Join artist and founder of the Repurposer Collective Natalya Khorover for an immersive, hands-on workshop exploring graffiti, wordplay, and stitched lettering using repurposed single-use plastic.
Natalya’s work grows out of daily walks, local community contributions, and a deep love of rescuing materials others overlook — plastic bags, packaging…
Join artist and founder of the Repurposer Collective Natalya Khorover for an immersive, hands-on workshop exploring graffiti, wordplay, and stitched lettering using repurposed single-use plastic.
Natalya’s work grows out of daily walks, local community contributions, and a deep love of rescuing materials others overlook — plastic bags, packaging, found thread, and everyday waste. Drawing inspiration from urban graffiti — from Roman wall scrawls to 1980s NYC subway cars to contemporary street art — you’ll work with the accidental fonts, colors, and textures found on plastic bags and packaging. Through collage and hand stitching, you’ll transform everyday waste into bold, graphic word-based artworks that sit somewhere between street art, calligraphy, and fiber art. This workshop is playful, intuitive, and deeply visual — perfect for anyone interested in language, lettering, and making meaning through materials.
Overview
In this relaxed, supportive studio session, you’ll explore graffiti-inspired lettering and abstract wordplay using repurposed plastic packaging. You’ll learn how to organize text-based materials, compose with found fonts, and build layered surfaces through stitching. Natalya will guide you through approachable techniques that balance structure and spontaneity — encouraging experimentation, imperfection, and discovery. Whether you’re drawn to bold statements, poetic fragments, or purely visual letterforms, this workshop invites you to follow your curiosity and trust your instincts.
All materials are provided, though you’re welcome to bring any favorite threads or found plastic bits.
PLEASE NOTE: WORKSHOP IS 4 HOURS WITH AN HOUR BREAK FOR LUNCH. YOU CAN BRING YOUR LUNCH WITH YOU (WE HAVE A FRIDGE OR YOU CAN POP INTO TOWN (2 MIN DRIVE, 15 MIN WALK TO GRAB LUNCH).
What you’ll learn
- How to sort, and work with text-heavy plastic packaging
- Techniques for creating graffiti-inspired compositions using found lettering
- Approaches to layering translucent materials for color, depth, and texture
- Hand stitching methods (including running stitch and French knots) for securing and embellishing letters
- Intuitive stitching techniques to add movement, energy, and a graffiti-like feel
- Ways to loosen perfectionism and work intuitively with words and forms
What you’ll make
You’ll create one or more finished word-based artworks, using collaged plastic lettering combined with hand stitching. Pieces may include phrases, single words, acronyms, or abstracted text compositions inspired by graffiti culture.
What you’ll take home
You’ll leave with completed stitched text artwork(s), plus a new visual language for working with words, letters, and repurposed materials — along with ideas you can continue exploring in your own practice.
This workshop is best beginners and experienced artists alike (Adults and 16+) — especially collage artists, fiber artists, quilters, mixed-media makers, and anyone curious about text, typography, and street-art-inspired expression. No prior stitching or graffiti experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to play.
Registration Information
Registration generally closes 2 days before the workshop date for preparations purposes.
Natalya Khorover is an artist who has spent over two decades turning discarded materials into meaningful, tactile artworks. Influenced by a thrifty upbringing in Leningrad and New York City, she works primarily with single-use plastic, creating installations and stitched pieces that highlight care, mending, and environmental responsibility.Natalya loves sharing what she’s learned and regularly teaches workshops and community programs. She is the founder of Repurposer Collective, a supportive community for artists working with reclaimed materials, and the host of Salvage, a podcast featuring artists who turn waste into wonder. You can learn more about Natalya on her website
