Reviews…
’I really enjoyed the 4 week Introduction to Textile Art course with Ailish at the Biscuit Factory (Newcastle Upon Tyne) . What I liked most was how freeing it was - Ailish created the conditions (and supplied the materials) so that each individual could find their own path. Ailish was on hand to provide expert guidance and inspiration but she gave us all the confidence to improvise and be spontaneous. It was so inspiring to see what other people made. And it was also very restoring to set the week's concerns aside and spend a couple of hours being creative together. It was a wonderful introduction to textile arts and I am keen to do more - both at home and through future workshops.’ - Rachel (February 2024)
‘I really enjoyed the approach of using scrap material to create a mixed media collage. Ailish has a calming aura which helped me relax into the session and not become too precious about what I was doing. I was able to play without worrying too much about the end result; after all I could remove or cover anything I didn’t like. At the end of the session, I came away with more confidence in my ability with mixed media collage and even impressed myself with what I had achieved!’ - Amanda, workshop 2023 attendee.
2026 Workshops
Bonded Textiles with Ailish Henderson
Within this class, you will learn how to create fused together surfaces using mixed media, fabrics and plastics with hot tools. Materials such as sequins, wax, acetate, voile, tinsel and foils will be gifted to you for this explorative task. You will use bondaweb to trap these items within, which will be ironed – this action makes the surface itself. You may wish to pre-plan the surface, even making a simple scene or pattern. This is such a fun workshop, with so many possibilities – become the child again, ask yourself what if? A heat gun will also be on hand to distress fabrics and even make embellishments and beads from.
All materials will be included, however do feel free to bring your own plastics or personal items, such as crisp packets, sweet wrappers, festive offcuts and voiles.
The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle
24th April 2026 10.30 - 1
Textile Portraits with Ailish Henderson
This unique workshop will bring together stitching and collage techniques while exploring your own family story and personal memories.
Using a personal photograph of your own, Ailish will guide you through the process of capturing the essence of a person. Having released her own book Narrative Textiles: Tell your story in mixed media and stitch. She is in the ideal place to lead you along your own narrative line.
Inspiration found within her book will be used for considerations on how to create a personal composition using textiles. All materials, equipment will be provided on the day, however do bring personal treasures and mementos to add.
Before the session ends, there will be guidance given for framing work onto either canvas or mounted.
The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle
24th April 2026 10.30 - 1
On Demand: EG Workshop: Narrative-based Stitched Collage with Ailish Henderson
Location:
Online
Date and time:
On Demand
Learn how to develop your own stitched collage pieces using your own personal narrative. This is visual storytelling at its best.