Ribbon Embroidery

In a recent Monday tester class in Central Office, I had the chance to try Ribbon embroidery. Embroidery dates back a long time and was originally used to tailor and mend fabrics in a decorative manner. Ribbon embroidery is the use of silk or silk/organza ribbon to create motifs with a needle.

The kit contained a needle, ribbon in various colours and sizes, black and white fabric, wadding, cards, envelopes and of course instructions. There was more than enough in the kit to make more cards at home.

We managed to make two small cards in the two hours. Here’s how I got on ….

 

As you can see these simple designs are very effective. This was my first time ever working with ribbon in embroidery and the only trouble I had, not releasing the ribbons delicacy, was that I was a bit heavy handed with the needle and damaged parts of the ribbon. However Eleanor showed me ways of preventing this and hiding the damage I had already done. 

This class was definitely designed with beginners in mind. However as with most things within the ICA and An Grianán there is always class’s catering to varying levels of ability and always the chance to advance you’re skills. The pictures above display some of Eleanor’s, the teachers, work and show the level of detail that can be achieved with ribbon embroidery.

For more information on ribbon embroidery class’s contact An Grianán at admin@an-grianan.ie or 041 9822119

Card Stamping

I usually attend the day class’s in the I.C.A. Head office. They are a great way of getting a feel for a craft without investing two much time and money only to find that it’s not for you.

The most recent class I attended was card stamping and having attended a card stitching class before I was looking forward to building up my card making repertoire.

Here is how I got on…

I loved this card making class purely for its simplicity and usefulness. In general Mondays craft classes can be fairly full and it is better if you bring along the recommended equipment or else you may be waiting awhile for things like scissors, the experience is much more enjoyable if you can go at your own pace. The cost of the class was 10 Euro and the materials were 5 Euro.  A lunch of Tea or Coffee, biscuits, soup and rolls was also included.

For more information on day class’s email ICA head office at office@ica.ie

Stitching Cards

I attended a two hour card stitching workshop for beginners in the ICA head office on Merrion road. I have some friends living abroad and thought that this workshop would help me create cards that are more personalised then what you can buy in shops.

We were given a card with the pattern already punched in, thread, a needle and some tape. We were also given a pattern so we could make the card at home.

Here is some images of how i got on

 

I found this workshop to match my needs perfectly! It provided me with a quick and easy way to make my cards more impressive, creative and personal without taking up a lot of time.

Having some experience with needle and thread crafts I took to this workshop like a duck to water even choosing to add some beads. I now want to take on more challenging patterns.

Now go, and share some creativity with friends and family :)

For more information on day class’s email ICA head office at office@ica.ie