Have you dabbled with artistic practices, yet never found your niche? You might be someone who has had a wealth of experience, but has come to a full stop, having run out of ideas….Or maybe you have tried certain aspects of textile art in the past, yet never developed them.

Whatever lies in closest truth with your own story, my thoughtfully developed course could be the answer for your individual needs. As a practicing artist, tutor and writer for over sixteen years, I have gleaned and trialed many methods, learning the skills in order to become proficient in teaching them. I have become aware of what is needed, what is sought for by many and want to be able to provide that to others.

To bring this about, I have created an eight part course, which you can enrol on and partake in at your own pace. There is no definite time frame, there are no exams to be pressured by, this is learning for the love; a way of nurturing your own artistic needs.

How you will learn:

Although this course is designed to mould to your own personal needs and aspirations there will be an amount of structure. Before the course begins, talks surrounding your expectations and background will commence, so you can be reassured and enjoy your learning journey.

Subjects covered:

• Basic to complex embroidery stitches

• Introduction to patching and piecing

• Basic hand applique’

• Repair methodology

• Using heat to create textile mixed media surfaces.

• Mixed media constructed surfaces

• Stitched collage

• Painted backgrounds for embellishment

Location:

The workshop in live form will he held within the artists home studio in the north east of England in a small village called Kibblesworth. Of course you will be at the other end on Zoom! But it is still nice to picture where the live class in coming from.

Time and date held:

Each session is arranged on a personal basis, suited to your personal circumstances. Once the initial booking is confirmed you will be contacted by Ailish to confirm a date and time.

Timeframe:

On each of the eight dates we plan you will be given….

Two 35 min (approx) sessions, with the option to re-sign in for a further smaller session to finalise ideas. (Please discuss this with Ailish after booking, as it is possible to take out a longer workshop session on request).

How it will work….

The method of Zoom may be new or old to you, however it can prove a real blessing when you would rather work from home or if you simply cannot attend an in person session.

Before the session begins….

You will be emailed details to help the class be to your best benefit. For example a list of required materials will be communicated to you, so that you can prepare in good time in the days before you begin.

It is suggested that you make your work personal, guided by your personal life yet nurtured through Ailish’s teaching. So it may be worthwhile taking time out before the session begins to percolate what you would like to use to inspire you, for example if you have any photographs you wish to have on view to influence your creativity development. It may be that you hanker using a certain piece of fabric or lace which has a special meaning to you, perhaps a family heirloom which has been stored out of sight, ready to take on a new life in your art. This is just one idea, it will depend on what the session is to be based upon thematically, which you will be aware of in good time to prepare.

Time Considerations When Working Through Zoom:

Zoom is wonderful however for most accounts, a timeframe has been added so that only 40min sessions are allowed at the time. For this reason a 35/40 min session with a short break then another 35/40 min session to finish is best. This can be extended on personal preference and prior planning with Ailish.

These short sessions may seem too little to produce work, but it is amazing what can be achieved even in an hour, if preparation has been done. Ailish has experience of teaching this many times over at events across the UK in one hour total sessions with much success.

After the session finishes…

You will not be made to feel at a loss once the dates of sessions end. This class is designed to ignite and strengthen you to go on to play with this wonderful art form.

Ailish is always available for further sessions and will happily discuss ideas with you.