Join us for a celebration of nature, which is also our starting point for creativity. Taking inspiration from your own personal experiences and memories in the landscape, we will begin to explore these through colour, density and texture.

This workshop provides a playful and expressive environment to explore the potential of using natural materials for creative art making. Learn how to weave without a loom, using just a needle and thread, and objects you have at home or can forage from the landscape, such as shells, rocks and wood.

Your tutor will demonstrate the principles of weaving, including plain weave, twill, and hopsack, which you can then experiment with. The focus is on exploring how to craft unique woven compositions that tap into your own intuition and perhaps reflect meaningful moments inspired by nature.

Taking inspiration from your own personal experiences and memories in the landscape, you will create unique two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms so you can preserve and treasure those moments forever. With natural material choices, you will collaborate with nature in order to rediscover it and appreciate it more than before.

This workshop will help you connect with nature through woven textiles, as you learn how to translate personal memories and experiences into unique creations. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, this workshop is perfect for anyone interested in connecting with nature to unwind and appreciate the beauty of nature's palette.

Specific skills you will learn:

• Explore yarn types suitable for weaving
• The principles of creating simple woven structures - including plain, twill and hopsack
• How to apply weaving to different media and natural objects
• Yarn wrapping - building up layers of colour and texture
• Build creative confidence by expressively using colour and texture together
• Tap into your own intuitive weaving style
• The creation of your own unique woven artworks incorporating nature

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the tools and weaving materials but encourages you to bring in your own natural objects, such as rocks, shells, leaves and twigs, to incorporate into your creations.

What students need to bring

Please bring inspirational images and foraged objects from nature to inspire your creative explorations.

Additional information

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

Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm 
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 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.

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