Glimmering Fabrics: Discovering Mirror Embroidery Workshop
Sunday, October 13, 2024
1 pm
Education Centre
Instructor: Sumaira Tazeen
Cost: $100 (materials included)
NOTE: This workshop includes admission to the Museum Collections Gallery and a guided tour of the current temporary exhibition, Light: Visionary Perspectives.
1–2 pm | Gallery tour
2–4 pm | Workshop
Workshop is limited to 24 participants.
“Glimmering Fabrics: Discovering Mirror Embroidery Workshop” is an engaging, hands-on session designed to introduce participants to the enchanting art of mirror embroidery. In this two-hour workshop, participants will be guided through the essentials of mirror embroidery techniques, inspiring them to create beautiful reflective designs on fabric. Participants will learn about the tools, materials, and surfaces used in basic embroidery.
Under the guidance of practicing artist Sumaira Tazeen, they will use simple embroidery materials on cotton fabric to create their own garden-themed designs, featuring elements like trees and flowers inspired by Mughal Miniature Painting. While some prior experience in embroidery may be helpful, it is not required. All materials will be provided.
Workshop Outline
- Introduction to Mirror Embroidery: short presentation (5 minutes)
- Welcome and overview of mirror embroidery as an art form.
- Discussion of the significance of mirrors in embroidery.
- Showcase of inspiring mirror embroidery designs.
- Basic Embroidery Techniques (15 minutes)
- Demonstration of fundamental embroidery stitches.
- Explanation of embroidery threads, needles, and other essential supplies.
- Focus will be on stitches that work well with mirror embroidery, such as chain stitch, back stitch and running stitch.
- Guided instructions on selecting and positioning mirrors on fabric.
- Techniques for securely attaching mirrors, including stitching and gluing methods.
- Design Exploration and Hands-on Practice (90 minutes)
- Participants will be encouraged to create their own mirror embroidery design.
- The instructor will offer guidance and support in choosing colours, layouts, and mirror placement.
- Participants will be provided with cotton fabric and embroidery materials and experiment with mirror embroidery under the instructor’s guidance.
- Finishing, Display, Tidying Up and Conclusion (10 minutes)
- Final step: techniques for finishing and securing the embroidery, Cutting out extra thread and ironing.
- Studio cleanup.
- Recap of key concepts and techniques covered in the workshop.
- Address any final questions or concerns from participants.
Note: The workshop outline provided is a general guideline. Adjustments in timing and content will be made based on the participants’ skill levels and workshop requirements.
