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Saturday 27 June and 4 July | 9.30am - 12.30pm
TWO DAY COURSE
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Shibori is a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting, and binding fabric to create unique patterns, primarily using indigo dye. This technique dates back to the 8th century and has evolved over time, becoming popular among artisans for its ability to create intricate and beautiful patterns. The process involves manipulating the fabric before dyeing, which prevents certain areas from absorbing colour, resulting in stunning designs.
During this course, you will be guided step by step through a variety of Shibori techniques including: folding, binding, and resist-dyeing methods, heat-shrinking fabric to create three-dimensional effects, Kanoko (bound -resist) technique using inserts, Itajime (shape-resist) technique using wooden blocks and Nui (stitched resist) technique for detailed pattern work. Both cotton and polyester fabrics will be used to fully explore the possibilities.
By the end of the workshop, you will have created 1 neckerchief featuring 3D textural effects and 4 unique napkins, each using different Shibori techniques.
This class is suitable for beginners.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Karina Thomas studied Constructed Textiles at the Royal College of Art, specialising in knitted and woven textiles for interior spaces. Her practice explores the language of textiles — where structure, tension, geometry, and repetition become tools for storytelling. Trained in fine-gauge knitting and weaving, she investigates the tactile and conceptual boundaries of textile surfaces, often positioning them as spaces where opposing forces coexist: the organic and the geometric, the domestic and the monumental, the superfine and the sculptural.
Based at Culverton Farm in Risborough, she co-runs Black Swans Studios with artist Lisa Vaughan, offering workshops that interlace creativity, well-being, and community engagement. Alongside her studio practice, she has taught at several UK universities, including the Royal College of Art, and was Senior Lecturer in Textiles at Bucks New University for twelve years.
Her clients and collaborators include Tom Dixon, The British Embassy, Ford, Arjo Wiggins, Harrods, Salt, and Clementine Blakemore Architects.
WHAT TO BRING
All materials and dyes are included in the workshop price. Snacks and refreshments will be available to purchase at the QPAC Coffee Bar.
Tuesdays - Tutored | 19.15 – 21.30
Saturdays - Untutored | 10.00 – 12.30 during term time.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS
Tuesday evening Tutored class (Untutored 12th May)
This friendly tutored class with Ayşe Kongur is ideal for all levels and styles. Ayşe will share her knowledge of anatomical drawing, this is a great place start if you are new to life drawing. If you are more experienced the class is a really good place to share and build your practice. Reduced price tickets are available for school students (16+) or with a student card, these must be booked in person.
Ayşe is a creative designer working in graphic and digital design. She is passionate about life drawing, which she also uses within her own design practice. If you have any questions about the Tuesday evening workshop please feel free to contact Ayşe on ayse@kongur.co.uk.
Saturday morning Untutored class
Untutored life drawing sessions are somewhere to learn from fellow artists, share your work and discuss your process. Please arrive at the start time so that you can set up your easel / drawing bench. If you are new to the studio one of the regular attendees will be able to show you where everything is!
Workshops run in two halves with a 20 minute coffee-break in between. The first session usually has shorter poses of 5 minutes-15 minutes, and the second session has longer poses 30-60 minutes.
WHAT TO BRING
Easels and drawing boards are provided. Bring your own choice of materials, for example charcoal, pencil, inks or paint and papers. The centre has an art shop (at reception).
If you are using oil paints you must bring in own mediums/brush cleaner. You will need to please use only low-odour solvents - brands such as Zest-It and Sansodour - and bring jam jars so that you can take solvent waste home with you, it must not be poured down the sink.
Saturday 28 Feb | 10am - 1pm
Saturday 28 Mar | 10am - 1pm
Saturday 13 June | 10am - 1pm
This course is aimed at developing the basic skills for throwing on the potters wheel. Students will learn to throw small cylinders and will be able to keep two pots to be bisque-fired per session. This is a great way to get a closely-taught introduction to throwing!
Please bring an old towel and and apron with you, plus it is best for long hair to be tied up and fingernails to be trimmed.
Saturday 27 June and 4 July | 9.30am - 12.30pm
TWO DAY COURSE
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Shibori is a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting, and binding fabric to create unique patterns, primarily using indigo dye. This technique dates back to the 8th century and has evolved over time, becoming popular among artisans for its ability to create intricate and beautiful patterns. The process involves manipulating the fabric before dyeing, which prevents certain areas from absorbing colour, resulting in stunning designs.
During this course, you will be guided step by step through a variety of Shibori techniques including: folding, binding, and resist-dyeing methods, heat-shrinking fabric to create three-dimensional effects, Kanoko (bound -resist) technique using inserts, Itajime (shape-resist) technique using wooden blocks and Nui (stitched resist) technique for detailed pattern work. Both cotton and polyester fabrics will be used to fully explore the possibilities.
By the end of the workshop, you will have created 1 neckerchief featuring 3D textural effects and 4 unique napkins, each using different Shibori techniques.
This class is suitable for beginners.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Karina Thomas studied Constructed Textiles at the Royal College of Art, specialising in knitted and woven textiles for interior spaces. Her practice explores the language of textiles — where structure, tension, geometry, and repetition become tools for storytelling. Trained in fine-gauge knitting and weaving, she investigates the tactile and conceptual boundaries of textile surfaces, often positioning them as spaces where opposing forces coexist: the organic and the geometric, the domestic and the monumental, the superfine and the sculptural.
Based at Culverton Farm in Risborough, she co-runs Black Swans Studios with artist Lisa Vaughan, offering workshops that interlace creativity, well-being, and community engagement. Alongside her studio practice, she has taught at several UK universities, including the Royal College of Art, and was Senior Lecturer in Textiles at Bucks New University for twelve years.
Her clients and collaborators include Tom Dixon, The British Embassy, Ford, Arjo Wiggins, Harrods, Salt, and Clementine Blakemore Architects.
WHAT TO BRING
All materials and dyes are included in the workshop price. Snacks and refreshments will be available to purchase at the QPAC Coffee Bar.
Tuesdays - Tutored | 19.15 – 21.30
Saturdays - Untutored | 10.00 – 12.30 during term time.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS
Tuesday evening Tutored class (Untutored 12th May)
This friendly tutored class with Ayşe Kongur is ideal for all levels and styles. Ayşe will share her knowledge of anatomical drawing, this is a great place start if you are new to life drawing. If you are more experienced the class is a really good place to share and build your practice. Reduced price tickets are available for school students (16+) or with a student card, these must be booked in person.
Ayşe is a creative designer working in graphic and digital design. She is passionate about life drawing, which she also uses within her own design practice. If you have any questions about the Tuesday evening workshop please feel free to contact Ayşe on ayse@kongur.co.uk.
Saturday morning Untutored class
Untutored life drawing sessions are somewhere to learn from fellow artists, share your work and discuss your process. Please arrive at the start time so that you can set up your easel / drawing bench. If you are new to the studio one of the regular attendees will be able to show you where everything is!
Workshops run in two halves with a 20 minute coffee-break in between. The first session usually has shorter poses of 5 minutes-15 minutes, and the second session has longer poses 30-60 minutes.
WHAT TO BRING
Easels and drawing boards are provided. Bring your own choice of materials, for example charcoal, pencil, inks or paint and papers. The centre has an art shop (at reception).
If you are using oil paints you must bring in own mediums/brush cleaner. You will need to please use only low-odour solvents - brands such as Zest-It and Sansodour - and bring jam jars so that you can take solvent waste home with you, it must not be poured down the sink.
Saturday 28 Feb | 10am - 1pm
Saturday 28 Mar | 10am - 1pm
Saturday 13 June | 10am - 1pm
This course is aimed at developing the basic skills for throwing on the potters wheel. Students will learn to throw small cylinders and will be able to keep two pots to be bisque-fired per session. This is a great way to get a closely-taught introduction to throwing!
Please bring an old towel and and apron with you, plus it is best for long hair to be tied up and fingernails to be trimmed.
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