My practice as a tapestry artist is based on 7 years in education and extensive studio experience, a grounding which enables me to constantly explore and extend the possibilities within tapestry technique. As a teacher I enjoy seeing students develop from becoming competent in basic technique through to using tapestry to express new ideas.

Individual tuition, for weavers committed to developing their practice is available online or in person.

Contact me Louise Martin or phone 01857677590

Wednesday 10 April 2024

A great course wether you are new to tapestry or wish for a refresher. Looms will be ready for you to start weaving an image of a tree. 

Contact tapestrylou@hotmail.com for further details or to book a place.

Friday 12 - Sunday 14 April 2024

Observing form and texture in the trees at Higham. Looking at how trees have been portrayed in tapestry and exploring weaverly possibilities.

Contact tapestrylou@hotmail.com for further details or to book a place.

13 - 18 May 2024

We will start by exploring coves and shorelines in search of shells. From delicate pink 'baby fingernails', to limpets with the ribbed strength to carve into rock, secret pearlescent and helicoid interiors, fine detailed growth lines. Looking more closely in the studio, we will find woven techniques to answer to these shell qualities, lines and forms. This could include woven structures, manipulated warps, altering sett, combining multiple woven elements, including both guided experiments and individual choice.

Suitable for weavers with some experience wishing to explore new ways, or artists in other media wishing to extend their practice. 
£475    Includes the use of materials and equipment.

Contact tapestrylou@hotmail.com for further details or to book a place.

12 - 17 August 2024

Westray is a small world bordered by sea. By visiting the shore at points all around the island we will observe light, colour, surface pattern, layers beneath, and always, movement and change. We will be working outdoors using simple, immediate techniques to capture our observations and our responses.

Studio time will focus on finding woven interpretations in mixes of colour and yarn, weave-able motifs, translucent open weaves, maybe 3 dimensional circular forms to make a piece to encompass the weeks experiences. Combining guided and free exercises, experimental and traditional techniques, the small group size will allow for choice and for students other media backgrounds and varying levels of experience.

£475 Includes the use of materials and equipment.

Contact tapestrylou@hotmail.com for further details or to book a place.

Thursday 26th – Saturday 28th September

Curved forms created by pulled warps. Making a tapestry to be manipulated into a shape once off the loom.

Contact tapestrylou@hotmail.com for further details or to book a place.

Saturday 28th – Monday 30th September

Using the landscape in and around Higham to explore the wedge weave technique. We will consider how the forms and movement in the landscape may be expressed in this weaverly, rather than literal way. 

Contact tapestrylou@hotmail.com for further details or to book a place.

3rd October - 10th October 2024

A gite in the hills and a medieval town below. Louise Martin and Jane Brunning.

Live and weave in the calm open surroundings of La Roane, a 20 acre former upland farm. Visit St-Antonin- Noble-Val, a historic market town of timber framed houses, weathered brick work, pantiles and colourful painted shutters. Through guided drawing exercises we will absorb the form and textures of this picturesque architecture.

Back on the hill we'll demonstrate ways of developing your drawings into designs which you will have space and quietness to weave during the week.

Within the group, each person will be asked to talk about their own work, ideas and interests not yet explored. With the benefit of two tutors, we aim to give individual guidance alongside group activities.

We are returning to la Roane to teach having found it a special space, and at a season with warmer days and cooler nights. We have exclusive occupancy so there are always spaces to be alone or share. Our indoor/ outdoor studio space will be open to use anytime, a lovely open air pool, trails to wander and delicious food served on the veranda by our caring and attentive hosts, Anna and her father Nigel.

Single room: £995 
Twin or double: £950
Full board which is vegetarian, wine, tuition and an excursion are included in this price. 

Contact tapestrylou@hotmail.com for further details or to book a place.