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]