Portrait Collage with Hand Embroidery workshop
About this Event
Cut, Stick, and Stitch
You'll explore the creative possibilities of portrait collage, you’ll learn how to embellish your collage with embroidery to create texture, detail and personality. Katy will guide you through her unique approach, combining cutting, layering, rearranging and stitching to create artwork that's playful, expressive and unlike anything else.
The Slow Art movement
We spend so much of our lives looking at screens that we rarely get the chance to make something with our hands, this is where the craft and the joy happens. Collage is part of the slow art movement, one small decision at a time. Cut, arrange, rearrange, stitch, experiment. Before long you'll find yourself completely absorbed in the process. Make up your own rules, creative time just for you, leaving you feeling inspired, energised and connected.
Led by Katy Williamson -graphic designer, artist and collage artist.
Katy Williamson's work sits somewhere between portraiture, design and storytelling. Best known for her striking hand-cut collage portraits, she creates work for editorial publications, political campaigns and the music industry.
Katy's distinctive style combines carefully cut shapes, layered photography and hand embroidery to transform familiar faces into something unexpected. Inspired by Dadaism, Surrealism and the beauty of making things by hand, she believes collage encourages us to look again. In a world dominated by screens and AI-generated images, her work celebrates texture, imperfection and the happy accidents that only happen when you cut, stitch and create with real materials.
The Design Brief
You're welcome to bring a portrait photograph of yourself, a friend, family member or favourite person to work from. Do you have an old family photograph, your grandparents, children, or even yourself, these can often make the most meaningful collages, adding a personal story to your finished artwork.
We'll scan and print your image, so your original stays safe. You can also bring along additional photographs, magazines or papers you'd like to include in your collage. If you'd like to create a self portrait we'll photograph you from a few different angles at the workshop and print out, giving you a completely unique starting point for your collage.
We'll have a fantastic selection of high-quality portraits, vintage books, magazines, printed materials and embroidery threads for you to use. If portraiture isn't your thing, you're free to create any collage you like using the materials available.
The more visual material you bring, the more possibilities you'll have. But equally, if you simply turn up, we'll make sure you have everything you need to create an artwork you just might want to hang on the wall or give as a special gift.
Why choose Artidote in Norwich
Perfect for beginners across Norfolk and East Anglia, our sessions focus on creativity over perfection.
Whether you’re booking a solo creative session, a date, or time with friends, this is cut and stick collage (and embroidery if you'd like to take you design further) in a welcoming environment.
Just bring yourselves (and your drinks it’s BYOB and nibbles). Teas and coffees provided.
Who is the collage workshop for?
- No experience needed it's for complete beginners.
- No sewing skills required either.
- Ideal for singles, couples and small groups.
Ideal for:
- Anyone interested in collage, embroidery, mixed media or textile art.
- Friends looking for something different in Norwich.
- Visitors exploring creative experiences in East Anglia.
- Families wanting to try something new together.
- Small group sizes (6-16)
- Central Norwich studio location
- Relaxed BYOB atmosphere
- Focus on creative confidence, not rigid instruction.
Our Studio
Is a bright, airy and welcoming space full of light, art and plants. It's been designed to make you feel good. There is plenty of space, with a range of seating, including ergonomic chairs and sit-stand desks. This ensures you can sit, stand and move throughout your time here.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 35.92
