Silk flower making – lily of the valley with Anne Tomlin

Ref: SLW33438

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About this course

Learn to make a spring of Lily of the Valley using specialist flower tools. We will explore different combinations of silks and velvet to create perfect bell shaped flowers and realistic leaves to create different looks.

Course Description

This course aims to make a bunch of realistic lilies of the valley with leaves, using traditional flowermaking tools and Anne’s techniques she has developed over years of making. The workshop will begin discussing her work process and will be illustrated with flower and hat samples.

During the course you will use a variety of fabrics and learn skills that include:

Observation of the construction of flowers

Preparing and stiffening silk

Bonding layers of silk

Cutting out from templates

Experimenting with heated flower-making tools

Blending and layering colour for leaves using procion dyes.

Binding stems with silk

The course is suitable for all levels including beginners. All that is required is a basic knowledge of sewing and some patience. Throughout the course, you will be shown how to construct each stage of this flower and these will be demonstrated with samples and plenty of individual help. You will be encouraged to experiment with dyes and advice on painting techniques with procion dyes for the leaf making part.

Your tutor will help you through the different processes with plenty of individual attention. You will gain skills that you can use after the course has ended to explore the craft and develop your way of recreating many other flowers. We will review all the techniques involved and you will be given information on suppliers of silk, tools and materials used, and a tutorial with templates to enable you to make other flowers in your own time. By observing real flowers we can learn so much about their relationship with pollinating insects and this increases our connection with nature alongside understanding how we might make interpret them in fabric.

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials used on the course.

What students need to bring

  • Please bring as sewing kit containing really sharp pointed scissors, sewing needles and small wire cutters.
  • An apron to protect your clothes and wearing covered footwear is essential.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Brushes, silk fabric, needles and pins, sketchbook
  • Available from tutor:
  • Tools, wires, dyes, special flower glue and silk will be available to buy from the tutor.

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

Anne Tomlin

Anne has a degree in Textiles and trained at West Surrey College of Art (UCA, Farnham), then studied millinery at The London College of Fashion. She co-founded the Bailey Tomlin label in 1989 designing and making hats for many stores including Saks 5th Ave, Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Liberty.

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.