One of my most popular face-to-face workshops is now available as a series of short video tutorials.
Both of the techniques – monoprinting and free motion embroidery – are exciting when you practise them individually. But layer them together and you begin to create magic.
Discover the joy of monoprinting
We’ll begin by having fun with monoprinting, where you apply paint directly onto an object and use it to create one unique imprint. We’ll work with plants, seedheads and other natural finds to create gorgeous effects. I’ll give advice on what to use and demonstrate how to get the most interesting results.
Gain confidence in free motion embroidery
Then it’s time to dust off your sewing machine and find out just what it can do. I’ll show you how to:
set up your sewing machine for free motion embroidery
work both freely and safely
choose the best thread, stitches, tension and speed
translate sketches into free motion embroidery
embroider the outline of plant shapes to sit beautifully against your monoprinting.
You’ll be able to use this open-minded approach to try out the colours you typically avoid, perhaps taking your lead from nature throughout the year.
What you'll need
Seasonal inspiration
Cotton canvas
Fabric paints
Plants to print with (like seedheads and leaves)
Heavy interfacing
Paintbrushes
Sewing machine and threads for free motion embroidery
Cotton rag paper for mounting (optional) – I show you how.
You’ll create amazing textures with these materials – they’re readily available in shops and online. (You’ll receive a more detailed supplies list as soon as you sign up).
Meet your tutor - Ellie Hipkin
Ellie Hipkin is a textile mixed media artist, based in Brighton on the South coast of England. She draws inspiration from the colours, contours and ever-changing atmosphere of the South Downs, the Sussex coastline and the wild plants she finds when out walking. Her paintings feature one-off imprints taken from seed heads and grasses, and she adds movement with free-motion embroidery and hand stitch.
After studying fashion design, she worked as a designer for 12 years, but when she experienced unthinkable loss, it was her first love – textile art – that provided a way to cope. Now a professional artist, Ellie explores many of the techniques she learnt in her earlier career: fabric painting, monoprinting, embroidery, appliqué and collage.
In this workshop Ellie shares with you many of the techniques she loves to use within her own textile artwork.
You’ll gain the confidence and skills you need to create a stunning and original artwork of your own. Once you’ve finished the course you’ll be able to experiment freely with the techniques you’ve mastered.
You’ll also be invited to join our facebook community. It’s a great way to see what others are creating, to share your work and ask questions.
Sign up now for instant access to the video tutorials. You can then work through them in your own time, pausing and rewinding as often as you like.
