This is a fun and unique 2 day workshop exploring the potential of creating your own handmade embellishments using a variety of processes and materials, and then exploring how these can be stitched onto fabric.

Through experimenting with dyeing, painting and foiling techniques - contemporary embroidery artist Jessica Grady will teach you how to turn waste and unconventional materials into beautiful and exciting embellishments, and then how to stitch your collection of transformed materials and handcrafted embellishments onto fabric in 2D and 3D ways.

Day 1 of the workshop will begin by hand dyeing a variety of synthetic and recycled materials such as waste nylon tubing, washers, buttons and ribbons - along with other recycled materials. Jessica will show you how to create various effects with the dye to achieve interesting and exciting results. This will be followed by experimenting with painting a variety of metal embellishments using fabrics as stencils to achieve various patterns. Jessica will also show you how to use a selection of printing processes such as foil and heat bonding recycled materials to create final effects on embellishments of your choice. Day 1 can get a bit messy so please wear old clothes and bring along an apron! You will end day 1 with an array of dyed, painted, and foiled embellishments to use in your own textile and craft projects.

Day 2 of the workshop will begin with looking at your collection of handcrafted embellishments and going through ways to stitch them onto fabric. Jessica will share her techniques and tips for building designs on fabric, adding different textures and material shapes together, and ways to ensure embellishments are secure on the fabric surface. She will have a collection of her stitched samples from her studio archive for hands on ideas and inspiration for different ways to use your embellishments. Jessica will demonstrate how to cut your own sequins from fused sheets of material, and you can use her sequin cutter to create your own collection. 2D and 3D techniques shown in the day will include: sequin stacks, beaded washers, vertical beads, embellished embellishments and textured ruffles. You may choose to create a series of fabric samples throughout the day, or one larger piece.

You will leave the 2 day workshop with a treasure trove of handcrafted embellishments, and a hand stitched sampler or multiple samples, using some of your embellishments.

Suitable for all abilities!