Just spent a fab weekend at Letchworth Arts Festival doing a new workshop I've devised call 'Weave with Nature'. It ticks all my boxes - bringing greenwood, natural materials, colour and a good organic measure of creativity into the mix. The idea of this workshop is to encourage people to get into natural materials, and enjoy natural fibres, plants, textures and colours. I am basically providing a creative space for people to play and explore.'Weave with Nature'
It's a 'hands on' activity for all kids and adults of all ages using natural materials to weave a 'freeform' weaving. This informal activity encourages people to engage with natural materials in a creative way.
I provide a few free standing upright panels which I warp to provide weaving spaces for a communal artwork. Into these people can weave sticks, leaves, flowers, herbs, grasses, washed sheep wools (some dyed with natural dyes), seed pods and anything that I have collected that morning from the surrounding area.
It makes a very nice seasonal activity which grows into an artwork over the day as people add to it. People can join in and stay for however long they like.Alternatively people can make their own natural weaving on a forked stick frame to take away with them.
It is a useful educational tool to discuss where things like wool comes from, or what plants make a natural dye colour, what plants smell and feel like etc..as well as playing with colour and pattern. Many people said they were inspired by the idea to go away and try this at home (which is what I was hoping for), and the effect with the natural materials was also delightful. It was great to see the kids walking around the festival with their own natural weaving artwork, which brought other kids in looking to make their own.
It is suitable for country fairs, festivals, shows or school workshops - indoors
or outdoors and will reflect the seasons.
If you are interested in booking this workshop or would like me to devise another similar activity, please contact me at art@elizabethcadd.co.uk
Tel 07583635994.
I am based near Ellesmere, North Shropshire and can travel.
There is a flat rate charge to the organizer per day to cover all materials that might be
used. If you wish to keep the panels of artworks as a legacy of the day
they can also be purchased for a small fee - this primarily covers the
cost of making the rustic frames.
Do get in touch, I am very excited about how this workshop can inspire people!
