Recently there's been a few messages on my website asking about workshops; how they are structured, do people come alone or with friends, are materials provided and the type of knowledge needed to come along. It seemed a good time to answer these questions in a blog post.
The first thing to say is my workshops are all based on supporting and encouraging each person to make something that is unique to them, rather than a replica of my work. This is because I strongly believe that this leads to a more fulfilling experience, teaches you skills that interest you and that it builds creative confidence, self esteem and improves mental wellbeing. You can read more about creative confidence in this blog post.
This may sound daunting, especially if you didn't have a great experience with art at school or have never done anything like this before. However, we work through different ways to bring your ideas to life; I have samples of work to inspire you, can help you through designing work without needing any drawing skills and keep numbers small so that each person has a lot of individual time and attention. Being in a creative space with like minded people is very inspiring and helps get those creative juices flowing. By taking this approach, I can teach you the skills, stitches and techniques you need to know to create your own work making a much more personal experience.
What inspiration is provided to help me get started?
That very much depends on the workshop subject and the length of the workshop. Each time I will bring a selection of samples around the theme of the workshop and some finished pieces of work. I may also bring books, pictures or natural items to inspire you. Occasionally, I'll share images of other participants work if I have their permission.
What materials are included - do I need to bring anything?
I always supply the materials for every workshop, leaving you free from the worry of getting the right thing or buying things you may not use again.
Sometimes I ask people to bring things with them that relate to the workshop; for example I ask people to bring their favourite saying or poem to the text in textiles workshop. These are always very easy to find things.
I also supply all of the equipment including needles, scissors, pencils etc. As an embroiderer myself I do realise that lots of people have their favourite pair of scissors or needles, so if you have sewing equipment you would like to bring please feel free to do so. The same with fabrics and threads - if you have particular materials in your stash you'd like to use then you're very welcome to bring them with you.
Do people come alone or with friends?
Overall most people who come to my workshops come alone. There are some who come in pairs or occasionally in small groups. It can be a bit worrying coming on your own, however everyone there has a shared connection of wanting to learn more about textiles and embroidery. I've often seen friendships begin in my workshops and everyone is always friendly. As the numbers are kept small it's easier to get to know those around you. If you find coming into a new place alone causes you a high level of anxiety please let me know before the workshop as I'm happy to meet you outside and walk in with you.
What level of skills or experience are needed to come to workshops?
Most of my workshops are suitable for people of all levels of embroidery experience, including complete beginners and those who are more accomplished. Sometimes the workshop will be for people of a certain amount of experience and this will always be in the title - for example Beginner's Hand Embroidery or Intermediate Free Motion Embroidery.
Above all, my workshops are designed to not only teach you new embroidery and textile skills but also to give you a break from the hustle and bustle of day to day life. Space to recharge, to be you, to be creative and to share connections with like minded people. They're fun, relaxed, supportive and informative. When you leave with your own beautiful, unique piece of textile art it's such a feeling of satisfaction and achievement.
I work with many different organisations to teach workshops; to find out about these you can sign up to my Textile Tales emails at the bottom of any website page.
Any workshops I organise myself will be here - though there are very few of these each year. To make these extra special they come with a carefully curated gift box so that the creativity can continue after the workshop has finished.
I hope that's answered some questions, though there will be some I've missed! Please feel free to contact me if you have any other queries.