Reviews…
‘Thank you Ailish, It was, indeed, a very nourishing session. It’s good to talk through things with someone who shares the same inspirational values. Thanks again for the signposting to artists, books, stitches, all of which I will take on board, as well as your sound advice.’ - Jude (January 2026)
‘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)
‘Thank you for the collage course you led at the Biscuit Factory yesterday. As I said, I really enjoyed it. I carried on and finished my collage last night and attached is the end result. It is a far cry from your beautiful, delicate portraits, but it is an image of my sister-in-law Trish which makes me feel happy! Thank you too for introducing me to khadi paper which I found brilliant to work on. I have already ordered some.’ - Claire (2023)
‘For me this has been just perfect, so inspiring. I am looking forward to doing what comes next and I've ordered your book too! Thanks so much :)’ - Sue (February 2025)
‘Thank you! This has been a fab session which I’m taking so much from… very timely too as spending a lot of time with self-portraits and weaving together lots of stuff - Penny (February 2025)’
‘Thank you Ailish, really enjoyed it. I ordered your book last week so cant wait to read it.’ - Sam (February 2025)
‘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
Introduction to Batik
£30.00
With Ailish Henderson
This is an afternoon course on:
Saturday, May 2nd
2pm – 4pm
Learn the basics of drawing with wax onto a mix of surfaces, including both fabric and paper.
During this session, you will be guided though the process of applying hot wax taken from a specialised wax carrier using a drawing tool. The wax can be used on many surfaces, and it can be used to make beautiful patterns as well as images. You may wish to pre-plan any patterns or shapes you wish to play with or even use a basic simple image on your phone.
Do not feel intimidated by the word ‘draw’, this term when used with Batik is simply a reference to mark making – this is a fun playful activity, suited to any level of artistic experience.
Once the wax has dried, you can use a selection of light paints to cover the area. If your piece dries in time, we can then go on to take the wax out. If not, instruction will be given to provide you with the skills to do this part in your own time.
All tools and materials will be provided, however do feel free to bring along any papers or fabrics which you feel drawn to using. You may also wish to bring an image reference as a guide to use as inspiration.
Book your place
Bonded Textiles
£30.00
With Ailish Henderson
This is an afternoon course on:
Saturday, July 11th
2pm – 4pm
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 bonda-web 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.
Book your place
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.