Ref: SSW32752
This two-day course will begin with a short walk around the West Dean Gardens to collect fallen leaves which will be brought back to the studio to use as inspiration for the embroidery. Using your chosen leaf, you will be shown how to create a design for a goldwork leaf and how to transfer this design to your fabric.
A selection of specialist precious metal goldwork wires in autumnal shades of gold and copper will be provided for you to embroider your leaf using the hand embroidery technique of goldwork.
You will be shown how to prepare the leaf design for embroidery by applying padding with felt, a technique which is characteristic of goldwork embroidery. You will then learn how to apply pearl purl wire to outline your leaf, including how to manipulate the wire to form sharp points and curves.
On the second day of the course, several filling techniques using purl wire will be demonstrated and, with advice from the tutor, you will be able to choose how you apply these techniques to your leaf. These techniques will include, chipping, s-ing and cutwork, which are used to create different textures and patterns.
During this course you will gain an understanding of how to handle and best apply the specialist goldwork wires in different ways to create a variety of effects within your embroidered leaf.
This course is suitable for beginners to the technique of goldwork embroidery, but it is a more advanced embroidery technique so it will also be suitable for those who have more embroidery/hand sewing experience. It will be helpful if you have some basic hand sewing knowledge.
Timetable for 2 day, short weekend courses
Saturday, session one: 10am-1pm & 2-5pm. Please arrive by 9.45am.
Sunday, session two: 9am-1pm & 2-4pm.
Lunch and tea/coffee is included.
Hannah Mansfield is a freelance hand embroiderer based near Bristol. She specialises in the techniques of goldwork and tambour beading. In 2019 Hannah was awarded first prize in the international embroidery competition The Hand & Lock Prize, for her collection of goldwork flower sculptures. Hannah is a trade freeman of the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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