Creating from Castoffs: Fiber as Sculpture

July 9-12, 2026

Schedule: 9am-4pm Thu-Sun

Instructor: Lorraine Reynolds

Registration Deadline: July 3

In stock

Description

In this hands-on workshop, recycled textiles and found objects become the foundation for expressive, sculptural 3-dimensional creations. Explore how discarded materials—old clothing, linens, and everyday objects—can be re-imagined into meaningful artworks that reflect personal stories and creative freedom. Through intuitive processes and guided techniques such as knotting, wrapping, stitching, and cordage-making, you’ll learn to unlock the hidden potential in castoff materials. Surface design methods including natural dyeing, bleach-out, and distressing will further enhance your pieces, adding texture and depth. This workshop is designed to help you embrace imperfection, take creative risks, and reconnect with your artistic voice. Whether a seasoned artist or beginner, you’ll leave with a renewed perspective on material, memory, and the art of transformation.

Class size 18

Level Beginner and above

Student Supply List See Supply List

  • Tuition $500
  • Materials Fee $10

Instructor

Photo of Lorraine Reynolds

Lorraine Reynolds

Lorraine Reynolds is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in the transformation of recycled materials. She works primarily in fiber, collage, assemblage and installation. Her creative practice is deeply rooted in an intimate connection with the local environment, utilizing materials gifted by her surroundings. Through her art, she reveres the legacies of the past, seeking to nourish our collective spirits and find meaning within the ceaseless cycles of existence ‚Äì embracing both life's vitality and its poignant transitions.…Read More

Lorraine Reynolds is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in the transformation of recycled materials. She works primarily in fiber, collage, assemblage and installation. Her creative practice is deeply rooted in an intimate connection with the local environment, utilizing materials gifted by her surroundings. Through her art, she reveres the legacies of the past, seeking to nourish our collective spirits and find meaning within the ceaseless cycles of existence ‚Äì embracing both life’s vitality and its poignant transitions. Believing in the profound potential of art, Lorraine sees it as a catalyst for healing, guiding both creator and observer through the realms of loss and trauma, offering a passage toward solace and understanding.

With over 30 years’ expertise in the apparel industry, Lorraine’s passion for textiles and vintage apparel fuels her artistic expression. Alongside her studio practice and teaching engagements, she works full-time as a Design and Product Development Consultant.

Lorraine earned her MFA in Visual Art from Vermont College of Fine Art and has showcased her work both regionally and nationally. Her commitment to the arts extends to her community involvement, having contributed to the board of Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts as a past president.

She resides in Mineral Point, WI with her husband and her extremely affectionate German Shorthair Pointer, Ziggy.

Instructor Website

Workshops

Creating from Castoffs: Fiber as Sculpture

Soul Houses

Mending Hearts: Stitching Recycled Fibers into Sculpture

Registration Policies & Waiting Lists

Class Confirmation

You will receive a confirmation of your workshop registration via email about a week prior to the class. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a snail-mail confirmation. Please check the online class listing for supplies to bring to class (there will also be a link to the Supply List in your class confirmation). Some supplies may need to be ordered well ahead of time.

Please note that your class registration will not be confirmed without full payment.

Please read your class confirmation carefully as it may include a supply list and other important details, and note our community standards on our Planning Your Workshop Experience page.

Materials Fees
Many classes have materials fees in addition to the tuition. These are identified in the class listing and are usually paid with the tuition payment; however, in some cases materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at class time (check the class listing).

Cancellation Policy
While we recognize that life intrudes and plans change, in consideration of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for classes, we must adhere to the following cancellation policies:

Student cancellations

> Cancellations made 30 days or more before the start date of the workshop are eligible for a 75% refund OR a gift certificate in the full amount. The gift certificate can be applied to workshops or lodging one year from the date of cancellation and is transferable.

> Cancellations made 29 days or fewer before the start date of the workshop are not eligible for refunds or gift certificates. We encourage all students to purchase trip insurance, which is available for a reasonable fee.

> Cancellation requests must be made by contacting our office at info@shakeragalley.org or (608) 987-3292.

If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with your class and cancel less than seven days in advance of your reservation, a $50 cancellation fee will apply.

Cancellations by Shake Rag Alley

> If Shake Rag Alley must cancel a class for any reason, you will be notified via email or phone and will be eligible for a full refund or, if you prefer, a transferable gift certificate. You may also consider donating your refund to support our operations or scholarships.

If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with a class canceled by Shake Rag Alley, you may receive a full refund on lodging or gift certificate should you wish to cancel.

Waiting Lists

If a workshop you are interested in is sold out, please fill out this waiting list form. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. The class code requested on the form is the Workshop ID shown at left, beneath the Add to Cart button.

Workshop ID 26R0709L Catalogs ,