Garden Bird Embroidery Workshop

Join us for this gentle day of stitch focusing on the familiar birds that we see in our gardens. Choose from a set of images brought in by our tutor, Rachel, who will guide you step by step to transfer the image onto fabric using Bonda web and a sponge and water.

Learn to split the embroidery threads and embellish the bird image in a wooden embroidery hoop with 2 simple embroidery stitches, running stitch and French knots.

Each person will have a wooden block to paint. The embroidered fabric is then cut into a square shape and then ‘glued’ onto the block.

The final block can stand on a shelf or go on the wall.

This is a good workshop for those who are not confident with embroidery, as the photo of the bird is underneath and even a small amount of stitching looks successful.

We all love to see birds in our gardens, as they busy themselves next building or searching for insects. Bring the Spring into your home as the weather warms up.

About the Tutor

With a background in the textile industry, specifically as an embroidery designer in Macclesfield and the Midlands, and later 15 years as an Art and Design lecturer Rachel is now a self-employed textile artist. Driven by an absolute love of painting and textiles she enjoys creating detailed decorative multimedia textile outcomes that utilise illustration, free machine embroidery and 3D elements. Rachel uses sketchbooks as well as her pieces to tell stories or send messages to the viewer.

Rachel has been involved in a number of community art projects and art exhibitions in Cheshire and is a member of the ReMix Art and Design Group. She has exhibited in Chester Cathedral for the Refresh Project ‘A stitch in Time’ and the Grosvenor Museum exhibition ‘Another Level ‘from 2022 until Spring 2023, and will be exhibiting her textiles  in the ‘Stitch by Stitch’ exhibition in Shrewsbury in 2023. Rachel is currently artist in residence for Tarporley.

Timetable of the day

09:30     A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00     Introduction to embroidery & techniques used
11:15       Coffee will be served
13:00     Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory
14:00     Putting the finishing touches to your work.
15.15      Refreshments will be served
16:30     Workshop ends but, you can take your creation home!

What is included?

• All materials & tools
• Aprons are provided for the day if required
• Refreshments & a delicious lunch
• Free onsite car parking
• The most important bit is your very own piece of art to take home

What do I need to bring?

Any threads, ribbons or material you may want to incorporate into your work. You can also bring your own sewing equipment if you wish.

Experience level

We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic professional!