Brush Making (1 day)

Use natural materials and traditional techniques to create your own collection of hand-crafted brushes. Experiment with a range of plant fibres, coloured threads and sizes.

Following step by step, you will learn how to construct a simple hand-bound brush. This first piece will use Tampico, a soft, workable fibre which is perfect as a dusting or table brush. Once familiar with the method, you can go on to create more brushes and brooms of your choice.

Play with scale, colour and pattern…make larger pieces to sweep floors or rugs; smaller versions to clean keyboards or tight corners. Beautifully bound handles can be plain or stripy.

Using construction methods seen across the world, these ‘turkey wing’ or ‘fan’ brushes will make chores a delight – if you can bear to use them, that is! They make attractive wall pieces and cherished gifts.

“I am thrilled with my brushes and thoroughly enjoyed the making process”

“The atmosphere amongst the small group was convivial, friendly & inclusive. I highly recommend this workshop, definitely 5*”

Tutor: Sophia Elouise

From her York studio, Sophia creates attractive, hand-crafted, useful items. Through her business ‘Function & Form’, her focus is on utilitarian design and sustainable materials. She is passionate about sharing her skills and ideas with others. To view Sophia’s own website visit www.function-and-form

“Sophia taught her craft so well, we all managed to create our own beautiful brushes”

“Her expertise and knowledge of this nearly lost art was fantastic, as was her teaching”

Materials

A choice of plant fibres to make several hand-held brushes and nylon cord in a variety of colours
Materials fee: Approx £20 – £30 per person, depending on what you make (payable to the tutor at the end)
This is in addition to the course fee

Brush binding requires reasonable strength and dexterity in the hands (and sometimes feet!) If this is a concern, feel free to chat to us before booking. You can take the course at your own pace and Sophia will be there to help throughout.

Lunch & Refreshments

A tasty light lunch is included in the course fee. Help yourself to drinks and biscuits throughout the day with homemade cake mid-afternoon. (Please let us know of any dietary requirements).