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.
Included
On this course, the tutor will supply most of the materials, including repurposed cloth and paper, and gathered plant fibres.
What students need to bring
- Repurposed cloth old shirt or similar lightweight fabric (for cutting up)
- A mix of light weight 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, round headed pins and tapestry needles/bodkins
- A 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).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
