Using a cherished photograph as inspiration, you will develop a collaged version of your chosen subject, thoughtfully considering its background and surroundings. This will be a deeply personal and meaningful piece of textile art, brought to life through layers of fabric, embroidery and careful hand-stitching techniques.

You will be encouraged to explore your fabric collections, gathering well-loved treasures—vintage textiles, patterned scraps or embroidered fragments—to bring your design to life. Layering these elements thoughtfully, you will create depth and texture, blending fabric, thread and stitch to form a rich, tactile composition. Your tutor will guide you through the process, offering techniques in appliqué, couching and decorative hand embroidery to enhance your work.

Throughout the course, you will learn how to compose a visually striking collage, integrating different textures and colours to capture the essence of your chosen bird or animal. The workshop will be a balance of structured guidance and creative freedom, allowing you to experiment with materials and techniques while developing your own artistic voice.

By the end of the course, you will have a carefully constructed textile piece that may require some additional hand-stitching after the session. Whether you choose to frame your work, transform it into a wall hanging or incorporate it into another textile project, you will leave with a beautifully personal creation that tells a story through fabric and stitch.

Included

On this course the College will supply two sewing machines for the group to share during the course.

What students need to bring

• Background fabric (no larger than A4) - strong cotton or linen union
• Scraps of fabric in colours that suit your animal - no stretchy or too textured ones
• Background scraps in a variety of colours (small pieces)
• A good clear photo of your animal, no larger than A4 size
• White or off -white thread for tacking
• A selection of embroidery threads for machine (if desired) and hand stitching
• A glue stick and pins
• Buttons/beads for eyes
• Ribbons, wool tops, string for embellishment

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: 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