About this course

Learn to make really useful brushes found in many cultures worldwide. Using natural fibres, bound with highly coloured cord, they have a cheerful decorative quality as well as being functional.

Course Description

Learn how to make these really useful brushes using natural materials and highly coloured cord. We will use broomcorn, coconut fibre and arenga. There will be a choice of nylon or hemp cord and lots of different colours to bind with.

The technique is simple, but quite strenuous (it involves a lot of pulling). You will be using your hands and feet to tension the cord, so wear socks. You can anticipate making two brushes during the day.

Versions of these one-handed brushes appear in many different cultures worldwide. They are so enjoyable to make.

Course Materials

Included

The tutor will provide all the materials to complete two brushes.

What students need to bring

An apron, and wear socks!

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

General Information

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell

Having originally trained in fine art, Deborah became addicted to spoon carving (she’s a spoon a day type!) after a long career as an artist and a writer of craft books.

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.