag Rugs and numerous articles on textile art and creative journaling.
Whether you’re a fiber artist looking to expand your material vocabulary, a metalsmith seeking new approaches, or a curious maker drawn to structure and form, this workshop offers something unique: a chance to slow down, experiment, and truly play with wire. You’ll leave not only with new skills and creations of your own design, but also with a fresh perspective on how a simple material can become a powerful tool for expression.
Join us for this inspiring opportunity to explore the intersection of craft, material, and imagination—one twist of wire at a time.
Botanical Pigments, Steel Cookware, Rattan Baskets, and Finishing
Sanborn Mills Farm
(603) 435- 7314
info@sanbornmills.org
www.sanbornmills.org
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Sanborn Mills Farm | 7097 Sanborn Road | Loudon, NH 03307 US