In this immersive two-day workshop, you will explore the creative process of assemblage, combining natural dyes, fabrics, and mixed media to craft unique art pieces. Through hands-on instruction and creative exploration, you will experiment with botanical inks and textiles, learning to manipulate materials to evoke texture, colour and form in your own artwork. By the end, you will walk away with new techniques and your own hand-crafted, textile-based piece or a foundation for further development.

This workshop is ideal for those looking to expand their textile art skills, explore natural dyeing or immerse themselves in a creative environment.

Day 1: Exploring Natural Inks and Textile Techniques

Morning Session: Introduction to Botanical Inks You will learn to work with natural, plant-based inks on fabric and paper, focusing on modifiers (such as pH changes, salt and iron) to alter colours. This encourages experimentation with the dyes in your palette.

Afternoon Session: Hand Sewing Techniques You will be guided through hand-sewing techniques to add depth, texture and movement to fabric, including basic stitches, embroidery and methods for creating three-dimensional elements.

At the end of day one, you will have botanical ink experiments and textile swatches as a foundation for your final piece.

Day 2: Assembling and Sculpting with Mixed Media

Morning Session: Planning and Sketching Your Artwork You will plan your final mixed media artwork or textile sculpture, experimenting with composition, scale and layering.

Afternoon Session: Assembly and Creative Exploration You will bring your creations to life, expanding your techniques or completing a specific artwork, all in a supportive environment.

By the end, you will leave with new knowledge in natural inks, textile manipulation and hand sewing.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all the materials, including: fabric, needles, etc. The college will provide two sewing machines and other equipment to use during the course.

What students need to bring

• a Notebook/Sketchbook for your own notes/drawings
• Fineliner pen
• pencils, rubber, sharpener
• you are welcome to bring your own sewing kit and Any cuts of Fabric you have.

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

Terms & Conditions