Making Skills: Foundations for Further Study
This intensive four-day programme offers a practical introduction to the core making skills that underpin West Deans Higher Education pathways. Through focused, hands-on sessions, students will build confidence, technical ability, and studio familiarity while gaining a clear insight into the expectations and experience of HE-level study.
Designed for incoming HE students, those considering applying, and learners seeking a skills top-up, each course acts as a foundation and tastersupporting a smooth transition into, or informed decision about, further study at West Dean.
This four-day course explores traditional cordage-making and heritage fibre practices using predominantly plant-based and reclaimed natural materials. Through techniques rooted in historic crafttwisting, looping, twining and simple woven structuresyou will learn how raw fibres can be processed and transformed into expressive sculptural or functional forms.
Across the week, we will work with fibres sourced from repurposed natural textiles and gathered plant materials, focusing on sustainable making and low-tech processes. You will build a series of technical samples before developing a more resolved final piece that reflects their own creative direction, whether sculptural, wearable or practical.
We will draw on both contemporary and historical examples of fibre work to understand the lineage of cordage as a heritage craft. All techniques use simple equipment and are easily transferable beyond the workshop.
Suitable for anyone interested in heritage craft, basketry, sustainable textiles and slow making. No experience required.
