Janet Clare
Being creative is a real joy and I feel that learning a new skill should be too. So, I like to teach by encouraging, demonstrating and hopefully, inspiring.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?
They will gain new skills and confidence in their abilities to create something unique and personal to them.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?I draw with my sewing machine and always enjoy teaching others how to do it too. I use a fusible appliqué technique and have developed a range of pose-able appliqué templates which are enormous fun to use. My work often features hand embroidery and quilting too.
What inspires your own work?A lot of my work has been inspired by nature. But I also take delight in children’s purity of thought and the joy they find in the mundane.
Where can students see examples of your work?There are many examples of my work on my website and I also exhibit at the Festival of Quilts, NEC Birmingham every August.
Where did you gain your training/experience?I have a Textiles and Fashion degree from Winchester School of Art, after which I worked as a freelance designer for many years.
What teaching experience have you had?I have a PGCE and have been an infant school teacher so I actually have a strong teaching background. I have been teaching textiles for several years and am a Quilters Guild approved teacher.
Is your work in any public or private collections?I have many small pieces of work in private collections- but nothing in a public collection yet!
Have you written any books/had articles published?I have been featured in many magazines in the UK and America.
Do you belong to any professional groups/societies?I am a member of the Quilters Guild.