Design - where to start?

Tips and Tricks for Design - 16 March 2012

Are you are fed up with project work designed by someone else, have a head full of creative ideas but don't really know where to start? Then this could be the workshop to get you going. 

Throughout the day we will be doing some hands on exercises which will boost your confidence and give you ways of developing the things that inspire you. To make it more personal and to give yourself a starting point bring along some images to work with you, they could be photographs, clippings from magazines or a handful of sea shells, maybe all three it doesn't matter. The only thing that really matters is an open mind and a need to create, there will be different media available to try out and you will be guided through different approaches to help you find the one you are most comfortable with. 

The one thing we guarantee is a relaxing fun day and you never know this could be the start of a whole new adventure.

Previous student's 'line' themed inspiration and work.

Studio 15 is hoping to offer follow on design workshop throughout the year building gradually a deeper understanding and skill level.

We're all about sharing ideas.

Studio 15 is not just a business for us it's a way of life, making, sharing, learning, inspiring each other with new ideas and possibilities. We know that all you crafters and artists are always on the lookout for new approaches and techniques so with that in mind here's a little sugar to sweeten your day!


DIY MOLESKIN NOTEBOOK.


We love Moleskin notebooks, a good old fashioned notebook in your pocket to scribble down those ideas that pop into your head so when we came across this idea from www.honestlywtf.com we thought we'd move the idea right along the line to you.


 You will need: a kraft brown moleskin notebook of any size, a piece of fabric, a glue stick and a pair of scissors.

Start by cutting down your fabric to a size that is small enough to fit on your notebook. We cut a 2.5″ x 5″ rectangle for the pocket sized book and 3″ x 8″ rectangle for the larger book. Glue your fabric to the front cover of your notebook. Start stitching along the edge of the fabric, leaving a small seam. Leaving your needle in the down position, turn your notebook 90 degrees and continue these steps until all four sides are stitched. Knot the ends and trim any excess threads.

It’s possible you won’t be able to stop yourself from sewing fabric to paper…it’s that addicting. The possibilities are endless and you really can’t go wrong with this project. We love the raw edges but of course, you can fold your edges under before sewing. You can also try experimenting with patchwork, using more than one fabric.

Have fun making these simple individual little books and while away a few hours exploring the fab blog at www.honestlywtf.com 

Pretty Patchwork.

PATCHWORK WITH A TWIST.

2nd March.








Log Cabin Patchwork is a very old form of block making for quilts. In this workshop we will be learning how to cut and make the block in its traditional form. You will have the choice of stitching it by hand or on the sewing machine. Studio15 will provide sewing machines, however, you are more than welcome to bring your own if you prefer. We want you to be confident and happy, and not struggling to master a strange sewing machine if you are a beginner to this craft. 


'What about the new look' I hear you cry! Once you have constructed your block, we will explore combining techniques such as applique, embroidery and fabric collage to give this beautiful old design a new and contemporary twist.

Image- Traditional quilt block from Redpepper Quilts.

Three super ideas from Mandy Pattullo.

Vintage Love ♥

ITS ALL ABOUT VINTAGE.
Session 3 : 23rd March.








In this workshop we will be making a beautiful cafe curtain, one of those wonderful little half curtains that afford you a bit more privacy and give your house that romantic old worldly feel. Or maybe you would rather make a snowflake doily window hanging, hard to choose I know!

Using old embroidered cloths and doilies, muslin and voile we will be celebrating the skills of the past and honouring the makers of these beautiful old linens. As usual all materials will be provided but if you have some special items that you love or have a sentimental meaning for you please feel free to bring them along.

These curtains can be hand or machine stitched. Sewing machines will be provided by Studio 15, however, if you wish to bring along your own sewing machine that you know so well, feel free to do so.

Vintage Love ♥

ITS ALL ABOUT VINTAGE.
Session 2: 9 March 2012









In this workshop we will be using retro and vintage fabrics to make an original shoulder bag. Have fun choosing just the right colour, just the right design and those special extra bits that will make this  bag totally personal and a joy to use. We will teach you the basic techniques, offer suggestions as to how you can adapt the pattern to change the look, and wave you goodbye, the proud owner of a hand crafted beauty and a head full of ideas.

Beautiful inspirational images thanks to www.dottieangel.blogspot.com

Vintage Love ♥

IT'S ALL ABOUT VINTAGE.

24th February-9th March-23rd March.

We are running a series of three vintage themed workshops. In each session we will be making different projects completed on the day. It is up to you whether you join us for all three (subject to bookings) or just come to the ones that you fancy. I'm guessing that if you love vintage fabrics like I do and have plenty at home you'll be wanting some ideas of how you can use them, well we have ideas a plenty. What will we be making I hear you cry!

Session 1 : 24 February 2012
You will be transforming some pretty old linen doillies and tray cloths into a beautiful needle case which will bring you pleasure every time you use it or maybe you would prefer to make a lovely case for your embroidery scissors.These simple little items will make your craft box just a little bit more special, or make fantastic gifts.