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.
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).
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