SOLD OUT Straw Embroidery with Claire de Waard

Location: 86 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TE

Duration: Taught over two day sessions

Indulge in the revival of a unique craft with embroiderer Claire de Waard in this exclusive class on straw embroidery.

Rooted in the 17th-century Swiss cottage industry, straw craft has seen a modern resurgence thanks to devoted researchers and practitioners.

In this class, participants will explore the fundamentals of working with wheat and rye straw, unlocking the intricate textures and stitches inherent to this unique medium while gradually advancing their skills. Drawing from traditional embroidery techniques such as Goldwork and Raised Embroidery, participants will explore additional skills including straw marquetry and plaiting, expanding their creative repertoire.

The sampler is designed to equip participants with a diverse skill set, allowing individuals to reimagine their creative practice through the lens of natural fibres and execute their own designs should they wish to do so.

Throughout the weekend, you will be able to manipulate sample pieces from the artist’s portfolio, in addition to accessing a curated collection of inspiration, bibliography, and supply list. Join us for an enriching exploration to unlock the beauty and versatility of straw embroidery under the guidance of a passionate maker.

DAY ONE:
Introduction to straw, how to prepare it and the tools needed.
Creating elements to use for embellishment: straw marquetry for sequins; plaiting; 3D leaf / petal shapes.
Starting to stitch: creating 3 types of flowers mixing straw and beading to create petals.

DAY TWO:
Re-thinking embroidery stitches: Pekinese stitch & threaded running stitch, using straw ribbons and thread.
Goldwork through the medium of straw : working over felt and cane padding to create traditional goldwork like textures.
Raised embroidery : creating an embellished acorn.

Note: both natural and dyed straw will be used throughout the class, as well as PVA glue. Although I have never experienced allergic reactions, please do not hesitate to contact me if having a topical reaction is a concern you have, or for any other question - clairedewaard.contact@gmail.com

Tutor Profile

Claire de Waard is a Hand Embroidery Artist and Maker specialising in straw work. Her practice is a fusion of specialist embroidery techniques with inspiration drawn from diverse disciplines like basketry and marquetry, resulting in surfaces and objects at the intersection of design, art and craft.

Central to her approach is the use of traditional techniques, reframed through the medium of wheat and rye straw. Claire is especially drawn to the material’s modest origin, her aesthetic deeply intertwined with domestic practical crafts which go beyond historical and geographical boundaries.

Upon graduating in 2017 in Hand Embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework, Claire went on to work as an embroiderer for fashion brands such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Ralph & Russo, including VIP events, notably music world tour outfits, royal weddings and coronations.

Her own practice led her to feature in Madame Figaro Japon in 2022. She was notably commissioned to craft life-size embroidered bees for the World Health Organization pavilion at COP27 by the arts studio Invisible Flock, a project subsequently showcased at the Land Body Ecologies festival at the Wellcome Collection, London in 2023.

Claire is honoured to be the current recipient of the Worshipful Company of Broderers award at Cockpit Arts, London.

Location

You can find us at 86 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TE

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Accessibility

Our in person classes are taught in our school which is located upstairs in our studio. Unfortunately the building does not have lift access, so use of the stairs would be necessary.

Testimonials

If you would like to hear from some of our past students you can read our testimonials here.

For more information about our courses check out our FAQ here.