Shibori Summer School in Norfolk, UK
Jane Callender shares her expertise in shibori and indigo techniques in Workshops at her ‘Blue Leaf’ studio in Norfolk, UK.
Summer school provides the time to really get focused. Many techniques are included and the possibilities of combination methods discussed. A selection of natural dyes will be available. Other techniques such as de-gumming and discharge dyeing may be possible.
Beginners will have the time to learn, observe and develop their results while the more experienced practitioner will have the opportunity to fully explore a particular aspect of shibori, refine existing skills and learn new ones. Pattern planning will be introduced. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace.
The number of participants will be kept to 6 or 7, giving time for one to one guidance.
Upcoming dates for Summer School 2025
Monday 21st – Friday 25th July 2025 with the option of staying on for the weekend 26/27th.
Monday 11th – Friday 15th August 2025 with the option of staying on for weekend 16/17th.
To book a place or to find out more please contact Jane.
Techniques covered during the summer school
The Summer Schools focus on the shibori technique.
Stitch resist – includes all the basics as with these myriad of effects and patterns can be created- hira-nui, ori-nui and make-nui with many variations, combinations and innovations.
Binding techniques – ne-maki shibori, kumo shibori, maki-age shibori and various boshi techniques to cap and reserve.
Bo maki shibori – (cylinder/pole wrapping) – This method includes the ever popular arashi shibori.
Itajime – board compression.
Tesuji and tazuna shibori – various hand pleated methods using a flexible core and working on tesuji stands.
Lesser known shibori techniques such as hotaru and shirokage shibori may be introduced.
Pattern planning.
Combination methods.
Those returning to Summer School will be challenged further with projects which build on previous work.
DYES and PROCESSES
The main dye used is indigo. A main strong vat will be prepared for use with additional vats being made as required. Natural, synthetic and organic vats will be made available.
Mineral dye Iron rust, and a selection of natural dye baths such as pomegranate, Brazil (Sappan) wood, logwood, weld, will also be made depending on focus and availability. These additional dye baths challenge and broaden the imagination as to how various shibori techniques can be used. A lab fee is charged to cover the cost of additional natural dyes and natural indigo. De-gumming and discharge immersion baths may be included.
Workshop Details
COURSE SUITABILITY
Beginners and the more experienced are warmly welcomed to all workshops. A maximum of six, sometimes seven students ensures plenty of one to one tuition.
REQUIREMENTS LIST
A comprehensive list will be sent nearer the time of the course. You will need to bring your own fabric. Some preparation will be required and an instruction sheet will be forwarded. You will be given a small amount of fabric. A limited amount of fabric will be available for purchase. Boards for itajime are provided but it is appreciated if you can bring your own clamps if you are able. A large selection of cylinders are provided. Please bring string. If you would like to bring your own boards and cylinders you are welcome to do so.
RESEARCH
A small library on textiles and design, shibori and dyeing is available for further research, as are videos and textiles.
HOUSEKEEPING
9.30 am Welcome coffee for a prompt 10am start.
12.45 – 1.30 Lunch
5 pm Close You will not be disturbed if you are finishing a project.
Refreshments are available throughout the day. Please specify any special dietary needs when booking.
Evening meal plans
Impromptu fish and chip beach supper or barbecue – depending on the weather.
Supper at a pub.
An optional evening meal will be provided on two nights at £15 per head. Travelling companions welcome.
PRACTICALITIES
There are a few steps up into the studio and down into the garden where the dyeing takes place. There is plenty of outdoor space and facilities for rinsing off and hanging up. There is a downstairs comfort room.
For information on cost, deposit and booking please contact Jane.
Getting to ‘Blue leaf’
BY CAR
The nearest town to Jane is Harleston, Norfolk UK. The full address will be sent on booking. There is ample parking.
BY TRAIN
The nearest and most convenient train station is Diss, 20 minutes’ drive away. The journey from London’s Liverpool Street station to Diss, Norfolk is 1¾ hrs. Other train station options, though not so convenient, are Attleborough, a 40 minute drive away, and Norwich, about an hour’s drive away. A list of taxi services will be sent to you as it is advisable to book in advance. If at all possible you will be collected by Jane from Diss station. https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/london-liverpool-street-to-diss
BY PLANE
Please let Jane know your flight details. If you plan to hire a car, Norwich Airport is 1½hr drive away. Stansted Airport is a 2½hr drive away. It is advisable for those travelling from overseas to get to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airports where there are train links at the airport into London. Make your way to Liverpool Street station where you can get the train to Diss, Norfolk. A list of taxi services will be sent to you as it is advisable to book in advance. If at all possible you will be collected by Jane from Diss station. https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/london-liverpool-street-to-diss
Accommodation
This is a rural area and there are plenty of AirB&B, guest houses and small hotels in the surrounding villages and towns. A PDF list of accommodation options will be sent on request.
A selection of images in celebration of students' work
You can view more images on my Instagram page.
Summer School Assistants
For the last four years a student from West Surrey College of Art and Design, now known as University of Creative Arts, Farnham, assists to ensure the smooth running of the course. Having learnt about indigo at Farnham and having been taught by Deryn O’Connor, Susan Bosence and Diana Harrison this link provides a sense of continuity. The assistant can participate in the course and accommodation and hospitality is provided in exchange for help with general preparation, vat and dye preparation and maintenance, helping participants and with meal preparation.
Past assistants
2016 Jennifer Mok – skilled silk weaver specialising in the graduation of colour and ikat
2017 Adora Mehitabel – textile print designer promoting lifestyle
2018 Beth Rodgers – currently working as artist in residence at Farnham
2019 Rosie Holttum – Rosie has been setting up her studio to work with natural dyes