Create a beautiful textile butterfly automaton in Warrington

Description

Create a beautiful textile butterfly that flies at the turn of a handle! In this one-day workshop, artist Mary-Ann Toop will help you to create a hand painted fabric butterfly automaton – a moving mechanical sculpture - on a vintage wooden cotton reel base. You will be guided in a whole range of specialist techniques including how to paint fabric, create armature, form your butterfly’s body and wings, and create the precision stainless steel wire pieces for the mechanism. You will even use a miniature drill as you explore Mary-Ann’s unique approach to creating a beautiful textile butterfly that flies at the turn of a handle. Your finished automaton will be approximately 13cm tall x 8cm wingspan x 7cm long in size. Important notes: • Due to the complexity of this project, spaces are strictly limited to five students to ensure you receive adequate attention and quality of teaching. • Although no previous experience is required it is recommended that you are used to being creative and comfortable with working in detail, particularly with a paint brush and with a fine needle and thread. • This workshop is not suitable for those with weak hands and/ or wrists due to the stainless-steel wirework you will be creating. You must have a strong grip and be capable of using pliers and wire cutters. • All tools and materials will be provided but you may like to bring along your own sewing kit and small sharp dressmaking scissors plus a pair of general-purpose scissors if you have them. Terms and Conditions: * Class size is limited to five students. * Under 16’s must be accompanied by a participating, paying adult. * Please note that I retain the intellectual property rights to the creative concepts taught in my workshops – you cannot go into business making, selling or exhibiting copies of my work. You cannot go on to run similar workshops using the techniques I have taught you or facilitating the production of work that is similar to my own. You may only utilise the techniques and concepts I teach for your personal use. Any infringement of these rights will be taken seriously and legal action will be implemented.

What's included in the price?

All tools and materials will be provided but you may like to bring along your own scissors and sewing kit.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Concordia's World

with Craft Courses since 2023

Message the tutor

Mary-Ann is a self-taught mixed media artist and tutor. Her imagination is often occupied by a beautiful place that she calls Concordia’s World. She creates enchanting highly detailed moving textile sculptures of the creatures that reside there including dragons, fairies, butterflies, and whatever else her imagination comes up with. Many of them fly with the aid of mechanical movement (automata, mobiles and balance sculptures). Her creations, which provide reminders of childhood and allowing nature to inspire imaginary creatures, are her personal remedy for mental health difficulties, both for herself and for others. Offering comfort through a combination of natural material choices, nostalgic subject matter and calming, meditative movements, her moving sculptures symbolize the desire to fly and pure escapism. Mary-Ann has a strong sustainability ethos so wherever possible, her creations are made from, and with, preowned and preloved treasures. Mary-Ann’s first major textile sculpture resulted in a feature on BBC Radio Solent morning show. She has recorded and appeared live on Susan Weeks’ Stitchery Stories podcast and regularly holds workshops to share the skills and techniques she has developed with others. Her Moving Flying Dragon Model paper kit is stocked at various outlets including Cabaret Mechanical Theatre.