Workshop: MJ Kinman - Crack the Color Code: The Magic of Color Interaction

Description

Crack the Color Code: The Magic of Color Interaction with MJ Kinman

In this 2 day hands-on class, MJ Kinman, maker of giant gem quilts and NQM Collection Artist, will introduce you to the four rules of color interaction and show you how to apply them to your own work to create dramatic effects – regardless of your subject matter.

Josef Albers, the great artist and educator of the twentieth century, acknowledged how tricky color can be. In his words, “Color deceives continuously.” How do we navigate this world of deception? Luckily, by using a few simple rules, we can predict how color will try to deceive us and thereby increase our color confidence. The key is the interaction of color—how color changes when paired with other colors.

You’ll learn how to:

·         Use the power of Rule #1-Value Contrast to create sparkle, add dramatic focal points, create exciting visual movement, and portray metallic effects without using metallic materials.

·         Use the power of Rule #2 & #3-Manipulating Color to understand why and how a color changes its appearance when paired with another color. With that knowledge, you’ll discover how to enhance or transform the appearance of a color in your own work.

·         Use the power of Rule #4-Saturation Contrast to make your quilts glow as if they were lit from within.

·         Use the three cues to creating powerful transparencies—alignment, middle mixture, and depth order—to create both credible and less credible transparencies, as well as when to use each to further the goal of your work.

During the second day of class, we’ll put these concepts to work by making improvisation gems. This is a fast, fun way to use freezer paper to make several types of gems: emerald cut, baguette cut, and Asscher cut. MJ’s class is based on her new book, “Crack the Color Code: Add Drama to Your Designs Using the Secrets of Color Interaction,” available in class and on her website (https://www.mjkinman.com).  

Supply List:

·         Note: MJ will bring basic freezer paper templates for members to use.

·         Notebook and pen

·         2 rotary cutters and 2 pairs of scissors: 1 for cutting paper, 1 for cutting fabric

·         18” ruler & small ruler with a ¼” measurement

·         1 baggie or large envelope to hold your paper facets once they are cut apart.

·         Fabric – Fat Quarters of cotton solids, gradients, or swirly prints. Consider bringing a range of values (light, medium, dark) within two or three colorways. This project works best when you have a very dark value, a very light value, and a range of 2 or 3 medium values. White and black also work well to bump up the “bling” in your gem.

·         Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies (including pins or clips)

MJ Kinman’s passion is creating quilts inspired by beautiful gems. The key is freezer paper, that wonderful product that adheres to fabric when ironed.

MJ’s work has been exhibited at the National Quilt Museum, the International Quilt Museum, the New England Quilt Museum, Quilt Festival (Houston, TX), Quilt Week (Paducah, KY), and Festival of Quilts (Birmingham, UK). Most recently, MJ’s piece “Torch Song” was exhibited at the Art Quilt Elements 2024 Biennial (Wayne, PA), where she received the Cindy Friedman Master Award for Excellence.

Her work is included in collections as varied as Maker’s Mark Distillery, the National Quilt Museum (Char #4), the International Quilt Museum, and private collections.

MJ’s Birthstone Series patterns feature traditional birthstone gems, and her Diamond Divas Series offer large, artistic quilts easily customizable by makers. Her first book, Gemstone Quilts, was released by C&T Publishing in 2020. Her second book, Crack the Color Code: Add Drama to Your Quilts Using the Secrets of Color Interaction, was released in 2025. Learn more: https://mjkinman.com/

 

Workshop FAQs

What are the times of the workshop?

This workshop is Friday -Saturday. Class runs 9:00am - 4:00pm. Students must be out of the classrooms when the Museum closes at 5:00 pm.

On Friday evening, we offer you the option to stay until 7:00 pm and work on your project or visit the Museum galleries.

How many people will be in the workshop?

We can accommodate up to 20 students per workshop – each student having use of one 3’x6’ table. Irons and ironing boards are provided by NQM, and shared by all participants.

Can I use a NQM sewing machine?

Yes, we have Janome 6700 sewing machines available at no cost. Please note this choice during the registration process.

When can I bring in my supplies?

You may unload materials between 1:00-4:30 pm on the day before the workshop begins.

Where do I park? 

Loading and unloading materials can be done from the Museum parking lot. We have several flatbed carts available if you need help bringing materials inside. Once you’ve unloaded, please park in the municipal parking lot located on 2nd Street behind the Museum during class hours if you’re able (near the Farmer’s Market Stand). All parking is free.

How do I get into the Museum?

Please use the Main Entrance to the Museum.  The automatic-accessible door will be unlocked each morning starting at 8:30am for you to enter the building.

What about lunch?

Lunch break is an hour and timed at the instructor’s discretion. There are a variety of restaurants within walking distance of the Museum that are open for lunch and dinner.

Can I bring my own food?

Bottled water, coffee and hot water will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own tea bags, drinks, K-cups or snacks for your own table. 

Do I have to pay admission to the Museum?

No! As a workshop participant your admission to the galleries is included. If you are a Friend of NQM you also receive a 20% discount on all purchases in the Gift Shop.

Refund Policy

If you have to cancel more than 30 days before the workshop, NQM will issue a full refund.

If you have to cancel within 30 days of the workshop, NQM will issue a refund for the class amount minus a $100 deposit.

If NQM has to cancel the workshop for any reason, participants will receive a full refund.

Please note, workshop/class tickets are non-transferrable. 

Date & Time

Mar 12, 2027 9:00 AM - Mar 13, 2027 4:00 PM

Venue Details

National Quilt Museum

The National Quilt Museum, Inc.