EASTER BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP with Anna Weatherley-Hastings, The India Block Print Co. – 11.15

During this 90-minute workshop you will explore Easter and spring designs from The Indian Block Print Co. Using their hand carved printing blocks to block print some Easter cards and tags, plus a fun Easter tea towel.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for children over the age of 12 with parental supervision.

Meet the Tutor

Anna Weatherley-Hastings

Anna has been part of The Indian Block Print Co. from the beginning. With over 10 years experience running block printing workshops she will share her in depth knowledge and tips with all things Block Printing.

SEASONAL TREE LANDSCAPE with Katharine Wright, Leicestershire Craft Centre – 09.45

Create a beautiful glass landscape in seasonal colours working with our huge range of glass, cabochons and frit. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be artistic to get a fantastic result – there are templates for you to follow if you wish.

Please note: Your glass fusion will be taken away at the end of the class to be fired in a glass kiln and returned to you by post. Price incudes firing and UK P&P.

While every precaution will be taken to ensure your piece comes back to you safely, firing is a process that can have unexpected outcomes and we cannot be held responsible should your piece crack during the process, or gets lost or broken in the mail.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable for children under 16 years.

Meet the Tutor

Katharine Wright

Owner and founder of the Leicestershire Craft Centre, Katharine has been crafting since she was seven and her mum taught her to knit – her first handmade gift was a knitted egg cosy for her Grandpa.

Patchwork and dressmaking are particular favourites, but Katharine also knits and crochets, makes jewellery and enjoys all kinds of other crafts including embroidery, felting, silversmithing, glass fusion and painting.

Katharine has taught workshops at a variety of national Craft Events including The Festival of Quilts, The Handmade Festival and Malvern Quilt Festival. She has also appeared as a Guest Demonstrator on Sewing Street TV.

STERLING SILVER TEXTURED RING with Naim Roseby and Laura Weston – 13.45

In this workshop you will learn how to create texture on a sterling silver wrap around ring. You will receive a pre-cut sterling silver ring shank. Choose from a hammer or stamp to create your desired.

You will also learn to file, shape and polish the final ring and be able to wear it straight away.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable for children under the age of 16 due to the nature of the tools used in this class.

Meet the Tutor

Naim and Laura

Silversmiths Naim and Laura are sisters, who run Calla Crafts and Obsidian Butterfly in Leicestershire. They were retail managers for many years until they decided to retrain as silversmiths. Naim and Laura love making quirky and unusual things in their workshops and love teaching others how to “bash stuff with hammers” and create beautiful pieces using fun tools. Naim will be teaching this class, whilst Laura will be manning their stand.

INTRODUCTION TO BEAUTIFUL BATIK with Shree Desai – 11.15

Ready to step into our time machine – which takes you back over 2000 years? This journey takes you through the incredible artisan technique of Batik, commonly used in the Far East. You will explore various tools and methods for building up multiple layers of hot wax and dyes on to cotton fabric.

The applied wax resists dyes and therefore allows the artisan to colour selectively by soaking the cloth in one colour, removing the wax with boiling water, and repeating if multiple colours are desired.

In this workshop you will:

• Stretch the cotton fabric on a wooden frame.

• Prepare the design on paper.

• Transfer the design on the fabric

• Choose two colours for the design and start applying wax for first colour.

• Dip the fabric in first dye.

• Dry the fabric and apply wax for second colour and dip it in dye-bath (if time allows).

• At home, you will remove the wax by washing it in boiling water or ironing between layers of paper.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable for children under 16 years, due to use of hot wax in this class.

Meet the Tutor

Shree (Shraddha) Desai

Shree is a Textile Designer and Textile Art Workshop leader who is dedicated and passionate about teaching and connecting to the creative world. Shree’s background includes a Master’s degree in Textile Design from the National Institute of Design in India. Most recently, she has been conducting Textile art workshops around the UK and is inspired by teaching both children and adults and delivering excellent customer-focused workshops.

PRINTED AND SHINY ENVELOPE BAG with Kim Thittichai – 09.45

Come and play with the exciting iron-on interfacing Decovil 1 light. Learn how amazingly versatile this clever product is. Layer up torn papers, transfer foil and paint to create a fabulous little envelope bag.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable for children under the age of 16 due to the nature of the tools used in this class.

Meet the Tutor

Kim Thittichai

Kim has been writing and delivering various courses and workshops for the past 30 years, having regularly taught in the UK and Europe as well Australia, New Zealand and India.

By far her most popular course is Experimental Textiles, and she is very excited to be teaching this again at the show.

Because of the popularity of her teaching, Kim was commissioned to write four books on her experimental textile techniques: Hot Textiles, Experimental Textiles, Layered Textiles, and Reclaimed Textiles.

Now settled in Ireland Kim explores the sights, sounds, peace and tranquillity through her work, which she say’s, “is salve for the soul.”

MACRAME FLOWER VASE with Lyndsey Harvey, Crafting with Lyndsey – 15.00

Try the fun craft of macramé and using several different knots, create a pretty hanging flower vase, complete with macramé feather decoration. All materials will be provided including a glass bottle.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for all abilities and ages 12+. Adult supervision required at all times for under 16’s.

Meet the Tutor

Lyndsey Harvey – Crafting with Lyndsey

Lyndsey is the founder of Crafting with Lyndsey and for the last ten years she has been delivering craft workshops in South Devon, with retreats and parties across the South West of England. Lyndsey is a qualified adult teacher and passionate about crafting. She teaches a variety of crafts, from sewing to macramé and arm knitting to bargello and has a range of bright and colourful kits perfect for beginners.

QUILLING SHEEP PEGS with Rachel Warrillow – The Quirky Quillers – 13.30

Discover the magic of quilling and create your own cute little sheep magnet to pop on the fridge and hold your shopping list!

Using strips of paper, this is a relaxing and therapeutic paper craft with so many possibilities.

Advisory Note:

These workshops are suitable for complete beginners, ages 11+. Adult supervision required at all times for under 16’s.

Meet the Tutor

Rachel Warrillow, The Quirky Quillers

Rachel is the founder of The Quirky Quillers, and creates kits, workshops and tutorials, all using the fabulous papercraft technique called quilling. She is on a mission to inspire and encourage others to enrich their lives with more creativity, and to find community and connection with other crafters.

INTRODUCTION TO SIZING, TRACING OFF A PATTERN & PATTERN ALTERATIONS with Helen Rhiannon – 11.30

Helen will discuss sizing and why it is so difficult to get the right size in dressmaking. You will learn how to measure yourself accurately to help you with your dressmaking projects. Helen will then introduce you to using a block to help draft your own unique patterns. You will learn how to trace off a block accurately, tackle some simple fit issues along with some more advanced techniques.

This workshop is for anyone who wants to learn how to draft dress patterns for themselves.

All materials and equipment provided for use in the class.

Advisory Note:

All ages and abilities are welcome.

Meet the Tutor

Helen Rhiannon

Helen Rhiannon is a dressmaking expert and bestselling Author. Helen has gained extensive knowledge over the last 18 years from designing and creating bespoke clothing and bridal wear. Helen has also taught sewing and dressmaking for many years, which led her to publish her new book, ‘Dressmaking The Easy Guide’. Helen is also a regular Guest Presenter on Sewing Street TV.

Through her new book, Helen will hand hold you through the basics of dressmaking and the skills you will learn to be able to create your own beautifully fitted dress. You will be able to choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart, which ranges from a UK 6 – 44.

DOODLE STITCHING with Jessica Grady – Thursday 10.00

Come along to this 60-minute class and start your very own colourful doodle cloth with artist Jessica Grady. Doodle stitching is a fun, and relaxing way of doodling on fabric with a needle and thread to make your own design. Jessica will introduce a range of simple and versatile stitches for you to use including: straight stitch, couching, French knots and chain stitch. You will leave the class with the beginnings of your doodle cloth to continue at home. This class is suitable for all abilities.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for all levels over 12 years old, but it would be an advantage if you could thread a needle. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet the Tutor

Jessica Grady

Embroidery artist Jessica Grady creates hand stitched 3D sculptures and wall art, utilising unconventional and recycled materials to create her own colourful and intricate embellishments and sequins.

Jessica has created embroidery designs both as an artist and as a freelance designer. Her own work has been exhibited across the UK, Europe and Asia and she is a member of British group: Art Textiles Made in Britain. She also teaches various workshops for education, private groups and individuals.

CATHEDRAL WINDOWS COLLAGE with Maria Thomas – 15.15

Create a mini patchwork collage with vintage and recycled materials using the simple folding method of Cathedral windows. Expand your creativity whilst reusing found materials in a playful mixed-media way. Make a unique sampler that you can grow into a work of art.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for all abilities and ages 12+. Adult supervision required at all times for under 16’s.

Meet the Tutor

Maria Thomas

Maria studied Embroidery at Manchester Polytechnic during the1990’s. Along side teaching textiles and embroidery for over 30 years, she has designed freelance for fashion, exhibited regularly and has work in public and private collections in the UK and overseas. Her work is about her life with her family, using patchwork and quilting to shape her memories she likes to draw with found objects and recycled materials. Her home and studio are in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.