Join Anita for a delightful textile workshop celebrating the beauty of Primula vulgaris, a charming spring flower known for its delicate white petals and vibrant yellow centre.

In this creative session, participants will embark on a journey of artistic expression through the art of free-motion embroidery. Each learner will be provided with a printed piece of fabric expertly backed with a stabilizer, creating the perfect canvas for your artistic endeavours. Using the power of a sewing machine and a palette of vibrant cotton threads, you’ll breathe life into the floral picture, adding depth and dimension to the petals and core of the Primula vulgaris.

This hands-on experience allows you to infuse your own artistic style and colour choices, making each artwork a unique masterpiece.

But the creativity doesn’t stop there! You’ll also explore the use of organza to craft captivating 3D elements, adding an extra layer of intricacy and realism to your textile art. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experiment with textures and techniques, all while capturing the essence of this beloved springtime bloom.

Whether you’re an experienced textile artist or new to the world of free-motion embroidery, this workshop is designed to inspire and nurture your artistic spirit. 

Advisory Note:

Suitable for over 16’s only. No previous machine embroidery necessary, although experience on a sewing machine would be useful.

Meet the Tutor

Anita O’Neill

Sewing has been an integral part of Anita’s life since she was young. Growing up with a mother who was a skilled tailor, Anita didn’t particularly enjoy the structural aspects of sewing, but she eagerly lent a hand in embellishing wherever she was allowed.

Receiving her first sewing machine at 16, Anita went on to achieve Level I and II certification in Creative Studies and design, working with renowned artist Ruth Issett.

In October 2013, Anita established her own studio in Norfolk, where she could teach mixed media textiles and invite other tutors to share their expertise in the area. Today, Eau Brink Studio continues to thrive, offering a diverse range of workshops throughout the year to cater to all disciplines within the textile world.

As an exhibiting artist and proud member of the West Norfolk Artists Association, Anita’s work can be enjoyed at numerous local venues throughout the year.

Learn how to ‘draw’ with your sewing machine. You will be shown how to use a basic domestic sewing machine and practise stitching techniques. Then, working on a painted background, you will design and create a small, individual seascape picture with freehand machine embroidery and applied fabrics. Be inspired to have a go on your own machine at home.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for over 16’s only. No previous machine embroidery necessary, although experience on a sewing machine would be useful.

Meet the Tutor

Wendy Dolan

Wendy is an experienced artist, tutor, and author inspired by landscapes, architecture and natural forms. She exhibits, lectures and teaches workshops nationally and internationally. Her wide-ranging work includes wall hangings, pictures and garments.

She is the author of the Search Press bestselling book ‘Layer, Paint and Stitch’, which covers stitching, layering and painting techniques and gives helpful tips throughout, as well as projects to create your own stitched textile designs.

Enjoy the rhythm of free motion embroidery in this fabulous two-hour workshop, to create a Fantasy Flower inspired stitched doodle.

Enhance your pattern with colour, by layering Inktense pencils onto your design.

Finish off, by blending the colours with a paintbrush, after a light spritz of water.

All materials and equipment provided.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for over 16’s only. No previous machine embroidery necessary, although experience on a sewing machine would be useful.

Meet the Tutor

Ruth Parkinson-Johns

Ruth is a Mixed Media Textile Artist who works with an experimental approach in printing, dyeing, hand and machine embroidery. Her inspiration is found in nature, imagination and memory. Ruth enjoys sharing her passion for textiles with others through teaching here at the NEC Birmingham and on special request from various Textile/Art groups etc.