Workshops

Zoom Workshops

I love passing on my skills and encouraging students to observe and, through practise, find their own language. I like to make it fun and I am happy to share the knowledge and techniques I have developed over many years.

Silk Abaca Rose

Selvedge

25–26 May 2024

In this Zoom workshop, you will learn how to make all the elements of a silk abaca rose based on the David Austin rose, ‘The Lady’s Blush.’ Anne will show you how to make a beautiful, realistic flower, including making your own stamens and shaping petals. Although she will talk you through how she uses specialist flower tools, this rose is made without them. Please book at least 4 weeks ahead of time to ensure you receive the materials pack that will be sent to participants prior to the workshop.

11 February 2024

Ahead of the workshop there is an opportunity to meet Anne on Zoom, where she will give an illustrated talk about her life in textiles, from silk weaving to a busy 25 years making hats and the last ten years as a specialist flower-maker. The talk is included in the cost of the workshop, or you can purchase separately.


What people say…

I am so happy to have found the most brilliant teacher…

Maya Laemmli, Switzerland

I had been long looking for a teacher with whom to further develop my flower-making skills when I found Anne. I was instantly captivated by the exquisite quality of her work. How she lovingly observes each specimen and brightly develops a way to give shape to them to the most minute detail. Moreover, she is an attentive and most welcoming teacher… I relished the days I spent with her and I can’t wait to go back and continue learning.

Ana Lamata, Madrid, Spain


In-person Workshops

Camellias

West Dean College

26–29 February 2024

Observe and make one realistic and one stylised silk camellia using traditional flower-making tools together with Anne’s own techniques that she has developed over her long career in millinery. You will learn how to analyse, hand-paint silk petals and construct your flowers.


…thank you for a fantastic class yesterday at West Dean, loved it. So professional and very safe and enjoyable.

@penniesea via Instagram


Meadow Flowers

West Dean College

3–6 June 2024

Whilst observing wildflowers and grasses, recreate your own mini meadow in millinery fabrics. Experiment with dyes to create colours, textures and layers, make stamens, bond silk and bind stems with silk thread.


Making Silk Flowers

Hand & Lock, London

6–7 April 2024

This two-day workshop will introduce you to the craft, and you will learn some of the techniques, including stiffening silk, bonding layers, hiding wires, blending and layering of dyes to create a natural effect. Anne will demonstrate how to use heated flower tools, both the French tools and the Japanese somebana tools, for mark-making and shaping to bring a flat piece of fabric to life magically.