Stitch and Scuttle: Fibre Art & Insects

Overview

This engaging and hands-on course explores the fascinating world of insects, combining the study of entomology with creative fibre art practice. Across five sessions, learners will investigate an insect species of their choice, developing research skills and producing a concise summary of their selected specimen. Designed to accommodate a range of experience levels, this course welcomes both beginners and more advanced fibre artists, with activities that can be adapted to individual skill levels and creative ambitions. Through demonstrations, guided practice, and experimentation, participants will learn a variety of fibre art techniques and discover how these can be used to capture the intricate forms, textures, and colours found in nature. Learners will then develop a detailed construction plan, considering materials, techniques, structure, and colour palettes before bringing their ideas to life. By the end of the course, each participant will have designed and created a unique sculptural insect specimen, gaining both artistic skills and a deeper appreciation of the remarkable diversity of the insect world.

Programme

Session 1: Research a suitable insect. Fibre Art 1: Wool wrapping and basic needle felt and colouration Out of session work to practice techniques

Session 2: Fibre Art 2: Using Stump work embroidery to create texture - wired slips, button hole stitch, woven picots, Turkish rug stitch, satin stitch. Out of session work to practice techniques

Session 3: Crochet basics.

Session 4:  Starting to build our body pieces and experimentation with techniques

Session 5: Putting everything together and final touches.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Research and describe a specific insect species, scientific classification (Genus and species using correct format), anatomy, environment, and natural behaviours/stances and diet.
2. Analyse and evaluate appropriate techniques to create body parts and display settings based on selected species attributes and attainable crafting techniques which will produce the most realistic specimen.
3. Practice and learn at least one new fibre art skill, used to create the insect sculpture as set out in the construction plan and covered in the course syllabus.
4. Engineer a sculptural insect using fibre art techniques to posable joints, wire armature and correct proportions and pose.
5. Design and construct a reliable display mount - such as a plinth or a frame attachment - that completely stabilises the sculpture's weight.

Assessments

1. Portfolio - Detailed summary of research work of 200 words plus illustrations. Detailed plan of how to construct each part to crafted of animal, background and any other part of the display with technique, material colour and fastening details. (40%)
2. Development and practice of fibre art skills as demonstrated in sessions evidenced by photographs. (20%)
3. Practical final piece - Sculpture. Finished sculpture with posable joints, wire armature and correct proportions and pose. (40%)

Reading Suggestions

Additional reading list available on request.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

A list of materials, not included in the course fees, will be available prior to the course start date.