Light & Shade :
ONline EMBROIDERY COURSE
Light & Shade:
Creative Ways with Shading, Colour and Pattern In Metal Thread Embroidery
4th March - 15th April 2026
Discover the creative possibilities of shading in creative goldwork couching!
Soft thread shading has been used for centuries in techniques such as ‘Or Nue and Italian Shading to add extra depth, pattern and contrast over metal threads, and in this six-week online course, we take a fresh look at techniques, ideas and design possibilities of adding colour, pattern and new ideas into your own creative practice.
EARLY BIRD Until 12 January 2026 (Full price £330) Discover the creative possibilities of shading techniques in metal thread couching in this brand new 6 week embroidery course!
With a combination of video exercises to watch and explore in your own time, downloadable workbooks, live Zoom sessions for feedback and questions, and group chat to share with other stitchers as your work evolves, this six-week course gives you a grounding in creative metal thread couching and opens up the beautiful contemporary potential of pattern, colour and shade.
This course is open-ended and creative, designed to fit around your life and your own unique creative design choices and interests, with two weeks per module to give you time to explore and develop at your own pace - there is no ‘right’ way or expected outcome, but lots of guidance and ideas as your work and your creative voice develops !
This creative course is for you if you wish to develop an inquisitive, playful approach to stitch, learning to develop your own unique designs, ideas and opinions and seeing where it leads you!
With three modules over six weeks, we start with the the ‘how to’s’ of couching stitch and working with metal threads, and use this as a jumping-off point, gradually introducing new stitch ideas, drawing exercises and design possibilities in an accessible, playful way, with a focus on exploring what excites you, and building up your own unique samples, drawings and stitch designs as the course progresses.
- Materials -
This workshop is designed with traditional goldwork threads in mind, and their particular movement, sculptural qualities and the way they play with light. For this reason, If possible, I suggest using passing threads. You can also use other threads - metal or other - which may require more experimentation and will all give you their own unique effects.
- TIme Commitment -
At least 5 hours a week is recommended to get the most out of this course - but the more hours you put in the more you will be able to develop your work throughout the course.
You have two weeks to explore each module and access to the full course content for one year, so you can re-visit as you wish.
- Stitch experience -
Some basic embroidery experience is advantageous - but from beginner to full blown stitch enthusiast, this course is designed so you can explore it at own level and pace - whether you are discovering goldwork for the very first time, or looking to bring a new perspective to an existing practice.
- Group Feedback -
Community, sharing ideas and getting feedback are such an important part of any creative journey, and you can post your work in the group chat to share with Hanny and the other stitchers.
The live Zoom sessions are a space to come together to ask questions about the course videos, share progress, and stitch along if you wish.
All the course content for Light and Shade is delivered in video exercises and workbooks, for you to explore and visit as often as you like, at your own pace.
Live sessions are for feedback, questions, and to learn from other stitchers on the course. Can’t attend live? not a problem - all course content is available for a year 24/7!
Wednesday 4th March 2026
Course begins - exercises for part 1 are live.
Live welcome Zoom session. 7pm - 8pm UK.
Wednesday 18th March 2026
Live Zoom session after part 1. 7pm - 8pm UK.
Part 2 exercises go live.
Wednesday 1st April 2026
Live Zoom session after part 2. 7pm - 8pm UK.
Part 3 exercises go live.
Wednesday 15th April 2026
Final Live Zoom session after part 3. 7pm - 8pm UK.
Feedback from Light & Shade 2025:
‘I just wanted to thank you for a tremendous experience that really helped me experiment and try out new ideas!’
‘I found Light & Shade really inspiring. I really enjoyed the freedom of exercises to express myself individually. Interaction with other participants. Really enjoyed the videos, printed the workbooks and referred to them throughout the course. I liked the way the exercises led into each other, encouraging you to use learning from the previous exercise in the next one.’
‘I really liked the videos. They catered well for all levels of experience & you explain & demonstrate things really well.’
‘You are such a great, modest teacher, you have a special way of teaching, and you leave everyone in his/her own value. Rather a mentor than a teacher. Subject and teacher fit perfectly together.’
‘It was everything I was hoping for and more. I liked the creative exploring outside of my comfort zone, as well as the push to drawing ideas. I loved the materials in general, but the videos were lovely…I often would watch them multiple times while I was stitching, just because it felt like a comfortable stitching group!’
‘I felt encouraged and motivated, discovering how others are progressing and how they have developed their samples. I didn't feel under pressure to keep up or compete. I will post my own progress and development when I feel ready.’
‘This is the first online course of several other courses (not Hanny's), I've felt extremely relaxed, encouraged and motivated. I feel excited and confident now more than ever to convert drawings into stitch. This is a first after 20+ years of embroidery practice!’
The workbooks and videos are immensely helpful & valuable when creating and sampling at my own pace. Especially as the content is available for a year.’
‘I really loved the room for experimentation and the way that Hanny gives us space to explore our own style!’
Light & Shade
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Light & Shade ✳
