Wild Cordage with Alice Fox

Using nettles, bramble and other plants collected on site you will learn how to gather, extract and process fibre from the different plants. You will learn how to twist the fibres into cordage (string), and we’ll look at some examples of the structures this cordage could then go on to become. Alice will bring along samples of a range of wild fibres and we will talk about times to gather, process, and store a variety of plants. Much of the workshop will be spent outside, whatever the weather. The focus of the workshop is on gathering and processing fibre and aims to open our eyes to the usable fibres that are commonly available to us.

Artist bio:

Sustainability is at the heart of Alice’s practice. The desire to take an ethical approach has driven a shift within her practice from using conventional art and textile materials into exploring found objects, gathered materials and natural processes. Using her textiles skill set and techniques borrowed from basketry, she makes one-off surfaces and structures with the materials she finds, gathers and grows.

Alice studied Textiles in Bradford followed by an MA in Creative Practice. Regularly teaching workshops and exhibiting widely, she is also a member of the Textile Study Group. Alice is published by Batsford (Natural Processes in Textile Art and Wild Textiles) and has a number of self-published titles. Alice’s approach to teaching is very much based on sharing her own experience and encouraging students to find ways of using techniques appropriately in their own work.

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.

Host or Publisher Sunny Bank Mills Gallery