Our Certificate & Diploma Online Tuition is going from strength to strength and we would love for even more C&D students to be part of the online journey with us.

With the start of a new year and for those who have not yet begun their C&D online learning, we have collated three very different stories and experiences from current students, located in different parts of the world: Australia, the UK and America.  Meet C&D Students: Louise Sinopidis; Diana Craven and Denise Kristof who have changed their in-person tuition to online.

LOUISE SINOPIDIS FROM VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
Louise completed her Certificate in Technical Hand Embroidery during the Summer Intensive programmes in 2018 and 2019: Jacobean Crewelwork and Canvaswork pieces in 2018, and Silk Shading and Goldwork pieces in 2019.

Louise says: “I was ecstatic when the RSN decided to teach C&D Online and I booked straight away.  It felt so long ago when I completed my final two Certificate modules during the 2019 Summer Intensive, with plans to save and return to Hampton Court in 2021.  Being nervous and hesitant, I joined Zoom for my first class in October. My iPad is setup next to my trestle and I take photos which I send via WhatsApp.  This makes for a smooth class where you can’t get away with anything from the Tutor who is able to enlarge the photos!

Prior to my first class, I was in touch with the Education Department to obtain the brief for both Appliqué and Tapestry Shading, to think about appropriate designs. RSN Tutor Angela Bishop reviewed my designs and confirmed what would work, which inspired me to shop for the required materials for the vintage ‘Uncle Tobys Oats’ Appliqué design. (Uncle Tobys has been processing oats since 1893, sourced from local farmers in Australia.)

Having only ever completed the Summer Intensive classes at Hampton Court, I was not used to waiting an entire week to ask questions to continue with a technique, and it took me several weeks to get into the flow. Now, however, I appreciate all the practice time I have between classes to try different ideas and I love my current pace!

I completed several classes, with a few weeks where I was taking two classes in a week, which was way too much!  I have now found my balance, having a weekly class to continue my Appliqué piece whilst preparing my ‘Queen Esther’ Tapestry Shading design. Tea breaks are great during the class, as us Aussies/New Zealanders are winding down with a glass of wine!

Although I miss the beautiful Hampton Court Palace environment, the advantages of saving money in flights, accommodation and meals, whilst still being able to look after my ageing parents, has me hooked!

Not only do I receive fabulous advice for my project, but I am also able to enjoy seeing what the other class members are working on. I’ve had to educate my dad when I’m taking the class, so he doesn’t interrupt to ask me to go shopping, and Tuesday evening is now considered ‘my time’ for approximately 3.5 hours!”

You can view Louisa’s work in the C&D Online End of Year Show 2020.

DIANA CRAVEN FROM HAMPSHIRE IN THE UK
Diana started the Certificate at RSN Bristol in 2018.  Prior to lockdown, Diana had completed her Jacobean Crewelwork and Canvaswork modules.

Diana explains: “I was in a difficult position when I started online learning. I had only done a couple of sessions on my Goldwork before lockdown, put my work away, and I was finding it hard. I didn’t want to attend in-person classes, being worried about potential infection so I was delighted when online learning started. I was, however, concerned about spending the whole day on Zoom, and tried out some shorter classes to get used to online learning. So, when I started C&D Online I felt prepared.

I started my online learning in November and, by mid-December, I had two sessions two weeks apart. My Tutor, Lisa Bilby, manages Zoom very well and has supported me for my IT skills (I use an iPad Pro for the Zoom class) as well as for my embroidery!

In many ways, it’s just like a normal C&D day; Lisa gives each student one-to-one time to get them started for the day. Her demonstrations are clear and easily seen on screen – better than in real life – and she is there throughout the day to answer questions. I send Lisa frequent photos of my work so that she can check that I’m doing ok.  Lisa has recognised that I’m struggling a little with Goldwork and gives me clear instructions to work in baby steps, and I send frequent images via WhatsApp. We can enlarge the photos and look at my work in great detail. It’s a bit alarming, but very useful! Before the end of the session Lisa gives each student more one-to-one time to set their homework and to ensure they know what they’re doing.

It’s such a joy to be stitching and making progress again with RSN in such a safe way. Finally, at the end of a hard day’s work there is no tedious commute home. I enjoy working this way so much so that I would prefer to remain with online classes even when we are able to meet in person again.”

Images below of Diana’s Jacobean Crewelwork ‘Tree of Life’ and Father Christmas in Canvaswork

DENISE KRISTOF FROM PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
Denise started her RSN Certificate journey during the Intensive program in Williamsburg, VA, USA, in May 2017, and has since learned during the Summer Intensive program at Hampton Court Palace. Denise has completed the Certificate, is currently working through the Appliqué technique with C&D Online Tuition, and has two more modules to complete for the Diploma; she is planning to do Canvas Stitches and Creative Metal Thread.

Denise says: “I started my online study of Appliqué in November, 2020 and I’ve been taking online classes once a week since then.  There are advantages to studying stitching online.  Since I live in the United States, my previous study with the RSN has been limited to the ‘Intensive program’.  You can tackle a more difficult or involved project online than in an Intensive because you have more time; you can stretch your course for a longer period of time.

Another advantage is that you do not have to drag your slate frame through an airport, or to and from Hampton Court Palace.  You just set up your studio and stitch in your comfy clothes and fuzzy slippers!  You can pull from your stash at home during the evolution of your project, allowing you more creativity.  You do not have to pay for extra heavy luggage because you have to bring all your bits and bobs, and potentially forget that one irreplaceable, unique item you wanted to include.

The major disadvantage of online classes is that you are not at Hampton Court Palace!  Your own workspace is cosy but, let’s face it, studying at Hampton Court Palace is unique and indescribably exquisite!

It is surprisingly easy to take online classes.  I use an iPad but you can use a laptop computer or a desktop computer.  You need to download the Zoom app., which is free and easy to download, and your Tutor will send you an email with a hyperlink.  Clicking on that hyperlink will connect you directly to the Zoom meeting.  In addition, I have downloaded WhatsApp on to my cell phone which allows me to share pictures of my work with my Tutor, almost instantaneously, allowing for discussion right away.  Those photos can be enlarged to show more detail than visible with the naked eye.

I am grateful to the RSN for offering online learning, especially during this pandemic.  I hope to take more classes even after I earn my Diploma – both online and at Hampton Court Palace.”

See image of below of Denise’s Stumpwork project.

You can book your C&D Online class, via Bookeo.

New Students to the C&D can register here.

There is also a dedicated C&D Online Tuition Q&A session that we hosted back in October which you can find on our YouTube channel.

If you have any queries, please email: [email protected]

Treat yourself to some stitch time at home and join us for one of our Live Online Classes.  We have a few remaining spaces on the following Day and Evening classes this January.  (NB: UK Times are listed and all classes are online)

10am – 4pm, Thur 14 and Fri 15 January:  Drawing Basics for Beginners

An introduction on the most fundamental skills of drawing and seeing as an artist.

 

10am – 4pm, Friday 22 January: Silk Shaded Daisy

Learn how to blend different shades of coloured threads to create the classic 3D appearance of ‘painting with a needle’.  As this is a class with our Museum Partners, the D-Day Story, students will also hear about the Overlord Embroidery, on display at the museum and stitched by the RSN from 1986 to 1974.  Only 4 spaces left

 

9am – 11.30am, Sat 23 and 30 January: Introduction to Embroidery ‘Clarice Cliff Inspired Teacup’

This Introduction class will introduce you to a range of Surface Stitches including Satin Stitch, Stem Stitch and Seeding. Only 3 spaces left

 

6.30pm – 8.30pm, Thurs 28 Jan, 4 and 11 Feb: Crewelwork & Goldwork Heart

This class combines classic Crewelwork stitches with the introduction of Silk Shading and Goldwork.  Only 3 spaces left

 

View all our Live Online Day & Evening Classes

 

 

 

 

 

The UCA’s deadline to apply for the BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery is on 15 January and we look forward to welcoming a new group of Degree Students in September.  This month we meet RSN Degree Graduate 2017 Bethany Duffy, who tells us how she has successfully developed her business through the Covid pandemic.

“Following my graduation from the BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery Degree in 2017, I started working on a commission basis.  After realising how much I enjoyed this, I made it the main part of my practice when creating ’Bethany Duffy Embroidery’.

Personalised pet portraits are a huge part of my work, something that I never thought I would explore or be able to do!  Working mostly with thread painting, I create realistic pieces, from portraits to venues.  Alongside my commission work, I create bespoke plastic pollution art, using Raised Work embroidery.  I create striking pieces that can be decorative but also convey an important message.

2020 created a lot of struggles for my practice, especially in March, and I quickly realised that I needed to think and adapt.  I started creating small token letterbox gifts that people could send directly to loved ones, which I sent far and wide across the country to people in every walks of life.  I also had time to create embroidery kits, something I had never had the chance to do before. I have created ’Drawing in the Sand’ and ’Experimental Shell’ – two really interesting and different kits that I can expand on in the future. Both of these new aspects to my business launched in the summer, and the kits are available in my Etsy Shop.

I feel very fortunate to have been able to grow throughout the past year, launching my first range of printed embroidered Christmas cards.  After having huge success with these, I am launching a whole range of embroidered printed cards, for birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.

The majority of my work is so personal and unique.  With the ‘Shop Small, Shop Independent’ movement, I hand created a phenomenal number of pieces leading up to Christmas that were gifted to loved ones across the globe.  It is a true privilege to be able to create such pieces for people and provide them as presents to offer a loved one they have not seen for some time due to the pandemic.

Over the years, I have worked a lot with bespoke christening and baptism gowns, creating gowns with lace and Whitework embroidery to produce perfect family heirlooms, which is something I want to grow and build on in the future.  In 2021, I will look forward and remember to take time to build on my practice – 2020 taught me to stop, and I now recognise and appreciate how beneficial and rich this has been to me.”

We wish Bethany every success in 2021 and look forward to seeing how she develops her art and business.  You can follow Bethany on Instagram.

If you are interested in our Degree in Hand Embroidery course, please attend our forthcoming Virtual Open Day at 6pm on Wednesday 6 January or 2pm on Wednesday 13 January.  Book your place here.  

Read more about our Degree Course

The Changing Canvas of the Royal School of Needlework

Like many businesses, the first lockdown in March 2020 meant that we had to close our doors to students, customers and staff.  Founded in 1872 and stitching through two world wars, the RSN was certainly not going to let a global pandemic close our doors for forever!

Almost immediately, we noticed a rise in sales from the RSN Online Shop and an increased engagement on our social media platforms.  There was no doubt that crafts were seeing a new popularity.  People were discovering and re-discovering ways to pass the time whilst they were stuck indoors.

Dr Susan Kay-Williams, Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework said: “Needlework became a very popular activity during lockdown as people looked to learn new skills and find a mindful pastime.  Throughout the months, we introduced different initiatives to give inspiration and help build an international community, when many people felt cut off and alone.”

The first step was to find ways to continue teaching the RSN’s full-time Degree in Hand Embroidery and Future Tutors programme.  The RSN quickly adapted and trialled online tuition, which enabled the students to continue with their learning and even for the third years to complete their Final Major projects to graduate.

With many staff on furlough, the reduced team worked hard to deliver Day & Evening Embroidery Classes online.  In May, we were ready to launch the first Live Online Day Class, which featured a very apt ‘Rainbow of Hope’.  A variety of Live Online Classes were introduced, at different times for different time zones to respond to demand.  For the first time, students from all over the world, from Europe and the USA to Australia and New Zealand, were able to learn with RSN Tutors without having to travel.

Dr Susan Kay-Williams continues: “Teaching Live Online Classes has been the biggest development of the year for us.  We’re really enjoying teaching people online and some of our new offerings, such as Evening Classes and short sessions, are only possible because of this new format. Students just need access to Zoom, ideally on a screen bigger than your phone, but smartphones can also be useful for sending images of your work to your Tutor on WhatsApp.  We have taught people of all ages and the main comment has been how much like a face-to-face class it is!”

The timetable for 2021 now features a full programme of Live Online Day & Evening Classes, catering for all levels and a wide variety of designs and techniques.  There are also plans to hold an International Summer School online in July 2021.  After some experimenting, including with students from Australia, the expert team has also made the RSN’s Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery Course (C&D) available online for both existing and new students, something they never thought would be possible due to the high technical standard required.

In addition, as the world became increasingly used to socialising via the internet, we launched a series of Live Online Talks, which have been extremely popular.  The Online Talks cover fascinating topics including Victorian Embroidery, Goldwork from the RSN Collection and Needlework in Education.  The Talks have achieved audiences of over 300 people per session, giving embroidery lovers around the globe access to the RSN’s unique Collection of Textiles and Archives.

Dr Susan Kay Williams adds: “It has been a rollercoaster over the last several months of some fantastic highs, many unforeseen challenges and the endless uncertainty of everything. So much has happened and, considering we were working with only a skeleton staff, particularly between April and August, this is a major achievement.  The RSN responded very speedily to the requirements of the lockdown and in moving the organisation forward to meet customer demand.  We welcome 2021 with bated breath!”

If you enjoy stitch projects, it is not too late to take part in the RSN’s ‘Postcard From Home’ challenge.  This was first launched to provide a platform to keep people connected during lockdown through their love of hand embroidery and to mark this globally impactful event.  The ‘Postcard From Home’ challenge was very popular with people of all ages and with all levels of embroidery knowledge.  We are continuing the challenge into 2021 and this time, encouraging people to stitch a postcard from home, but with a winter theme.

The idea is simple.  Think about what ‘home’ means to you and what aspects you would like to feature in a postcard.  The needlework could be your home, garden, famous landmark where you live, or even the favourite view from your window.  Share your ‘Postcard From Home’ on social media, tag @RoyalNeedlework and use the hashtag #RSNPostcardFromHome.

Thank you for supporting us through this difficult year.

Images featured: Postcard From Home by Laura from Cornwall;  Online Class scheduled for March ‘Cottontail’; RSN Tutor Angela Bishop teaching online; ‘Treasures from the Collection’ Online Talk with Amy Hare

Dust off your diary!  We can now announce the dates and some details of the Online International Summer School 2021.  It will run from Sunday 11 July to Friday 23 July depending on which time zone you live.

For North America:  Monday 12 July to Saturday 17 July, 10am – 4pm Eastern Standard Time.  Five days of stitching and one day of talks. The five days can be either a three-day and a two-day class or a five day class.

For UK/Europe:  Monday 19 July to Friday 23 July, 10am – 4pm British Summer Time.  Five days of stitching with three evening talks.

For Australia/New Zealand/Far East:  Sunday 11 July to Saturday 17 July, 6pm – 9.30pm Sydney time. One extra session, so a three-day and a four-day class, plus the lectures at a time to suit you.

NB: Everyone signed up to the International Summer School 2021 will be able to access the talks from both weeks.

RSN Tutors already signed up include, Tracy Franklin, Kelley Aldridge, Deborah Wilding, Jen Goodwin, Kate Barlow and Helen McCook.

Details will be appearing shortly on the RSN Website, and all the way through January, with the full details available by the beginning of February.  We will then give first option for booking to all those who had booked for our USA Summer School 2020 in Lexington and whose payments we still have.  They will get first options as a thank you for helping us so much. Then it will be open for people booking for the whole programme in either week.  After that, it will be open for booking part weeks on any sessions which are not full.

To celebrate being part of something truly international and special, every participant will receive a goody bag, including some exclusive items.

More details coming soon to our website under the heading ‘International Summer School 2021.’

Congratulations to our Future Tutor and Degree winners in the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery 2020.  We are thrilled to announce:

• RSN Future Tutor Graduate Martha Blackburn came first in the Student Textile Arts category and also won the Royal School of Needlework Associate Award for Innovation and Technical Excellence in Hand Embroidery.
• RSN Degree Graduate, Naomi Aindow won The Worshipful Company of Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers Associate Award
• RSN Degree Graduate Lucy Tiley won The Worshipful Company of Broderers Associate Award and took third prize in the Student Textile Arts category.
• RSN Degree Graduate Hisae Abe came third in the Student Fashion category.

Congratulations, also, to runners up: RSN Degree Third Year Student, Durga Shanthakumar,  and RSN Degree Graduates, Grace Ingman and Jessica Vale.  We are so proud of all our finalists.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the finalists’ entries could not be exhibited this year, but there will be the opportunity to see them at next year’s event.  Hand & Lock is already starting to plan for the 2021 exhibition which will be held in November 2021 in London. The event will showcase 2020 finalists and winners, past winners and 2021 finalists’ work.  Watch this space for more news!

Last year, RSN Degree Student Frances Stone won the Worshipful Company of Gold Silver Wyre Drawers Award; Future Tutor Student Jung Byun won The Worshipful Company of Broderers Award and RSN Degree Students Carys Atkinson and Frances Stone were runners up in the Fashion: Student Category.   Jung’s winning embroidered Peacock Mirror was featured in Hand & Lock’s publicity campaign for this year’s awards.

Further information on the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery.

More Information on the Degree in Hand Embroidery Course

More Information on the Future Tutors Course

As getting to the shops may be more difficult this year here are a few alternative ideas, all of which can be purchased online.

Online Video Courses – Gift the embroidery lover you know, with one of our self-paced video courses.  The courses are accessible online and include step by step video instruction by an RSN Tutor and a kit of materials.  There are different choices of designs and techniques available via rsnonlinecourses.com

Private Lessons – Treat someone to their very own teaching time with an RSN Tutor.  Private lessons are a great way to help complete an on-going project; create a new design or learn a new technique.  We will agree a date and time that suits the student.  More information

RSN Gift Voucher – If you are not sure what to buy, the RSN Gift Voucher is the perfect option. The vouchers can be gift wrapped and sent direct to the recipient.  Just let us know their name and address when you make your purchase.

RSN Online Shop – Check out our Online Christmas Shop.  We have a wide range of festive themed stock, from Christmas kits to exclusive gifts featuring images from the RSN’s unique Archive.  Visit RSN Online Shop

Happy Stitch-mas everyone!

Don’t miss the final opportunity this year to treat yourself and join us for some Christmas fun.

Book your place with our Chief Executive, Dr Susan Kay-Williams, for a Christmas themed online Talk at 7pm on Wednesday 9 December, open to all.  The event will feature festive work produced by our Students; news about projects created by the RSN Embroidery Studio and reveal the special Christmas events from our unique Archive.  Book your place here.

There are also a few spaces remaining on our Family Christmas Workshops where we will be bringing two special children’s classes to you live online.  You can make a festive Friendship Angel with a special friendship bracelet and a Christmas Pudding bauble which holds an edible secret within.  Keep or gift the finished designs…the choice is yours!

 

*There is a Friends only Christmas Talk at 7pm on Tuesday 8 December which is free to Friends.  Become a Friend here

We have experienced such a transition over the last seven months and delighted to be able to offer many of our courses online, ensuring our teaching is accessible to students wherever they are, in the safety of their own home.  It is incredible to think that on just one Saturday in November, we had three Live Online Day Classes, an Online Information Day and started to teach our Certificate & Diploma Online for the USA time zone.

We are now regularly running Online Sessions for the Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery (C&D) in the following time zones;

• Tuesday morning to Australia
• Tuesday all day to the UK
• Wednesday morning to Australia
• Thursday all day to the UK
• Saturday all day to the USA
• We are also running a three week USA Intensive Course on various days

Although these sessions are designated to time zones, they are not exclusive to these areas.  Indeed, we are finding that students are joining sessions that better suit their work or home timetable, even if it means getting up early or working late into the evening.  To give you a few examples; we have C&D students from New Zealand and the UK joining one of the Australia Classes; there are USA Students in our UK classes as well as UK students joining the USA sessions! This means that one class can bring a mix of countries together, giving the opportunity for students to meet like-minded people from around the world, forming new friendships.

The big question we are asked regularly is:
‘When will we be able to teach the Certificate & Diploma Jacobean Crewelwork module online?’

We are very excited to announce that we will be ready to deliver this module in the new year and will be delivering to several time zones. Once the dates have been set, we will go out to all those who have:- booked to attend the 2020 Summer Intensive; registered as a new student or expressed an interest in online learning.  To register your interest, contact: [email protected]

If you are already a C&D Student, you can book your next class via Bookeo here.

Image featured shows: RSN Tutor Becky Quine teaching two of her students from the first Online C&D to the USA, with C&D Students Mallory Porch and Denise Kristof.

During the initial Lockdown, our Embroidery Studio received a huge number of enquiries regarding family samplers which are always so special to have.  One such enquiry had us scratching our heads.

This sampler was a family piece and had been handed down through the family to the current owner, our customer. The sampler was stitched by Sally Trezise White, the sister of the customer’s Great Grandfather, W.T.White. Sally died at the age of 11 from a fever, the sampler was worked when she was 8. The family lived at Bojewyan, Cape Cornwall, where her father Henry White was a village blacksmith. W.T.White prospered and moved his family to Redruth where he became the manager of various tin mines. The sampler, as you will see from the images, shows a set of gates, which is a slightly more unusual motif to have on a sampler.  We thought perhaps this represented the gates of the tin mines. It just shows how blinkered you can become when looking at pieces, as it took a colleague’s husband to point out when he heard the story, that as the poem reads;

Dying Christian to
His Soul vital spark
Of heavenly flame quit
Oh quit this mortal

The gates featured were in fact the ‘pearly gates to heaven’.

The sampler, dated 1843, was in a good condition with only a tiny hole, most likely a moth’s meal! So our expert team lightly hand cleaned the sampler using a low suction vacuum to remove any surface dust, debris and insect residue. We supported the piece onto an appropriate linen, then surface couched, securing it to the linen. The sampler was then mounted onto acid free card and put back into the original frame. We always recommend that if a customer has the history behind the sampler, that this is either, added inside the frame of the sampler, or on the outside of the backing board so that it stays with the piece.

The sampler will be hanging up in our customer’s home.  In addition, our customer wanted a copy in her house in Cornwall.  We had a photograph taken which was digitally reproduced to the same size.  Now both pieces are hanging in pride of place and will keep the story alive of this clever little girl for future generations.

If you have any restoration or conservation projects, please contact: [email protected]

Nina Brabbins, RSN Degree Graduate 2018

Nina Brabbins graduated from the RSN Degree, BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery, in 2018, specialising in Textile Art. In her second and third year, she started to explore stitch in a more conceptual/broader term, combing it with experimental basket weaving. Her final collection of work was entitled ‘Sea Change’ which was the springboard for the direction her work has taken since graduation.

“My main focus has been to explore the connections between the human and natural worlds, or lack of connection. Looking at how this culminates in our disregard for the planet, resulting in the devastating plastic waste issues we are now faced with. This has led me to predominantly use reclaimed sea plastic/ghost nets collected from beaches in Wales, using stitch techniques such as needlelace combined with basketry techniques such as coil basketry, moving away from the traditional hand embroidery techniques I learnt at the RSN, but allowing them to influence new approaches.”

After Graduating, Nina took a short break from embroidery, although she was involved in Craftspace’s annual ‘In:Site Festival in 2018’ in the centre of Birmingham, as a Graduate Artist.  View more on YouTube . 

To raise awareness of environmental issues, Nina encouraged the public to contribute to an installation featuring her own large scale hand embroidered sculptures made from plastic waste collected from the city and the sea.

Nina continues; “After these few months off, I then took part in the Stroud Open Studio’s Festival in May 2019, exhibiting my work at the beautiful location of Woodchester Mansion.  However, I then became quite ill and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which put my plans I had to start teaching workshops on hold for a few months. Then, in September 2019, I started teaching Coil Basketry workshops in Bristol, Stroud and Cirencester. This really got me back into my love of making, seeing the joy it can bring when shared with other people, but unfortunately Covid has put a stop to this for now.

“I currently have jewellery and baskets for sale which are made from sea plastic waste. They are available on the ‘We Make Bristol’ Online Shop, at ‘Studio 3’ Artists Gallery in Clevedon, at the Cove’s Christmas Market at the Tobacco Factory Bristol in December, and soon to be stocked at a new venture in Stroud.

“A lot of my jewellery incorporates old T-shirt material (as well as sea plastic) given to me by Stellen Jewellery studio, who recently featured me in their new blog – read here. 

“In the future, I would love to collaborate with other sustainable makers and crafters, and explore community arts and making, to bring creativity to everyone and help spread the message of our need to take action against climate change.”

We wish Nina every success in her dream to “keep making and properly start selling and showing my work.”

You can follow Nina through her Instagram page.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Degree in Hand Embroidery, reserve your place in our next Online Degree Open Day at 6pm on Thursday 10 December. 

Following her graduation from the RSN Degree in 2017, Alice Brady moved back to her home in Dublin, Ireland. While working part-time, Alice began work on a series of pieces inspired by Irish Wildflowers. She was especially interested in their links to Irish Folklore. Each flower symbolises something different within the folklore tradition and this is expressed in her work through ancient Ogham writing. Alice went on to include Ogham writing in other works, particularly in commissioned pieces. This love of Irish Folklore, Language, Landscape and History is still quite prominent in Alice’s work. As of late though, it has become much more abstract, with a focus on texture created through stitch. Constantly inspired by her surroundings, Alice is hoping to bring some of this abstract, textural work into a new series with a more urban subject.

Alice says: “Most recently I collaborated with another 2017 RSN Alumna, Bethany Duffy, to create works inspired by Ancient Goddesses. As this happened over lockdown, the work was shared through social media. We each created a design, sent it to each other, and stitched it in our own way. There was no discussion or guidance as we wanted to truly compare our styles, materials and techniques. It’s so interesting to see how differently two artists can interpret the same piece and we wanted to encourage others to be creative with it too”.

You can learn more about this work on Alice’s website, or on Alice and Bethany’s social media pages.

Alice loves to share her knowledge and love of embroidery, and began teaching classes and workshops around Dublin quite soon after graduation. Most of these take place in The LAB Gallery, Dublin  but COVID restrictions have presented new challenges in this field, and teaching has gradually moved online. Over lockdown, there was a surge in orders of kits and supplies as many people began to look for new hobbies to do at home. Embroidery has always been a great tool for improving mental health, but is particularly helpful in these difficult times. With this increased demand, Alice decided to launch an Embroidery Subscription service.

“Members receive access to exclusive content, and embroidery supplies or kits shipped to their door each month to help keep the creative juices flowing. There are also a number of free resources on my website including beginner tutorials and a Random Stitch Generator.  I am currently busy preparing for Christmas which is set to look very different this year without the usual Craft Markets to attend. While exploring the possibility of virtual markets, I am taking orders for personalised pieces. From embroidered decorations to portraits of houses – no job is too big or too small – and I am also hoping to launch a new range of products including an Embroiderer’s Gift Box in time for the holiday season.”

You can learn more about Alice and her work at www.bealice.ie or on Instagram @be_alice_

If you are interested in finding out more about the Degree in Hand Embroidery, reserve your place in our next Online Degree Open Day at 6pm on Thursday 10 December.