Courses and Workshops

The day classes are held in our Studio, at 4 Wheelers Yard, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, UK. Situated on the first floor, it has good natural light. Unless stated otherwise, classes will run from 10.00 to 4.00, with plenty of time for shopping in the showroom!

Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. We now have a lady call at about 10am Mon-Fri, with delicious hand-made sandwiches along with drinks, cakes, sweets and fruit. Alternatively bring your own lunch or purchase it locally in the pubs and bakers' just a minute's walk away.

All materials are included in the cost of the class, except where stated.

We must point out that even though the workshop is on the first floor, the loo is on the ground floor.

We have a display of information about the classes, with samples and photos, on the Ground Floor of the Studio - if you are visiting do make sure you have a look.

If you have any queries about the classes please email us on

Africa in Silk
Jill Kennedy
Be inspired by the vibrant colours and stunning patterns of Africa. You will use iron-fix paints, metallics, thickener and more, and produce a wonderful piece using a variety of techniques. Suitable for the beginner or the more experienced silk painter.
3 Jun 2008 (Tue)
£35.00

Tropical Fish using Wax on Silk
Jill Kennedy
For those with some experience of silk painting, enjoy translating fish, shellfish, coral and more into silk. Use traditional silk painting techniques along with wax, for fluid designs.
4 Jun 2008 (Wed)
£35.00

Beautiful Bowls (2 days)
Kath Danswan
Learn how to make beautiful machine embroidered bowls using dyed silk caps, soluble film, threads, angelina fibres, beads and sequins. All materials are provided for the course. Please bring your sewing machine and a selection of machine embroidery threads. For those with some experience of machine embroidery.
6 - 7 Jun 2008 (Fri - Sat)
£80.00

Silk Painting 1
Jill Kennedy
An introductory course for the complete beginner, using iron-fix paints. Class will cover use of gutta, salt effect, watercolour, shading, wet into wet and double-dipping techniques.
9 Jun 2008 (Mon)
£35.00

Silk Painting 2
Jill Kennedy
Ideal for those with some knowledge of silk painting, this course will introduce steam-fix dyes and solvent-based gutta (serti). Discover the techniques of salt and alcohol, and experiment further with gutta - both clear and metallic. Learn how to fix your steam-fix dyes at home.
10 Jun 2008 (Tue)
£35.00

Silk Painting 3
Jill Kennedy
Using steam-fix dyes, learn how to use anti-spread (antifisant), thickener (epaissisant) and metallics. Mono-printing and stamping on silk are also included on this day.
11 Jun 2008 (Wed)
£35.00

Silk Painting 4
Jill Kennedy
Further techniques including wax, discharge paste, felt-tip markers and crayons and more. Using steam-fix dyes.
12 Jun 2008 (Thu)
£35.00

Free Style Knitting
Sybil Kenton
Free style knitting is an unconventional approach to the construction of knitted items - rather like a cross between collage and patchwork. The fabric can be used for colourful and textural cushions or wall hangings, but if used in the creation of garments it will produce individually dynamic and original fashion items. You will start with the template of your chosen shape (this could be for a cushion front or small bag). Knit and/or crochet small pieces in fabulous textural yarns, position them on the template and join them together - they can also be joined by knitting as you go along. You are sure to achieve unexpected and truly original results, and will go home with your piece well on the way! A selection of yarns will be provided, and you are welcome to bring along any yarns that you may wish to use, along with a selection of knitting and crochet needles if you possess them.
13 Jun 2008 (Fri)
£35.00

Raring to Rust
Marilyn Pipe
An exciting day spent 'dyeing' with vinegar and wire wool to produce wonderful textured fabrics. Silks, calicos, scrim and tyvek will be transformed and experimented with, to produce finished pieces.
14 Jun 2008 (Sat)
£35.00

Woven Yarn Bag
Marilyn Pipe
Take recycling to a new level! A wonderful easy way to make a beautiful bag, weaving strips of all your fabric remnants and beautiful threads and ribbons. No expertise needed! Please bring along any materials you may wish to use - threads, trimmings, ribbons and handles will be provided.
16 Jun 2008 (Mon)
£35.00

Machine Stitched Bookwrap using Gummy Fibres
Marilyn Pipe
Details to follow.
17 Jun 2008 (Tue)
£35.00

Contemporary Knitting for Textile Artists (2 days)
Ruth Lee
Innovative hand-knitting techniques in rows and rounds for the adventurous fibre artist and craft maker, worked in diverse and unusual materials, such as wire, paper yarn, plant materials and plastics, found and recycled materials, rope and elastics. Many materials will be included, and a small requirements list will be issued nearer the time. Please bring along knitting needles if you have them, along with a basic sewing kit including hand needles and scissors. If you have particular threads you would like to use please bring them too!
20 - 21 Jun 2008 (Fri - Sat)
£80.00

Metals and Wires
Marilyn Pipe
Using a variety of wires to knit, stitch and embellish textile pieces has become very popular. The day will be spent exploring many techniques, some using the sewing machine. You will create textured and 3D pieces. Will combine well with 'Dyeing to Rust' held the day before. Please bring a hand embroidery kit (including needles and scissors) and a variety of threads. A sewing machine is optional - if you bring one please bring spare needles and a selection of suitable.
28 Jun 2008 (Sat)
£35.00

Monet's Watergarden in Ribbons & Threads
Marilyn Pipe
Let your imagination run riot - ponds, waterlilies, dragonflies - create a beautiful place to be! Use instant-fix Colourhue dyes and painted Bondaweb for the background, no sewing machine needed. Please bring a basic sewing kit including sharp scissors, needles and an assortment of threads.
8 Jul 2008 (Tue)
£35.00

Gardens with hand and ribbon embroidery
Marilyn Pipe
Details to follow
9 Jul 2008 (Wed)
£35.00

Hard but Easy - making Hardback Books (2 days)
Frances Pickering
Learn an easy way to construct a hardback book using simple techniques and materials. Combine fabric with board to make the cover, then incorporate windows, flaps, found objects, material, thraeds, beads and embroidery to create a richly embellished book.
Class full, waiting list only.
10 - 11 Jul 2008 (Thu - Fri)
£80.00

Bags with Paper and Stitch - waiting list only
Isobel Hall
Isobel Hall is well known for her exquisite yet fully functional embroidered bags, made from handmade paper and embellished with print, stitch and beading. The class will reveal the secrets of her techniques. Many materials will be provided for this class.
Class full, waiting list only.
1 Aug 2008 (Fri)
£39.00

Bags with Paper and Stitch
Isobel Hall
Isobel Hall is well known for her exquisite yet fully functional embroidered bags, made from handmade paper and embellished with print, stitch and beading. The class will reveal the secrets of her techniques. Many materials will be provided for this class. Please bring: A sewing machine and metallic machine embroidery thread (thread available from Rainbow Silks) A brown paper carrier bag Heat gun if you have one (we have several here for you to use) Beads (available from RS) Wool or yarns for hand stitching, and yarn to wrap the handle (RS can provide some) Needles for hand-stitching 46cm x 23cm lining of your choice.
2 Aug 2008 (Sat)
£39.00

Textured Treasures (2 days)
Frances Pickering
Make a book with a richly textured cover, which has an antiqued finish. Combine fabric and lace with montage effects using all sorts of printed and hand-written ephemera. Finished mainly by machine, but also with a touch of hand stitch. Please bring: Items of inspiration of your own choice, which could include letters, photographs, scraps of fabric, interesting poetry or prose, books, your own drawings ...
23 - 24 Sep 2008 (Tue - Wed)
£80.00

Hard but Easy - Making Hardback Books (2 days)
Frances Pickering
Learn an easy way to construct a hardback book using simple techniques and materials. Combine fabric with board to make the cover, then incorporate windows, flaps, found objects, material, thraeds, beads and embroidery to create a richly embellished book. Please bring: A collection of interesting papers (for book pages) 2 pieces approx A4 of thin mounting card
25 - 26 Sep 2008 (Thu - Fri)
£80.00

Cloth Doll Making - Viviana, a garden fairy (2 days)
Patti Culea
Using Patti's book 'Creative Cloth Doll Beading' create Viviana, an 18-inch cloth doll, then embellish her with beautiful beadwork. Techniques learned include: Creating a whimsical fairy face; stamping and bead embroidery on the body; flowers made from beads; dyeing lace and trims. A doll for those who have already some experience of basic techniques. A requirements list will follow nearer the time.
7 - 8 Oct 2008 (Tue - Wed)
£120.00

Cloth Doll Making - Jiliana (2 days)
Patti Culea
Learn basic doll making skills by creating this beautiful doll. She is dressed in silk, and designed to grace a pillow, or bed. Techniques learned will include: Face drawing and colouring; dyeing silk, lace and trims; simple costume design and simple beadwork. A requirements list will follow nearer the time.
11 - 12 Oct 2008 (Sat - Sun)
£120.00

Cloth Doll Making - Viviana, a Garden Fairy (2 days)
Patti Culea
Using Patti's book "Creative Cloth Doll Beading" create Viviana, an 18-inch cloth doll, then embellish her with beautiful beadwork. Techniques learned include: Creating a whimsical fairy face; stamping and bead embroidery on the body; flowers made from beads; dyeing lace and trims. A doll for those who have already some experience of basic techniques - ideal as a continuation course to Jiliana. A requirements list will follow nearer the time.
Class full, waiting list only.
13 - 14 Oct 2008 (Mon - Tue)
£120.00

Cloth Doll Making - Facing Faces
Patti Culea
Take the fear out of faces, by studying with Patti. She will show you the way that she creates her faces, as seen in her book 'Creative Cloth Doll Faces'. You will work on both a flat face and one with a profiled face, with a seam down the middle. Using her skills as a portrait artist Patti will show each person simple techniques to help place features where they belong, drawing expressive eyes, nice noses and beautiful lips. The techniques learned can be used on dolls, quilts, wearables, fabric postcards, ATCs and anywhere else you want a face.
15 Oct 2008 (Wed)
£60.00

A Fairy and her House (2 days)
Patti Culea
A flat fairy is created who resides in a lovely house. On the other side of the house is her garden. Techniques learned will include: Creating a movable fairy from Pelmet Vilene; machine applique; hand and machine embroidery; creating flowers from organza and Tyvek; simple beadwork. A requirements list will be sent closer to the class.
17 - 18 Oct 2008 (Fri - Sat)
£120.00

Cloth Doll Making - Cassandra, a Sewing Caddy (2 days)
Patti Culea
Another bnew class from Patti - make a 16-inch functional doll with compartments for sewing tools. Her lower skirt is in two sections which hold pockets for sewing notions. A flower pin-cushion and leaf shaped needle case are also part of her "ensemble". Simple beadwork and silk ribbon embroidery add embellishments. The class includes face drawing, sculpting and colouring. A requirements list will follow nearer the time.
19 - 20 Oct 2008 (Sun - Mon)
£120.00

Painting Pizzazz - Painting Techniques from A to Z (2 days)
Sherrill Kahn
Painting Pizzazz - Painting Techniques from A to Z on Thu 23 - Fri 24 Oct 2008 with Sherrill Kahn. We are very pleased to welcome Sherrill, the well-known textile-arts teacher, back to teach at Rainbow Silks. Her use of colour and texture are inspirational, and Sherrill has written a new book 'Creative Collage' which will be available in 2008 . Sherrill has her own range of stamps which are stocked at Rainbow Silks. Her website is www.impressmenow.com. Amongst Sherrill's books are 'Creative Embellishments for paper, fabric, jewellery & more' by Sherrill Kahn.

The basis for Sherrill's techniques. Each day is very intensive with demonstrations and hands on experiences by class members. The painting techniques can be used on any surface. Many of the demonstrations will be on cloth, but they can also be used on paper, wood, cardboard, clothing, etc. The workshop will explore easy, fun filled techniques for beginners as well as advanced students. A variety of samples will be shown for inspiration.

Among the techniques will be sponging, wet into wet techniques, creating textured surfaces, rubber stamping, printmaking, stencilling, and using alternative tools to create art pieces. Each student will leave class with a variety of painted pieces to use in wonderful creative projects.

A requirements list will be provided before the class
23 - 24 Oct 2008 (Thu - Fri)
£125.00

Stitched Collage (2 days)
Sherrill Kahn
Stitched Collage on Sat 25 - Sun 26 Oct 2008 with Sherrill Kahn. We are very pleased to welcome Sherrill, the well-known textile-arts teacher, back to teach at Rainbow Silks. Her use of colour and texture are inspirational, and Sherrill has written a new book "Creative Collage" which will be available in 2008 . Sherrill has her own range of stamps which are stocked at Rainbow Silks. Her website is www.impressmenow.com. Amongst Sherrill's books are 'Creative Embellishments for paper, fabric, jewellery & more" by Sherrill Kahn.

Sherrill's new book 'Stitched Collage' will be published in Spring 2008. Learn the techniques from the book, and see the samples in real life! Create wonderful collages by rubber stamping, layering paints, glazing, wet into wet techniques, and decorating a variety of papers, fabric, cardstock, inkjet images, or other chosen surfaces. The class will include working with airdry clay to use for embellishments, making fun foam stamped and embossed elements, using colored pencils, permanent markers, and using Tyvek to create textural papers. These elements will be combined into a beautiful collage.

Other elements can be added to the collage such as metal embellishments, cords, yarns, plastic pieces, style stones, shrink plastic, beads, buttons, etc. Gluing techniques for each element will be demonstrated. Each student will create at least one collage, but it is possible to create many during the class.

A requirements list will be provided before the class.
25 - 26 Oct 2008 (Sat - Sun)
£125.00

Creative Needlefelting and Embellishing (2 days)
Sherrill Kahn
Creative Needlefelting and Embellishing on Tue 28 - Wed 29 Oct 2008 with Sherrill Kahn. We are very pleased to welcome Sherrill, the well-known textile-arts teacher, back to teach at Rainbow Silks. Her use of colour and texture are inspirational, and Sherrill has written a new book 'Creative Collage' which will be available in 2008 . Sherrill has her own range of stamps which are stocked at Rainbow Silks. Her website is www.impressmenow.com. Amongst Sherrill's books are 'Creative Embellishments for paper, fabric, jewellery & more' by Sherrill Kahn.

Needle felt creative pieces, and embellish them with fibres and other decorative pieces. Combine with crocheted and knitted pieces and learn how to embellish garments. Needlefelt onto craft felt for wallhangings, book covers, dolls, accessories, and more. Sherrill will be using the Clover hand needle-felting tools, and the Janome Xpression machine. If you have your own needle-felting tools or embellishing machine, please bring these along with ou to the class.

A requirements list will be provided before the class.
28 - 29 Oct 2008 (Tue - Wed)
£125.00

Creative Embellishments (2 days)
Sherrill Kahn
Creative Embellishments on Thu 30 - Fri 31 Oct 2008 with Sherrill Kahn. We are very pleased to welcome Sherrill, the well-known textile-arts teacher, back to teach at Rainbow Silks. Her use of colour and texture are inspirational, and Sherrill has written a new book "Creative Collage" which will be available in 2008 . Sherrill has her own range of stamps which are stocked at Rainbow Silks. Her website is www.impressmenow.com. Amongst Sherrill's books are 'Creative Embellishments for paper, fabric, jewellery & more" by Sherrill Kahn.

Based on Sherrill's very popular book, imagine a class where you can learn many techniques geared to embellishing your creative efforts. You will learn how to make stuffed fabric pieces, fabric motifs, creative paper and cloth beads, wire seed bead dangles, Tyvek pieces, air dry pieces, and many other wonderful techniques. The embellishments are ideal for jewellery, decorating dolls and books, decorating clothing, and any other creative endeavor that you may chose. You will leave the class with samples of many techniques.

A list of requirements will be supplied nearer the time, although many supplies are included.
30 - 31 Oct 2008 (Thu - Fri)
£125.00

Creative Digital Imagery on Fabric (2 days)
Sherrill Kahn
Creative Digital Imagery on Fabric on Sun 2 - Mon 3 Nov 2008 with Sherrill Kahn. We are very pleased to welcome Sherrill, the well-known textile-arts teacher, back to teach at Rainbow Silks. Her use of colour and texture are inspirational, and Sherrill has written a new book "Creative Collage" which will be available in 2008 . Sherrill has her own range of stamps which are stocked at Rainbow Silks. Her website is www.impressmenow.com. Amongst Sherrill's books are 'Creative Embellishments for paper, fabric, jewellery & more' by Sherrill Kahn.

A new class from Sherrill, who is writing a book for Martingale about using digital imagery creatively. She will share five wonderful free websites with you. will show you the incredible possibilities with digital images and show some very easy techniques for changing the images in your computer to use in your art. You will work on both fabric and cardstock and will be using paint, rubber stamping and mixed media on the images. For those who want to make dolls, Sherrill will have samples in class and you will need small photographs to print on fabric of faces. This will be a very special class! You may wish to use photos of family and friends on hand-made fabric dolls, or make other items - please bring these with you.

A requirements list will available nearer the date of the class.
2 - 3 Nov 2008 (Sun - Mon)
£125.00

Hot Textiles (2 days)
Kim Thittichai
An exciting workshop giving you the opportunity to experiment with 3 different weights of Lutradur. Try transfer printing with paper bags, decorating with painted Bondaweb and heat treating polyester organza. There will be time to develop surfaces with embossing powders and stitch. Build up a portfolio of samples - great for those studying for City & Guilds etc. Please bring hand embroidery needles and embroidery threads - thick, thin, shiny & matt, in various weights and colours. Also bring pins, scissors and an apron. Other materials will be provided.
6 - 7 Nov 2008 (Thu - Fri)
£80.00

Felted Landscapes (2 days)
Gilda Baron
No water, no machines, no mess - just a needle - you will create a felted landscape, using needle-felting techniques. You will explore ways of embellishing further with stitch. Hand embroidery only, all materials supplied. Suitable for all abilities.
13 - 14 Nov 2008 (Thu - Fri)
£80.00

Wild Women - art brooches
Sarah Lawrence
Make a few fantastic Wild Women brooches, using fibres, threads, charms and much more. Spend the morning needle-felting the base of your dolls, and the afternoon embellishing them. Each one will be unique! The class is based on Sarah's popular 'Wild Women' book for Search Press. Hand embroidery and needle felting. 2 packs of charms are included in the cost - if you would like more, these are available for sale at Rainbow Silks. Most of the other supplies will be included in the cost of the class, but if you have any particular items or charms you would like to bring along, you are very welcome to do so.
29 Nov 2009 (Sun)
£39.00

Courses & Workshops

Day Classes