The printed fabric arrived! And it looks wonderful. The students’ designs range from subtle, naturalistic imagery to vivid, almost psychedelic prints and the prospect of seeing them transformed into a range of wearable accessories has got everyone excited.

This was the first of the ‘collection making sessions’ and the group took no time in getting to work on bringing their ideas to fruition. This session gave the students an opportunity to employ the textiles skills they learned in earlier sessions and in no time at all there were bow ties, hair clips, floral hair bands and cuffs that displayed all the creativity and imagination we have come to expect.

The afternoon was not without its technical challenges, some of the students had chosen designs for their accessories that were pretty complex, but with support not just from Hayley but also from each other, creative solutions were always found.

Alongside the making, students also put some work into their Arts Award portfolios and gave more thought to how they might present their collection at the Making Merry craft fair at the Herbert Art Gallery later in the month.

Over the next couple of sessions the group will have the chance to finish off their textiles work and to get back to the noisy and very enjoyable business of metal work to complete their accessories collection!