Studio
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Planning a workshop at Aya Fiber Studio? Below you’ll find answers to common questions about registration, instructors, studio policies, travel planning, and what to expect during your time in the studio.
Workshop Registration and Enrollment
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Workshops are confirmed once minimum enrollment has been reached, typically 6 students. Registered students are notified by email as soon as a class is confirmed. Please do not book non-refundable travel until you receive written confirmation.
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We keep classes intentionally small, typically 6 to 10 students. This allows for individual guidance, meaningful interaction with the instructor, and a more immersive learning experience.
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Registration is completed online through our workshop registration system. To reserve your space, submit the required deposit at registration. The remaining balance is due according to the payment schedule listed for the workshop.
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Balances are typically due 45 days prior to the workshop. If you register within that window, full payment may be required at checkout.
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Yes. Because class sizes are small, many workshops fill quickly, especially those led by nationally and internationally recognized instructors.
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Yes. If a workshop is full, you may join the waitlist. If a space becomes available, we will contact waitlisted students in the order received.
Accordion: Flexible Payment & Planning Ahead
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Yes. To make planning easier, many workshops may be reserved with a deposit, with the remaining balance paid over time according to the stated payment schedule. Email suzanne for more info.
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For many students, workshop tuition is only one part of planning. Flexible payment makes it easier to secure your place now and arrange travel and accommodations as your plans take shape.
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Yes. Many students reserve their workshop first, then finalize travel and lodging afterward. We recommend waiting until a workshop is confirmed before booking non-refundable travel.
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Once you receive written confirmation that your workshop is moving forward, you can begin making travel plans with more confidence. Many students choose flexible airfare and lodging options when planning ahead.
Cancellation, Transfers & Studio Policies
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Deposits are non-refundable. Because workshops require significant advance planning, additional payments are generally non-refundable as well. These policies help us secure instructors, prepare materials, and sustain our small-class model.
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In some cases, a one-time transfer may be allowed if requested in advance. Transfers are handled individually and are not guaranteed.
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If we cancel a workshop due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund or may choose to transfer your payment to another workshop, where applicable.
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Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance. It can help protect you in case of illness, travel delays, or unexpected changes that affect your plans.
Choosing the Right Workshop
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Start by thinking about how you want to work. Some students are drawn to indigo and process-based learning, while others are more interested in surface design, stitch, book arts, papermaking, or mixed media. Read each description carefully and consider what feels most aligned with where you are in your creative practice.
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Many workshops are beginner-friendly, while others are intended for students with prior experience. Each workshop listing includes guidance on skill level, focus, and any prerequisites.
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Some do. While many workshops stand well on their own, others naturally support a progression—from introductory process-based study to more layered and advanced approaches. Beginners often start with foundational process, then move toward repetition, layering, and personal direction over time.
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Yes. Many students return for multiple workshops over the course of a season, especially when techniques or approaches complement one another.
Our Instructors & the Aya Learning Experience
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Aya Fiber Studio hosts master artists and nationally and internationally recognized instructors in indigo, shibori, surface design, stitching, textile arts, papermaking, book arts, and mixed media. Each instructor is selected not only for the strength of their work, but for their ability to teach in an immersive, hands-on environment.
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Our workshops are designed as immersive learning experiences rather than casual classes. Students benefit from small class sizes, direct access to the instructor, professional equipment, a working studio environment, and time to develop both technical skill and personal voice.
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No. Our focus is on in-person, hands-on learning, especially for techniques such as indigo, shibori, and surface design that benefit from direct feedback, material sensitivity, and process control.
Planning Your Visit to Aya Fiber Studio
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Aya Fiber Studio is located in Stuart, Florida. Many of our students travel from out of state to attend workshops and retreats.
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Our website includes a Plan Your Visit section with recommended accommodations, nearby dining, and travel information to help you prepare for your stay.
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Yes. We recommend reviewing our lodging suggestions early so you can compare price ranges and locations. martin County has a wide variety of accommodations from Air BnB’s to Boutique Downtown Hotels and even on the Beach. There are also RV spots nearby. Some students also choose to share accommodations when attending the same workshop.
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Yes. Shared parking is available, and parking guidance is provided by memo before your workshop.
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Lunch is not included. Students may bring their own lunch or enjoy nearby local options. Anna’s Pizza is 2 doors down (CASH ONLY) and we make a Panera drive through order if there is interest. A group dinner is typically arrange on the evening before the last day of class in a local seafood restaurant. Coffee, tea, and light morning refreshments are typically available in the studio.
What to Expect in the Studio
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Typical workshop hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with doors opening at 8:30 AM. Some workshops may vary slightly, and exact times will always be listed in the workshop details.
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Workshop registration includes instruction, use of studio equipment, and coffee, tea, and light morning refreshments. Most classes will have a Supply List of things for students to bring. . Materials are typically provided by Instructor and Materials Fees are paid directly to the instructor at class.
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Each workshop has its own supply list. In general, students may want to bring an apron or work clothes, a notebook and pen, and any preferred personal tools. Detailed supply information is provided online once class makes minimum enrollment. (Link on Website)
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The studio provides major equipment. Sewing Machines are always brought by students if needed. Some workshops may require instructor-prepared kits or specialty materials, which will be noted in the workshop listing.
Open Studio Access
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Open Studio is available on a limited basis depending on the workshop schedule. It is a self-directed environment intended for experienced participants.
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No. Open Studio is not a class. It is time for independent work, practice, and use of studio equipment.
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Supplies are not provided in Open Studio time. Participants may have access to an Indigo vat if there was a class within the preceeding days. email suzanne if you need indigo, propane or specialty equipment.
Aizome Studio & Japanese Textile Study
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Aizome Studio is the personal practice of Suzanne Connors, devoted to Japanese indigo, shibori, katazome, and traditional textile methods. These workshops emphasize process, discipline, and authentic tools and techniques.
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The Shibori Mastery Series is a multi-part, in-depth course of study for those who want to go beyond introductory techniques. It focuses on precision, repetition, and cloth as a language. Participants may take individual sessions or complete the full series.
Still Have Questions?
Updated for the 2026–2027 workshop season.