Cutting with Scissors: Matisse Inspired Collage: 18/19/20 October 2025: Deposit

In this 3 day workshop we will be channeling our inner Matisse, together with scissors and paper, to first design, and then create an abstract fabric collage, which can then be stitched, either by machine or hand. 

We will start on day 1 by immersing ourselves in some of Matisse own collages, and identifying patterns and especially colours. Using this information, we will paint papers to use and start cutting shapes to create designs. Using either a sketchbook or sheets of cartridge paper, we will work up a variety of possible designs. We will then choose a favourite to move into fabric. 

We will use the same paint to colour our fabric and then work with heat n bond ( or bondaweb if you prefer) to create our final fabric piece. Ideas for stitching this will be discussed and your piece can be taken home to stitch by hand or machine. 

No previous experience is needed - just a willingness to play and experiment 

We will be in the newly refurbished function room at the Needle Museum in Redditch, with numbers limited to 8, so there is plenty of space for all of us to work 

I will provide paints and papers - all you will need to bring will be some white material, heat n bond and some felt or thin wadding 

Lunch, plus tea, coffee and biscuits are all also included in the price

This is a non residentail retreat, but many students will stay over. There is a Premier Inn, plus Beefeater restaurant within walking distance of the venue, where Hilary and many of the students often stay.

Cost is £100/day, whcih include lunch, refreshments, paints/dyes and tuition. Your deposit pays for day 1.  The remaining sum will be payable in September 2025