This week I was back running workshops - albeit a little baby hour and a half workshop! We did end up overrunning as we were having such fun chattering and stitching (even me as it was a little class so I could sit and sew too) and could probably have gone on way longer if they hadn't been running late for the hot lunch provided.
Victoria Pavilion Arts is a project run by the Sussex Support Service CIC in Uckfield. Their website introduces them as passionately believing that art has the ability to make people feel good, build confidence and connect with others. They essentially link those who are often excluded, with artists and crafters through activities, workshops and participatory experiences, which also helps to promote and provide opportunities for people like me. Proceeds go back into the project so that they can continue to provide for the community so it's a lovely thing to be involved in.
It was a nice session for me to ease back in to running workshops and I was able to put together little packs where the backing fabric was already in the hoops ready to go, and there were four different festive fabrics in each pack that you could choose to keep or you could swap out for another one. Putting fabrics into a ready pack often helps to kick start inspiration as, most of the time in regular, day long, workshops is taken up by people trying to glean inspiration from thin air - which isn't always easy!! If the fabrics are already there, you can instinctively say whether or not you like them and either go with them or swap one or two around. It's a much quicker process.
The Christmas hoops use my Stitchscape techniques but don't create a picture postcard scene that my bigger pieces do. They are designed to just be pretty and to sparkle and look nice so they are fun to make too. In each pack there are also print outs to take home so that you can finish your hoop ready in time for Christmas!
The below photos (and the one above) were taken by Helen of Victoria Pavilion Arts so I've 'borrowed' them from their Facebook page. The one above really sums up how nice and cheerful the workshop was - we discussed all sorts of topics; from the loftiness of some Fine Art institutions, to experiences of driving around local roads, and the near-biblical wet weather we've been having, a truly British topic of conversation. There were lots of laughs and it was just so relaxing.
I didn't get a chance to whiz round at the end and grab photos of everyone's work, but I am back there on the 16th November for another session, which can either be a continuation of this one if we get some repeat customers, or a starter session for newbies, and I will do my best to photograph what's created next time. Better still, why don't you sign up to come along?
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