Activity
Narrative Stitching is a two-day immersive workshop that explores embroidery on paper as a tool for storytelling and personal expression. Participants will stitch directly into photographs, postcards, and paper ephemera, transforming meaningful imagery into tactile mixed-media artworks.
Through guided exercises and hands-on experimentation, the class emphasizes slowing down, connecting with memory, and using needle and thread as intentional mark-making. Participants will leave with finished stitched works on paper, as well as a deeper understanding of how texture, image, and stitch can hold narrative and emotion.
Participants will learn to prepare and reinforce paper surfaces, choose appropriate needles and thread, plan stitch placement to prevent tearing, apply advanced stitch techniques for texture and emphasis, integrate lettering and symbolic motifs, develop thoughtful compositions, and finish and preserve stitched paper artworks.
Day 1 – Foundation & Exploration
Introduction, materials overview, surface preparation, practice stitching on paper, composition exercises, and guided work time.
Day 2 – Memory & Completion
Stitching onto photographs and postcards, adding lettering and motifs, finishing and mounting artwork, and group reflection.
Dates
Fridays, April 10th and 17th, 2026
Time
12:00-2:30 pm ET
Location
Zoom, a link will be sent to participants
the day before class.
Recording
These class sessions will be recorded and the recording will be shared with all participants for one month following the final live session.
Cost
$150
Materials List
To be announced!
Our Teacher
Ayana B. Joy is a multidisciplinary artist and storyteller whose work spans hand lettering, paper stitching, journaling, and recycled-glass jewelry. Through her creative practices, @StitchGriot, @ScriptGriot, and @AyanaBJoy, she creates slow, intentional artworks rooted in culture, ritual, and storytelling.
With Stitch Griot, she blends words and thread into tactile paper and textile pieces that invite reflection and rest.
Through Script Griot, she explores lettering as a meditative practice for expression, affirmation, and creative flow.
As Ayana B. Joy, she transforms recycled glass into ocean-inspired adornments that honor her Caribbean heritage and the stories held in water, memory, and renewal.