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To escape the rain and drizzle, The National Centre for Craft & Design are offering two sunny summer workshops with Design Factory makers this month.

On Saturday 14th July you can enjoy learning or updating your mosaic skills with artist Julie Vernon. Julie was selected as a finalist in the 2011 Craft and Design Awards and is now a professional member of the British Association for Modern Mosaics.  She produces contemporary handcrafted mosaics working with a mix of materials from vitreous glass and ceramic through to natural marble and slate, often incorporating pieces of vintage porcelain or worn down ceramic found washed ashore on the beach.  She will show you how to skillfully cut and shape by hand to create your own unique and one-off design.  The workshop runs from 2pm - 4pm and costs £8 per person and is suitable for those over the age of 16 years. Booking is essential, telephone 01529 308710.

The following Saturday 21st July is all about textiles, hand stitching and applique work as textile artist, author and educator, Ruth Singer will lead you through the process of creating one-off textile artworks.  Ruth's work is inspired by historical textiles, museum objects, personal heritage, memory and stories.  She will explain her techniques of hand-stitched construction such as pleating, gathering, applique and structured stuffing to create dense surface texture and lead you through the process of designing and creating your very own personal tea cosey.  The workshop runs from 10am - 4pm and costs £25 per person and is suitable for adults. Booking is essential, telephone 01529 308710.

Learning Manager Helen Fletcher said: "We are very fortunate in having two passionate and inspiring educators who can share their specialisms with our workshop participants this month.  We hope people will enjoy the workshops as well as gain new skills and that they will be inspired to create more unique artworks of their own."

The National Centre is 'home' to the very best designer/makers in craft practice today.

Open from 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.