Name: Tea 'N Chat - Discuss the A-LEVEL ESA
Availability: InStock

<hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; -webkit-user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;">TEA &#39;N CHAT - &nbsp;Introducing AI in Textiles Education&nbsp;A FUN AND FASCINATING ONLINE LIVE SESSION WITH ROY BALLAM<div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">19 MARCH 2024TIME: &nbsp;7-8pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FREE EVENT<hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; -webkit-user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;">Artificial Intelligence is already here and being used in businesses and in schools. Become an AI expert and transform the way you and your colleagues can change the way you work.&nbsp;Get ahead of the curve, keep up to date and join us for this TEA &#39;N CHAT with our very own techie geek ROY BALLAM, who will introduce the potential use of AI in textiles education.&nbsp;You will see AI in action, demonstrating how different tools could save you time, support your planning and teaching, enhance pupil experience, and further your creativity. The pros and cons of AI will also be highlighted. Transform your teaching with AI tools, save time, and get creative!The session will show how AI could help you:&nbsp;<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">create teaching schemes and lesson plans&nbsp;</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">explore subject specific knowledge&nbsp;</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">generate and explore ideas, concepts, themes and designers&nbsp;</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">write questions and assessment frameworks&nbsp;</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">unleash creativity in textile design, colour, styles and fashion. &nbsp;</li></ul>This is a &lsquo;must-attend&rsquo;&nbsp;session for all those interested in AI (or just starting to discover its potential) and wishing to discover how it could be used in school. It is a stepping stone for the more in-depth&nbsp;Integrating AI in textiles education&nbsp;event being held on the 11 May 2024.</div><hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; -webkit-user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;"> COURSE LEADER: &nbsp; ROY BALLAM &nbsp;BA (Hons), MA, School Education Consultant<img src="https://images.cademy.co.uk/textiles-skills-centre/9b61b89b-c982-4dd2-b44b-0b22e86d67db/original.jpeg" style="width: 200px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: left; cursor: auto; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left; padding: 0px 1px; -webkit-user-select: none; position: relative; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="width: 200px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: left; cursor: auto; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable wysiwyg_padded_img_cls">Roy works as a school education consultant, after leaving a leading charity as Managing Director and Head of Education.&nbsp;He has been involved in numerous teaching and education programme, initiatives and publications, including those in the UK and internationally.&nbsp; He is an experienced educational leader specialising in education management, training, resource development and research, and policy development and implementation. Throughout his career, he has used ICT to help bring subject-specific learning to life and support teachers through innovative, but pragmatic approaches. Roy originally trained as a food and textiles teacher and has been a GCSE moderator and A-level principal examiner.  &nbsp;<hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; -webkit-user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;">The&nbsp;Textiles Skills Centre Associates&nbsp;are a team of volunteers that manage the social media platforms and website, and offer support, mentorship and advice to textile teachers and trainees. We organise free resource networking events each month (Tea &#39;N Chat) and are always on hand to help and encourage when needed. We are always looking for new Associate members, so if you would like to join this small team then do contact us at:&nbsp;info@textileskillscentre.comAt the moment all costs are met by our team and time is given freely. If you are able to support us with a donation, however small, this will help to enhance the work we are doing.You can donate using the DONATION button below which will take you to the Paypal donations page, or select an amount when you book the event. All donations gratefully received.<a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=P3GCCAAFZBJWC" target="_blank" style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; background-color: rgb(61, 86, 224); border-width: 12px 18px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(61, 86, 224); display: inline-block; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer;" rel="noopener noreferrer" fr-original-style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; background-color: #3D56E0; border-top: 12px solid #3D56E0; border-bottom: 12px solid #3D56E0; border-right: 18px solid #3D56E0; border-left: 18px solid #3D56E0; display: inline-block;">DONATION</a>




TEA 'N CHAT - LINETTE MANUEL - 3D PRINTED FASHION
13 MAY 2025
TIME: 7-8pm  
 FREE EVENT
This event is held on ZOOM, so please register to get the Zoom details.



Join us for a FREE Tea 'N Chat with LINETTE MANUEL talking about her work with 3D Fashion  
Discover the exciting world of 3D printed fashion and learn how to incorporate it into your classroom. This webinar will provide you with valuable insights into the benefits, and tools associated with implementing 3D printed fashion projects into your classes.

We will go through this key topics:

What is 3D Printed Fashion?
3D Printed Basics
3D Printed Fashion Techniques
3D Printed Fashion Example Projects
Benefits of 3D Printed Fashion Classes
Advantages of 3D Printed Fashion Classes on students development
Hidden secondary impact
Best Tools and Equipment

Best filaments (including the sustainable filaments)
Best printers for 3D Printed Fashion
Best tools and softwares



Linette's work involves bridging the gap between technologies and humanity. Her previous experiences, from working at big companies such as IBM, to working in innovative startups and co-founding EduTech startup such Makeful, reflect her purpose. She is on a mission to reshape the STEAM education and make it inclusive for all. 
With 7 years of STEAM teaching experience, a well developed background in Textile Science and Engineering and extensive experience working with companies such as IBM, she decided to reshape STEAM education. As a winner of Dean’s Prize of Czech Technical University and creator of sound generative haptic suit,  Linette believes that education and technology are key to building a prosperous future for everyone.

Follow Linette here:

MAKEFUL Website: https://www.make-ful.com/about

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makefulmakeful/about



The Textiles Skills Centre Associates are a team of volunteers that manage the social media platforms and website, and offer support, mentorship and advice to textile teachers and trainees. We organise free resource networking events each month (Tea 'N Chat) and are always on hand to help and encourage when needed.
We are always looking for new Associate members, so if you would like to join this small team then do contact us at: info@textileskillscentre.com
At the moment all costs are met by our team and time is given freely. If you are able to support us with a donation, however small, this will help to enhance the work we are doing.
You can donate by selecting an amount at checkout, or using the ‘BUY THE TEAM A COFFEE’ button below. All donations gratefully received.
(Especially ☕ and 🍰 😋)
BUY THE TEAM A COFFEE

Textiles Skills Centre

Art Teacher

Arts & Crafts

Fashion Crafts

AI Art Generation

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Tea 'N Chat free event - Talk with LINETTE MANUEL about 3D Fashion printing. 

Tea 'N Chat - LINETTE MANUEL - 3D PRINTED FASHION

General Admission

DONATION

Stockport

Venue: JANOME UK TRAINING CENTRE, Stockport, SK6 2SP
Date:  Tuesday 5th August
Time: 9.30 - 15.30
FEE: £ 100



"Small Worlds" Mixed Media Textiles Workshop
An Inspiring Practical Day Learning and practicing with Textiles Artist NIKKI PARMENTER

This pop-up workshop is open to anyone interested in creative textiles. A full day spent with the amazing Nikki Parmenter learning how she develops and creates her wonderful, imaginative artworks and how you can easily do this yourself or with your students :)





'Small Worlds' Mixed Media Textiles Workshop

Create a fantastic "Small World" similar to the one shown, using fused fabric, free machine embroidery and mixed media. 
Join Nikki Parmenter to make a fabulous fused fabric flower, bird, fish, butterfly, elephant or frog. This will be thread painted and padded. Make a circular "environment" for your creature to be displayed in using an inspiring array of materials from which you will fashion leaves, flowers, corals and seaweed. There will be an emphasis on colour and composition, and each participant will receive individual guidance on these formal elements. A string of LED lights will provide a final flourish!




WHAT YOU WILL DO:
1. Experiment with a wide range of exciting media including repurposed materials, fabric manipulation, collage, and wrapping.
2. Improve your free machine embroidery techniques and learn how to transfer a drawing onto a piece of fused fabric.
3. Develop your skills in the creation of a cohesive composition with a well considered colour scheme.
4. Gain the confidence to apply the techniques that you have covered on the course to your own chosen subject matter. 

Materials Provided

All the equipment you need are provided including some materials: 
Felt / fabrics / netting / safety eye / templates / embellishments / funky foam / wire ring / LED lights / embellishments.

Materials to Bring

You will need to bring a selection of batrik style cotton fabrics to wrap around the wire rings (which are provided); some padding/wadding and some pieces of patterned and plain fabrics (12 inch square) for the background.




This course is aimed at anyone interested in learning new techniques from the artist herself. It is particularly useful for textile and art teachers who are either new to teaching GCSE/A Level Art & Design or those who want to add to their resources by spending a whole day developing exciting new ideas and skills.

Using new techniques and skills to create exciting, quick and easily achieved textile art.
Practical and cheap resources, including using scraps and recycled materials, make this a fun and cheap option in class, that also covers sustainability.
How to develop ideas through themes to end products.
Learn and practice new and exciting skills that will enhance your teaching
Develop learning from KS3, creating independent, confident and enthusiastic learners at KS4/5.
Practice taking these techniques through the development and refining process




What is special about the Nikki Parmenter textiles skills course?
This textiles techniques face-to-face course is an experience that delivers textiles skills, knowledge and understanding. It is a great learning environment which allows you to gain new skills and techniques, showing how these can be incorporated in lesson plans and delivered in a fun, inspiring and engaging way. You can ask questions direct to the course developer/leader, practice skills, create a sketchbook resource for the classroom and network with other teachers.



Course Developer and Leader: NIKKI PARMENTER
NIKKI PARMENTER has a BA First Class Honours Degree in Fine Art and an MA. She taught Art full time at Poynton High School, leaving in 2016 to pursue a career in textiles and education.
Based in Cheshire, Nikki's specialises in mixed media / textile artist specialising in large scale pieces incorporating free machine embroidery. She takes her inspiration from a variety of sources and is particularly interested in the way in which ancient societies created a series of visual symbols to represent the things which were important to them. She investigates myth and legend and draws parallels between societies, showing that although many people have different beliefs we are all united by visual iconography.
Nikki has done many workshops in schools and for Textiles Skills Cente, as well as Tea 'N Chat events looking at her work and demoing techniques.
She has exhibited widely both in group and solo shows both in the UK and abroad and has published articles in a number of publications. She also features in Kim Thittichai's book, 'Experimental Textiles' and has won prizes at The Ferens Open, The Potteries Open and the Grosvenor Open Exhibitions.



WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT TSC EVENTS:
'Superb day - so inspirational! So much covered and a LOT of new skills learnt. Thanks!!' Jessie L.
'Loads of info which was GREAT. All really useful & relevant. Brilliant starting point for newish Art & Design teacher. Thank you so much.' Rebecca F.
'A great course with lots of hands-on sampling. Great idea to hold it in a school which is much more realistic than an outside venue, gives ideas on taking creative inspiration back to the classroom'.
'Fantastic day, really useful and applicable to both Art and D&T subjects. Thanks!'







COSTS & BOOKING VIA CADEMY: £ 100 / DAY 

All of the Textile Skills Centre events are ticket only and payable IN ADVANCE. The Textiles Skills Centre uses Cademy to automate the bookings via credit card and invoice/BACS. When you book you will receive by email a booking confirmation with link to invoice and option of online payment. 
PLEASE NOTE your booking confirmation and invoice will be emailed to both the delegate and person purchasing. If you do not receive your ticket it is most commonly caused by typing your email address incorrectly, or it is in your SPAM folder. 
Please check your booking carefully. It is VERY important that if your school is booking this course, your school finance manager needs to give your full name and PERSONAL SCHOOL email, so that we are able to send you joining instructions and further details. If we only receive the ‘school office’ email address, we have found in the past that this delays information getting to you or information is not passed on. 
If you have any queries, please email us at: info@textileskillscentre.com, and include your phone number and/or email so that we can contact you easily.





Textiles

An inspiring practical day learning textiles skills with textiles artist Nikki Parmenter.

NIKKI PARMENTER Pop-Up Workshop @ Janome Centre (STOCKPORT)

General admission




TEA 'N CHAT - MARK MAKING FOR TEXTILES + NICKY SIMPSON
17 JUNE 2025
TIME: 7-8pm  
 FREE EVENT
This event is held on ZOOM, so please register to get the Zoom details.



Join us for a FREE Tea 'N Chat with NICKY SIMPSON talking about mark making for textiles and her online courses.
Nicky's aim is to show how easily accessible mark making can be for every level of student and how it can be delivered in a fun and engaging way.
She will also introduce you to her online and face-2-face courses with an opportunity to ask questions.




The Textiles Skills Centre Associates are a team of volunteers that manage the social media platforms and website, and offer support, mentorship and advice to textile teachers and trainees. We organise free resource networking events each month (Tea 'N Chat) and are always on hand to help and encourage when needed.
We are always looking for new Associate members, so if you would like to join this small team then do contact us at: info@textileskillscentre.com
At the moment all costs are met by our team and time is given freely. If you are able to support us with a donation, however small, this will help to enhance the work we are doing.
You can donate at checkout, or using the ‘BUY THE TEAM A COFFEE’ button below. All donations gratefully received.
(Especially ☕ and 🍰 😋)

BUY THE TEAM A COFFEE

Tea 'N Chat free event - Talk with Textile Artist Nicky Simpson

Tea 'N Chat - Mark Making for Textiles + Nicky Simpson

Leighton Buzzard

Venue: Cedars Upper School, Mentor Rd, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard LU2 2AE
Date: Saturday 15th March 2025
Time: 9.30 - 15.30
FEE:  £215 (+ Cademy admin fee)
*ALERT: ECT/NQT's, TRAINEE TEACHERS, TECHNICIANS & THOSE SELF-FUNDING*
There are discounts for this course if you qualify. Please contact dawn@textileskillscentre.com for more information.



A full day workshop practicing a variety of textiles techniques with Nicky Simpson
This course is perfect if you want to learn new skills and get inspiration for your textiles projects. It is open to all abilities, but basic use of a domestic sewing machine is an advantage.
You will learn not just one new and exciting textiles technique or skill, but several and how to develop ideas using them. Techniques will include using dissolvable fabric, free machine embroidery, reverse appliqué, crashing, circular slashing, pleating, ruffles, flounces, gathering and more.



Course Reviews:
"Fantastic creative day with Nicky Simpson again. Learnt a lot of new skills to teach my textiles students. Such a treat to have a day off and spend time with fellow textilers!! Loved every minute"






This course is especially useful for textile and art teachers, or anyone who wants to spend a whole day adding techniques to their resources.
Techniques will be linked to themes, primary, relevant artists and designers and we will look at how they can be used in a scheme of work and fashion outcomes. All templates and guides will be available.
Learn and practice new and exciting practical skills that will enhance your textiles projects or your teaching.
For teachers - Develop learning from KS3, creating independent, confident and enthusiastic learners at KS4/5.
Techniques: for example; using dissolvable fabric, free machine embroidery, reverse appliqué, crashing, pleating, ruffles, flounces and gathering, circular slashing and more.
This course is different to the normal Fabric Manipulation Face-to-Face courses. You will be learning different techniques.



*ALERT: ECT/NQT's, TRAINEE TEACHERS, TECHNICIANS & THOSE SELF-FUNDING *
We can offer discounts for this course. Please contact dawn@textileskillscentre.com for more information.




Course Review:
"I have been lucky enough to attend a few of the Textiles Skills Centre courses and they have all been absolutely fantastic. These courses have been an absolute game changer - I came away with so many ideas which I was able to put into practice immediately. 
Nicky provides so many examples of sketchbooks and final outcomes that you can see first hand how the skills being delivered translate to student work. The skills themselves are varied yet equally really accessible and she provides lots of suggestions on how to approach tight budgets. 
Nicky's enthusiasm and expertise is really inspiring and you can't wait to go away and try it all! The student results following the introduction of the projects developed off the back of these courses were outstanding and moderator feedback was really positive too."



What to expect on the day:
Learn, practice and make a range of exciting constructed techniques.
An understanding of how to link these constructed techniques to themes, primary sources and contextual research of designers & artists.
How to take these constructed techniques forward in the design process
Link these constructed techniques to refined ideas for final outcomes
Creative ways to illustrate these techniques
Lots of exemplar sketchbooks and design development to look at.
FOR TEACHERS:
How to link these constructed techniques to a school schemes of work
How this can be used by learners independently.
Understand how to develop knowledge of constructed techniques from KS3, creating independent, confident and enthusiastic learners at KS4/5.
Practical strategies to create a higher challenge for learners.
Guidance and info on other resources that could support you or your teaching.



FOR TEACHERS:
Links to KS4 Art & design Specifications: 
‘Students will be able to contextualise their research and ideas, drawing inspiration from artists and designers. Students will also evaluate the art, craft and design they study, and develop an appreciation of the impact it has on their own work and that of others.’
What you take back to school:
A fabulous practical sketchbook jammed packed with samples, ideas and inspiration
Great, achievable ideas to enhance your teaching
Develop best practices in teaching and learning and be able to use these to create a dynamic course that is fast paced and engaging.
An awareness of available resources to support/expand your existing practice.
Make secure decisions and save time with gained knowledge and experience.
Plan the future with confidence.
Continued professional development.



What is special about this Creative Textile Techniques course a?
This face-to-face course is an experience that delivers textiles skills, knowledge and understanding not available in our other face-to-face courses. It is a great learning environment which allows you to gain new skills and techniques, showing how these can be used in your own work or, if you are a teacher, incorporated into lesson plans and delivered in a fun, inspiring and engaging way. You can ask questions direct to the course developer/leader, practice skills, create a sketchbook resource for yourself or the classroom and network with others.






Course Developer and Leader: NICKY SIMPSON


Your course leader is NICKY SIMPSON, a contemporary textiles artist, who has 12 years teaching experience, heading up Fashion & Textiles at a school in Kent. She has taught Art & Design Textiles at GCSE and A Level, Design and Technology/Textiles at GCSE & A Level and BTEC Level 3 Fashion. 
Her last set of grades were: A Level 100% A-A*; GCSE 70% A-A* (100% A*-B). She had a previous 22-year career as a print designer and colourist, creating print ranges for the international market. 
Since 2016 Nicky has been a workshop developer and leader for the online and F2F courses for Textile and Art teachers on behalf of the Textile Skills Centre, including pattern development. Nicky has mentored many graduate trainees, and now mentors many fellow teachers through the TSC mentorship programme.
Moderator’s comments:
“Textile candidates’ personal portfolios were brimming with ideas, experiments and references to textile and fashion designers as well as fine artists. Overall, the submission was exceptional in the engagement and industry and imaginative use of materials.’ 
'In Textiles, the standard of the work was outstanding…The course structure was strong. Finished pieces were often exciting and innovative. The individuality of the candidates was clearly seen in the diversity of colours, styles and techniques carefully annotated in work books and then displayed in the final outcomes.”
“The course gave candidates a very strong framework on which to build a response to the theme. Ideas were developed showing depth and thought so that the work of the highest achieving candidates was original, creative and in-depth.” 





What others have said about Nicky's workshops:
'Having been to one of Nicky's workshops, I used one of her lessons and received an 'Outstanding' observation.'
'Superb day - so inspirational! So much covered and a LOT of new skills learnt. Thanks!!'
'Loads of info which was GREAT. All really useful & relevant. Brilliant starting point for newish Art & Design teacher. Thank you so much.'
'Fabulous presenter. Gave loads + loads of information and ideas. I feel really inspired! Loved the practical samples we did. Would highly recommend!
'A great course with lots of hands-on sampling.
'Fantastic day, really useful and applicable to both Art and D&T subjects. Thanks!'




COSTS & BOOKING VIA CADEMY: £ 215 / DAY (+ Cademy Fee) 
All of the Textile Skills Centre events are ticket only and payable IN ADVANCE. The Textiles Skills Centre uses Cademy to automate the bookings via credit card and cheque/BACS. When you book you will receive by email a booking confirmation. 
If you have any queries, please email us at: info@textileskillscentre.com and include your phone number and/or email so that we can contact you easily.



*ALERT: ECT/NQT's, TRAINEE TEACHERS, TECHNICIANS & SELF-FUNDING TEACHERS *
We can offer a 20% discount for this course. For more information please contact dawn@textileskillscentre.com

Creative textiles skills workshop for textiles enthusiasts and teachers

Creative Textiles Skills Workshop (LEIGHTON BUZZARD)

Lutterworth 

Venue: LUTTERWORTH COLLEGE,  Bitteswell RD., Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4EW
Date:  Saturday 29th MARCH 2025
Time: 9.30 - 15.30
*ALERT: ECT/NQT's, TRAINEE TEACHERS, TECHNICIANS & THOSE SELF-FUNDING*
There are discounts for this course if you qualify. Please contact dawn@textileskillscentre.com for more information.



An Exciting Practical Face-To-Face Textiles Skills Course, 
for Teachers of GCSE & A Level Textiles, for both Art & Design and D&T.



Review:  ‘Put simply, this is the best course I’ve ever been on.
Excellent pace and delivery with resources sent afterwards as well. We learnt so many techniques and then practised them for ourselves too! We also learnt how our students could develop them further. We did so many samples of each of the techniques with a variety of materials and processes. Viewing exemplar sketchbooks at the end was a great way to conclude the day.
I’ve come home, buzzing with excitement, feeling inspired and well prepared for the next academic year. I would highly recommend! Great course, delivered by a lovely team! Thank you so much!’ Alice Munro – June 24, 2023



This is a totally practical day doing a large variety of Surface Textile Techniques. This course is aimed at Textile and Art teachers who are either new to teaching GCSE/A Level Art & Design or those who want to add to their resources by spending a whole day developing exciting new ideas for surface techniques linked to a large variety of relevant artists and designers. 
Learn and practice new and exciting skills that will enhance your teaching
Develop learning from KS3, creating independent, confident and enthusiastic learners at KS4/5.
Practice and discuss techniques including: Heat press transfer printing, screen printing, mono printing, crashing, shirring, heat shibori, PVA, ruffles, marbling, free hand embroidery, using a heat gun and more.
Mark making for textile design
Computer Aided design.





What to expect on the day:
Learn, practice and create a range of new and exciting techniques related to relevant artists and designers
How to link a variety of techniques to artists through creative practical workshops
Looking at both historical and contemporary textile artists, fine artists and fashion designers
Understand how to develop knowledge of artists from KS3 onwards, creating independent, confident and enthusiastic learners at KS4/5.
Innovative ways in which students can explore, investigate and express ideas through mark making related to their primary sources and relating the right primary source to their artists.
Techniques and processes across all areas of study incl. constructed, printed, digital and fashion.
Links to refined ideas and final outcomes
Looking at easily achievable themes.
We will also look at artists annotation/evaluation
Innovative use of the heat press.
Links to KS4 Art & design Specifications: 
‘Students will be able to contextualise their research and ideas, drawing inspiration from artists and designers. Students will also evaluate the art, craft and design they study, and develop an appreciation of the impact it has on their own work and that of others.’





What you take back to school:
Great, achievable ideas to enhance your teaching
Develop best practices in teaching and learning and be able to use these to create a dynamic course that is fast paced and engaging.
An awareness of available resources to support/expand your existing practice.
Make secure decisions and save time with gained knowledge and experience.
Plan the future with confidence.
Continued professional development.



What is special about the Surface Textile Techniques Course?
The Surface Textile Techniques face-to-face course is an experience that delivers textiles skills, knowledge and understanding. It is a great learning environment which allows you to gain new skills and techniques, showing how these can be incorporated in lesson plans and delivered in a fun, inspiring and engaging way. You can ask questions direct to the course developer/leader, practice skills, create a sketchbook resource for the classroom and network with other teachers.



Course Developer and Leader: NICKY SIMPSON

NICKY SIMPSON 
Your course leader is NICKY SIMPSON, a contemporary textiles artist, who has 12 years teaching experience, heading up Fashion & Textiles at a school in Kent. She has taught Art & Design Textiles at GCSE and A Level, Design and Technology/Textiles at GCSE & A Level and BTEC Level 3 Fashion. 
Her last set of grades were: A Level 100% A-A*; GCSE 70% A-A* (100% A*-B). She had a previous 22-year career as a print designer and colourist, creating print ranges for the international market. For the past 8 years Nicky has been a workshop developer and leader for the online and F2F courses for Textile and Art teachers on behalf of the Textile Skills Centre, including pattern development. Nicky has mentored many graduate trainees, and now mentors many fellow teachers through the TSC mentorship programme.

Moderator’s comments:
“Textile candidates’ personal portfolios were brimming with ideas, experiments and references to textile and fashion designers as well as fine artists. Overall, the submission was exceptional in the engagement and industry and imaginative use of materials.’ 
'In Textiles, the standard of the work was outstanding…The course structure was strong. Finished pieces were often exciting and innovative. The individuality of the candidates was clearly seen in the diversity of colours, styles and techniques carefully annotated in work books and then displayed in the final outcomes.”
“The course gave candidates a very strong framework on which to build a response to the theme. Ideas were developed showing depth and thought so that the work of the highest achieving candidates was original, creative and in-depth.” 


What other teachers have said about Nicky's workshops:
'Having been to one of Nicky's workshops, I used one of her lessons and received an 'Outstanding' observation.'
'Superb day - so inspirational! So much covered and a LOT of new skills learnt. Thanks!!'
'Loads of info which was GREAT. All really useful & relevant. Brilliant starting point for newish Art & Design teacher. Thank you so much.'
'Fabulous presenter. Gave loads + loads of information and ideas. I feel really inspired! Loved the practical samples we did. Would highly recommend!
'A great course with lots of hands-on sampling. Great idea to hold it in a school which is much more realistic than an outside venue, gives ideas on taking creative inspiration back to the classroom'.
'Fantastic day, really useful and applicable to both Art and D&T subjects. Thanks!'



COSTS & BOOKING VIA CADEMY: £ 215 / DAY (+ Cademy fees)
All of the Textile Skills Centre events are ticket only and payable IN ADVANCE. The Textiles Skills Centre uses Cademy to automate the bookings via credit card and cheque/BACS. When you book you will receive by email a booking confirmation only. If you book by selecting 'Pay By Cheque/Invoice' you will receive an automated invoice to pay against. If you need further assistance with payment then please contact us by email or phone.
Further information will be sent to the 'booker' and the 'guest' attendee nearer to the time of the event.
It is VERY important that the person who books the course supplies your full name and PERSONAL EMAIL, so that we are able to send you joining instructions and further details. If we only receive the ‘bookers’ email address, we have found that this delays information getting to you, or information is not passed on. 
If you have any queries, please email us at: info@textileskillscentre.com, and include your phone number and/or email so that we can contact you easily.



*ALERT: ECT/NQT's, TRAINEE TEACHERS, TECHNICIANS & THOSE SELF-FUNDING*
There are discounts for this course if you qualify. Please contact dawn@textileskillscentre.com for more information.

Design & Technology Courses (DT)

Teacher Training

A fun and inspiring workshop learning a huge variety of surface textiles techniques, for anyone and especially great for teachers of GCSE & A Level Textiles, both Art & Design and D&T.

Surface Textiles Skills (LUTTERWORTH)

FREE EVENT - Join our TEA &#39;N CHAT with HAIDEE FOYE &amp; NICKY SIMPSONAn opportunity to discuss the GCSE&nbsp;ESA(Externally Set Assignment) with fellow teachers and how best to approach the themes. We will be using breakout rooms for each board, so that you can network and discuss ideas and best practice.The session will be lead by Haidee Foye and Dawn Foxall.<hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; -webkit-user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;">The Textiles Skills Centre Associates are a team of volunteers that manage the social media platforms and website, and offer support, mentorship and advice to textile teachers and trainees. We organise free resource networking events each month (Tea &#39;N Chat) and are always on hand to help and encourage when needed. We are always looking for new Associate members, so if you would like to join this small team then do contact us at: info@textileskillscentre.comAt the moment all costs are met by our team and time is given freely. If you are able to support us with a donation, however small, this will help to enhance the work we are doing.You can donate using the DONATION button below which will take you to the Paypal donations page, or select an amount when you book the event. All donations gratefully received.<a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=P3GCCAAFZBJWC" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; background-color: rgb(61, 86, 224); border-width: 12px 18px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(61, 86, 224); display: inline-block; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank" fr-original-style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; background-color: #3D56E0; border-top: 12px solid #3D56E0; border-bottom: 12px solid #3D56E0; border-right: 18px solid #3D56E0; border-left: 18px solid #3D56E0; display: inline-block;">DONATION</a>

*SAVE THE DATE*
Tea N Chat - DISCUSSING THE A-LEVEL ESA
DATE:  Tuesday 11th February 2025
TIME:  7pm - 8pm
This event is run on ZOOM so you need to register to get the details
*PLEASE NOTE: This session is not recorded as run in breakout rooms*



A great opportunity to discuss the A-Level ESA (Externally Set Assignment) with fellow teachers and how best to approach the themes. We will be using breakout rooms for each board, so that you can network and discuss ideas and best practice.
The session will be lead by Becci Upton and Rachel Addy
This free event focuses on this year's Externally Set Assignment briefs for the A-LEVEL Fashion & Textiles courses. It is an opportunity for you to not just to learn from others, but also to contribute to a really collaborative environment, where everyone is able to take something helpful back to their respective students and schools. 
We are not specialists in each of the different exam boards and we recommend that you refer to your own board's latest official guidance for the most accurate and up-to-date information. To maximise our time together, we will be organising four breakout rooms, for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. You need to have your ESA briefs accessible, to have already read this and perhaps some ideas ready to contribute to the groups collective mind mapping.
This is a precious time for everyone to share experiences and gather inspiration.



The Textiles Skills Centre Associates are a team of volunteers that manage the social media platforms and website, and offer support, mentorship and advice to textile teachers and trainees. We organise free resource networking events each month (Tea 'N Chat) and are always on hand to help and encourage when needed.
We are always looking for new Associate members, so if you would like to join this small team then do contact us at: info@textileskillscentre.com
At the moment all costs are met by our team and time is given freely. If you are able to support us with a donation, however small, this will help to enhance the work we are doing.
You can donate at checkout, or using the ‘BUY THE TEAM A COFFEE’ button below. All donations gratefully received.
(Especially ☕ and 🍰 😋)

BUY THE TEAM A COFFEE


Tea 'N Chat discussing the new A-LEVEL ESA (Externally Lead Assessment) themes with fellow teachers 

Tea 'N Chat - Discuss the A-LEVEL ESA

Secondary Teaching

garment construction

Trainers Course

accessories

Fashion Design

Mindfulness

Teaching & Training

Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

Print & printmaking

A Level Art

dress making

Stitch

Fabric

Free Motion & Machine Embroidery

A Level Art & Design

garment constution

Teaching

Graphic Design & Illustration

Interior Decoration

Print

textiledesign

textiles skills

Fashion Business

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

BAGTT

Fashion

Level 2

making a dress pattern 

making a skirt pattern 

Teacher Qualification

pattern making 

online garment making 

sewing 

Interior Design

Designer

Health & Safety Awareness

making a garment block

Teachers

Sustainable Fashion

workshop

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

pattern drafting

Interior Styling

Teacher

textileskills

Sewing Machine

GCSE Art & Design

fashion courses 

textile craft

CPPD

Mark Making

2D Design

Primary Teaching

Pattern Making

Quilting & Patchwork

smocking

Curriculum

Teacher Assistant

substainable fashion 

Weaving

Meetings

making a shirt patten

Primary Teacher

Further Education Teacher

Health & Safety At Work

making clothing 

Sewing

Workplace Health & Safety

Dress making 

textiles

Drawing

Design Skills

Machine Embroidery

Creative Design

art textiles

textile

GCSE

Health & Safety

Embroidery




TEA 'N CHAT - LINDA HARVEY - Textile Artist
1 APRIL 2025
TIME: 7-8pm  
 FREE EVENT
This event is held on ZOOM, so please register to get the Zoom details.



Join us for a FREE Tea 'N Chat with Textile artist and teacher LINDA HARVEY who talks about her work.
We are excited to have the immensely talented mixed-media textile artist Linda Harvey join us for our April Tea 'N Chat event. With over 25 years of experience in both teaching and creating, Linda brings a deep well of knowledge and a true passion for her craft. As the Head of Textiles at Archbishop Holgate's School in York and a dedicated member of York Textile Artists and The Society for Embroidered Work, Linda's commitment to her art is truly inspiring.
On the night, during the event, we will be running a mini competition to win one of Linda's new Books ‘INSPIRED BY YOU’ 100 Days of Textiles Art



Linda’s artwork is a mesmerizing fusion of rustic textures and innovative techniques. Drawing inspiration from her travels, she transforms photographs into expressive, abstract textile creations. Her work beautifully reflects her love for color and texture, incorporating elements such as hand-felted backgrounds, free-motion embroidery, intricate layering, and rust dyeing.

Follow Linda here:

Artists Website: https://www.lindaharveytextiles.co.uk/

Artists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindaharveytextiles/




LINDA HARVEY  Textile Artist and Head of Textiles at Archbishop Colgate School, York

Linda studied Textiles and Surface Design at University Centre Somerset, graduating in 1994. She is a textile artist and Head of Textiles at a York secondary school and a member of York Textile Artists and The Society for Embroidered Work, which promotes and supports the best in stitched art worldwide.
The inspiration for her work mainly comes from the places she visits, taking photographs of anything that catches her eye. These photographs give a starting point from which her work evolves, often working on several pieces at a time, as she enjoys an expressive and experimental way of working.
Linda is inspired by rustic textures and the ageing process, drawn to anything corroded and tarnished and immediately seeing how it can be turned into a textile art piece. Colour and texture are the key elements in her work.



The Textiles Skills Centre Associates are a team of volunteers that manage the social media platforms and website, and offer support, mentorship and advice to textile teachers and trainees. We organise free resource networking events each month (Tea 'N Chat) and are always on hand to help and encourage when needed.
We are always looking for new Associate members, so if you would like to join this small team then do contact us at: info@textileskillscentre.com
At the moment all costs are met by our team and time is given freely. If you are able to support us with a donation, however small, this will help to enhance the work we are doing.
You can donate by selecting an amount at checkout, or using the ‘BUY THE TEAM A COFFEE’ button below. All donations gratefully received.
(Especially ☕ and 🍰 😋)
BUY THE TEAM A COFFEE

Tea 'N Chat free event - Talk with Textile Artist and Teacher LINDA HARVEY

Tea 'N Chat - LINDA HARVEY Textiles Artist

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