Cordage and structures from re-purposed materials with Alice Fox

Ref: S3D32312

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About this course

An exploration in making cordage (string) with a variety of re-purposed materials followed by a range of techniques to transform the cordage into surfaces and small-scale structures.

Course Description

Working with a variety of repurposed materials, including paper, cloth, plastics and some garden-foraged materials, this workshop introduces cordage (string) making, followed by a range of techniques to transform the cordage into surfaces and small-scale structures. Combining basic techniques with an experimental approach to materials, this workshop will provide you with the skills to experiment with an assortment of easily sourced materials.

You will start off with cordage making and exploring this technique with a range of materials. you will then create a variety of structures, taking our hand-made cordage into three-dimensional forms using looping, coiling and weaving. The workshop has an emphasis on process and exploring the properties of different materials, learning through making. All the techniques covered use very basic equipment and are easily transferable to situations away from the workshop.

Work with your own repurposed materials, as well as those provided for the workshop, and hopefully some garden-foraged materials gathered during the course.

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the tutor will supply most of the materials, including cloth, re-purposed papers and plastics.

What students need to bring

  • Repurposed cloth – old shirt or similar light-weight fabric (for cutting up)
  • A mix of lightweight papers, such as newspaper, tissue paper from packaging, etc. (repurposed and low quality)
  • Plastic bag or other thin pre-used plastic
  • Basic sewing kit, including scissors, craft knife, round headed pins and tapestry needles/bodkins
  • An empty spray bottle (such as empty household cleaner)

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Some pins and large headed needles
  • Craft knife

Additional information

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

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

General Information

Tutors

Alice Fox

Alice studied Textiles in Bradford and has practiced as a full time artist since 2011, gaining an MA in Creative Practice in 2017. Regularly teaching workshops and exhibiting widely, she is also a member of the Textile Study Group.  Alice's book Natural Processes in Textile Art was published by Batsford in 2015, followed by Wild Textiles in 2022.  Alice’s approach to teaching is very much based on sharing her own experience and encouraging students to find ways of using techniques appropriately in their own work.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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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.