Stop Sketching, Start Collaging: Master the Art of Fabric Portraiture
Join Theophilus Agwunwa, for 4 Weeks in His Studio.
Learn to Tell Powerful Stories with African Prints and Fabric Scraps.
Theophilus Agwunwa In The Studio!!
The Moment I Knew: Securing a Master for Our Tribe
You might remember this moment.
If you joined us for the Quilt Africa International Summit in July, you saw the electricity in the room when Theo showcased his work. His masterful use of African fabrics to build these stunning, lifelike portraits left us all speechless.
And honestly? That's when I knew I had to bring him to our community.
I'll confess: I went after him!
I was absolutely determined to convince Theo to break down his methods, step-by-step, in a way that our Tribe could learn. This Masterclass is the result of that relentless pursuit, and it’s something truly special.
Theo is now ready to share his full, comprehensive process with you: from the critical canvas prep all the way to the final display of your finished piece.
He'll show you how to move beyond stitching and embrace fabric collage to tell your most powerful stories.
Watch the video below for a glimpse of the talent that inspired this entire workshop.
Craft Your Narrative
Your Fabric, His Technique: Create a Legacy Piece
Join us for a hands-on, work-along experience designed to take you from fear to finished masterpiece.
Over four weeks, Theo will share the techniques he’s perfected over his career, ensuring you not only learn what to do, but why it works.
Inside Theo's Virtual Studio, you will:
Bust the Fear of the Blank Canvas:
Learn Theo’s method for breaking complex forms (like faces!) into simple shapes, making the first cut easy and confident.
Master Color and Texture:
Discover how to strategically mix vibrant African prints (Quilt Africa fabrics!) with other textiles to achieve realistic skin tones, shadows, and expressions.
Focus on the Details:
Spend an entire dedicated session learning how to render the trickiest parts—the eyes, mouth, and hands—that bring a portrait to life.
Finish with Finesse:
Learn how to mount, stabilize, and prepare your finished collage for display, transforming your fabric art into a gallery-worthy piece.
The 4-Week Transformation: Your Course Roadmap
Join Theo in his virtual studio for four weeks of hands-on learning, designed to move you from hesitant beginner to confident fabric portrait artist.
Session 1- Pre-Workshop Phase: Get Ready to Create
This session and accompanying resources ensure you are 100% prepared, eliminating technical uncertainty so you can dive straight into the art.
Session Focus: We review materials and answer last-minute questions.
Essential Resource Pack: Get instant access to the Video Resource and PDF Guide covering canvas selection, preparation, mounting, and clipping.
This is your foundation for success!
Session 1: Overcoming the Canvas Fear
Learn the visionary starting points that separate beginners from masters.
The Master's Eye: Theo's secrets for choosing a subject and breaking down complex forms (like faces) into simple, collagable shapes.
Color Strategy: Expert guidance on selecting and placing fabrics to establish your color palette and create emotional impact.
Session 2: The Art of the Layer
This is where it begins! The the actual collage process with Theo working alongside you.
Foundational Placement: Demonstration of the first steps of fabric placement and layering for the face and major features.
Texture & Weight: Tips for managing different fabric weights and textures to achieve the perfect depth and dimension.
Pacing: Guidance on working organically and maintaining momentum.
Session 4: Mastering the Tricky Details
A deep-dive session focused on the features that bring your portrait to life.
Feature Focus: Dedicated time to master the tricky areas: achieving realism in the eyes, lips, and ears.
Blending Techniques: Practical demonstrations on how to use fabric cuts and placement to blend colors and create subtle shadows that define form.
Session: Finishing Your Legacy Piece
Learn how to stabilize, present, and display your finished artwork.
Final Touches: Demonstration of finishing techniques and small embellishments that finalize the portrait.
Gallery Ready: Instruction on the best methods for finishing the edges of the collage and preparing the piece for framing or mounting.
Community Showcase: A final opportunity to share progress and celebrate your journey with Theo and the group!
Testimonials
If you're ready to learn the secrets of fabric portraiture and create art that truly tells your story, this is your moment.
FAQs
Your Questions Answered: Unraveling the Details
Is this a live or pre-recorded workshop?
This was a live, 4-session work-along Masterclass held via Zoom.
The recordings are now available on-demand, capturing every moment of instruction and real-time Q&A.
This course is structured to provide the most handholding you will get as you work on your fabric masterpiece, offering step-by-step guidance and support that is always available when you need it.
The recordings ensure you can pause, rewind, and master every technique at your own pace.
Will I get a life time access of the recorded sessions?
Yes. A full recording of each live session is available in the private members' area. You will have lifetime access to these recordings.
What is the Pre-Workshop Session?
The Pre-Workshop Session is the essential starting point for the course.
It was originally held live but is now available on-demand within your resources page.
You will also receive a pre-recorded video resource and a PDF guide covering all the technical steps for mounting and preparing your materials.
The recording also includes the dedicated Q&A where the talented artist, Theo, answered all the common questions about glue, materials, and potential beginner difficulties.
This complete instructional content ensures you are perfectly prepped to start creating when you open the first official class recording.
This session serves as your foundation for success.
Do I need a specific type of fabric?
While Theo encourages the use of African prints (our specialty!) for their vibrant colors and storytelling power, the techniques taught can be applied to any cotton or textile fabric you choose.
How long are the sessions?
Each of the five sessions (1 pre-workshop, 4 live classes) will be up to 1-- 1.5 hours in length, allowing Theo ample time for instruction and student interaction.
Guaranteed Video Quality!
We guarantee that all session recordings feature clear audio and video for optimal learning. You can focus entirely on mastering the techniques, knowing the clarity of the instruction is guaranteed.
Terms & Conditions
Workshop Enrollment & Access Policy
1. No Refund Policy: All sales are final. Quilt Africa Fabrics maintains a strict no-refund policy once your purchase is complete.
2. Access to Materials:
Instant Access: Enrolment guarantees access to all five recorded sessions.
Recording Access: Purchasing the on-demand masterclass includes lifetime access to these recordings.
3. Participant Expectations: This is a fabric collage portrait workshop. Participants are responsible for acquiring all necessary materials as outlined in the supply list. The Instructor will provide guidance, but results will vary based on individual time, effort, and skill level.
4. Intellectual Property: All workshop content, including the live sessions, pre-recorded videos, and PDF resources, are copyrighted by the Instructor and Quilt Africa Fabrics. You are welcome to use the techniques to create your own art for personal use or sale, but sharing, reselling, or distributing the course materials is strictly prohibited.
