Workshops
Block Printing
£100
Spend a peaceful and creative day learning about the wonderful art of block printing in which you will decorate a handloom Indian scarf to take home.
We will start by having discussions on the importance of colour and pattern in our lives, and looking at my collection of blocks, photos and books- ranging from Indian artisans to British craft revival. Feeling inspired you will experiment with your own designs before going on to cut your own block. You will be given plenty of time and encouragement to ask questions and to play with ‘walking your block’ on paper, resulting in multiple pattern variations and repeats before stopping for lunch of homemade vegetarian soup.
In the afternoon you can continue to experiment until you feel ready to start planning your final scarf design. This is a very informal but informative day from which you will gain an insight into cutting lino blocks and the joy of pattern design.
10-3pm
Saturday 12th July
Friday 5th September
Hyde Dye Garden, Fordingbridge, New Forest. SP6 2QB
Silk Scarf Workshop
£100
These workshops are held in my dye garden in the New Forest in the summer months so that we can pick flowers from the garden to supplement some foraged materials, which we will then use to dye our scarves. Due to the wonder and vagaries of the seasons and growing habits, plants and colours which can be achieved will vary through the summer.
You will prepare (mordant) the scarf using easily replicated techniques and then dye using your chosen plant material, before stopping for lunch of homemade vegetarian soup.
Fully refreshed and with scarfs dried, you will have the opportunity to play with different patterns by folding the scarf with household objects and wooden blocks before finally dyeing your own unique silk scarf.
10-3pm
29th June
24th August
Hyde Dye Garden, Fordingbridge, New Forest. SP6 2QB.
Indigo Workshop
£100
In this workshop we will look at lots of examples of blue dyed fabric and resources before making an indigo reduction vat in the morning using Indian indigo powder. You will use a couple of different techniques to create patterns in the fabric before submerging in the wonderful vat.
There will be a midday break for a communal lunch (included) before returning to the creativity.
This is a mindful day involving simple stitching, folding and dyeing which will see you leave with some sample pieces or a 1metre length.
The groups are kept small so you will have plenty of time to learn and have a wonderful day in the New Forest.
10-3pm
28th June
Hyde Dye Garden, Fordingbridge, New Forest. SP6 2QB
Colour and Weave with myself and Sharon Kearley
*********NEW COURSE *******************************************
https://www.sharonkearley.com/
Slow down and spend a peaceful and creative couple of days immersed in colour, pattern and nature in this two day creative approach to natural dyeing and weaving.
The first day will be spent mordanting and then making dye baths using flowers from the garden, producing a delightful palette of colours, hues and tones, which you will use to dye wool and small fabric samples.
Day two and a head full of colour, swimming with ideas, Sharon will teach you how to observe pattern, repetition, shape and texture in your surroundings using your dyed piece. You will then have time to explore and interpret your ideas, with support from Sharon, before making your own woven tapestries on a frame loom.
This two day course will allow you to play and explore through gentle encouragement, whilst enjoying cups of tea, homemade cake and a tasty vegetarian lunch.
All materials provided.
10-3pm both days
5th & 6th July
9th & 10th August
Hyde, Fordingbridge, New Forest.
(Eco camping is available on site for a small additional cost or there are plenty of lovely Airbnb locally if you wish to make the most of a few days in the New Forest. There is also a café next door and a pub within walking distance - I can happily supply some information after booking)