Tutor: Anne Tomlin

Learn how to make couture millinery orchids using different types of silk. Learn about the construction of an orchid through observation and drawing. Each process will be demonstrated with samples.

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the art of millinery silk flower making using a mixture of traditional French and Japanese somebana heated tools. You will gain skills that you can use after the course has ended to explore the craft and find your own personal way of creating flowers, buds and leaves.

Throughout the course you will be shown how to make a stem of orchids and buds and each stage will be demonstrated with samples and real orchids. You will be encouraged to experiment with dyes to replicate your preferred colourway and advice on painting techniques and colour will be at hand. At the end of the course you will have a basic understanding of the shapes that the various tools create, construction of your flowers and how to combine and attach them to wires. Time permitting, a small hat base could be made, alternatively a choice of small hat bases will be available.

Techniques and skills covered:
• Stiffening the silk.
• Making templates.
• Bias cutting of silk from templates.
• Mixing dyes and silk painting techniques.
• Bonding silk layers and hiding wire.
• Making stamens and leaves, binding stems.
• Making buds.

The tutor will help each student through the different processes with plenty of individual attention. The course is suitable for all levels but some hand sewing skills would be helpful. At the end of the course we will review all the techniques involved and students will be given information of suppliers of silk, tools and materials used.
LEVEL: SUITABLE FOR ALL
A subject focused course that is delivered to suit any level of experience from beginner to advanced practitioner. A structured start is followed by guided independent practice.