Millinery silk flower-making – narcissi with Anne Tomlin

Ref: SLW38110

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About this course

Learn how to make all the aspects of Narcissi, including the corona, petals, leaves and spathe, from various silks and paper clay, in celebration of St David's Day.

Course Description

Whether you are new to this craft or would like to increase your skills in making flowers, the course will take you through all the stages of making narcissi, from stiffening silk to applying dyes, sculpting, and shaping with heated tools to create a realistic flower.

You will be given a kit with templates, all you need, and some real flowers to study.

The aims of the course are: To improve confidence in making flowers To learn about stiffening silk and colouring with dyes Bonding layers Shaping with heated tools Sculpting with paper clay Observation of the details in nature Binding stems with silk Construction of the flowers

The course will include step-by-step demonstrations of each stage, illustrated with samples showing the possibilities of interpretation. You will examine each flower's nuances to understand the choice of fabrics best representing each flower. There will be as much individual advice as you would like, and you will finish at least one flower in the time with materials to take away.

Course Materials

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials used on the course. West Dean Gardens will provide flowers, and you are welcome to bring your choice of narcissi.

What students need to bring

  • Please bring A 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
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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 for art craft and design short courses

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.