The workshop starts in a relaxed atmosphere with coffee, tea and something sweet, followed by a demonstration of various silk painting techniques. After that, participants begin working themselves, using special silk paints, brushes, stamps, markers and other tools. A large piece of pongee silk measuring an impressive 300 × 140 cm is stretched and ready, divided into six sections of 100x70 cm, with gutta resist borders. This resist seals the silk fibres, preventing the paint from bleeding and allowing each painting to retain its own defined space. For those who wish to experiment in between, a separate practice frame is available.

Painting continues until lunchtime. The silk is then rolled in unprinted newspaper and placed in a professional steam unit for 2.5 hours. The steaming process fixes the paint into the silk fibres, ensuring it will not bleed during the felting stage.

Participants now have time to enjoy lunch, explore the shops, or take a walk through the beautiful city of Deventer.

In the afternoon, the second part of the workshop begins: nuno felting. The painted silk is placed on pieces of pre-felt, in colours chosen individually. Wool and silk are wetted with water and soap, and the felting process begins with the help of the felting machine, allowing the wool fibres to migrate through the silk. This is followed by hands-on work, during which wool and silk become permanently bonded and the wool begins to shrink. Because wool shrinks and silk does not, characteristic surface structures emerge: subtle bubbles and relief that give the work its vitality, sheen and depth. The wool shrinks between 15-30% due to felting.

At the end of the day, all pieces are fully felted. After rinsing, spinning and ironing, the works are ready to go home. Wall panels, garments, elements for larger artworks, bags or pouches — the possibilities are endless.

This workshop is limited to 6 participants.

Cost:
€149 per person

• including €25 materials (paint, silk, pre-felt)
• use of the steam unit and felting machine
• coffee, tea and treats
• afternoon juice and a savoury snack

Lunch is not included.

The day starts at 9:30 with coffee and tea, and the workshop begins at approximately 10:00. There is a break from around 12:30/13:00 until 15:30, during which participants can explore Deventer while the silk is being steamed. The workshop ends around 18:30/19:00.

I would love to join the workshop on September 2.

I would also love to join the workshop on December 17.

Interested in this workshop, but unable to attend on these dates?
Subscribe to the newsletter and stay updated on future workshops and events.

Keep me informed about future workshops