21/12/2022

Merry Christmas!

I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone that has supported me this year whether it was attending a workshop, buying a piece of art or simply popping by to say hello at one of my events. It really is appreciated.

Wishing you all a fabulous Christmas and here’s to a happy, healthy and creative new year.

I’ve just listed a few new workshop dates so if you get the chance please do have a browse over your mince pie and mulled wine.

26/10/2022

Textile Fair, Compton Verney

I’m very excited to be exhibiting at this prestigious event for the first time. I’ll have some new original textile pieces with me plus felted vessels, Nuno felted chiffon scarves and a range of smaller items all for sale.

New workshop venue for December 2022

Needle felting Christmas robins.

With Textile Artist Jacqui Smithson

Wednesday 7th December 2022

2.00 pm – 4.00 pm.

Wren Hall, School Lane, Wroxhall, Warwick, CV35 7NF

£25.00 per person

incudes all materials and seasonal refreshments.

Come and spend a creative couple of hours with textile artist Jacqui Smithson in the welcoming surroundings of Wren Hall. In this workshop Jacqui will be showing you how to make your very own sweet little robin with Merino wool fibres using the needle felting technique. Once you have made your robin you can choose either to wire him up as a tree decoration or attach him to a strong wire stick ready to pop in your favourite plant or as an adornment to your iced Christmas cake. (You should have time to make 2 or 3 during the session).

All materials will be provided which will include your felting sponge/brush, wool, and fibres, plus 3 needles. I will have extra needles and wool for purchase on the day if needed.

This workshop is suitable for beginners or those who have experience.

To book your place please contact Jacqui directly by email: Jacqui.a.smithson@gmail.com

17/10/2022

Warwickshire Art Festival

Sunday 23rd October 2022

I’ll be there with some new artwork plus a few handcrafted Christmas goodies.

Sweet little pud decorations
A selection of framed prints on canvas
Pudding cards
Hand felted Robins

07/06/2022

Warwickshire Open Studios 2022

Hi there,

Warwickshire Open Studios Summer Art Weeks is fast approaching and after the last couple of years this should be a really exciting event with over 400 artists taking part across 149 venues showing lots of diverse and beautiful art.  

This year I will be exhibiting at two venues. The first is at St John’s Church in Kenilworth with Kenilworth Artists. The second is at St Nicholas house, 30 Willes Rd, Leamington Spa exhibiting alongside painter Janette George, photographer David Chantrey, jeweller Vicky Noyes, printmaker Alix Almond and introducing Katy Walden who is one of this year’s WOS bursary winners.  

Both venues will be holding private views and we would be delighted if you could make it to one or both of these events. 

Kenilworth Artists Private View,  Friday 17th June 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm, St John’s Church, Warwick Rd, Kenilworth.

Art at St Nicholas House Private View, Thursday 23rd June between 7:00pm – 9:00pm, 30 Willes Road, Leamington Spa, CV31 1BN 

Further information is available at www.wostudios.org for all the opening times and info about what is on show throughout the county. 

Many thanks.

Jacqui x

24/03/2022

Take 5 Art Exhibition

Come and take a browse at the work of 5 Artists from Kenilworth showing their paintings, textiles and beautiful glass together at East Lodge Gallery in Leamington Spa.  The show runs from the 6th of April through to the 1st of May.

Take 5 Art Exhibition with Leamington Studio Artists.
East Lodge, Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa.
6th April-1st May Wednesday to Sunday

04/03/2022

Felting Workshops Spring/Summer 2022

My latest set of felting workshops for this year are now available to book. Full information can be found on my workshops page.


Felting larger vessels or bucket bags

Thursday 10th March, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

£58.00 per person


Nuno Felting

Thursday 24th March and Friday 6th May, Time: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

£58.00 per person


Beautiful Bowls

Thursday 28th April and Thursday 19th May, Time: 10.00 am – 1.30 pm

£45.00 per person


Needle felting images

Thursday 5th May, Time: 10.00 am – 1.15 pm

£40.00 per person


Wet felting simple images Starter/refresher.

Saturday 7th May, 10.00 am – 1.15 pm

£40.00 per person


Making Mondays

Monday 9th May and Monday 13th June, 10.30am – 2.30 pm

£20.00 per person

13/01/2022

Felting Workshops Spring 2022

Beautiful Bowls

Friday 21st January and Thursday 3rd March, Time: 10.00 am – 1.30 pm

£45.00 per person

(Both these classes are now full. More bowl making workshops to be announced from April onwards).

Learn how to make a simply shaped bowl using the wet felting technique in the colours of your choice. In this class you will be working with woollen batts which are much coarser than fine Merino tops. Batts are perfect for 3D work such as bowls and are also excellent for use when needle felting. You will be shown how to layer your batts round a strong plastic resist and given step by step instructions on how to wet, shape and finish your bowl ready to take home.


Nuno Felting

Saturday 29th January. Time: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

£58.00 per person

Learn how to make a beautiful scarf using the Nuno felting technique. You will be shown how to work fabulous Merino fibres, silks, and interesting threads through a silk chiffon scarf and by adding warm soapy water and a little elbow grease the fibres will begin to migrate through the chiffon and eventually felt. You will be sure to take home an accessory to be proud of in the colours and design of your choice.


Making Days

Monday 7th February and Monday 7th March, Time: 10.30 am – 2.30 pm

£20.00 per person

A day to come and share the studio space and use of equipment with fellow textile lovers and felt makers. It may be time to start a new project or bring something that you are already working on. You may need some advice on how to finish it off or whether it needs embellishment. I will be on hand to share knowledge and answer questions on felting, stitching and other techniques and will also have fibres, wool and needles that you can buy if needed.


Needle felting images

Saturday 12th February, Time: 10.00 am – 1.15 pm

£40.00 per person

Suitable for beginners or those who have experience. I will be teaching the technique of needle felting which is great fun to do and easy to learn.

In this session you will create a small panel of felt using pre dyed Merino wool tops, woollen batts and other interesting fibres.

All materials will be provided which will include your felting sponge, wool and fibres plus 3 needles. I will have extra needles for purchase on the day if needed.


Felting larger vessels or bucket bags

Thursday 17th February and Thursday 10th March

Time: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

£58.00 per person

Using a very similar technique to our beautiful bowl making, this class will be a little more advanced and will give you the chance to work on something slightly larger using the wet felting technique. You will be shown how to layer your batts round a strong plastic resist and given step by step instructions on how to wet, shape and finish your vessel and form handles if you choose to make a bag.

Please note some felting knowledge is required for this class. 


Venue for all workshops: 96 Leamington Rd, Kenilworth, CV8 2AA

All materials are included for every workshop, but you will need to bring a large towel to cover your working area and a pair of rubber gloves for wet felting.

Refreshments will be provided. Please bring your own lunch if you are attending a full day workshop.

If you would like to book a class, please email me with the date you would like to come, and I will send you an invoice for payment. All classes must be paid in full to secure your place.  Jacqui.a.smithson@gmail.com