Working with a variety of repurposed materials, including paper, cloth, plastics and some garden-foraged materials, this workshop introduces cordage (string) making, followed by a range of techniques to transform the cordage into surfaces and small-scale structures. Combining basic techniques with an experimental approach to materials, this workshop will provide you with the skills to experiment with an assortment of easily sourced materials.
You will start off with cordage making and exploring this technique with a range of materials. you will then create a variety of structures, taking our hand-made cordage into three-dimensional forms using looping, coiling and weaving. The workshop has an emphasis on process and exploring the properties of different materials, learning through making. All the techniques covered use very basic equipment and are easily transferable to situations away from the workshop.
Work with your own repurposed materials, as well as those provided for the workshop, and hopefully some garden-foraged materials gathered during the course.
Included
On this course, the tutor will supply most of the materials, including cloth, re-purposed papers and plastics.
What students need to bring
- Repurposed cloth – old shirt or similar light-weight fabric (for cutting up)
- A mix of lightweight papers, such as newspaper, tissue paper from packaging, etc. (repurposed and low quality)
- Plastic bag or other thin pre-used plastic
- Basic sewing kit, including scissors, craft knife, round headed pins and tapestry needles/bodkins
- Pins and large headed needles
- Craft knife
- An empty spray bottle (such as empty household cleaner)
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
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
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.
