Join the Dots : Pattern Play

Join the Dots is a playful and experimental workshop that invites you to explore collage, drawing, and sticker-based mark-making as tools for generating bold and imaginative visual ideas. Through hands-on activities, you will combine cut-and-paste techniques with freehand drawing and playful motifs to create vibrant compositions that can be developed into simple repeat patterns. These processes are designed to spark new approaches to textile design, encouraging you to work quickly, intuitively, and with a sense of fun.

Led by textile specialist Jules, the session will also demonstrate how your visual ideas can be developed further into creative concepts for fashion, stationery products, and homeware. Using mock-ups and inspiration examples, you’ll see how even the most spontaneous experiments can evolve into design ideas with real-world applications—whether that's a print on a t-shirt, a bold pattern for notebooks, or a graphic repeat on cushions or ceramics.

This workshop is ideal for art and design teachers wishing to trial new creative approaches they can take back to the classroom. It is equally suited to textile enthusiasts and creatives who are eager to experiment and learn something new, offering fresh techniques that can easily be adapted into personal or professional practice.

Course Level : all welcome

Artist bio:

Jules is a passionate freelance print designer and Senior Lecturer in Textile Design at Leeds Arts University. With a lively, hands-on teaching style, she brings a wealth of experience in both practical and digital techniques, equipping students and workshop participants alike with the tools they need to thrive creatively and professionally.

In 2015, she founded The Pattern Social, a collaborative design platform that connects designers and educators to explore, promote, and celebrate contemporary pattern design. Jules believes deeply in the power of creative play and is always encouraging those she works with—whether in the classroom or at a workshop—to push their boundaries, take risks, and embrace their own unique design voice.

She has worked with an exciting mix of clients across fashion, interiors, stationery, greetings, and publishing, and has exhibited her work internationally at events like Surtex in New York under The Pattern Social name.

Jules’ design process is playful and experimental, often beginning with bold, hand-crafted elements—like collage, mark making, and sketchbook explorations—that evolve into polished digital designs using tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate. As a workshop attendee, you’ll get a glimpse into this process, discover new ways to make patterns, and gain the confidence to develop your own vibrant, personal style.

Whether you're a designer looking for fresh inspiration or simply someone curious about the world of pattern, Jules brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a supportive energy to help you explore, make, and most importantly—play.

www.thepatternsocial.com Instagram - @thepatternsocial

When attending a workshop you can receive 10% off within the Gallery Shop on the day of your session.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable.

If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.

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Host or Publisher Sunny Bank Mills Gallery