Courses, talks and workshops : an idea of what I offer Silk Painting and Work with Acid Dyes I offer courses in silk-painting with design at Denman College and West Dean College (see schedule above). I also teach courses in natural dyes; see below for details. The silk painting courses encourage students to develop individual designs. There will be demonstrations of classic (gutta) technique for beginners on the course but some less well-known methods and materials will be also offered. These will include layered dyeing (watercolour technique) and the use of wax, Cern'O and Resistad. Some effective shibori techniques will be demonstrated and students can try them out on the course. Students will be given guidance in interpretation of their ideas through to at least one finished scarf, although it is normal for most students to leave with more than one, depending on the length of the course. For classic gutta and related techniques students will use steam-fixed dyes and effective water based gutta. A variety of silk blanks will be on offer to use for finished pieces and these can be bought as used. Over the period of the course various silks, dye systems and materials will be discussed in terms of their suitability for various projects. Beginners are welcome to attend the course, as well as more experienced painters. A starter session for absolute beginners will take place while experienced students will be encouraged to experiment with some new ideas. Students will then be able to progress together. The aim of these courses is for students to gain confidence in their ability to observe and interpret design ideas onto fabric. Beginners should leave with a good grounding in basic technique. All students will have the opportunity to experiment with materials on offer. After the course Isabella will steam work which will be posted back to students. Booking is through Denman College and West Dean respectively. There is sometimes an additional charge for materials payable to me during the course.   Silk Painting : for beginners or experienced? People often ask me to run courses for experienced painters. This is a problem as sometimes I have accepted painters on the "experienced" days I have tried, and have then been surprised at how little they know! In many cases it is because they have not been well taught. I have therefore found that I have had to teach "experienced" students how to silk-paint from scratch, which is unfair on other students who want to move on. If I set up a day for "experienced" painters I prefer only to teach those students who have already attended a course with me, or who can confirm that they have achieved a certain standard in using gutta, resists and dyes with another reputable teacher.   Courses in the use of natural dyes I will be teaching a course in natural dyes at both Denman College and at Dillington House in 2011. Students will take a colourful dip into the wonderful and historic world of natural dyes. It is a practical course and students will learn first essentials about fibre, dyestuffs and and mordanting. They will also dye silk samples and a scarf. In addition they will discover facts and folklore about five ancient dyes. These are indigo, madder, cochineal and weld. The fifth dye is orchil; this beautiful dyestuff will be presented but for environmental reasons it will not used. back to top Twist and tie, clamp and dye One-day introductory workshop in simple twist-tie dyeing, binding and clamping. Students will be introduced to the basic principles of dyes and dyeing, fabrics and resist-techniques. They can experiment with small samples and then make two finished scarves. Depending on time, these may need to be mailed on to students after the course as they will require steaming. I sometimes run these courses locally in Devon but they are relatively easy to set up in a village hall or large space with access to water and a place to hang damp work. Fee on request. Lecture : Silk, Acid Dyes and a Good Head of Steam! A trip through the influences, sources and techniques which make up my work. Samples of work, sketchbooks, objects and photographs are used to illustrate the often convoluted way that designs can evolve and will be a different talk each time I give it. I like to relate to the most recent as well as past work. I normally focus on my painted silk using gutta resist, wax and other techniques. A simple silk-painting /wax resist demonstration is also possible, using a small frame. The talk lasts about an hour but the demonstration can be part of this or an addition at the end. The talk is often requested by Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers and local art groups. Fee on request. Individual teaching I will occasionally accept a student at home at a day fee of £175.00. Two students can share the day for £190.00. Longer courses are by arrangement. Silk and finishing costs are calculated on the day as individual needs vary. A simple lunch is included. One-to-one teaching is very intense and tiring for teacher and students. I need to establish that there will be a good rapport between me and a one-to-one student: it just won't work if we don't like each other. I should say that so far, all students who have attended my one-to-ones have been delightful! back to top

What I supply on the day I supply all the basics, which include steam-fixed dyes, frames, pins, resists, applicators, basic brushes, jars, sometimes a wax-pot and wax and associated brushes, tjantings etc. I also have disposable gloves, Reduran cream and kitchen cloth available. Use of these items will normally be included in the cost quoted for a course organised by me. Students are welcome to bring favourite brushes and any other material they may wish to use, but to make sure anything they do bring is marked with their name. A materials list is normally sent out with a booking. Students are also requested to bring a large, strong, stamped addressed envelope for the return of their finished work. Silks, whether scarf blanks or fabric off the roll, can be purchased on the day. Students are welcome to bring their own silk but must ensure that they have an appropriate frame and are also advised to ensure it is suitable for the project they may have in mind. Finishing costs : silk-painting courses Work is normally steamed and sent on to students after the course. Steaming is covered by the basic fee on most courses. On workshops, students have access to the basic materials as part of the fee but then pay for silks and the finishing costs they incur, such as steaming. This is because some students steam their own work. Wax also incurs special costs as the steaming paper can only be used once and so I normally ask for a contribution towards this for large waxed pieces. Course / lecture fee quotation I normally quote a basic tuition fee then calculate materials and travel expenses. Please contact me if you want further details. back to top

Health and Safety Information This information applies to my current courses. Always ensure that you have current safety information on all the products you intend to use in your own work. 1. I have more or less phased out spirit-based resist on my courses. I recommend the use of Resistad or Cern'O which are efficient water-based resists developed in response to Health and Safety concerns. They can also be washed out in warm water without the need to dry-clean. 2. Anyone who suffers from allergies, or who has asthma, is asked to let me know when booking. Please also inform me if you have any problems such as hand or wrist arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, back problems etc. It can make a difference to the materials I bring if I am aware of students with any mobility or other health problems. 3. Steam-fixed dyes are used on the courses. These are in liquid and not powder form. Reduran cream is provided to remove any dye stains on the skin. Manufacturers advise that under normal usage the dyes on my courses are not hazardous. Students are welcome to wear gloves and I normally have disposable ones available. 4. Wax, when heated, can give off some fumes and these are unpleasant in a badly ventilated space. Courses are generally held in large classroom areas and the fumes do not normally cause irritation. If individual students are adversely affected by fumes the use of the wax pot can be adjusted so it is less of a problem. 5. Overalls should be worn to protect clothing from dye-splashes. 6. Students will be given general Health and Safety information at the commencement of each course. back to top

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