2025 Workshops

Please fill out the contact form on this website to be added to my email newsletter list where I share news about upcoming classes!

Intermediate Sewing: Choose Your Own Project, Six consecutive Thursdays, Watkins Community Education (located at Belmont University in Nashville, TN), September 18 through October 3, 6pm-9pm
In this course, students will choose their own projects based on their skills level. In this guided setting, Lesley will give demonstrations on sewing techniques as needed and will help students with problem solving. Students will also experience the enjoyment and inspiration of seeing what others are working on, be it their own clothes, home décor projects, or unfinished projects. This course is appropriate for students with some prior sewing experience. Students should bring their own sewing machine; a suggested supply list will be provided.
Learn more and register here: Register

3-D Collage: Pop-Up Accordion Panorama, a two session workshop
San Diego Book Arts, ONLINE, October 14 and 17 , 12pm-3pm Central Time
Participants will learn a variety of paper pop-up techniques using card stock and an exacto knife. After an introduction to collage techniques, participants will create a continuous mixed media collage on a long paper panel, which will be folded into an accordion style book. On the folds of the accordion, students will use pop up techniques to cut through their collages, creating three dimensional areas that both pop out, and recede. The panorama will be attached between covered boards (these can be collaged too!), complete with a ribbon tie closure.
Learn more and register here: Register.

Hidden Worlds: Mixed Media Miniature Books in a Box a five session workshop
San Diego Book Arts, ONLINE, October 22, 29, November 5, 14, 21
12pm-2:30pm Central Time
Connect to your sense of wonder in this small scale sampler of book arts techniques that’s perfect for beginners. Students will make a custom box from a re-used book, created to house their finished miniature book works. Projects will include a tiny trio of books that fit within a matchbox, a mini pop-up collage accordion book, along with mini “Buttonhole Stitch” and “Long Stitch” bindings. All of the books created in this workshop will be under three inches, the Miniature Book Society’s standard for what qualifies “officially” as a miniature book!
Learn more and register here: Register.

Exploding Picture Box, a Saturday workshop held by Watkins Community Education (located at Belmont University in Nashville, TN), November 1, 10am-4pm
The Exploding Picture Box is three dimensional “book” structure made from paper, that at first glance, looks like a square box with a lid. When the lid is lifted, the square unfolds into a delightful form with multiple layers. As participants learn to make “The Exploding Picture Box”, they will have the opportunity to use a variety of creative mediums to embellish the “pages". Demonstrated techniques to incorporate include mixed media collage, photographs, cut paper designs and more! Watch your creativity explode as you explore the possibilities of this versatile book form! No previous bookbinding experience required. All needed materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own special photos and other paper items to use. Learn more and register here: Register

Sew a Simple Dress, a two day workshop held by Watkins Community Education (located at Belmont University in Nashville, TN), November 15 and 16, 10am-4pm and 12am-4pm
Treat yourself (or someone else!) to a classic sleeveless dress, sewn by you. You can choose between inseam or patch pockets, and can even sew a belt for your dress! The neckline will be finished with a lovely bias binding that may be visible, or sewn on the inside the dress. Participants can express creativity with these fun options for design details. This adorable sleeveless dress can be layered to wear year-round and looks great on everyone. This is a fun garment to make as a beginner or experienced sewist. Students will need to bring their own sewing machine and fabric. A suggested list will be provided ahead of the workshop. Learn more and register here: Register