3D needlelace embroidery with Fleur Oakes

Ref: D2D36324

Location: London
£250
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Places available

About this course

This two-day course will introduce raised embroidery, also known traditionally as stumpwork.

Course Description

Beginning with the basic technique for creating needlelace, you will make a tiny pair of lace wings and then be shown raised embroidery stitches to form a small body for your insect. You will be able to create a small sample piece of either a bee or a butterfly on plain fabric.

The course is suitable for anyone who has already done a little embroidery and is familiar with some embroidery terms. Fleur will assist you with your own design ideas, but she can also provide templates for wings and bodies if preferred. Embroidery thread, plain cotton fabric and small embroidery hoops will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own materials.

During the course, you will also be given some history and context to this traditional skill and shown how it can be applied to contemporary work. You will also be supported with your artistic interpretation and given encouragement on further projects that you may wish to pursue with your new skills.

Course Materials

Included

Embroidery hoops, plain fabric, embroidery needles and needlelace materials will be provided by the tutor.

What students need to bring

  • Embroidery scissors
  • Embroidery needles
  • Reading glasses if worn

Optional (but the tutor will provide basic materials otherwise): Quarter of a metre of plain cotton or silk fabric Cotton or silk embroidery threads Small embroidery hoop (10-20cm wide)

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

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  
 

General Information

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.

Refreshments

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.

Access

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.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

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.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Fleur Oakes

Fleur is a lacemaker and three-dimensional embroiderer and has worked widely in the fashion and textile arts. With both a fine art and design background she has designed textiles for couture houses as well as producing her own corset range.

Fleur is also a member of The Art Worker’s Guild. Here she has a role in the ongoing promotion of the importance of craft in society. As part of a recent fellowship with the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Research Institute (VARI) she explored new ways to focus on their collections through the perspective of the craftsmen who made the objects.

Fleur's work all stems from close observation of natural structures, the colours of leaf and stone and a deep connection with the natural world. 

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Further study options

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.