WORKSHOPS

The following workshops are available as "hands-on" workshops and we will teach groups, organisations and guilds. Worshops are suitable for all abilities (unless otherwise stated).

We are developing new workshops all the time so if you are interested in a particular topic and it is not listed below, please contact Fiona by e-mail fiona@ario.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

Workshop information such as fees, available dates, number of students attending a specific workshop please contact Fiona by e-mail fiona@ario.co.uk or phone her on 07854539030.

In addition to these WORKSHOPS we also hold workshops & classes at out Unit in Gorseinon, Swansea. See Page1 for further details and booking information.

Workshop 1

Techniques Day - this workshop will allow you to try a selection of products, learn how they work together to create backgrounds; textures; highlights; areas of interest; marks, pattern,etc., on paper & fabrics. By the end of the day you will have masses of samples and information.

You will use 3D Medium, Textile paints, Embossing powders, Lutradur, Bondaweb, Mistyfuse, Transfoils, Markals, Gesso.

Workshop 2

3D Fabric Medium

Learn how to use this expanding medium on fabric, paper & card.

You will use a variety of techniques, e.g.freehand, stamping, stencilling, etc; learn all the hints &  tips and eventually add colour, sparkle and stitch to your samples.

During the workshop you will create a piece of fabric or paper suitable for use as a bookwrap.

Workshop 3

Transfer Dyes

How much fun can you have with some photocopying paper and an iron?

Using vibrant jewel colours; colour and pattern backgrounds for a finished item on synthetic fabrics.

You can use now use transfer dyes on cotton and other natural fabrics with the aid of a specially formulated product and this will also be explored in this workshop

Workshop 4

Fabric Painting & Printing

Using highly pigmented fabric paints to create backgrounds for a variety of fabrics. You will paint, print and stamp fabrics using a selection of techniques on various fabrics, both wet and dry, - to stunning effect!

Workshop 5

Simple Screen Printing

A simple but effective way of screen printing for fabrics and papers using greaseproof paper and a window squeegee. You will begin with a design source or image, learn how to cut out a stencil, "charge" the screen and begin printing your own designs.

Workshop 6

Faux Leather Handbag

Do you know how versatile brown parcel paper can be? Using paints and waxes for strength, turn a sheet of brown paper into a piece of "faux" leather. You will be layering colours to create a coloured leather effect and using this to make up a bag, wallet and a piece of "bag candy".

Workshop 7

Treasure Necklace

Design a one off necklace using "found" & made items. The made items will be constructed from mixed media products e.g. Gels, Tyvek, Textile paints, etc. to make handmade beads and artifacts. You will re-construct the "found" and made items into a contemporary and up to the minute accessory.

Workshop 8

Handmade Books

Come along and learn how to make a hard back book that can be covered with a paper or fabric of your choice and contain a handmade, deckle-edged paper or smooth, cut edged cartridge paper block.

Workshop 9

Altered Art

Most of us are passionate about books, bags, etc., sometimes it is the shape, size, colour or decoration that evokes a response and by using paints, gels, found items, etc you can "alter" and create a stunning one-off artifact that captures a particular mood or time.

Workshop 10

Textures

Create stunning effects on paper, card and fabric using Gels, Gesso, PVA. The Gels, etc can be used "au naturel", can be coloured with textile paints, inks, etc., have lustre powders and sparkle added, be washed over with more colour, stitched, layered with more gel, etc to create loads of colour and texture.

Workshop 11

Transferring Images & Text

You often find images and text that you would like to be able to transfer to fabrics, papers, etc. In this workshop, you will learn how to transfer text and images by a variety of methods. Final surfaces can be used to create book covers, cushions, panels, etc.

Image by Terri Saunders. One of a number of images transferred using Bubblejet Set 2000 from here work about the homeless in Wales. -

Workshop 12

Dyeing

Learn how to use dyes "our way"! You will use thickened dyes to print and paint fabrics and "pre-treated" fabrics that provide an easy way to paint, tie-dye, space dye, etc.