Introduction to studio practice
Introduction to Studio Practice is of a part time study program which offers students the opportunity to build their creative and technical skills in tapestry weaving.
Now in its 7th year it is designed for weavers who have completed a beginner’s course in tapestry and are now looking to extend their practice by committing to a 1 year, part time program of intensive study.
The workshops are held in my WASPS studio, Stockbridge Edinburgh. A creative environment of 50+ artist and makers and is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, close to the beautiful Water of Leith walkway, and many of Edinburgh’s contemporary galleries, national collections, museums and the Dovecot Tapestry Studio. As part of the study program, you will have the opportunity to visit some studios and many of galleries, museums and collections Edinburgh has to offer.
The course
The study program will run from October to June and consists of 4 x 3day workshops. Between each workshop you will be expected to commit to a period of guided and self-directed study through a series of projects. These projects will encourage you to follow your own line of enquiry, developing a body of research in both design and weaving techniques There will be a pre workshop project to help you gather inspiration for tapestry designs and projects for each workshop to help you explore the topics cover in the workshops.
On completion of the course, you will have a greater insight into the creative process, from research and design, to building a wider range of tapestry skills. You will have the opportunity to plan a personal project to be completed before the final workshop Finishing Touches.
There is no written/essay element to this course, but students will be expected to use sketchbooks to document their research in subject, contemporary artists and exhibitions as a way of reflecting on their practice
By the end of the course, you will have
- built a body of research to support your design process
- developed your technical tapestry skills
- learned how to plan and develop a project
- learned how to present and exhibit your work.
Course programme and dates
Pre workshop project
Building a visual resource, set early September on signing up for the cou
Workshop 1.1st – 3rd October 2025
Approaching tapestry. Back to Basics
We will begin by re-visit the basics of weaving, expanding your knowledge of materials and tapestry weaving techniques. You will be encouraged to explore the structure of tapestry, considering the size, set and materials of your warp and weft. Through developing a series of samples, we will explore how this impacts the finished work.
Using your pre workshop project we will also consider ways in which to build a visual resource to help you create designs for tapestry.
Project 1. Exploring warp and weft. Size, Set and Surface.
Project 2. Working with sketchbooks. We will consider how research can help you to develop your design ideas and how they can be evolved through using sketchbooks.
Workshop 2. 7th – 9th January 2026
Design to Tapestry. Drawing and mark-making in tapestry.
Analysing character of your image is crucial in for the successful interpretation from design to weave. Carefully consideration must be given to the qualities of colour, marks and surface in your design and how these can be successfully translated into tapestry. You must also consider the direction of weave as this can affect the look of the marks and shapes you are weaving.
Working from your own designs and mark-making exercises or taking inspiration from the work of contemporary artist we will create a series of samples to explore this process.
Project 3. Drawing and mark-making in tapestry. Sampling
Project 4. Researching contemporary art
Workshop 3. 18th – 20th March 2026
Designing and planning a personal project.
Looking at your journey from inspiration to finalising a design, we will now consider the importance of planning a project. From selecting a design, to drawing up cartoons to sampling materials and techniques. We will also look at documenting your working process.
Project 5. Personal project planning.
Project 6. Contextual studies/developing a theme
Workshop 4. 3rd – 5 th June 2026
Finishing touches – Presentation.
Reviewing the results of your final project and the work you have produced over the series of workshops, we will consider how to finish and present work for exhibition, how to photograph your work and the importance of keeping records. This has just been the start of your creative journey. It is time to set goals, make plans and continue to develop your creative practice.
Project 7 Setting goals
Study outcome
By the end of this study program, you will have a greater understanding of the creative process that will take you from inspiration through the design to finished tapestry. Having researched, sampled, and planned your tapestry you will now be able to enjoy creative process with more confidence.
Entry requirements. Applying for a place on the course
Places on this course are limited. This course is open to creative practitioners (weavers, painters, sculptors or designers) with some experience of tapestry weaving or students who have a have attended a beginners or introduction to tapestry course, with me or other artist/organizations. Students should have a basic knowledge of tapestry weaving alongside evidence of creative engagement. This could be sketchbooks or work in other mediums – painting, printmaking, photography, textile design, etc
A commitment to attending all 4 workshop and engaging with group discussions. On application you will be asked to provide some examples of your work (max 8 images) and a short ½ page statement about your work and motivation for applying for the course. This will help to give me an idea of what stage you are at in your creative journey, allowing me to give you individual and directed teaching. For further information about the course, please call 07877457332 or email fionahutchison537@btinternet.com.
Fees
Course fee. £1500 (10%discount for payment in full £1350)
Payment in full – Deposit of £337 on booking to secure your place. Followed by the balance of £1013, 4 weeks before start of the course
or Payment plan – Deposit of £375 and 5 instalments of £225 (November – March) Payment can be made by BACS transfer or cheque. Cheques should be made out to Fiona Hutchison and sent to WASP studio (114) 1D Patriothall, off Hamilton Place. Edinburgh EH3 5AY. Bank transfer. ac/no Nat West 14092972. Sort code 60-30-20 (international payments IBAN – GB03NWBK60302014092972. BIC – NWBKGB2L) Please use your name as the reference for your payments.
There is a 48 hour grace period, during which time a full refund can be obtained. Bookings on any course are accepted at the discretion of the tutor.
Included in the course fee will be the use of studio equipment and a small selection of materials., which will include a small selection of basic art and design materials for studio design work and a selection of yarns/warp for use in the workshops.
Your tutor
Fiona Hutchison is a graduate from the tapestry department, Edinburgh College of Art. Teaching is an important part of her creative practice. She has been running workshops from her Edinburgh studio for over 20years. In the past she taught short courses in tapestry and textiles at Edinburgh University and also teaches workshops for Dovecot studio, West dean College and Gartmore House. When not teaching she develops here own work to commission and for exhibition in the UK, Europe and internationally.