Join textile artist and instructor Vicky Assegued in South West France for a week of playful experimentation combining design & piercing techniques.
About this course:
In this workshop, you’ll begin by wrapping a fiber core of your choosing with beautiful fabrics, yarns and strings, and then coiling it into any shape that you choose, whether symmetrical, asymmetrical, or wild and abstract. You’ll learn to create and add all kinds of decorative elements, such as fringe, tassels and pom poms. I’ll also teach you to make all sorts of other fun fiber parts to add to your basket. You can attach additional embellishments, such as beads, jewelry parts, buttons, etc.
Your basket will be unique to you, following your own aesthetic inspiration. You can make one or more baskets during our time together. This workshop is perfect for all levels, from beginning to experienced artists. No experience is necessary. A lovely selection of gorgeous fabrics and yarns will be supplied, and you’re most welcome to optionally bring your own fabrics, yarns, strings and decorative elements.
Weekly outline of your programme
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards
Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 – Welcome drinks followed by dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Introduction to the materials and tools. Exploring potential shapes. Planning versus spontaneity. Beginning the coiling process to create the bottom of the basket. Learning various stitches to choose from and incorporate.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Continue with the bottom of the basket and begin working up the sides. Explore other fabrics and yarns as options to include.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House.
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Moving more into the design and shape of the basket, working up the sides
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Exploring adding handles, extensions and other shapes using additional coils
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House.
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Working towards finishing the basic shape of the basket
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Creating a lid/top for the basket, if desired. Adding to the overall shape of the basket.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House.
Wednesday
Free day (Lunch is not provided)
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
Free time to explore Pau or the surrounding areas. The Clos Mirabel Team will be available for suggestions and to assist with organizing transfers.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Learning to create a variety of fiber elements to add to the basket
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Adding decorative elements to the basket, such as beads and other embellishments
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House.
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Continuing to add decorative elements
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Adding final touches, completing the basket, and sharing with each other about our process and discoveries
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House.
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
The Art Studio, offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
Non-participating guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-workshop guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
