In this immersive two-day workshop, you will explore the creative process of assemblage, combining natural dyes, fabrics, and mixed media to craft unique art pieces. Through hands-on instruction and creative exploration, you will experiment with botanical inks and textiles, learning to manipulate materials to evoke texture, colour, and form in your own artwork. By the end, you will walk away with new techniques and your own hand-crafted textile-based piece or a foundation for further development.

This workshop is ideal for those looking to expand their textile art skills, explore natural dyeing, or immerse themselves in a creative environment.

Day 1: Exploring Natural Inks and Textile Techniques

Morning Session: Introduction to Botanical Inks You will learn to work with natural, plant-based inks on fabric and paper, focusing on modifiers (such as pH changes, salt, and iron) to alter colours. This encourages experimentation with the dyes in your palette.

Afternoon Session: Hand Sewing Techniques You will be guided through hand-sewing techniques to add depth, texture, and movement to fabric, including basic stitches, embroidery, and methods for creating three dimensional elements.

At the end of day-one, you will have botanical ink experiments and textile swatches as a foundation for your final piece.

Day 2: Assembling and Sculpting with Mixed Media

Morning Session: Planning & Sketching Your Artwork You will plan your final mixed-media artwork or textile sculpture, experimenting with composition, scale, and layering.

Afternoon Session: Assembly & Creative Exploration You will bring your creations to life, expanding your techniques or completing a specific artwork, all in a supportive environment.

By the end, you will leave with new knowledge in natural inks, textile manipulation, and hand sewing.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all the materials including fabric, needles etc. The college will provide two sewing machines and other equipment to use during the course.

What students need to bring

• A notebook/sketchbook for your own notes/drawings
• Fine liner pen
• Pencils, rubber, sharpener You are welcome to bring your own sewing kit and any cuts of fabric you have or any other materials you might be interested to experiment with.

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.

Terms & Conditions