T4 Simple Steps to Surface Design

Course Description

In this course we will cover the basics for a variety of ways to add colour, pattern and texture to fabric without the need for expensive equipment or materials. About your Tutor: Louise Wells is a contemporary textile artist working with hand and machine stitch, fabric manipulation, weaving and print techniques. Louise has exhibited widely in Australia and overseas, with recent finalist selections including the WA Textile Artist Award 2025, International Fibre Art Australia and the Bunbury Biennale. About the course: In this fun course we will cover the basics for a variety of ways to add colour, pattern and texture to fabric without the need for expensive equipment or materials. Learn how to make your own portable printing mat and unique stamps and stencils for printing on fabric. You will have the opportunity to experiment and play with techniques to create background colour, pattern repetition and design ideas on fabric. Simple hand stitching will be used to complement the works. These sample pieces will be used as inspiration for your final project, such as a cushion cover, mini quilt or wall hanging. What to Bring: Apron. Wear your old clothes, the dyes we will be using are designed to stain your clothes! Corrugated plastic sheet (available at Officeworks called Quill Sign Board $13) approx. 77 x 50cm Old smooth wool blanket or similar thick absorbent fabric.10cm larger (on each side) than your board size Flannelette or cotton sheeting same size as the blanket 5cm wide masking tape A selection of cotton, light plain colours and anything else that takes your fancy including recycled fabrics or clothing. A4 Paper 10 -15 sheets Scissors – paper and fabric Pens, pencils, note pad Bucket Plastic gloves Large plastic sheet/ garbage bag to cover the table Dressmaking P Pins Basic hand sewing supplies Cleaning sponge Old towel Only if you have any of these: - Small foam rollers, Brayer Old Teaspoons Paintbrushes Foam meat trays Old credit card or points card or small grout squeegee (max. 15cm wide) Lino cutting tools or small box cutter Embroidery Hoop approx. 30cm diameter or Large ice-cream container lids If yes, the cost to each student will be $25 and will include: shared printing inks, chalks, pencils, stamp making supplies, some embroidery threads.