Ruthin Craft Centre
The Centre for the Applied Arts

Gallery Talk with Aelwyd curator

Join exhibition curator, Elen Bonner, to explore how contemporary craft objects, through their material, making, story or use, can nurture a deep-rooted sense of belonging.

Kitchen Dramas with Mai Thomas

Why not join our team of makers this summer and make your own crafty object inspired by the Aelwyd exhibition in gallery 2.

In this workshop, a kitchen table will become an imaginary stage on which to design and make your own theatrical props. You will take the shapes and functions of everyday cutlery as inspiration, and use natural materials to make your own knives, forks and spoons. Setting the table at home will take on a whole new meaning. Let the dramas unfold!

Please call to book a place. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Create a bespoke Papercut with Helen Flynn

Helen will lead you through the process of creating a bespoke papercut to celebrate a special occasion. Inspired by textile ‘samplers’, you’ll create a unique artwork incorporating personal details alongside traditional symbols and motifs. You may wish to bring a photograph of your home or lines from a poem or song to include in your design.
All tools and materials will be provided.

Suitable for those with no previous experience.

Aelwyd exhibition linked workshop – sponsored by Nythu

Weave a ‘Ring Nest’ with Rosie Farey

During this one-day workshop Rosie will introduce you to basic rush weaving techniques including check weave, pairing and weaving a track border – giving you the skills and confidence to make your very own ‘ring nest’, decorated with bulrush flowers.
All tools and materials will be provided.

Suitable for those with no previous experience.

Aelwyd exhibition linked workshop – sponsored by Nythu

3 day Papier Mâché workshop with Julie Arkell

In this 3 day workshop you will make animal creatures and construct environments for them to live in. Using paper, glue, cardboard, wire and the techniques of Papier Mâché to form their bodies and fabric, paints and wool for their clothes and features.

Due to popular demand, bookings for Julie Arkell’s workshop will take place from 10.30am on Wednesday 3 July 2019 via phone only. Please call 01824 704774. Bookings will be taken on a first come first serve basis.

Portfolio Tasters – FOR 11–14 YEAR OLDS

Following the success of our Portfolio Taster sessions last year, we are again offering 1-day Taster workshops this year with professional makers for young people aged 11–14.

block 1: Charles Gershom
Experimental Photography Workshop EXPIRED
Wednesday 7 August
11.00am – 4.00pm

block 2: Kate Barlow
Textile/Embroidery Workshop EXPIRED
Wednesday 14 August
11.00am – 4.00pm

block 3: Juliette Hamilton
3D Willow Sculpture Workshop
Wednesday 21 August
11.00am – 4.00pm

You can pick and choose between 3 blocks; each 1-day is £10 or attend all 3 blocks (3 workshops) for £25.

For details on how to book your place call 01824 704774.

Portfolio Tasters – block 3: Juliette Hamilton

During this workshop you’ll make a large majestic bumble bee out of willow. Using different colours of willow to create the stripes of the bee and different sculptural techniques for its body parts giving you a range of experience with willow weaving. Come prepared to work hard but it will be worth it!

For details on how to book your place call 01824 704774.

Treasure Baskets – For babies and toddlers

Unleash your child’s curiosity as we create and build all sorts of different environments for your little one to explore, play and make with sensory artist Ticky Lowe this summer.

Stories in stitch with Jessie Chorley

This workshop will focus on Jessie’s signature hand embroidered illustrations incorporating embroidered lettering and appliqué techniques.

This workshop will start with a simple talk and demonstration by Jessie about how to start your own embroidered stories in stitch. Jessie will then go on to direct you as a group and individually, as she helps you to create your own story in her signature style of stitch and appliqué.

You will be working on a natural linen fabric as your base, and to let your story unfold on and in to. You will be shown by Jessie various favourite stitch techniques, including her signature style of couching, running, stem and back stitch and simple needle turned appliqué to create your own stitched stories and imagines directly in and on to your base cloth.

Some basic sewing skills are essential for this workshop.

2 day workshop with Anne Kelly

In this two day course with author, artist and tutor Anne Kelly you will be working from your choice of house or place (building) that holds a special memory for you. We will start by using basic but effective techniques taken from her books. Anne will show you how to create a mixed media collage using items from your collections and charity shop finds. Your piece will be embellished and richly decorated to create a special souvenir or gift. It can be added to a larger piece at a later date if desired. A full list of materials and equipment will be sent to you prior to the workshop. Sewing machines are helpful but not essential.

What to bring? Materials List
A selection of plain and printed fabrics (small pieces relevant to the theme)
Plain fabric (cotton mix or calico), small pieces – no larger than 40×40 cm
Scalpel and cutting mat
Ribbon or lace scraps – small buttons
Pritt/glue stick
Pencil
Paper scissors and an A4 sheet cartridge paper
Printing blocks
Acrylic or fabric paint (small amount) and small pieces of sponge
Sewing kit for hand stitching
Fabric Scissors
Pins
Sewing machine and selection of sewing machine thread

To book your place please call 01824 704774

Come and learn at Ruthin Craft Centre with wonderful, knowledgeable tutors in a relaxed learning atmosphere.
With lunches available from Café R with courtyard terrace and plenty of free on-site parking – it really is a wonderful environment to meet like-minded people and study. Courses are non-residential however excellent accommodation abounds in Ruthin and nearby. View the Visit Wales website for details. www.visitwales.co.uk

Unless otherwise stated, all talks, events and workshops must be 
booked in advance. Fees are required to be paid in full at the time
 of booking. Cancellation of a place by a course member does not
 automatically qualify for a refund. Some courses may be altered
or cancelled if there are insufficient enrolments.