Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell
Having originally trained in fine art, Deborah became addicted to spoon carving (she’s a spoon a day type!) after a long career as an artist and a writer of craft books.
Ref: D1D34155
Learn how to make amazingly beautiful string and cordage from natural fibres that grow in the field and garden. This is an ancient craft and one that is so satisfying to learn.
You will learn the principles to enable you to work with many common plants, although lime tree bast will be the primary fibres used on this day. The skills can be applied to using a variety of plants from rhubarb to nettles, daylilies depending on the season. It is a craft of experimentation and discovery. You will have the chance to handle and work with different plants, both fresh and dried. You will process leaves and bark into suitable fibres and learn the simple technique of twisting them by hand into cord.
On this course the tutor will provide all the materials, including a variety of plant fibres to process.
No tools are necessary, but some dexterity is useful.
If you have access to any long plant fibres which may be suitable, you are welcome to bring them.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Having originally trained in fine art, Deborah became addicted to spoon carving (she’s a spoon a day type!) after a long career as an artist and a writer of craft books.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.