Join us for a creative workshop that celebrates the art of making. This course marks the end of the Spring season and welcomes the warmer months ahead with hands-on exploration of materials and techniques inspired by nature.

Using your own images and references of Spring as a starting point, you will learn to translate personal memories and experiences into unique creations. The focus is on exploring colour, density, and texture to craft distinctive three-dimensional forms that preserve and reflect meaningful moments.

Your tutor will demonstrate simple yet effective techniques, including random weaving, to guide you through the process of creating your structures. On the first day, you will experiment with two-dimensional and three-dimensional weaving techniques, gaining the skills and confidence to refine your ideas. Collaboration with nature and with each other will be encouraged, with opportunities to share ideas and techniques with others.

On the second day, you will plan your woven vessels, prepare materials, and begin shaping your structures using various moulds and formers. From there, you will layer colour, texture, and density onto your creations to craft one-of-a-kind pieces that capture your vision and creativity.

This workshop is ideal for both beginners and experienced makers who are eager to experiment in connecting with nature, using natural materials, develop new skills, and create personal artworks in a relaxed and inspiring environment.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials including weaving materials and different shaped formers to create three-dimensional vessels.

What students need to bring

Please bring inspirational images and/or foraged objects from nature to inspire your creative explorations of the season.

Additional information

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

Please be aware that natural materials may cause dust allergies.

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