Things We Love

Secrets of Feng Shui

The five distinguishing elements of Feng Shui practice are wood, fire, metal, earth and water – the aim to eliminate negative energy in the home by pursuing balance in a traditional manner through their corresponding colours, and shapes. Consequently, Qi (or Chi), the vital flowing good energy, is achieved and begins to flourish when we’re in a space that contains just the right amount of good energy. But, there is a lot more to it than just moving things around the home, lighting a stick of incense, and the usual quick vacuuming under the sofa. True Feng Shui is a devotion and a philosophy, and for those who are curious, and with a yearning for something more meaningful when it comes to decorative and life matters, a course led by practitioner Sam McDaid entitled ‘Feng Shui 101 – a Chinese Take-away’ at the Insight School of Interior Design in Chai Wan is an apt introduction for the budding interior designer, or anyone looking to Feng Shui their home. The class is enlightening and filled with exercises and lots of meditative thoughts on how to incorporate healthy energy into the home. Here, Sam expands on this fascinating practice and shares a few ‘take-aways’.

Why did you start teaching Feng Shui?

I had just signed a two-year contract to work here as a teacher of Art and Design in a large International School with no expectations to become a permanent resident. Initially, it was frustrating trying to access good quality reading materials as they were mostly written in traditional or simplified Chinese. With a lot of perseverance and a little luck I found and studied with three renowned Masters whom have taught me a wealth of knowledge in this fascinating ancient art, philosophy and science.  As an experienced educator, performance coach and designer it seemed a natural progression for me to write courses which enable adults to merge this ancient Chinese practice with our needs for modern living. 

What is it about Feng Shui that can help the home decorator with good design?

Form School Feng Shui is deeply rooted in good design principles and common sense. Of course there are elements of superstition attached to Classical Feng Shui, but in theory it’s underpinned by colour psychology, spatial planning, balanced material usage and ambient design. I myself have a Diploma in Interior Design and am currently developing a portfolio in Residential and Commercial projects on an international level. I encourage my students to integrate ideas from both their traditional design understandings and Feng Shui knowledge with a western or other culturally appropriate contemporary lens. Feng Shui is really about harnessing good Qi气 from the macro and micro environment to elevate the energy of a given space. As practitioners we generally aim to create harmony in residential projects and focus more so on the activation of wealth and prosperity in commercial environments.

 

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Have you noticed that incorporating Feng Shui into the home can be transformative for people’s wellbeing too?

Yes of course. As an example, I worked alongside a well-known design duo here in Hong Kong whose client specifically wanted for them to use Feng Shui within the renovation of her home in Happy Valley. The patriarch of the family had been suffering from health problems for some time and was often in and out of hospital. Initially the interior architects were sceptical of my involvement but realised quickly that Feng Shui helped to enhance their ideas rather than disturb them. We specifically focused on analysing the bedroom and kitchen to elevate the good or Sheng Qi 气. Sheng Qi is a bright, refreshing, uplifting Feng Shui energy that is beneficial to overall health and wellbeing. Sheng translated from Chinese means Upward Moving Energy. As a result the client and her family have since enjoyed improved health and wellness. 

Have you ever received feedback from a client where their lives have been changed in a positive way from living in a home that revolves around the practicing of Feng Shui?

Thankfully, all of my clients to date have provided very positive feedback and recommended my services and teachings to others.  The most satisfying aspect of my role as an educator focused on the integration of good design, positive psychology and Feng Shui风水 is knowing that my clients have made a connection with something bigger than themselves. There are many ‘ah ha’ moments for my students throughout our Insight School certificates and short  courses. I know this sounds a little ‘out there’ but mapping energy is a highly effective tool for living.  One of the most important things that we need to do is truly believe that we can obtain the things we want in life. Whether that’s longing for an ideal partner, a great job or a fit physique, know that we can meet our goals when translated through artefacts, objects, relics, furnishing or artworks in the home or office. Entertaining doubts or negative ideas merely inhibits our ability to get the things we deserve. 

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What is your own living space like – in terms of Feng Shui?

Like most other apartments in Hong Kong, it could always be better. I’m unfortunately lacking in a good water view and therefore have utilized some traditional Feng Shui cures for that in order to keep my finances healthy. I’ve been using plants that purify the air naturally rather than use the air conditioning so much. As a result my energy bills have dramatically reduced and I feel much happier being surrounded by greenery. It’s recommended that we have plants in all rooms, even bedrooms as they emit a positive energy. Having houseplants can be a nice way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, adding a splash of colour and helping to act as natural air purifier, by taking in carbon dioxide and giving off fresh oxygen as part of their natural life cycle. I have placed a little Jasmine plant with lovely little white flowers and a sharply sweet scent near my bed which has made a positive impact on my sleep quality.

What is one thing you like Insight School students to take home with them after completing your course?

My course is entitled ‘Feng Shui 101 – A Chinese take-away’ as I use food as an analogy for my teachings. I cover the guiding principles behind Classical or Compass Feng Shui (Peking Duck), the BTB school (Sweet and Sour Pork) and New Age Feng Shui (Egg Fried rice). During the beginners’ course my students begin with group and paired theoretical discussion and understanding of the Five Elements, Yin Yang Theory and Four Feature Model. This then leads into a very hands-on exercise of mapping the BaGua or 8 Aspirations map on their chosen floor plan followed by the generation of concept boards and material selection for a chosen sector of their home or residential project. It’s all encompassing of many activities, skills and levels of understanding. If I were to choose one thing that I would like for my students to take away it would be that Feng Shui really is a valuable tool for designing a positive experience of living.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FENG SHUI AND INTERIORS, JOIN INSIGHT SCHOOL’S 2-DAY SHORT COURSE ON JUNE 28 – 29, 2017 FROM 10-3PM. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Image credit: Insight School HK

 

KPC Yarn Pop-Up – SYDNEY

The second annual group exhibition from KPC Yarn in Sydney explores the relationship between thread as medium and colour as feeling, shape, movement and light, and brings together an eclectic mix of work from around the globe. All of the pieces have been originally produced for the exhibition, and the artists chosen are all practitioners who consistently challenge the preconceived notions of textiles as homespun and tame. While many responses are whimsical, all push the boundaries of the form and the result is often surprising and idiosyncratic, both in substance and design. KPC Yarn is proud to be able to showcase a vast range of techniques and materials being embraced by 17 established and emerging names working in the textile world today.

Contributing artists include, Liz Payne, Nora Gres, Jacqui Fink, Katika, Vanessa Barragaó, Meredith Gaston, Kate Jenkins, Judith Macrae, Niki McDonald, Teresa Lim, Azumi Sakata, Lisa Tilse, Pauline Keneally and Lauren Hernandez and Kassandra Hernandez.  

Saturday, May 20, 2017 3:30pm – 5:30pm sees the launch of the exhibition with a discussion about the healing power of making in our daily lives between Jacqui Fink, Meredith Gaston, Julie Gibbs and Indira Naidoo. A $15 entrance fee will be charged and one hundred percent of it will go to The Indigenous Literacy Foundation and tickets for the talk can be bought here.  

Following this at 5:30pm – 7:30pm will be the official opening exhibition opening night celebration. Entrance to the party is free of charge. 

A structured program of textile workshops and a series of drop-in classes each day are planned, which means the space will be constantly evolving with the goal of creating a supportive environment for communicating and bringing together like-minded creatives. For more information visit HERE

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ingrid Keneally 

Creative Coordinator

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:

All classes focus on craft technique and accommodate skill levels from a total beginner to advanced artist. Our workshops are designed to be fun and encouraging and all our instructors are practising artists working in their chosen fields. Small group sizes ensure individual guidance and allow plenty of time for attendants to ask questions. Age range: 13 years and over.

workshop image1. Tapestry – The Art of Contemporary Needlepoint with Niki McDonald

In this three-hour workshop you will explore the traditional half-cross stitch used in needlepoint. Project will involve sewing onto an urban-inspired hand-painted tapestry canvas. You will learn the basics of stenciling, and various layering and texturing techniques. There will also be an opportunity to work with the single and double-cross stitch. For bookings go HERE.

Cost: $110. Tuition fee includes canvas and tools.

Dates: May 20, 2017 – 10:30am – 1:30pm and May 25, 2017 – 6pm – 9pm

Venue: 14 William Street, Paddington, Sydney

Light refreshments provided.

About Niki McDonald

Sydney-based artist Niki McDonald graduated from University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Creative Arts degree majoring in Textiles. She works across a broad range of techniques encompassing textiles, tapestry, painting, printmaking and photography in her compositions. She uses these skills in ironic ways to challenge the traditional conventions of needlepoint and to generate urban and contemporary perspectives that reflect the visual edginess of graffiti, tagging and bill posters. Niki has participated in many solo and group exhibitions and her work is hanging in private collections all over the world. Recent prizes include Waverley Art Prize, Winner of Mixed Media in 2014. 

 

2. How to Dye Fabric Naturally with Cath Derksema

FullSizeRenderThis class will focus on teaching you the fundamentals of sourcing natural dyeing properties and exploring important techniques used in making memorable colours. Projects w
ill range from working with organic cotton, wool skeins, and spices, plants, and other natural ingredients. For bookings, please visit here.

 
Cost: $140. Tuition fee includes fabric, KPC yarns, and all dyeing materials. Cath recommends wearing old clothes because the process can get a ‘little messy’.

Date: May 27, 2017 – 2pm – 5pm

Venue: The Happenstore, 55 Parramatta Road, Annandale

About Cath Derksema

Textile designer Cath Derksema has developed her craft in the textile industry over many years. In the eighties she designed for John Kaldor before moving on to start her own interiors label Art Park; in the 2000s, she founded Prints Charming Original Fabrics with Kirsten Junor. Most recently Cath has established The Happenstore in Annandale, a multifaceted space designed to showcase exciting new creative product and for bringing together makers and like-minded individuals to practice, learn and dream up ideas. As well as facilitating workshops at the space Cath also shares her process through Indigo Shibori and Creative Stitching workshops. Cath combines her career as an artist with commissions and bespoke fabric and artisan projects. She is a widely respected artist and her work has been featured in the pages of numerous magazines both nationally and internationally.

 

3. An Introduction to Knitting with Gillian Bailey

Have you always wanted to have the skills to start off a knitting project but can’t quite get it right? This class will simplify the steps of casting on and casting off – without the stress. Each student will learn to correct their own mistakes, and more, in a supportive and intimidation-free environment – all with the commencement of an individually designed scarf. For bookings, please go HERE.

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Cost: $15. Tuition fee includes knitting needles and wool.

Date: May 21, 2017 – 10:30am – Noon and May 28, 2017 – 10am  – 11:30am

Venue: 14 William Street, Paddington, Sydney

About Gillian Bailey

Former fashion ‘it’ girl Gillian Bailey loves the serenity found in her knitting practice, and has taken her passion to the next level by sharing through teaching the lovely styles, tricks and techniques that are helpful in her own making.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Dream big – Extreme Knitting with Jacqui Fink

All-levels class. Students will immerse themselves in the wonderful world of knitting in an oversized scale. With the use of the K1S1 merino yarn Jacqui Fink has established as part of her personal range, this class will focus on teaching you the basics of the knitting-without-needles process including castingFullSizeRender-21 on and casting off, getting the tension right, and various helpful postural techniques. Projects may include super scarves, in garter or stockinette stitch, and unique soft vessels to display in your home. For bookings, please visit HERE. 

Cost: $195. Class tuition fee includes a selection of K1S1 wool which will be available in a selection of colours on the day.

Dates: May 21, 2017 – 2pm – 5pm and May 27, 2017 Time: 10am – Noon

Venue: 14 William Street, Paddington, Sydney

About Jacqui Fink

Jacqui Fink’s love of textiles developed as a healing journey through a difficult time in her life and developed into the artist she is today. She has exhibited in high-profile galleries, and her installations and wall-hangings have come to be highly sought after by private and commercial enterprises in Australia and overseas. She shares her time between her own studio practice and teaching and has taught the distinctive style and method of her ‘extreme knitting’ for the past eight years.

 

 

 

5. Denim Lover’s Embroidery Class – everything you wanted to know about personalising your jeans but were too afraid to ask – with Liz Payne

In this two-hour workshop, students will receive artistic guidance from designer Liz Payne while customising their own denim pieces. Working through a selection of the instructor’s repertoire of stitches, you will be encouraged to think strategically and explore your own ideas, inclinations, and visual instincts for theme, colour, and design. This is a terrific opportunity to work alongside an established designer specialising in this very popular technique. For bookings please go HERE.

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Cost: $150. Tuition fee includes KPC cotton, and other kitsch and crafty rhinestones, sequins, beads, and patches, too. BYO denim piece for customising.

Dates: May 24, 2017 – 6pm – 8pm and May 27, 2017 – 2pm – 4pm

Venue: 14 William Street, Paddington, Sydney

About Liz Payne

Liz Payne’s meticulous practice uses an endless palette of materials and ranges from distinctive hand-embroidered and beaded artwork to dynamic wearables, such as necklaces and earrings. Recent exhibitions include fenton&fenton Peace of Art and Artist Open House, Fremantle. She has twice exhibited at The Other Art Fair, Sydney. Awards include 2015 winner in the Etsy Awards Australia and New Zealand in Art and Illustration and Paper Design, and in 2014 she was a finalist in the NSW Emerging Artist Craft Award. Recent collaborations include Gorman’s autumn/winter 2017 collection. Her work is represented in private and retail collections in Australia and overseas.

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6. DIY Pom-pom Clutch: Tutorial with Lisa Tilse

Learn how to make pom-poms with Lisa Tilse. Your first project will be a completed clutch, and the finished product will be beautifully decorated and professionally constructed – one which you will be proud to use. This class is suited for experienced and beginner students. For bookings go here

Cost: Tuition fee includes all tools and clutch plus a selection of KPC yarns.

Date: May 27, 2017

Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Venue: 14 William Street, Paddington, Sydney, Australia

About Lisa Tilse

Lisa Tilse is a graphic designer, creative director, blogger, prop maker, stylist, teacher, and more. Her DIY influence and inspiration is reaching far and wide thanks to the success of her blog We Are Scout, an online platform for showcasing makers, designers and style and design trends around the globe as well as carefully curated DIY and craft tutorials that chart her own creative development. Lisa’s DIY projects and content have been featured by some of the world’s leading design sites and over 40 magazines. She loves to see artistic activity flourish and she has a generous eye for spotting talent in others. Notable mentions include one of domino magazine’s 23 best design blogs of 2016.

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7. Drop-in Crochet Classes

Whether it’s a little creative encouragement, assistance with technique, or a lesson in starting a project from scratch, our instructors will be on hand to share their expertise. One-on-one hour lessons available. For bookings go here.

Cost: $15. Crochet hook supplied.

Dates: Dates through May: 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

Times: 10am, 11am, 3pm, 4pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Credit: Liz Payne, Lisa Tilse, Jacqui Fink 

Thread+Colour 2 and KPC Yarn Pop-Up in Sydney

If you are in Sydney Saturday, May 20 please pop into the Thread+Colour 2 and KPC Yarn opening events. There will be daily workshops, textile artworks and yarn for sale during the 10 days that I will be in Sydney… May 19 – 28, 2017 during Wool Week Australia

See details below:
3:30pm – 5:30pm.
Join us as Jacquline Fink, Meredith Gaston, Julie Gibbs and Indira Naidoo talk about the healing power of stitching, growing and creating in our daily lives. There is a $15 entrance fee that goes to The Indigenous Literacy Foundation and tickets can be purchased here 

5:30pm – 7:30pm
We invite you to stay on and celebrate the opening of our textile exhibition Thread+Colour 2 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Enjoy bubbly and nibbles in the company of several of our artists.

Look forward to seeing you all. xx

Image credit: The super talented Liz Payne 

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Jasmine Mansbridge – Painting Workshop Hong Kong

 

Screen Shot 2017-02-15 at 6.02.34 PMIn March 2017 we are hosting a hands-on class taught by one of Australia’s emerging artists. Learn the basic painting technique used for Jasmine Mansbridge’s ‘Three Point Portal’ (triangle) installations to create your own work on balsa wood.
To coincide with Hong Kong Art Basel, and while she will be contributing her unique touch for a mural at eicó paints throughout the fair, Australian artist Jasmine Mansbridge is coming to Mirth to take some classes for those beginner or experienced painters interested in expanding their skills.
This two-hour class will be used as a pivot point for a discussion on dimension, and you will learn all the colour-mixing tricks you will need. Reservation required. Register here. Pieces from the workshop can be kept and taken home on the day. Participants must be 12 years and older. All materials supplied.
For more information on Jasmine’s work, or if you would like to order a copy of her book, There is a Paintbrush in my Coffee, in the lead-up to the class, please visit jasminemansbridge.com. Jasmine will next be exhibiting at Sydney’s Koskela in early March 2017. The artist will also be participating in an intimate talk about practicing her art at her home where she lives with her husband and five children. 

 

Juggling Art Practice and Family Life – in conversation with Jasmine Mansbridge at eicó paints

Date –  March 23 –

Time –  TBC

Venue – eicó, Evergreen Industrial Mansion 2B, 12 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong. Tel: 5367 6716

 

 

Workshop Details at Mirth 

Date – March 23 – 10am – noon ( Participants must be 12 years and older) 

            March 25 – 1pm – 3pm ( Participants must be 12 years and older) 

            March 25  – Children’s class 3:30pm – 4:30pm  ( Under 12 years )  – 

Venue – Mirth, The Mezzanine Floor, Yip Kan Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong. Tel: 2553 9811
For bookings and enquires go to stylebrief.bigcartel.com 

 

 

Shibori and Natural Dyeing Workshops in Hong Kong 4 – 5 November, 2016

Chances are you’ve heard about the latest trend for shibori dyeing centred on those rich indigo hues – a continuation of our current taste for hand-crafted original clothes and homewares. First and foremost shibori dyeing is the traditional Japanese version of tie-dyeing that dates back to the 8th century. The artform has recently been spotted earthily energising the latest collections from Stella McCartney and Proenza Shouler. So, if you think you would like to partake in a little shibori activity and learn this timeless technique from one of the experts, KPC Yarn and Stylebrief are hosting author and designer Cath Derksema of Prints Charming to Hong Kong in early November for some exclusive workshops at KPC Yarn Studio, Lai Chi Kok, and Mirth, Aberdeen. While in Hong Kong Cath will also take bookings for one extra class that will focus on the steps involved in her fascinating natural dyeing process which involves using leaves, tea, spices, bark and flowers. Places are limited so book fast! See below for workshop details and go to stylebriefbigcartel for booking: 

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Shibori Workshop

This three-hour class run by Australian textile artist, author and designer Cath Derksema will focus on resist-dye techniques like tying and clamping and of course each student will leave with a wonderful over-sized shibori-dyed muslin scarf upon finishing. There will be napkins, silk scarves and pillow cases available to buy on the day, but participants are encouraged to bring along any of their own pieces for exploration. Cotton tea towels and pillow slips, white T-shirts and linen are the ultimate blank canvas, and shibori can also give another bohemian dimension to blue denim jeans or add an ingenious modern touch to white jackets and shirts, too.

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This three-hour class with artist Cath Derksema will focus on the many facets involved in the natural dyeing process. There will be organic cotton and wool skeins provided from KPC Yarn, and all spices and plants will be locally sourced. Students are encouraged to bring along any item of clothing or linen from home that could use some reinvigoration. Places are limited so book fast!    

Hong Kong Insider’s Textile tour

HONG KONG INSIDER’S TEXTILE TOUR – OCTOBER 18 – 21, 2016 – three nights/ four days hosted by Ingrid Keneally and Natalie Miller. 

Having lived in Hong Kong for over 18 years, and seen this glittering and at-times overwhelming city go through some profound changes, I have turned my mind to introducing my Hong Kong to those curious for more unexpected travel that balances learning about textiles with shopping secrets and guidance for great eating destinations. I can wander and gaze for hours on end looking through antique shops for that perfect overlooked vintage dress, or a beautiful object in an unknown laneway. I liken it to a human pick-me-up and I have made it my job. Styling and sourcing is what I love to do. This year I will be teaming up with architect and fibre artist Natalie Miller for a three-night /four day Hong Kong Insider’s Tour exploring the colourful garment districts and gaining insight into where you can source all your DIY project needs to continue your artistic practice at home. Think leather, rope, ribbons, cotton, silk, buttons, trims, silver and so much more. We will also be allowing plenty of time in the schedule to guide you to some seriously amazing lesser-known shopping destinations, that I visit in my everyday life for work!

About Natalie Miller: Natalie enjoys her time in Hong Kong, maybe it’s because, after her numerous working visits to Hong Kong, including her most recent to create and install the stunning macramé chandeliers for Chinese New Year’s Eve at Pacific Place, she has fallen in love with this city. Apart from being a very gifted architect and fibre artist, Natalie is an experienced educator who loves to talk all things weaving. Natalie brings an artist’s eye to this trip. Learn more about Natalie here.  For further details and prices please email me at ingridkeneally@gmail.com

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KPC Yarn pop-up in Sydney


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Leading yarn brand KPC Yarn has collaborated with 19 established artists whose work offers up a new take on the traditional world of textiles to showcase an exhibition called Thread+Colour. Contributing artists include architect turned latest ‘it’ weaver whose work is featured on the April 2016 issue of Home Beautiful Natalie Miller alongside other major weaving talents, Brooklyn based Maryanne MoodieGenevieve Griffiths, Nikita Sheth, Erin Barett of Unwoven, sisters Lauren and Kassandra Hernandez of Crossing Threads and Natalie Jones; extreme knitter Jacquie Fink; Elizabeth Pawle, whose delicate neon wall hangings bring with them a soothing gem-like air; artist Katikart who turns crochet portraiture into something unexpected and quirky; the inspirational Cath Derksema of Prints Charming; contemporary hand-stitcher Liz Payne; sculptor and fibre artist Harriet Goodall; maker of exquisitely playful collage works Alex Falkiner; knitting artist Stine Leth; artist and author Meredith Gaston; creative maker and founder of B for Brain Haily Tran; weaver and fibre artist Megan Bogden Shimek, and ceramicist and fibre artist Alison Fraser.

As the creative coordinator behind the project I have a passion for showcasing the unique style and talents of each artist. The ten-day pop-up will start with a conversation with Jacqui Fink about her fascinating process at 4pm on April 23, and from there an opening night gathering, which will include canapés and wines from Mondo Imports will begin at 5.30pm. There is also an area reserved in the space for daily workshops (for details and workshop bookings read on) and informal discussions during the week.

For opening night please go to Thread+Colour event page to let us know if you are joining. 

Lovers of punk and bold design will be very pleased to see a very select collection of woollen sweaters from Kaylene Milner of Wah-Wah. Founder and designer of Sydney-based French knitwear label Marcelle & Clo Claudine Guerin will also have her patterns available for sale. My input is a fun collaboration with KPC Yarn and visitors to the exhibition and pop-up are invited to hand-sign in thread the giant 1.4 metre embroidery sampler, located at the ten day pop-up. 

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This vibrant collection combines a wealth of talent and strong international influences, and will be on display in Sydney at The William Street Gallery, 14 William St, Paddington, from April 23 – May 1, 2016. All of the range from KPC Yarn will be available as well as the original artworks and hand-made one-off designs and wares such as Jacqui Fink’s Little Dandelion range will be for sale throughout the week. If you are interested in viewing any of the artist’s pieces before the opening, please email me at ingridkeneally@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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KPC WORKSHOP TIMETABLE: 

Saturday  April 23  12 pm – 3pm

Learn the embroidery technique of mark making with thread – with Cath Derksema of Prints Charming. Once you’ve moved through a host of stitches, a lesson in embellishment, on a Cath Derksema hand-dyed indigo cushion cover will be introduced. Light snacks and refreshments provided. 

For bookings and more details visit Prints Charming  

Sunday April 24 10 am – 1 pm

From little things…Learn the basics of knitting with Pauline Keneally, who as a former professional potter has years of experience in many crafts. Walk away with the skills needed to cast on, cast off and finally get that knitting project started. Light snacks and refreshments provided.

For bookings visit stylebriefhongkong

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Sunday April 24  2 pm – 5 pm SOLD OUT

The wonderful world of weaving with Natalie Miller using KPC Yarn. All materials supplied.  Light snacks and refreshments provided.

For bookings and more details visit Natalie Miller. 

Monday April 25- 10am – 12pm

Learn the decorative handicraft of Chinese knotting with Natalie Miller. Light snacks and refreshments provided.

For bookings and more details visit Natalie Miller. 

Monday April 25  2 pm – 5 pm SOLD OUT

The wonderful world of weaving with Natalie Miller. All materials supplied including a selection of KPC Yarn. Light snacks and refreshments provided.  

For bookings and more details visit Natalie Miller

Tuesday April 26 10 am – 1pm.

Secrets of successful silk-screening with Cath Derksema of Prints Charming. Light snacks and refreshments provided.  For bookings and more details visit Prints Charming 

Tuesday April 26  2 pm – 5 pm

Crochet gets its groove back with Ingrid Keneally and Fiona Cheung – Find out how to give your granny square edge with all needles and thread supplied. Light snacks and refreshments provided. For bookings visit stylebriefhongkong

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Wednesday  April 27  10 am – 1pm

Learn the art of indigo and natural dyeing with Cath Derksema and KPC Yarn. Hand-dye your very own wool – enough to start a small project. Light snacks and refreshments provided.

For bookings and more details visit Prints Charming

Wednesday April 27 2pm – 5pm SOLD OUT

Be one of the lucky few to learn from founder and designer of Sydney-based French knitwear label Marcelle & Clo Claudine Guerin. In this three-hour class, participants will learn how to re-interpret an enchanting piece from the designer’s latest collection. Samples from the KPC Gosyp chunky range will be supplied. 

For bookings and more details go to Marcelle & Clo

Thursday  April 28  10 am – 1 pm Seats still available 

Introduction to drawn thread-work with Alex Falkiner. This class teaches you a few mark-making tricks essential for making your embroidery projects stylish and contemporary. Lights snacks and refreshments will be provided.

For bookings and more details visit Alex Falkiner

Thursday April 28 2pm – 5pm 

Friday April 29  Seats still available

10 am – 1pm Learn the traditional basketry technique of coiling with Harriet Goodall using KPC Yarn. Light snacks and refreshments provided.

For bookings and more details visit Harriet Goodall. 

Friday April 29 2pm – 5pm

Workshop to be confirmed 

Saturday April 30 10 am – 1 pm SOLD OUT

The wonderful world of weaving with Natalie Miller using the incredible range of KPC Yarn. All materials included. Light snacks and refreshments provided.

For bookings and more details visit Natalie Miller 

 Saturday April 30 2pm – 5pm SOLD OUT

Introduction to drawn thread-work with Alex Falkiner. This class teaches you a few mark-making tricks essential for making your embroidery projects stylish and contemporary. Lights snacks and refreshments will be provided.

For bookings and more details visit Alex Falkiner.

For information, inquiries or assistance with booking please email ingridkeneally@gmail.com or contact KPC Yarn. 

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Photo credits:

Natalie Miller, Cath Derksema, Marcelle & Clo and Claudia Smith 
 

 

 

 

 

Artistic Adventure

Join textile artist Natalie Miller, nutritionist and yoga instructor Alexis Smith and myself for our second six-day artistic adventure at Ban Sairee, a luxury private beach front villa in Koh Samui, Thailand. There are now only a few spots left. Learn weaving and crochet with KPC Yarn, macramé, block-printing using eco friendly paints from Eicó, natural dyeing, skipping, yoga and more while nourishing the body with nutritious and delicious food. This six-day retreat is a learning experience and an adventure and most importantly it is fun and full of laughter. It is an inspiring vacation where you learn skills that are not only good for your health but good for your soul.

When: September 18 – 23,  2016

Where: Luxury private beach front villa Ban Sairee, Koh Samui, Thailand 

 
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 Your Week Includes:

Six days, five nights luxury accommodation

All meals using only fresh whole foods free of processing, preservatives, colourings, flavourings and additives. Food likes, dislikes, allergies and sensitivities are catered for.

• Daily morning exercise class ranging from yoga to resistance bands, hill walking and skipping. All classes are tailored to suit all fitness levels

• 10 x three hour classes in weaving, macramé, block-printing, one-on-one crochet and shibori dyeing.

• Educational talks on all things health

• Cooking demonstrations

You also have full use of all villa facilities including swimming pool, kayaks and private tennis court. This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependant on local weather and the desires of the group.

There are only 12 places and they are booking up quickly so don’t delay.

Please email alexis.smith@me.com with any questions or to request a registration form.

 
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Shop update…

Big Cartel update: Two new items added. Check out my store to see the finished results on the hand-dyed artisan muslin shawls from India, and a fun craft project – developed with the artist Meredith Gaston and KPC Yarn. The colours of the shawls have great depth and are so lovely and soft. My favourite is a great nude colour called Lemon Cream that works on any skin tone.

ingrid models scarf-1scarf pinkscarf bluescarf mustard

 

 

 

 

And there is something so therapeutic about making your own pom-pom decorations. The new pom-pom making kit includes five different ways for you to have fun pom-pom festivenesss. The kit includes party cake and decor style-up ideas and hair ties, and of course Gaston’s fabulous illustrations.

If you have any questions, or special requests just let me know. Happy shopping!

 

pom pom kit-1DSC_4159-1

 

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