Woven Tapestry : Beyond Recycling

Description

Sat 25 Sept (10am – 4pm) & Sun 26 Sept (11am – 4pm)

Join textile artist Louise for a hands-on two-day weaving workshop focused on transforming everyday discarded materials into beautiful, expressive textiles. This creative course explores sustainable weaving techniques using found and recycled materials such as sweet wrappers, old clothes, magazines, and plastic bags.

Learn how to reimagine materials with personal stories, turning them into unique woven pieces. Experiment with contrasting textures by combining torn fabric, rolled paper, linen, cotton, and silk on a simple wooden loom. Discover how different materials behave within the warp and weft, and how their qualities can be used to create rich, tactile surfaces.

This workshop is ideal for beginners exploring weaving for the first time, as well as experienced weavers looking to expand their practice with sustainable and experimental techniques. Louise is an award winning artist and highly regarded tutor who creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can work at their own pace and enjoy the process of learning and making.

Over the two days you will learn:

• How to warp a loom using coloured warps
• Weaving simple designs that highlight material qualities
• Understanding and working with different weft materials
• Techniques for controlling weft tension and placement
• How to combine materials of varying thicknesses
• Creating texture and surface design within your weave

Your Tutor

Drawn to the art from a young age, Louise completed her art foundation on the Isle of Man, before moving onto Middlesex University. During a degree in Constructed Textiles she was introduced to weaving, tapestry and knit. Of these the freedom of expression and techniques in tapestry offered the greatest appeal. Graduating with 1st class Hons, Louise moved on to a Masters in Applied Arts at the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland.

Louise has since travelled widely as teacher and speaker. Periods of residency abroad continue to be pivotal with her own work. Spaces with which to be static, to absorb and respond; Mongolia, Iceland, Turkey and Finland. Exploration being central, rather than preconceived results.

In 2021 Louise was the winner of both the Cordis Prize for Tapestry and the Kate Derum Tapestry Award. Woven Tapestry: Art and Practice by Louise Martin and Ros Bryant was recently commissioned and published by Crowood Press.

• All tools and materials are included in the workshop cost, but you are warmly encouraged to bring along your own found fibres to weave your own story with
• Tea and coffee are provided, participants should bring their own lunch and utensils
• All of our classes are suitable for over 16s, younger crafters may be accommodated if accompanied by a participating adult, please contact us before booking
• If the workshop you were looking at is fully booked drop us an email and we’ll add you to the waiting list.
• You can pay for this course in two instalments, a non-refundable 50% deposit will be taken at the time of booking and you will be invoiced for the remaining balance three weeks in advance of your workshop.
• If you need to cancel or reschedule your workshop we need at least three weeks notice. Please read our cancellation policy carefully before booking