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Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting: Brenda Gael Smith

Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting: Brenda Gael Smith

Creating at Copacabana

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Workshops & Programs

Learn with Me!

Brenda Gael Smith

My teaching focus is on free-form piecing, effective design and the use of colour – to promote fun and encourage creative momentum. My presentations and workshops draw upon my experience and insights as an artist, curator, judge, quilt judging educator, writer and mentor.

I am excited at how technology enables us to effectively share our creative spaces and work side-by-side no matter where we are in the world and what time zone we are in.

I offer the following workshops and programs to groups and Guilds:

  • Presentations available as live virtual programs via Zoom for up to 100 participants.
  • 3 Hour Live Interactive Workshops: optimised for learning on the Zoom platform for up to 20 students.
  • Longer Format Workshops: designed for in-person classes or multi-segment live Zoom events.

Please email me for my availability and rates. I am open to tailoring a workshop or presentation that suits your needs.

Download my Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting Workshops Brochure. View the Serendipity Student Gallery.

Upcoming workshops

Learn with me! I will be teaching the following workshops and events. Book directly with the organiser:

  • Geometricks (3 hours in person): 1-4pm Thursday 18 September 2025 at the QuiltNSW Exhibition, Rosehill Racecourse, Sydney
  • Dots & Dashes: Linear Explorations: Global Quilt Connection All Star Sampler Platter 3-6pm 27 and 28 September US Eastern Time with recording available for 7 days
  • Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, 26 February to 1 March 2026, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Virginia USA
  • Australasian Quilt Convention 2026: 9-12 April at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne

3 Hour Live Zoom Workshops:

The following three-hour live interactive workshops have been developed and optimised for learning on the Zoom platform and are available for up to 20 students. Each workshop focuses on a different freeform piecing technique. The workshops are standalone (except Beyond FUNdamentally Circles which is for gradutates of the circles class only) or you can pick and choose a series.

FUNdamentally Circles
Line Dancing
Geometricks
The X Factor
Strip-Ease
Improv Rocks!

Abstract Design Workshops

These two multi-segment Zoom workshops explore different aspects of abstract design. They can be taken separately or together.

  • Riffing with Repetition: Explore the power of repetition to create unity and rhythm in abstract design using YOUR preferred techniques.
  • Abstraction in Action: Learn how to create an abstract composition drawn from reality using YOUR preferred medium and techniques*. Working from a personal source of inspiration found in nature or place, students will learn the basics of abstraction through observation, reflection and repetition.
Abstraction in Action

Presentations/Programs

All presentations are available as live virtual programs via Zoom:

  • 45 minute digital slide show + Q&A
  • Up to 100 participants
Quilts & Composition
Driven to Abstraction
The Art of Curating

Longer Format Workshops

In addition to the 3-hour workshops, I offer the following longer format, in-depth workshops for both in-person and virtual events. I can tailor content and timing for your needs.

I enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of retreat and symposium-style gatherings. Past assignments include the Australasian Quilt Convention (2009, 2010, 2013, 2022 and 2024), New Zealand Quilt Symposiums (2015, 2017 and 2019), AQS Quilt Week Paducah (2013), European Patchwork Meeting (2014), Pacific International Quilt Festival (2018) and Quilt Encounter (2010 and 2012).

 

Abstraction from Reality
Abstraction in Action
Improvisation Plus!
Improvisation Plus
Metropolis: Logs & Ladders
Logs & Ladders
Lines of Beauty
Lines of Beauty
Neapolitan Strata Variou
Strata Various
Circular Explorations
Circular Explorations
Bound to Please
Riffing with Repetition

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Contact

Brenda Gael Smith
brenda@serendipitypatchwork.com.au

PO Box 131, Avoca Beach
NSW 2251 Australia

Serendipity Studio News

Sign up for periodic updates from my studio - new artwork, workshops, exhibitions and other news

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Join me for my new TEXTplosion! workshop at the Mo Join me for my new TEXTplosion! workshop at the Modern Quilt Show Australia from 9.45am-12.45pm on Saturday 14 March 2026 in Petersham Sydney. Book online on the MQSA wesbite via @modernquiltshowau 

✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂

This 3-hour workshop explores harnessing the power of paper collage to design one-of-a-kind abstract quilts. This workshop explores: fragmenting text; tools to isolate and highlight areas of interest; playing with enlargement, exaggeration and distortion; converting 2-tone designs into colour; converting paper collage designs into fabric compositions; and digital palette generation tools. 

#brendagaelsmithworkshop #TEXTplosion! #modernquiltshowau #moderquiltshowau2026
When I was invited to teach a four-day workshop at When I was invited to teach a four-day workshop at the Australasian Quilt Convention (9-12 April 2026), I jumped a the opportunity to share a deep dive into one of my favourite subjects - abstract design. In “Riffing with Repetition”, we will be exploring how repetition contributes to unity and rhythm and makes our work sing. Whether you are liking to loosen up, think differently or stretch you creative muscles, this workshop will spark new ideas and help you find your rhythm using your preferred techniques and materials. 

Bookings are now online at www.AQC.com.au 

#aqc2026 #australasianquiltconvention @craft.events_  #brendagaelsmithworkshop #riffingwithrepetition

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