Break free of traditional resist lines in silk painting!
Enter my course Beyond the Line: The Silk Sizing Technique.
It is the ultimate how-to course, taking all of the guesswork out of the Silk Sizing Method so you can get straight to creating beautiful, realistic silk paintings without resist lines.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll get inside this course:
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A Complete Supply List
A complete supply list with everything you need to master the Sizing Technique, all in one place—links included!
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Silk Preparation
Master essential skills like building your own PVC stretcher frame and stretching the silk correctly.
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Magic Sizing Secrets
Gain insight on how to apply and use Magic Sizing to stop the flow of dye on the silk.
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Color Mixing
Gain mastery over color mixing and color value with in-depth, step-by-step demonstrations.
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Application of Dye
Develop proficiency in layering dye and texture to bring realistic, dimensional forms to life.
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Stunning Silk Painting
Confidently create your own stunning silk painting by following my easy, step-by-step video tutorials.
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12 Modules
Explore 12 comprehensive modules with step-by-step, easy-to-follow lessons, featuring 45 videos and 13 downloadable PDFs. Plus, enjoy not one, but TWO bonus lessons!
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Experienced Instructor
With my years of experience as an art educator, I'll guide you through common mistakes and pitfalls, ensuring you're supported every step of the way as you excel in the silk sizing technique.
The Silk Sizing Technique is for anyone interested in silk painting. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or professional this is the ideal place to learn and expand your knowledge.
Meet your instructor.
Hello! I’m Laura, and I’ve been passionately silk painting since 2006. My journey began unexpectedly while teaching high school art, and it quickly became a lifelong passion. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive knowledge through exploration and experimentation with silk.
Just before the world shut down in 2020, I had the privilege of working with Karen Sistek, the renowned Master Silk Painter and creator of the Sistek Sizing Method. This transformative experience deeply influenced my approach to silk painting. Karen has since become a dear friend and mentor.
With her support, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned in this course. By learning to paint without the constraints of resist lines, you’ll be able to create realistic, detailed silk art. I’m here to offer you the same opportunity.
See you on the inside!
The Course Module Breakdown
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Module 1
COURSE INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Course: Get started with a warm introduction to the course, where you'll learn what to expect and how to make the most of your silk painting experience.
My Silk Journey: Discover my personal journey into the world of silk painting, including the experiences and insights that have shaped my approach and techniques.
The Complete Supply List: Access a detailed list of all the materials you'll need, complete with links to purchase everything in one place, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your silk painting projects.
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Module 2
PREPARING THE SILK
Introduction to Silk: Learn the fundamentals of silk as a medium, including its unique properties, benefits, and how to handle it for optimal results in your painting projects.
Tearing the Final Silk: Understand the techniques for tearing silk to achieve the perfect size for your projects, ensuring a clean and precise finish.
Washing the Silk: Master the essential process of washing silk to prepare it for painting, removing impurities and setting the stage for vibrant, long-lasting results.
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Module 3
STRETCHING THE SILK
Cutting the PVC Pipe Stretcher Frame: Learn how to accurately cut PVC pipe to the correct lengths, setting the foundation for a sturdy and effective stretcher frame for your silk painting.
Assembling the PVC Stretcher Frame: Follow step-by-step instructions to assemble your PVC pipe into a functional stretcher frame, ensuring a stable and secure setup for your silk fabric.
Stretching the Prepared Silk: Discover the techniques for properly stretching your prepared silk over the frame, ensuring a smooth and taut surface for flawless painting.
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Module 4
MAGIC SIZING® APPLICATION
MAGIC SIZING® Application: Learn how to apply MAGIC SIZING® to your silk, including detailed techniques to ensure even coverage and optimal results for your painting.
Decanting the MAGIC SIZING®: Become versed in the process of decanting MAGIC SIZING® from its original container to mix with silk dye.
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Module 5
TRANSFERRING THE PATTERN
Printing and Assembling the Pattern: Learn how to print and piece together your pattern to create a complete template for your silk painting project, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Tracing the Pattern onto Silk: Discover the techniques for transferring your pattern onto the silk, including tips for precise alignment and a special pencil to leave no marks after steaming.
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Module 6
PREPARING TO PAINT
Preparing the Auxiliaries: Get step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and organize auxiliary materials needed for your silk painting, ensuring everything is ready for a smooth workflow.
Preparing the Materials: Learn how to organize and prepare your workspace effectively by setting up your palette, selecting and preparing the right brushes for your project, and knowing the importance of paper towels in your painting process.
Preparing the Silk Dyes: Learn how to mix and prepare your silk dyes to ensure they are ready for use, providing a range of values and consistent colors for your artwork.
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Module 7
MIXING THE DYE
Mixing the Rose Values: Learn how to mix and adjust colors to achieve the perfect range of rose values, creating depth and dimension in your silk painting.
Mixing the Leaf Values: Discover techniques for mixing and blending colors to achieve a harmonious range of leaf values, enhancing the natural look and vibrancy of your silk artwork.
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Module 8
APPLYING THE DYE
Overview of the Auxiliaries: Get a comprehensive introduction to the auxiliary materials you'll use, including their purpose and how they enhance your silk painting.
Painting the Practice EggS: Practice your techniques by painting a practice egg, focusing on applying color and value to achieving smooth, controlled results.
Painting the Practice Petals: Develop your skills by painting practice petals, honing your ability to create detailed and realistic floral elements.
Bonus: How to Fix Common Mistakes: Discover effective strategies for identifying and correcting common mistakes in silk painting, helping you refine your technique and achieve professional-quality results.
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Module 9
PAINTING THE ROSE
Painting the Petals 1-9: Progress through a series of lessons focused on painting petals, from basic techniques to advanced details. Each lesson builds on the last to help you develop a range of skills for creating beautifully rendered, realistic petals.
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Module 10
PAINTING THE LEAVES
Painting the Leaves 1-4: Explore a series of lessons dedicated to painting leaves, covering foundational techniques to more intricate details. Each lesson builds your skills progressively, helping you achieve lifelike and detailed leaf designs with texture.
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Module 11
PAINTING THE BACKGROUND
Preparing to Paint the Background: Learn how to prepare your silk and workspace for painting the background, setting the stage for a flawless and cohesive application.
Painting the Background: Discover techniques for applying background color and achieving smooth, even coverage to create a strong foundation for your silk painting.
Adding Texture with MAGIC SIZING®: Explore methods for using MAGIC SIZING® to add texture and depth to your composition, enhancing the overall visual interest of your painting.
Bonus: Creating a Water Droplet: Master the technique of painting realistic water droplets, adding a special touch of detail and realism to your silk artwork.
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Module 12
RESOURCES
Next Steps: Steaming and Washing: A quick over view of the final steps of your silk painting process, including suggestions on how to steam and wash your artwork to set the colors and ensure a professional finish.
Resources: Access a curated list of additional resources to support your silk painting journey, including contact information, recommended materials, helpful tools, and a SURPRISE!
Ready to join Beyond the Line: The Silk Sizing Technique?
A self-paced, digital course to learn how to make beautiful, realistic silk paintings without resist lines, using the Karen Sistek Sizing Technique.
A self-paced, digital course to learn how to make beautiful, realistic silk paintings without resist lines, using the Karen Sistek Sizing Technique.
Interested in saving 15% on your course purchase? Sign up for my monthly emails to receive a Welcome discount code!
Click HERE to join. Check your in-box for your special offer!
Note: This discount only applies to the first payment of the Payment Plan option.
What my current students are saying
What else can this online course offer me?
Lifetime Access
This course never expires - learn at your own pace, come back when you need a refresher. Access the course on any device with wifi from anywhere in the world!
Your Time
You could spend 100's of hours learning and researching online, or take Beyond the Line, and learn everything you need to know in just a few short days!
Free Updates
You get any and every update automatically in your course with my latest tips!
Work Alongside Me
I take you along with me as I prepare materials, stretch, trace, and paint a gorgeous silk rose - you get to see my entire process!
Creative Control
Skip the modules that don't apply to you (or you're not ready to learn yet) and focus on what you need to know!
My Expertise
I give you all of my knowledge and know how from my years of silk painting! I do not leave anything out. You get it all!
Reach out anytime with questions!
Want access to the full supply list now?
Check out my recent blog post! It includes a complete supply list with links to purchase.
Present your finished work!
Finished the Sizing course and looking for a way to display your beautiful silk paintings?
Check out my online digital mini-course teaching you everything you need to know to mount your silk painting on canvas.
FAQs
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This course is designed for anyone interested in silk painting, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate artist, or professional. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge at any skill level.
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The course costs $597 if paid in full. You also have the option to choose to pay in 4 monthly installments of $149.
If you choose the payment plan, you still get full access to the course right away. Please note, if you choose this option, you are committing to making all 4 payments. If a payment is missed, you will automatically be unenrolled from the course and lose access to course content.
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You will get access immediately after purchase as this is an online course. You can access your lessons from any device by logging into your account on www.RootedExpressions.com. The login is located in the upper right hand corner, next to the cart icon.
Use a smartphone, tablet, or computer to apply your newfound silk painting skills!
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No. It is all available online no matter where you live!
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This course is designed to break down the silk painting process into easy-to-follow steps. Lessons includes detailed videos, downloadable resources, and additional materials to enrich your skillset and enhance your learning experience.
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There are sites that will ship Faultless Magic Sizing® internationally. If possible, some students have a friend or family member purchase it and ship it from the US.
You can also use a light spray starch in place of the Magic Sizing. I personally have found that to be the best replacement but still recommend Magic Sizing if possible.
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The cost of the supplies needed for the course varies based on your personal choices and what you already have on hand. I recommend working within your own budget, and I will provide a recommended supply list that includes both essential and optional items to fit your experience level, studio space, and budget. Typically, you can expect to spend between $50 and $100, depending on your current supplies and what you decide to purchase.
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Downloading of the class materials is not available to prevent internet piracy and unauthorized resale. However, you can access and review all videos and materials anytime through your personal login. Thank you for understanding this measure to protect the integrity of the course..
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No! You can go back anytime and explore the content and any updates made to the course will be included.
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You can login at www.RootedExpressions.com. When you purchase the course, you will be prompted to create an account. Then you will login using the icon in the upper right corner.
Once you login, all of your purchased courses/digital products will be available in the drop down menu. You find this menu by clicking on Account, located in the same place where you were prompted to login, the upper right hand corner.
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I want you to be happy and fulfilled by this course. In order to do so, please make your best effort to review and absorb the content. It is designed for your success!
However, if you feel this course isn't for you, you may request to withdraw from this course within 7 days of the course start date (by the 7th day at 11:59 EST).
Please note that if a customer has completed more than 85% of the course and has downloaded all of the provided materials, no refund will be issued. This policy is in place to ensure fairness, as full participation in the course indicates significant usage of its content.
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I do offer in-person instruction for this technique. I occasionally teach locally in Austin and travel to various locations across the US. Sign up for my newsletter below to receive updates on new in-person class opportunities.
Or check out my Workshops and Events page here.
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I am so glad you asked! Sign up below to receive my newsletters. You will hear all about new classes, collection launches, sales, and more in my monthly emails!
You can view my current library of online courses here.
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On February 19, 2024, I officially switched the course platform from Kajabi to Squarespace. You should have received an email with instructions and a code to login on the new platform.
If you did not receive the email or you need it resent, please email me at RootedExpressions@gmail.com
First time silk painting?
Looking for a less intensive silk painting course? Consider my online digital course, Silk Painting 101: The Marker Resist Technique. It is perfect for first timers looking for an introduction into the basics of silk painting.