Talks and Lectures
As a freelance tutor and lecturer, I am happy to travel to your group or organisation and offer the following talks:
"Inspired by Nature; Moths, Cabbage Leaves and more!"
Interpreting natural forms in colour, texture and embroidery.
"Experimenting with machine embroidery - my processes and approach"
These talks can also be delivered via Zoom, if you live further afield. Please get in touch if this is of interest.
Workshops for Groups
I am also happy to deliver group workshops for your organisation and offer a wide range of techniques. These can be tailored to meet your groups requirements, so do get in touch if this is of interest, or if there is a particular topic you would like to learn more about (more details of my other workshops can be found here). Most of these can be online via Zoom if preferred. The following is a list of my standard workshops for groups:
Autumn Leaves - Experimental Appliqué
Study the shapes, outlines and patterns of leaves and their markings to cut out and create appliquéd shapes, which we will combine to make an unusual hand-embroidered piece on a felt background. Using Esther’s unique stash of hand printed and naturally dyed fabric and papers, we will consider the colours and markings of different leaves. We will discuss simple ways of marking your own fabric and paper, to make your materials really unique and meaningful. We will look at ways of simplifying shapes and experiment with using negative space and contrasting colours and threads. Observe the structure of leaves and practice and learn some simple hand embroidery stitches to enhance and compliment your appliquéd pieces. You will create a beautiful and unusual piece and come away with lots of ideas for future works.
Fabric Weave the Landscape
Learn the wonderful art of fabric weaving! Inspired by the colours and landscape of the local landscape, I will show you how to use scraps of fabric to make a beautiful woven background, also incorporating printed papers as well as textiles. We will then spend time embellishing with some gentle hand stitching; learn how to integrate couched threads and interesting textures with lots of one-to-one help and demonstrations of different stitches. Create a unique piece of work which could be framed, or perhaps used as the cover of a sketchbook, or made into a small purse.
Introduction to Machine Embroidery
Would you like to try out the wonderful technique of free motion embroidery? This one day taster course will teach you how to "drop your feed dogs" and get started with the basics of using your sewing machine as a drawing tool. We'll cover best practice, look at what stitches can be used and finish off by making a beautiful little sample picture.
Make a Textile Vessel (2 Day workshop)
This course will introduce you to a range of techniques; mixing textiles and embroidery with some unusual mixed media, to create a beautiful soft fabric vessel. This could be used as a cover to enhance a flower vase, or as a stand-alone decorative item. You will learn step by step, how to create a gorgeous textured background by using paint on stabilising fabric and adding interesting textures and colours like mulberry bark and silk cocoons or carrier rods, to build up some fascinating surface decoration. I will show you how to add metallic elements using foils and copper shim, plus hand embroidery and other embellishments to make this a truly three-dimensional work. Learn how to fold and shape your vessel, then add a base and inner lining to complete.
Confidence in Colour
Do you lack confidence in knowing which colours to use in your work? Do you struggle to choose colours which match or compliment each other? Would you like to know more about tried and tested strategies that can add that extra "zing" to your embroidery or quilting project? Join me on this interesting and informative one day workshop to explore strategies and methods of using colour. Going back to basics, I will explain and demonstrate colour theory - looking at understanding how to successfully use a colour wheel, hue, tone, shades and using accents. We will work on a series of exercises to explore different colour palettes and ways of working, giving you a range of reference samples to take away and inspiring you with some brand new ideas of fabric colour combinations for use in the future.
An Introduction to Gelli Printing
Learn the secrets of using a gelli plate to print your own paper and fabric. Have fun making your own stamps and discover how to use simple household objects to create interesting textures and prints, to create your very own unique "stash".
These can be tailored to your group, so do get in touch if there is something particular you had in mind.
Do you have a small group of friends who would like to get together and do a workshop?
I can also offer workshops as private bookings and can tailor these to your requirements at a mutually convenient date. Workshops take place in my Garden Studio, Storrington for up to 5 participants. If your group is larger than 5, we can arrange an alternative venue.
Other workshops are also available - please contact me if you have something specific you would like to try out.
For further details or any questions, please contact me using the online form, or phone 07884 078172.