Connect with the seasonal plants around you through exploration of the art of weaving.
This two-and-a-half hour led workshop will take you on an introductory foraging walk of local surroundings, and instruct you in the practice of weaving. You will create a number of textile art pieces that reflect the environment and cycles you are in.
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Time: 2.5 hour session
Cost: £35 (see buy one give one details below)
Date: Sunday 6th August 2023. 2pm-4.30pm.
Location: Meet at Hackney Wick overground station. Session will be led in Wick Woodland/Hackney Marshes/Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Group size: maximum 6 -
What weaving is
Appropriate materials and equipment for this practice
Various methods of creating a loom from scratch, along with how to warp a traditional lap loom
Techniques involved in weaving, and specifically those using nature’s materials
Seasonal plant signs and introduction to plants found within and around the session area
Foraging best practice and safety considerations
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Guidance on the art and function of weaving
All finished works are yours to keep
All required loaned tools (snips, loom, board, sundry materials, gloves)
An insight and built connection with the local environment and seasonal planting
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Meeting at Hackney Wick overground station, we’ll take a stroll along the River Lea towpath towards Wick Woodland and Hackney Marshes to our session spot (around 25 minutes). Here you will be invited to take a five-minute “sit spot” to settle into the space and session. We will head back to this start location at the end of the session, so allowing you chance to enjoy a different light and temperature, before making your way home.
Some time will be spent introducing you to weaving and appropriate materials, safety considerations for using tools, and foraging guidelines and best practice.
You will then have around 70 minutes to explore and forage materials for your woven nature creations. There will be opportunity to create various options, all shown by instruction, and dependent on your wants for the session. All works are yours to keep. Materials will be provided, and inspiration will be given to help you in presenting and storing your work. -
Please note, this is not a fabric weaving session. We will be using materials on offer by nature, for instance grass stems and leaves, to build up a woven piece, but it will not be functional in the usual textile sense.
You will be guided through various weaving options, including techniques to create your own looms, but time spent on each will be guided by the group’s desires.We will cover:
⇾ A simple cardboard loom⇾ Spontaneous branch loom
⇾ Rectangle branch frame loom
⇾ Traditional ready-made lap loom
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Book here.
You will receive a confirmation email with location details and suggestions on clothing to wear/bring.
*I operate a Buy-One-Give-One model. This means that you can purchase an additional ticket to support someone on low income or referred through an art therapy route. You can simply purchase a ‘buy-one-give-one’ ticket, or make a donation that will be used towards a full ticket cost for future use by someone.
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This session does involve walking to the main session location, however, the route will be accessible for wheelchair users. There could be some uneven ground due to the towpath and park paths.
The hope is that there will be fresh cut logs to sit on, but you are suggested to bring a camping chair or stool if you have one, or otherwise please bring a blanket or pad to increase the comfort of wood. You will be provided with a board to rest your work on so standing during the session may not be comfortable.
Dexterity is required to get the most out of weaving, however, there are weave options with wider spacing to aid in the movement so support can be given.
Foraging does require dexterity and some bending or reaching. I will be available to guide and support with this, along with providing tools i.e. snips. If you have specific hand tools you like to use for gardening, please bring them along. I will endeavour to find suitable spots that will support in your enjoyment of the practice of foraging.
Gardening gloves will be provided to allow you to forage safely. They are cotton and rubber. If you have your own, or have specific textile allergies, please do bring them to aid in your comfort.
The session will be completed in English. If you are hearing impaired, you are welcome to attend; I will be able to practically show you the art and can give you a handout on the instructions, though please note it will be difficult when walking to and from the session to provide personal support due to the narrowness of paths and giving overall group support.
This session is aimed at adults, due to the focus required (13+ year old teenagers are welcome). If you would like to bring your child along, please email first to check capacity.
We will be operating in the outdoors. Some shelter under trees could be found, but please be aware that it is your responsibility to dress appropriately for the weather - whether rainy or sunny. See below section on ‘cancellations’.
If you have any concerns or requirements upfront, please email hello@stephaniesteele.co.uk
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⇾ I am DBS certified.
⇾ I am not first aid qualified just yet, but will bring a full first aid kit.
⇾ Toilets are available at Queen’s Wood café, or in the bushes. Highgate station does not have restrooms.
⇾ You are welcome to omit the walk back to the start location at the end of the workshop. -
Weather: If the weather is due to be stormy, then I will email to give updates on required clothing or cancellation. Unfortunately this is a case-by-case basis, but I will aim to give you two days notice. You can then choose to book onto a new date, I’ll create a session especially for the group, or to receive a full refund (minus booking fees).
Personal: If you are unable to attend for personal reasons, please respect that I am a sole business owner and give at least two days notice. If you do not cancel with good reason in time, you will not be eligible for a refund.
Covid: If you contract Covid-19 and have a positive lateral flow or PCR, I can provide a full refund (minus booking fees). Please still give notice as this helps me book up the slot.
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