This workshop will focus on a process of creating Artwork for Stitched Textiles. Through observation of local natural objects we will begin by drawing, mark making and collage. From the outcomes of these initial exercises we will continue to explore design possibilities together with your own personal ideas and inspiration. The process will evolve into the translation of some of these ideas into stitched textile pieces including fabric collage and hand stitching.

Aimed at the intermediate level of expertise though beginners would benefit by this very contemporary approach to creating Artwork for Textiles.

Based on ancient felting techniques we will use simple techniques to combine wool and silk to make rich sumptuous 'fabrics'. These fabrics are ideal to use in art quilts and garments. We will cover felt making techniques, dyeing wools and silks and explore uses of colour effects and surface treatments of the fabrics with dyes and/or pigment inks.

If shoe shopping is arduous because of your foot size or shape, or if you like to make a statement with footwear, Yvonne's workshop is for you. Make side-opening shoes or centre opening low ankle boots or slip on scuffs or sandals. Yvonne encourages you to create choosing a combination of leathers, colours and trims. All materials will be supplied. No previous knowledge is required. Expect to make two pairs of shoes.

Tools may be purchased (approximately $20.) at end of workshop.

Bright lights, curtain calls, costume design, the theatre - these are some of the many aspects that surround Christine's role as the Head Milliner with Opera Australia. In 1999 Christine worked as Assistant Milliner on the film Moulin Rouge, creating the black velvet top hat worn by Nicole Kidman in publicity shots. With qualifications obtained through TAFE NSW, as well as extensive experience in the industry, Christine is passionate about promoting the art of millinery and passing her skills onto others.

Christine's workshop is devoted to trimmings and the wonderful effects achieved using ribbons, fabrics, feathers, veiling and more. Techniques covered include silk bias rose and carnation with leaves, cubist and pentagon rose; ribbon trims - braiding, rosettes, fringing; ribbon flowers - starflower, folded ribbon flower, fuchsia and rose; fabric bows - single and double, with different types of tails, curling and cutting feathers into shape, also includes feather flowers; pom-poms and tassels; creating with crinoline and veiling - bows, distressing, organic shapes.

Participants will be encouraged to experiment with combinations and start to build their own library of ideas to be used as resources for future projects. All techniques covered are suitable for hats, bags and clothing. Some trimmings can become so spectacular they can be mounted on a simple comb or hair clip and worn as a hair accessory. All levels of experience welcome in this class. No materials fee but veiling and crinoline (approx $4 - $5 per metre) and feathers will be available for sale.

Artists care about topics personal and individual. They make marks uniquely theirs. Exploring and intentionally refining these aspects of art making leads to a deep satisfaction with one's work. In Jane's workshop analyse and refine both topic and mark through a series of written and visual exercises and through discussion. The goal is a series of images capable of fuelling studio work - textile, embroidery, collage or painting.

Please note: Jane's workshop is conducted on and uses paper.

Marie-Therese Wisniowski works full time as a studio artist, researcher, teacher and author while maintaining Art Quill Studio at Arcadia Vale in New South Wales. She specialises in the area of ArtCloth and limited edition prints and has created two new silkscreening techniques - 'Matrix Formatting' and 'Mulitplexing' which she employs in her works. Her current work explores contemporary themes employing dyeing, stenciling, handpainting, digital imaging and silkscreen printing to explore issues via her large format ArtCloth works. Marie-Therese's ArtCloth and works on paper have been widely exhibited nationally and internationally and are held in major public and private collections in Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Ireland, Sweden, Thailand and the USA.

Create unique, one-of-a-kind dyed fabrics of great depth and patterning which can be used in quilted, painted or stitched works. This two-day workshop is dedicated to exploring and mastering immersion dyeing and overdyeing, low water immersion dyeing, tray dyeing, special effects dyeing and hand painting using fibre reactive MX dyes.Using a variety of fibres so that dye colour comparisons using different fibres can be made. All levels of experience welcome to the two-day workshop.