From bold wall hangings to beautifully textured scarves and fabrics, Jennifer Fleischer brings them all to life with her gorgeous Ibu Textiles line. Each piece is handwoven with love in New York and captures her fresh, fun sensibilities.
We’re lucky to have Jennifer stop by for two special GuestJam workshops this October: Weaving 101 and Weaving 102. Learn the basics, build your skills, and sharpen your designs – all with the help of Jennifer’s well-honed skills and perspective! In the meantime, get to know a little bit more about our latest GuestJam artist and why sharing her weaving skills is so special.
My name is Jennifer, I am Jumpy, and my craft of choice is weaving!
I started weaving when I was 23, and I get my inspiration from nature, fellow weavers, New York City and artists I love such as Louse Bourgeois and Rene Magritte.
In my spare time I like to cook or go to the beach.
My favorite supplies are Habu Yarn and my fabric scissors.
My favorite thing about crafting is the calming state it puts me in.
My best tip for teaching someone a new craft is patience and practice.
I get out of a creative rut by traveling, even if it’s a day trip within you’re own city!
My favorite way to challenge myself creatively is experimenting, even if it fails.
My top three favorite Instagram accounts for creatives are @thisispattismith @natgeo and @kat_howard
My next project is weaving a scarf with bamboo yarn.
The one thing I wish someone would have told me when starting my own business is how difficult it really is…
My advice to anyone looking to start their own business is putting in the hours. It really is a lot more work than you realize. It’s not just about crating and selling.
The most important part of my business is the interaction with customers. I love explaining my projects and talking about weaving in general.
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What are you most looking forward to with your CraftJam class?
I’m really looking forward to sharing my love of weaving with students. It’s a very therapeutic craft and I believe it’s a great way to manage stress.
What do you want you students to walk away from your class with?
Of course I want them to walk away with the skills to weave, but I also want them to realize how important it is to physically make something with their hands. It’s very important nowadays, especially in an increasingly digital world.
What motivates you to teach and share your skills?
The joy I get when a student builds their project and realizes they made it on their own.
What are you looking forward to learning this year?
I’m looking forward to learning more about Natural Dyeing.
Space is limited, so make sure to grab your tickets to Jennifer’s Weaving 101 and Weaving 102 workshops ASAP!
