Over my lifetime I have been visiting the beautiful island of Westray.
It has become a creative retreat for me and I head out there when I need to recharge and tune in to my creativity. Its a very special place.
I have since opened up this opportunity of Creative classes to others to allow them to experience Westray through my eyes and with my skill set to recharge, explore the landscape and community to encourage your own creativity.
Following a successful retreat this summer I am opening the doors for the next two day workshop.
Day 1 - 14th of October
A beach visit and gathering materials to inspire your creative work.
Morning 10-12am - Printing techniques including jelly plate and stencil. Understanding simple drawing techniques and creating repeat patterns. Inspiration through colour and nature.
Lunch time 12-2 - Lunch at a local cafe. Westray has a breadth of incredible local produce. From the local bakehouse to home made soup to the most wonderful fish and chips and wonderful home bakes. You will be spoilt for choice. and visit to local artist studio to find out more about their process, how they do what they do and where their creative journey has taken them.
Afternoon 2-5pm - Free machine embroidery using a sewing machine. Learn to draw with stitch. learning and understanding of using a sewing machine in a new way.
Day 2 - 15th of October
Morning - Discussion about fashion and print. The design work and introduction to designers from fashion and textiles across the world and inspire me.
Lunch time - Lunch at a local cafe and visit to local artist studio.
Mid morning through afternoon - Using some of my printed fabrics learn to make your own tote bag. Create your own pattern and understand how to adapt it. Make choices to customise your bag and learn how to confidently use your sewing machine with a range of different fabrics.
You will come away from this course feeling refreshed and as one of my students once said 'I see the world in a whole new way now' seeing the beauty of the world around us and translating it into design and creativity. You will have a number of different techniques to explore further and my aim to give you the courage and confidence to do so with a sense of fun and enjoyment.
Please note - Lunch prices not included in the course price. Lifts too and from the artist studio available at no charge.
The course takes place at the Grand Old Byre in Westray where there is B&B and hostel accommodation for visitors to the island. Please see details here to book - https://www.chalmersquoywestray.co.uk
And ferry travel to the island of Westray can be booked at here - https://www.orkneyferries.co.uk
Please take wet weather clothing as in October we could have all weathers in one day. There is a fire in the Grand Old Byre and kitchen for self service refreshments throughout the day.
Course size is limited to 5 people so that you get the best experience I can give you .
All materials and equipment included including jelly plate and rollers, paper, full paint colours, drawing equipment, sketchbooks, sewing machines plus kit, full thread colours, scissors, fabrics.
