Our Programmes

Contemporary Embroidery

17th January 2025 - 19th January 2025

Facilitator: Elnaz Yazdani

This contemporary embroidery course spans three days and consists of supported tutor time and guidance by Leeds based Embroidery Artist and Educator, Elnaz Yazdani. Elnaz will guide you through a variety of hand embroidery techniques, applications and creative methods to get you started on your own creative path for embroidery design and making.

Who is this course for?

The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some embroidery experience. All levels are welcome. The course would be perfect for anyone looking to study art/textiles, gain a new hobby, find wellbeing through craft or just try something completely different.

Event time: 17th January 2025 4:00pm - 19th January 2025 4:00pm

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

What Is Included

For the majority of our courses, both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B. Some of our short day courses, events and talks do not include meals and refreshments. For more details about this course, please see the Practical Information section below.

Additional Activities

Mindful walking through our woodland trails
Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
Discover surrounding charming market towns

At a Glance

Embellish: Introduction to hand embroidery, exploring line and mark making with hand stitch
Connect: volume and texture with hand stitch, developing form and surface texture
Transform: Experimentation and beadwork, adding excitement and a contemporary approach using hand stitch and usual materials

What You Will Gain

Hand stitch skills
Basic and advanced embroidery skills
Embellishment skills
Basic sewing skills for decorative approaches to textiles
An opportunity for your to share you passion for creativity with likeminded people in a beautiful setting

Booking Options

Residential (single)Residential single rate

£440.00

Residential (shared)Residential shared rate

£390.00

Non-residentialNon-residential rate

£310.00

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

Contemporary Embroidery Tutors

Elnaz Yazdani

More about Contemporary Embroidery

The first session will explore line and mark making with hand stitch. We will concentrate on developing individual ideas and discuss ways in which we can record inspiration and take inspiration for mark making, in order to develop our hand embroidery. After this you we will explore techniques such as smocking and applique/reverse applique in order to add volume and texture to your work. The final section of the course will explore beadwork and embellishment techniques along with experimental approaches to creative working within embroidery. During this workshop you will get a chance to explore some of Elnaz Yazdani’s own embroidery artwork and talk about how you can develop your own individual style.

Practical Information

All workshop kits provided and supplied by tutor, no need to bring anything other than a note book and pen. Artist work will be on display throughout the weekend

Arrivals from 4 pm with afternoon tea, your first group activity will be dinner as a group at 6:30 pm. The course finishes with afternoon tea at 4 pm on Friday.

“I have become “lost” in the process, so this has been very relaxing for me, managed to do more than I expected.”

Previous Participant

About Hawkwood

Hawkwood is a stunning Grade Il listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there's plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts.

Other Courses You Might Like

Finding Quiet Strength

20th August 2024 - 22nd August 2024

This course will cover the skills of Finding Quiet Strength, working with mindful poise, thought and movement. The course is suitable for anyone exploring these ideas for the first time, alongside people who have been before. We will be developing and deepening the practices for finding a calm, creative and confident approach to life. This weekend is a beautiful blend of Alexander Technique, Yoga and Tai Chi.

Art Journaling

31st January 2025 - 2nd February 2025

Be inspired to draw, and harness this skill to reflect creatively and capture your life and the world around you. Kickstart or boost your creative habit with Jo’s Adventures in Art Journaling weekend retreat. The focus will be on drawing, enjoying drawing, and using drawing to gain new skills, having fun along the way!

Life Drawing

8th February 2025

Life drawing remains the best training an artist can undertake to improve their drawing. This session is perfect for beginners or as a refresher, but is also suitable for advanced students who can set their own goals for the day while enjoying the beauty and hospitality at Hawkwood.