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
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
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
Baltic Shop Creates | Narrative Textiles (2 Week Course)
Sat 3 & 10 May 2025 | 13:00-15:00
£55 per person
Learn how to tell your story in mixed media and stitch in this two-part course where you will be shown how to use personal resources, such as images on your phone or memento materials to build up a story piece of your own.
Week One
During this first session, Ailish will give a short talk, titled 'Narrative Textiles'. You will learn about the artist’s own pathway in developing creative outcomes from personal stories inspiring you in creating your own. Provided with visual examples and ideas you will then begin planning and developing a piece yourself and testing out ideas.
Week Two
Continuing from the previous week, you will be guided through the phases to complete your final piece. There will be a pack provided but you’re invited to bring any materials you wish to use, such as your own special fabrics. Whether you prefer drawing or collage, mixed media or painting you will have the opportunity to explore your ideas in a relaxed setting.
Note: Please bring along your own visual fuel as a starting point to work from e.g. a family photograph, vintage materials or even an old napkin! All the embroidery and drawing materials will be provided.
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)