About Me

JEAN IMPEY
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Welcome to the vibrant and imaginative world of Jean Impey, where quilting and artistic expression thrive. From childhood, Jean’s life has been intertwined with art and creativity. Encouraged by her mother to explore and experiment, she cultivated a lifelong love for making—spanning painting, sewing, photography, ceramics, embroidery, and gardening. Today, this passion fuels her work as a celebrated artist, teacher, and quilter.

Jean is renowned for her boundless creativity, signature style, and infectious enthusiasm. Guided by Albert Einstein’s wisdom—“The easiest way to be creative is to try something different, even if doubt lingers”—she inspires others to embrace the joy of exploration and discovery. For Jean, there is no “wrong way” in art; creativity is limitless.

As a highly sought-after speaker and instructor, Jean captivates audiences with lectures such as:

  • “Finding Your Passion and Running with It” – A motivational journey into unlocking creative potential.
  • “Cre-a-tiv-i-ty” – A fresh look at rediscovering inspiration and artistic courage.
  • “Behind the Seams: An Insider’s Look into the Textile Industry” – A rare peek into her role as a Hoffman Fabrics Ambassador and curator of the Hoffman Challenge since 2016.

Her workshops cater to all skill levels, empowering participants with the skills and confidence to transform their creative ideas into reality. From her renowned Reckless and Raw Edge Appliqué technique to Fabulous Face Portraits, Jean’s classes celebrate innovation, individuality, and the joy of creating.

Jean’s work has been featured in Quilting Arts Magazine, on Quilting Arts TV, and at premier quilting events such as the Houston International Quilt Show and Empty Spools Seminars. Her art is showcased in both public and private collections, including prestigious commissions for UCI Medical, Kaiser Permanente, CHOC, and the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton.

Connect with Jean to discover her classes, book a lecture, or explore her creative world:

Services & Rates:

  • Lecture/Trunk Show: $600
  • Workshop: $700 per day
    (Book both together for potential discounts)

Biography

Experience:
Public Art Commissions:

  • UCI Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Anaheim
  • Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton
  • CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) Mental Health Center
  • CHOC Thompson Autism Center

Private Commissions:

  • The Desreux Family
  • The Klein Family
  • The Gabrielli Family
  • The Norton Family
  • The Flanagan Family

Special Honors:

  • Artist in Residence – Empty Spools Seminars (2015)
  • Hoffman Challenge Curator – 2016 to Present

Memberships:

  • Beach Cities Quilt Guild
  • National Modern Quilt Guild
  • Surfside Quilt Guild
  • SCCQG
  • Past Member: NCQC
  • Past Member: Orange County Quilt Guild

Television:

  • Quilting Arts Episode 2308-B: Fabric Greeting Cards – House of Cards
  • Quilting Arts Episode 2310-A: Reckless & Raw Edge Appliqué with Abandon
  • Quilting Arts Episode 2311-C: India Inks on Fabrics

Publications:

  • Liberated Quilting II by Gwen Marston
  • Impressionist Appliqué by Grace Errea
  • Double Vision by Louisa Smith
  • Quilting Arts Magazine (Cover: June/July 2019)

Faculty at Shows & Retreats:

  • Empty Spools Seminars
  • Houston International Quilt Show
  • Long Beach International Quilt Show
  • MISA Madeline Island School of Arts (Madeline Island & Santa Fe locations)
  • Missouri Star 3-Day Retreat
  • North Carolina Quilt Symposium
  • Quilting in the Desert
  • Salt Lake City Quilt Show
  • Santa Barbara Quilt Retreats
  • Lake Metroparks Quilt Show, Ohio