Using largely everyday and commonplace papers, with the occasional addition of something more specialist, such as lens tissue paper, explore a variety of methods for reforming the surface. Combine processes to create manipulated surfaces or repetitive structures in which drawn, painted or stitched marks are distorted and work to create new connections.

You will be introduced to:

- A number of manipulation techniques, such as folding, creasing, crumpling, crushing, and tearing to create structures and surfaces

- Ways of building up and layering a surface through collage techniques whereby surfaces are bonded together using transparent glues, heat and pressure. There will be some limited opportunity for simple monochrome colouration and mark making to make your own surfaces to combine. You might choose to explore your own theme with reference to the markings and papers (in which case, please bring your own reference material and any pre prepared papers you might want to use in the form of drawings, prints, photographs, dyed or painted papers etc.), or you might choose to work in a purely abstract way, responding to the processes to which you have been introduced.

- The use of stitch by machine or by hand to structure and join together.

- Methods of stabilising the stitching into paper.

These explorations, whether two-dimensional or three-dimensional have a relevance to surface design or, as small objects, to a variety of applications. They may form starting points for further development as works in paper, fabric or other media. Ideas will be supported by presentations, demonstrations, individual and group discussion and you will be encouraged to develop your own ideas, selecting from methods shown.

Included

• On this course, the College will supply some of the materials, including: some photocopy paper, some cartridge paper, tissue papers, brown wrapping paper, and newsprint, along with a small amount of materials for the group to share, such as cellulose paste, and wax.

What students need to bring

• A range of paper of different weights, such as handmade papers, pre-prepared papers, such as: photocopies of drawings or other imagery, printed, stained or coloured papers. Found papers, such as maps, A-Z, old letters and ephemera, comics.
• Items found in multiples, such as brown paper bags, paper envelopes, gridded paper. (This may, in part, be determined by your chosen theme if that is what you would like to work with.)
• A range of paintbrushes, including a 1” or large household brush and implements for marking paper, including a large graphite pencil, marker pens, any preferred colouring mediums etc.
• A bone folder, scalpel or craft knife and if you have them (not essential and can be borrowed or purchased in the shop)
• Paper scissors, sewing kit, a few machine stitching threads and hand embroidery, binding threads
• Your own reference if you want to work to a personal theme
• There will be some sewing machines available for general use or you may prefer to use hand stitch. Please note, that if you wish to use the sewing machine, you should have a basic knowledge.

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• Bone folders, scalpels, brushes, graphite pencils, markers, rollers, block printing inks and a range of different papers are available to buy from the shop.
• A limited selection of hand and machine sewing threads

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Please note, that if you wish to use the sewing machine, you will need to have basic skills in its use so you will need to be able to thread a sewing machine and do zig zag and straight stitch.

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

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