Teaching

I am interested to see how the approach to teaching in schools has developed from formal learning by rote where students no control or ownership of their learning. Today, creativity and the holistic approach to study has given a sense of relevance and attention is given to soft skills developed as part of the education process.

It is with this in mind, that I teach and continue to develop workshops that combine my experience with working at a large scientific installation with art, design and textiles.

From Bras to Bags

Recycle an old bra into a tiny decorated bag and contribute to Breast Cancer! 10% of the course fee will be donated to Breast Cancer.

During this workshop you will learn how to dye manmade fabrics to colour old bras and lace for embellishments.

You may then decorate your bra in your choice of hand, machine embroidery or beading before seeing how it can be cut, lined and manipulated into a funky bag. No experience is required for this course.

For images of bags completed on this workshop, see here »

Image Transfer Techniques

Look at a number of methods to transfer your own image onto different fabrics including cotton, silk and parcel tape which can be used as a background for stitch. Hand or machine techniques may be used to embellish your image.

Please send image when booking.

Folded Tassels

Design your own 3 dimensional tassel, using folding fabrics.

These background fabrics will be embellished with hand or machine stitch to your theme and can then be enhanced with traditionally made tassels and beads.

Handmade Paper

Make your own paper from bamboo, cotton or just recyle shredded photocopy paper.

Personalise your paper with threads, seeds, potpourri or tea. Dye your paper pulps to give a range of coloured papers or inlay shapes into plain papers.

Corded Bags

Use up old balls of wool and unfinished knitting projects to make a tiny bag suitable for a mobile phone.

Suitable for those with no experience of machine embroidery. You will need to bring a sewing machine.

Bookcovers

Look at a variety of ideas to make a bookcover that could be used time and time again to cover a standard size notebook, diary, passport etc.

This could be decorated with hand or machine stitch.

Suitable for those with no embroidery experience.

Fantasy Flowers

Use machine embroidery techniques and work with organza and soluble fabric to create a Fantasy Flower suitable for a corsage, hairpiece etc. Suitable for those with no experience however you will need to bring a sewing machine.

For images of flowers completed on this workshop, see here »

Creative Sketchbooks 1

The first in a series of workshops in which we will look at a number of design and drawing exercises to give your sketchbooks an original and unique feel and generate ideas for further development in your own craft.

These can be taken indiviually or as a series and in any order.

Suitable for feltmakers, embroidereres etc.

In the Style of… Klimt

Using the golds and ornate colour, together with the rich pattern found in the work of Gustav Klimt as inspiration. Learn experimental goldwork techniques to develop your own stitched panel. Suitable for hand or machine stitch as you prefer.

For images of panels completed on this workshop, see here »

Natural Dyeing

Create a colour fabric swatch using a range of natural materials and learn how they have been used in different cultures for dyeing over the centuries.

Indigo Workshop

Learn a little about the history of the oldest dye known to man. Set up an indigo vat and use traditional techniques to create a range of beautiful blue fabrics.

Handmade Felt

Learn the basic principles of making felt. Whether fine delicate pieces or more substantial pieces suitable for book covers, backgrounds for embroidery or beads and cords for jewellery.

This course is suitable for complete beginners or those who have some experience with handmade felt and want to learn new techniques.

In the Style of… Matisse

Matisse was renowned for his love of textiles and created many paintings using his large collections as backdrops. During this workshop you will look at how his ideas can inspire your own stitched panel. Suitable for hand or machine stitch as you prefer.

Cushions

Hints and tips on measuring up for your cushion, cutting your fabric, insert a zip and piping to give your cushions a truly professional finish. You will need to bring your own sewing machine.

Paper Jewellery

Colour and manipulate ordinary paper to make a range of different shaped beads. These will then be used to make an item of jewellery or a tassel.

Dyeing Workshop

Use a variety of dyeing and printing techniques to create background fabrics for embroidery or patchwork.

There will also be the opportunity to create your own hand dyed silk scarf.

All abilities are welcome on this course, whether you have experience of dyeing fabrics and want a day to "play" or are a complete beginner.

Soluble Fabric including Bowls

A chance to learn how to use soluble fabric combined with machine embroidery to create a delicate bowl which can later be further embellished with beads, or stitch.

This is a chance to practice or try free machine embroidery for the first time. You may also use your machine with a tradition presser foot if you prefer.

Your own sewing machines are required for this course.

Machine Embroidery for Beginners

This day is suitable for complete beginners wishing to learn how to use their machine for free machine embroidery. Create a portfolio of samples stitched on a range of papers and fabrics.

You can develop these skills on a second day on 14th June where you will learn to use soluble fabric.

You will need to bring your own machine.

Cost £30.00 including some materials.

Creating a Handmade Book

During this day you will make a book!

This could be used as a themed sketchbook for use in the subsequent workshops on filling sketchbooks.

Alternatively it could be a gift for yourself or a friend!

Beading

Learn simple bead techniques which can be used to create a variety of jewellery pieces such as the lariat shown. Once mastered these stitches can be used in so many applications, for tassels, cords or as ways of enhancing embroidered pieces.

No experience is necessary and a variety of stitches will be demonstrated on the day.

• 7822 Creative Sketchbooks
• 7922 Felt
• 7722 Creative Embroidery
• 7922 & 7923 Creative Embroidery

• 7722 Machine Embroidery
• 7822 Machine Embroidery
• 7922 Machine Embroidery
• 7822 Bead Needle Weaving

7900 Part 1

• Hand Stitched
• Machine Stitched
• Manipulated Techniques
• Decorative Techniques
• Assessment Pieces
• Four Experimental Samples
• Full Working Design

7900 Part 2

• 7900 Part 2 Samples CD
• Preview the CD

These are the 1 week summer schools that I will be running at Gloscol Cheltenham Campus this year. The cost of each workshop is £140.00. If you require further information on the content of these courses please contact me for further details.

Natural Dyeing - 7th-11th July 2008

This is a 30 hour course where you will learn to use a variety of mordants and dyes to create a portfolio of samples. The main dyes you will use are indigo, madder, cutch, cochineal and weld.

C&G 7722 Computer Design into Stitched Textiles - 14th-18th July 2008

This is a 30 hour course, in which you will use Paintshop Pro to create designs which you will develop into a portfolio of samples in your own textile craft. You are not expected to have any experience of Paintshop Pro, however it is a requirement you have basic computer skills.

C&G 7722 Machine Embroidery - 21st-25th July 2008

This 30 hour course is intended for beginners. You will produce a portfolio of samples showing surface decoration on a variety of fabrics using free machine embroidery and the use of automatic pattern. Techniques covered on this course will include layering and cut through, appliqué, quilting, and working with soluble fabrics.