Friday, December 14, 2012

Color Play by Joen Wolfrom: Class review and giveaway !

~The Giveaway is closed... read on for our class review ! ~
We're here with a review of Joen Wolfrom's new online class,  Color Play for Quilters, and we are thrilled to be able to offer a free class to the lucky winner of this Giveaway.  As you may know, Joen Wolfrom is one of the most respected teachers on the subject of color and design.  She is a quilter, author, designer and photographer, and the owner of JWD Publishing.   We have admired Joen's work for a long time (in addition to her books, we love her Ultimate 3-in-1 Color Tool).  We also have been intrigued by Craftsy, which is a wildly popular new craft learning site.  We discovered that taking the class is like taking a 2-day quilting retreat, except that you can do it on your own schedule, from the comfort of your own home ! 

Northern Lights by Meredith Annett (Nova Scotia, Canada)


One of the things we like about Color Play for Quilters is that it does involve "play". There are 13 different lessons, and each lesson involves some aspect of playing with color and/or fabric. For example, Lessons 2 and 3 are devoted to creating your own color wheel and exploring the four color scales in the world of color: the pure color scale, tint scale, shade scale, and tone scale (you'll learn what these are, why they are important, and how to create them in paint and with fabric). Meredith Annett’s quilt "Northern Lights", shown above, provides an example of how shades enhance a design with their deep, dark beauty (a shade is created when black is added to a pure color).

Coriolis by Judy B. Dales (Vermont)


"Coriolis" by Judy Dales, shown above, is one of the quilts which Joen Wolfrom discusses in Lesson 4 (Value/Gradation).  Joen says that "Coriolis" is one of her favorite examples of the use of value gradation (moving the value of a color very gradually from light to darker or from dark to lighter). Joen shows how Judy has moved a wide range of values throughout her quilt, from light to dark to light across the surface of the quilt. This keeps the eye moving across the quilt, creating an exciting design !

Blue Ginkgoes by Norma Schlager (Connecticut)


In Lesson 5, Joen discusses color plans that work, and how to use them.  For example, in "Blue Ginkgoes", Norma Schlager has used a lovely complementary color scheme of aqua blue with orange-red.  In the class, Joen explains that what we learned in school may need some adjustment ! Do you remember learning that orange/blue and red/green were complementary pairs ?  Thanks to Joen's classes and books, we now know that orange is complementary to turquoise, red is complementary to aqua green, and orange-red is complementary to aqua blue.  These subtleties can make all the difference between a quilt that is simply OK and one that is truly stunning. 

Memories of Monet by Joen Wolfrom


In addition to color and value, Joen explains how to create certain illusions in your quilts, including Depth (Lesson 7). For us, one of the 'aha' moments in this class is that you can create an illusion of depth - such as you would see in a landscape - in a pieced quilt. Fabrics that are lighter and grayer ("toned") will recede, while fabrics that are darker and purer in color will advance. "Memories of Monet", above, is a deceptively simple design which Joen created by combining two historic nine-patch blocks, Summer Winds and Storm at Sea. The marriage of these two blocks, and the careful application of color and value, creates four-pointed stars and softly-colored diagonal lattices set inside illusionary circles. Joen explains the illusion; she also has created several different sample quilt blocks so you can test the principles with your own fabric stash.

Reflections on the Pond by Joen Wolfrom


This beautiful quilt uses harmonious (analogous) colors of garden and water, moving from soft yellows to alluring violet. This is also an example of a visual illusion which Joen covers in Lesson 9: Luster. In "Reflections on the Pond", Joen uses value - a gradual shift from light to dark - to create luster. In the class, you will learn the difference between Luster and Luminosity and how to create these effects in your own quilts  !

In sum, we think that Color Play for Quilters has something for everyone.  For those who are left-brained, as we are, there is enough color theory to explain why different color schemes work, and to explain how to analyze fabrics that will produce a desired effect. For the right-brained among us, the class is filled with beautiful photographs of flowers and landscapes, as well as quilts, which Joen uses to illustrate the take-home points; another section of the class covers Visual Coloring, which is an intuitive approach to color in design.  In terms of the Craftsy platform, we loved the interactive nature of the class. For people who would rather learn "hands on" than by reading a book, Craftsy is the way to go. You can skip around if you want, fast forward or repeat sections, and ask questions as you go. For the serious quilter who wants to make more beautiful quilts, this class is a great value (only $39.99). We learned a lot, and we highly recommend this class!

~This Giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to everyone who entered!  The lucky winner of Color Play for Quilters will be announced tomorrow,  December 20, 2012. ~
How to enter this Giveaway: Under this post is the Comments section (click to expand if necessary). Leave us a brief comment there, explaining why you would like to learn more about color in quilting, and we'll add your name to the list of contestants ! Please make sure that we are able to contact you, either by your blog, website, or e-mail address. The Giveaway closes at noon EST on Wednesday, December 19. One winner will be drawn at random and will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 20. The lucky winner will receive a free class registration to Color Play for Quilters by Joen Wolfrom.

Image credits:   Images are shown with the generous permission of Joen Wolfrom.

59 comments:

  1. I would love to win this class because I feel my color choices are too simplistic. I want to learn how to add depth to my quilts.

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  2. Choosing the right color to complement the main fabrics has always been so difficult for me to achieve. This class would be a godsend. Thank you.

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  3. I'd like to learn because when left to my own devices, I tend to pick dull colours when I should really be picking fresh and saturated - but I don't think I know how!!

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  4. Oh gosh color in quilting is one thing that I really struggle with. Do the colors complement each other. Are they from the correct value group?? Oh so many, many color questions running through my head! OR, should I just pick the colors cuz I like them, and the heck with anyone else LOL.

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  5. I would love to do this class, Joen is such a huge name in the quilt world, it would be a privilege to learn from her

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  6. Thanks for the chance to win. The course sounds really useful. I choose colours just by what "looks good", but I would like to learn the theory of why colour selections work or don't.

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  7. Joen is coming to NZ to teach at Taupo Symposium July 2013 and I'm looking forward to listening to one of her lectures. I'd be really excited to win one of her classes because colour is such an important aspect of a quilt. Get it right and any design sings, get it wrong and the most wonderful design can look blah.

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  8. What a great review. I've been quilting for years, but have always felt color challenged. This may be why I have made so many Hawaiian Quilts (2 colors). I'm trying hard to work on developing skills and confidence in working with colors. Joen's class on Craftsy sounds perfect for me. I'be delighted to win and see how much I could improve my skills and confidence. I will confess, I flunked art as a kid so this probably has contributed to my fear of color. Still, I love to quilt.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  9. What a wonderful giveaway. I bought a book to try to help me with color in my quilts. I think this is the most difficult area for a person who is not gifted artistically. This is the area I need the most help with.

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  10. I've been dying to take this class, after reading some of Joen's blog posts and seeing how much there is to learn about using color and what a huge difference it can make in quilt design!

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  11. It looks like this might be something that involves a machine but playing with coloe is a lot of fun. Good luck to your eager commenters!

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  12. I've been quilting for over 30 years and I have never had a colour class. I think it might be a lot of fun - and educational.

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  13. I love color, I always have. I was astounded when I found out that academic color theorists have different color theories. But how to use these theories into making a beautiful quilt, well, I could use some help.

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  14. Some quilts at shows just draw in me like a magnetic. I would love to study what makes the quilts I love so much special and how the magic of the colors works.

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  15. Would love to learn how to make the quilts I imagine come to life in cloth. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  16. I love colours, have several Joen's books and want to learn more. Thanks for this wonderful chance.

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  17. My colour choices are impulsive and sometimes they work, but sometimes they don't! This class sounds like a great way to understand why some colours play better together than others.

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  18. Joen writes the most wonderful books. I would love to put my hand dye fabrics to good use and really understand color. This new Craftsy class sounds delightful.

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  19. Choosing colours is one of the hardest things for me! I need some help!!

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  20. I would definitely benefit in a class to study color and color value when designing my quilts. Currently I am depended on the talents of my local quilt shop owner to help me select colors. She ends up being right most of the time, but I would like to do that for myself.

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  21. I would love so much to be able to take this class, because I want to grow perceiving the world of color around me, understanding what I'm seeing, then applying these principles to my quilts. As a piano teacher, I work with my students in the world of aural color, looking to have them hear and understand the color of sound, whether that coloring be that of a watercolor impressionistic piece by Debussy or the bright splashes of pure color of a Bach minuet. Hanging in my front entryway, my quilts serve as object lessons to my students of the importance of correct technique, creativity within a structure, diligence, and patience in creating beauty--even as they do with their music studies! The students respond well to the quilts, even prompting two of the moms to start taking sewing lessons from me! What I learn, I have a heart to pass on to others!

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  22. Me! Fabulous quilt artist. Would love to take her class.

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  23. Even though I am a beginner compared to all the beautiful quilts that appear on various blogs, I will still try to win this great givaway.
    It often happens that I choose a pattern from, because I can not decide myself which colors go together.
    No where can I learn a lot about colors and their composition would enjoy getting as qualified teaching.
    My blog is not good så I will give a mail: il@mvbmail.dk.

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  24. I just started quilting in the past couple years and I'm fascinated with color gradations and the optical effects one can create with the right fabric combinations. I'm the first quilter in my family so anything new that I could learn would be beneficial as this is uncharted territory for everyone around me. :) Thanks!

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  25. Quilting IS color. I want to know more

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  26. I want to learn how to bring real life to my quilts through innovative uses of fabric color! I am returning to quilting after 20 years of working, and I just want to learn.

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  27. I think this would be very valuable as I tend to select the same colors and this may give me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. Thanks for the chance.

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  28. I have been quilting on and off for 15+ years. Always picking colours from feelings of like or dislike. I would love some theory and knowledge to support my creativeness in the future!
    Inge C, Denmark
    inge39@live.dk

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  29. This just sound like what I need! I struggle with colour - have the contrasts like light and dark worked out but when it comes to actual colour, I'm stumped.

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  30. I am new to quilting. I think Colours class is the first class I like to attend

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  31. I would like to take this class because I would like to be more artistic and deliberate in my color choices. I know what I believe to "go together" but I have no idea why or how to create light and shadows with fabric like a true artist would.

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  32. Colour intrigues and fascinates me. I want to learn all I can about it so my quilts will come alive. I love the creative process of working with colour in my quilting.

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  33. I have been quilting a long time, and I love color. Joen's class would help me with self-confidence in making my color choices play well together and teach me how to create depth in my quilts.

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  34. I love, love, LOVE color! I painted for many years and would like to learn to bring beautiful colors to my quilts as well as my paintings. What a wonderful class this will be!

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  35. I sometimes create great quilts and sometimes create good quiilts. The difference is probably my use of color. That's why I'd like to win this class -- to make sure that all of my quilts will be great.
    Renee Fields in Astoria

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  36. I would LOVE to win the class on Craftsy! I love color, and I love to quilts so learning techniques that can enhance my projects would be terrific!
    This also would help me "get out of the box" ,, to try new things and ways of using fabric to make a better design.

    Oh please pick me!
    Bethindallas Dallas

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  37. I feel like learning the technical parts of quilting comes pretty easy to me, but picking colors continues to be my greatest challenge. I would love to win this class. Isn't Craftsy great?!
    bambimayer@gvtc.com

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  38. I find that I'm constantly revising how and which colors I choose for the quilts I make. I'd love to learn more about why I choose the colors I do - and which color choices might be more successful. barbarabamberger@gmail.com

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  39. I would like to take my quilting to the next level. I would like to start some designing and would love a color theory class to help in my color selection.
    ksreineke@live.com

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  40. Perfect opportunity to break out of same old color choices and gain confidence.

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  41. I would love to take this class to develop my color theory as to me that is the hardest part of quilting. I just can never seem to pick the right color and value. ellen_lang@tbaytel.net

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  42. I would love to learn how to create luminosity and luster. I've always wondered...

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  43. Northern Lights & Coriolis are so gorgeous !!! I would love to learn how to do that !!!
    Thanks for the chance !!!

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  44. I have always struggled putting quilt colors together. I usually resort to asking my DH or taking a photo, then looking at it on the computer to see if the colors play well together. SO I would LOVE to win a class with Jean. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  45. I love colors but I'm struggling with how to put them together. As a beginner quilter I've defaulted to fabric sets but I really want to be able to put a variety of fabrics together across a lot of different lines.

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  46. I would love to learn colour theories from this master. I stay in my safe zone too much. Thank you for the opportunity to win this class.
    Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.

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  47. Being that fabric color selection is such an integral part of the quiltmaking process...I would love to be taught to go out of my comfort zone, and stretch my imagination. Thanks for the chance to win. Good Luck to all.

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  48. I have Joen's book, tool and wall chart. It has and is changing how I look at color, the best part of quilting.

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  49. I love craftsy! I love this blog! I love Joen! Please consider me for this giveaway. I want to be able to create that depth you were talking about.

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  50. Learning about color is a whole other aspect of quilting and this course would be a wonderful asset in developing skills.

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  51. Wow, I love color ! Joen's books are helpful but a class would be even better. Thanks for offering this giveaway, Sue

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  52. Colorplay for Quilters would be a wonderful class! I know that I need to think about light, medium, dark and bright when deciding on colors. I'd like to learn more. If I could take the class, I would use the colors in my big out-of-control stash! Thanks!

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  53. I love color theory & exploring fiber interactions. This sounds intriguing & I love the Craftsy set-up.

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  54. Would love to win this class. I do many quilts for others and would like to learn more about making striking color choices.

    Carole Diehl
    bistry@atlanticbb.net

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  55. Debbie

    After 30 years of working for a local government, I am retiring January 1st. I can't think of a better retirment gift than to win this free class. I am anxious to expand my quilting horizons - and what better way to do it than this!!!

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  56. I have been quilting for about 8 years and i find myself using the same colour scheme over and over again. Blues and more blues (unless I am making a quilt for a baby girl). I realise (prompted by your post) that I am not confident in playing with colour.This class could be pivotal in leading me out of my colour comfort zone.
    Thank you for the opportunity and have a very merry Christmas.

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  57. I have quilting for about 18 yrs now, and still use what we learned in school LOL. I'm never daring in my colors. My quilts are ok, but could certainly use more color!

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  58. Wow! I would like to win this class because I want to learn to make quilts with more dynamic color combinations. I know Joen Wolfrom is the person to teach me this! This would be a valued opportunity to expand my horizons. quercus@hughes.net

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  59. As I use a rather instinctive approach to colour selection - it would be interesting to try a more scientific approach.

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