Reviews…
’I really enjoyed the 4 week Introduction to Textile Art course with Ailish at the Biscuit Factory (Newcastle Upon Tyne) . What I liked most was how freeing it was - Ailish created the conditions (and supplied the materials) so that each individual could find their own path. Ailish was on hand to provide expert guidance and inspiration but she gave us all the confidence to improvise and be spontaneous. It was so inspiring to see what other people made. And it was also very restoring to set the week's concerns aside and spend a couple of hours being creative together. It was a wonderful introduction to textile arts and I am keen to do more - both at home and through future workshops.’ - Rachel (February 2024)
‘I really enjoyed the approach of using scrap material to create a mixed media collage. Ailish has a calming aura which helped me relax into the session and not become too precious about what I was doing. I was able to play without worrying too much about the end result; after all I could remove or cover anything I didn’t like. At the end of the session, I came away with more confidence in my ability with mixed media collage and even impressed myself with what I had achieved!’ - Amanda, workshop 2023 attendee.
Workshops
Introducing Art Textiles 4wk Course with Ailish Henderson
The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
This is a four week course starting on Saturday 1 February, running every Saturday up to and including 22 February 2025.
A beginners course introducing textile art. All techniques will all be created by hand with no sewing machines! With one to one guidance learn the difference between a detached and a line stitch. There will be experimental sessions involving heat to bond fabrics and yarns together.
By the end of the four week course you will create a collage combining decorative embellishment, this can be framed or attached to a canvas.
People & Place: Stitched Collage Portrait Characters
With Ailish Henderson
This is an afternoon course on:
Saturday, March 8th
14:00 – 16:00
Inspired by her own work, this class guides students through the process of making their own portrait outcomes. Play with paper and collage with the choice to add stitch and personal treasured items/mementos. You don’t have to be able to draw, it’s all about exploring the collage aspect and expressing your personality!
All abilities welcome
All materials provided.
Where?
Newcastle Arts Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Narrative Textiles with Ailish Henderson
Whether we are aware of it or not, we all have a story to tell. Learn how to use inspirational collage resources, along with your own photographs, memorabilia, and any treasures you wish to bring along to inspire you and incorporate into your artworks created within the session. This is visual storytelling at its best.
The session will be focused in a fun and relaxed way, with no high aspirations or strict rules – this is your chance for creative play. This workshop has been directly inspired by Ailish’s own artwork, which will be discussed and visually showcased at the beginning of this session.
At the end of the session, you will leave with inspiration within to know how to develop your own stitched collage pieces using your own personal narrative. You will have begun this project and worked at your own pace to produce at least the beginnings of a stitched collage.
Where?
Dovecot Studios Ltd
10 Infirmary Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LT
+44 (0)131 550 3660
info@dovecotstudios.com
When?
13:00 – 15:00, 1 March 2025
On Demand: EG Workshop: Narrative-based Stitched Collage with Ailish Henderson
Location:
Online
Date and time:
On Demand
Learn how to develop your own stitched collage pieces using your own personal narrative. This is visual storytelling at its best.
Lectures and schools
Narrative Textiles - Glasgow Stitchers (zoom) 11th January 2025
Narrative Textiles - Durham Shincliffe WI, 7.30pm 5th March 2025
Narrative Textiles (Stitch School) (Online) (Textile Artist June 2025)