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.
Workshops
Bonded Textiles by Ailish Henderson
Online through The Open College of the Arts 6pm 17th July
Join narrative artist Ailish Henderson, graduate of the OCA and recently published author to learn how to develop the skill of bonded textiles. What are bonded textiles? In this setting, you will explore the use of planned heat sources to melt and merge plastics and other collage material together. Locate your sweetie wrappers, crisp packets, latte disposable cups…even the lids. Use all these along with heat resources such as an iron and heat gun to make flat and textural art samples. You might even get to make a bead or two. So many outcomes are possible, so this is a great method for any stage of learning. Guidance will be given to support your though process on an individual level, to allow for your self-expression. The samples you make could then be furthered by incorporating them into a quilting or collage project.
Narrative Portraits Textile Workshop with Ailish Henderson
Saturday 19th July 11am - 1pm
Like all of us, you will have your own family story and personal memories, but have you thought about bringing these into stitch?
Textile artist 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.
For this textile workshop you will need to bring a family photo for the theme.
Inspiration found within her book will be used for considerations on how to create personal composition bringing a textile element.
Before the session ends, there will be guidance given for framing work onto either canvas or mounted.
All materials, equipment will be provided on the day, however do feel free to bring personal treasures and mementos to add to your composition.
Suitable for ages 16+
People & Place: Stitched Collage Portrait Characters
11am - 1pm 2nd August 2025
Newcastle Arts Centre
Capture the magic of a person with Ailish Henderson
Stitch Club with Textile Artist
28th July - 8th August 2025
Like all of us, you will have your own store of family or personal memories, but have you ever thought about bringing these to the fore in your textile artwork? Within this workshop, Ailish will guide you through the process of capturing the essence of people close to your heart; maybe even yourself? Having just 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 family narrative line. Portions of inspiration found within her book will be used, to help you consider how you want to create personal pieces. The workbook will give ideas of starting points and methods of considering information visually. For example, how to create and use a mood board. Please note that this workshops focus is not about creating a perfect replica of someone, rather the qualities which create memories in our minds. It could be someone you currently hold dear, a relative who you only know via photographs and familial anecdotes or even the person you should know best – yourself! You won’t need any specialised or expensive tools, please see the materials list for ideas on these. Personal treasures could be used as well as any familial mementos you may have stored.
Family Ties: Capture the qualities of a person in mixed media and stitch
Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh
2-4pm 11th September 2025
Like all of us, you will have your own store of family or personal memories, but have you ever thought about bringing these to the fore in your stitch and mixed media artwork? Even looking into your own family history? Within this workshop, Ailish will guide you through the process of capturing the essence of people close to your heart. It could even be you, you choose. Having just released her own book Narrative Textiles: Tell your story in mixed media and stitch, Ailish is in the ideal place to lead you along your own family narrative line. Portions of inspiration found within her book will be used, to help you consider how you want to create personal pieces. You won’t need any specialised or expensive tools; however personal treasures could be brought along as well as any familial mementos you may have stored. Before the session ends, guidance will be given surrounding developing more from your own family narrative and also how to finish your piece.
Family Ties: Capture the qualities of a person in mixed media and stitch
Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh
2-4pm 14th November 2025
Like all of us, you will have your own store of family or personal memories, but have you ever thought about bringing these to the fore in your stitch and mixed media artwork? Even looking into your own family history? Within this workshop, Ailish will guide you through the process of capturing the essence of people close to your heart. It could even be you, you choose. Having just released her own book Narrative Textiles: Tell your story in mixed media and stitch, Ailish is in the ideal place to lead you along your own family narrative line. Portions of inspiration found within her book will be used, to help you consider how you want to create personal pieces. You won’t need any specialised or expensive tools; however personal treasures could be brought along as well as any familial mementos you may have stored. Before the session ends, guidance will be given surrounding developing more from your own family narrative and also how to finish your piece.
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.