There are four weeks of breaks built into our 30 week timetable.
The full cost of this course is 80 GBP. The one GBP payable on registration is an expression of interest. Invoices will be sent for full payment from September 9th. It would be appreciated if these were paid before September 16th.
Lifetime access to all resources. No deadlines, no set tasks, work at your own pace.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch using the Big Cartel contact facility. *************************************************************************************
Embroidery School. A fly on the wall online learning opportunity in which you become an observer of my practice as an embroidery artist and teacher.
Video demonstrations will cover every aspect of my process from design to creation of embroidered works, including but not exclusively artist books, hand embroidery stitches, hand embroidered buttons, ribbons and trims.
You are not obliged to 'copy' the pieces I create. It is my hope that you will be inspired by my process and take ideas from demonstrations to apply to your own work. Guidance will be given, individually, throughout our six months.
You are however free to copy any item I create during this online learning programme if that is your preferred path.
During this course I will be responsive to the needs of individuals and the group. Should you choose your own creative path guidance will be given where necessary regarding your individual needs.
I am very flexible in terms of demonstration of technique should you request advice regarding a technique which isn't scheduled.
Zoom sessions will be held fortnightly. Attendance at these get togethers is not compulsory although I would encourage you to participate.
The friendships which evolve from my online classes are, in my opinion, invaluable. These groups of those with a love of cloth and stitch are supportive and encouraging.
A list of suggested supplies will be sent out after your final balance is paid.
To register and view the provisional class schedule please go here.
This is more of a public service announcement than a blog post I guess but I have an important question for those of you who are signed up to 'embroidery school, an introduction'.
Did you get your email this morning? There was one yesterday too.
If you haven't received one or both of those then please get in touch with me asap.
I took this photo this morning. I've been gathering scraps for the wrapping cloth I will be putting together part way through week one.
I forgot the pockets!! The little hand stitched books which I listed for sale yesterday have pockets to keep them safe and I forgot to say.
Sorry about that. You can see the pockets today in the first image.
There is just one of these left and you can have a better look at that here.
I spent yesterday creating textured papers, stitching on fine Japanese tissues which are now surfaces for hand embroidery.
I have a plan.....let's hope it works.
These stitched papers will be torn and pieced to create a background for a design sheet which will be embellished with lace, patterned papers and hand embroidery.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 8 weeks of creativity, a unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric. There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces. There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstraste my working processes, discuss my ideas and inspirations and develop various piece of work which result from explorations demonstrated in class.
My wish is for you to use this learning experience in the manner best suited to you, to learn in a way which makes you happy and furthers your individual creativity.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
Five hand embroidered artist books, now available in my shop.
You have seen these pieces progress over the past weeks, from the stitching of papers to create the pages to the embroidery of the tiny scraps which adorn each page along with the further embellishment of pagesusing masses of bullion knots, a litlle buttonhole stitch and a few French knots.
You also saw the creation of the gingham pockets which each of these lives in for safe keeping.
The description here sounds a little like a marathon but I have to say, I have loved every minute of creating these. I'm not going to stop.
There is a delicacy to each piece, beautiful to handle, fragile yet heavily embellished.
There's a closer look at these little books in the video today.
This little book is finally finished. I honestly can't remember how long it has been in progress, it was a pick up and put down project for my quieter moments.
But, it's finished. Ten embroidered samples mounted on hand stitched pages with a hand embroidered ribbon page keep and small embroidered patches embellishing the covers.
It's a big day today. It's the first day of Alchemy 2023 and a return to teaching for me after a break of a few months and boy did I miss it.
The image is of my work from previous Alchemy classes. My work however takes a back seat once we are up and running as going forward demonstration is created to fit with the needs of the group.
Our first videos are posted, our private Facebook and Flickr groups up and running and I have a to do list a mile long.
More has been added to the piece from here and as you will have noticed, the large embroidered panel hasn't been used.
There's no worries on that score as I'm sure it will be useful at some point in this project.
Referencing my latest work, the design sheets, the embroidery, the pieces I have been working on for quite a few weeks leads me nicely into announcing a new online learning class.
If you follow this link there are lots of posts illustrating the work I speak of and that work is going to be my project throughout this new class.
As you will see when reading the class description you can choose your own path, you will not be expected to copy me. (unless of course you want to)
Please scroll to the bottom of this post too as there is a short video explaining more.
Alchemy 2023.
Begins Monday September 18 for 12 weeks. (built in 2 week break meaning 14 week timetable.)
The medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter, esp. that of base metals into gold.
***Please note....weeks 5 and 6 are free weeks. I will be away. Because of this we have a timetable of 14 weeks, not 12.***
Aims and Content Do you dream of creating that one special piece of embroidery, a piece of textile art, or of finishing a long neglected project, combining your ideas and developing them into that special piece of cloth? If so then Alchemy is the programme for you. During the course of this 12 week self directed learning package you will produce a unique piece of embroidered art with inspiration, technique, process and final outcomes determined by you, the artist. Your art piece can be created using virtually any media such as cloth or paper. I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you at each stage. Built into our twelve week timetable are regular visual critiques, using images of work in progress that you upload to our online forum and/or which you choose to bring to our live Zoom sessions.
Zoom. Group Zoom appraisals are built into this programme. Your presence at these is not compulsory. I would however ask you to consider being involved in those get togethers as they provide an invaluable experience, an opportunity to share ideas and learn from your peers. These sessions are always positive experiences with extremely enthusiastic contributions from the group. However, should you feel group Zoom sessions are not for you I will endeavour to connect with you privately via Zoom or email.
Early aims. Following initial investigations within a ledger concerning pattern, shape and colour it is envisaged that you will sample ideas with stitch as a means of identifying preferences regarding technique for use in your final piece. Presentation of initial investigations is discussed in this video. https://youtu.be/L7DQDP9pFx0 (copy and paste this link into your browser) This process will be critique led with any practical demonstration built into the 12 week programme as and when the need arises.
My Role I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you where appropriate, perhaps suggesting artists for you to study where I feel this is relevant to your own investigations. I will appraise your work in progress and advise on surface design and colour choices. This is not an exhaustive list, merely an indication of the commitment I will provide to you and your chosen path.
Ownership Your personal connection to this project will be its driving force. This process belongs to you, is self driven and all creative investigations and final outcomes should speak of you. You have a responsibility to also source information yourself and to familiarise yourself with new creative technique that you may wish to use.
Demonstrations Please note......this course is not a ''how to'' process in terms of embroidery technique. Demonstration will be provided as and when required depending on the needs of the group and the individuals within the group. The requirements regarding the demonstration of specific process and technique will not be known initially but will become evident as the course progresses. Video will be hosted on a dedicated, password protected blog. It will not be possible for video to be downloaded. All videos will have to be viewed through the medium of the class blog. This is to ensure my copyright is protected. I hope you understand the importance of that particular aspect of this class.
Flickr To compliment the live Zoom sessions a dedicated flickr group will be available where it is hoped you will post images allowing me to assess your progress and appraise/advise. Starting Points Prior to the commencement of Alchemy begin to gather starting points for your work. These items could take the form of postcards, images from magazines, colour swatches from paint charts or similar. Collect images relating to the work of other artists who inspire you....textile art, sculpture, oil painting. This is a ''personal'' project, it centres around each individual, their aesthetic and creative preferences. If you are struggling for starting points then I will assist you, guide you. You are very well supported throughout this process and I am available as little or as much as you need me.
Expected Outcomes It is anticipated that by the end of our 12 week run you will have a greater appreciation of the design process which has led or will lead to the completion of your finished piece. In addition it is hoped that you will have created an informative reference in the form of a working ledger alongside a collection of embroidered samples.
Ledger Your Ledger will document your progress throughout the course and is a crucial element in the creation of your finished piece. A record of your experience, the ledger may include sketches, thoughts, diagrams, notes, photographs, artist/designer images that inspire and influence you, computer generated imagery, printed fabric, embroidered samples. This is not an exhaustive list, you may add anything of your choosing to your ledger which connects you to the work.
Registration Upon registration you will receive further information in e mail form containing a brief outline of our weekly plan along with a list of suggested equipment for the course. Access to all resources is permanent. There are no deadlines. I will remain available to you after the conclusion of our 12 week period in an advisory, appraisal role. You are also welcome to contact me for advice/questions prior to the start of this course.
Please allow 24 hours from registration to receipt of welcome email.
It's almost three years to the day since I held my last Artist Book class.
I reckon it's time for another, for more exploration, a refresh maybe.
Details below.
***please note, this class is completely seperate from my monthly subscription online learning. This is a 'one off' stand alone class.***
*****
2023 Artist Books.
Begins Tuesday March 7 2023 for 8 weeks.
Join me in my first artist book gathering for three years.
Always a popular class, this eight week learning programme will hopefully inspire you to new ways with pages, new approaches to artist journals, to the creation of unique books in which to record your thoughts, your stitches, your sampling, your explorations.
Also included, live Zoom discussion, feedback and overview in our final week, times scheduled to cover all time zones.
Think of this as a 'refresh' if you have previously taken an Artist Book class in any setting.
***please note. I have only basic book making skills. I extend these skills by 'testing' various forms of page binding using paper and perhaps cloth too. I am happy for you to be experimental and adventurous with your own books. I encourage the pushing of boundaries, the exploration of idea and thought.***
My role will be to demonstrate the creation of collaged, textured and folded pages of paper and embroidery, to illustrate the creation of stitched scraps for pages and to then share how a page can be adorned in order to enhance the presentation of your sampling before investigating and testing ideas for finished book forms. This in turn will lead to the creation of unique ''artist books'', a library of ideas and inspiration and a valuable resource for the future in terms of design and the extension of embroidery sampling.
In addition to a private class blog where all video and images will be hosted you will have access to a public, invitation only Flickr group for class members only with a private discussion area where you can upload images, view images from other group members and participate in discussion re the course, suppliers, relevant exhibitions, artists etc. You will also be free to begin your own discussion topics.
Images of my own ''Artist Books'' can be seen here. From viewing these images you will gain an appreciation of what can be achieved during this programme and beyond.
