Beyond the Botanicals 2 day textile art
An immersive two-day workshop in expressive mixed-media textile art.
Discover a contemporary approach to botanical art by blending paint, stitch, and texture to create richly layered, atmospheric works. In this inspiring two-day workshop, textile artist Ellie Hipkin will guide you through the process of transforming fabric into expressive botanical pieces using painted textures, free-motion embroidery, hand stitching, and delicate beadwork.
The heart of this workshop lies in a unique technique: rather than stitching the botanical forms themselves, you will learn to work within the negative space. By layering paint and stitch around your subject, you will allow shadowy, ethereal silhouettes to emerge from the background, creating artwork with profound depth, movement, and a modern sensibility.
Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced maker looking to refine your signature style, this workshop invites you to embrace playful experimentation and creative freedom.
What will we cover?
Day 1: Foundation and Form
Begin by exploring the expressive possibilities of textile paints on canvas, developing your unique marks and textures. You will then transfer a botanical design—either from your own photograph or one of Ellie’s curated selections—onto your painted fabric. The focus will then shift to the core technique: painting into the negative space to let your botanical shapes emerge.
Day 2: Texture and Dimension
The second day is dedicated to bringing your piece to life. You will add tactile depth to your negative space through a combination of simple free-motion embroidery, intricate hand stitching, and delicate beadwork, resulting in a finished work that is as much about texture as it is about form.
How will I be taught?
In our light and airy studio by a local textile artist and tutor
Do I need any previous experience or skills?
No experienced is required, all artistic abilities are welcome.
Are materials provided? Is there anything I need to source myself?
All materials are provided, but please bring an apron. A sewing machine is needed for the second day and you can use a garden centre to trolley to bring it through or you are welcome to use a studio machine.
What will I take home with me?
Your own piece of textile art along with your practice pieces.
Refreshments
Drinks and biscuits will be available but we recommend that you bring a packed lunch with you.
Photography
During all of our workshops photographs are taken for promotional purposes only. Please make us aware at the time of booking if you would prefer not to be included.
Tutor
Ellie fell in love with textile art at school and was drawn back to it after 15 years studying and working in fashion design. Inspired by the calming power of nature on the South Downs and the Sussex coastline, Ellie paints directly onto raw canvas, cottons and silks. She uses natural finds gathered on family walks - such as grasses, seed heads and feathers - to add monoprinting effects, then uses free motion embroidery to add a final layer of texture and detail. Ellie loves sharing these skills in her textile art courses. She sells her own artwork through www.elliehipkinart.com and runs Flourish Textile Art hub at www.flourish-hub.com.
