Hello from the studio
It’s been a sizzling summer here so far. It’s a little overcast today, and rain is due as the week progresses — which the plants are crying out for! As usual, I’ve been out and about between creating new work. It was lovely to meet so many followers, old and new, at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Newcastle and at Blanchland this weekend.
Workshops
Last month’s machine embroidery workshops went well, and I think they sparked some new creative ideas for the participants. (the image above shows some of the samples)
The next workshop will be hand stitching on Thursday 27th August. We’ll explore Cretan stitch on a simple collaged booking via the website shop. https://www.debcoopertextileart.com/shop.html

WIP Wednesdays are also available to book for Wednesday 5th August, and they’ll return after a short break on 2nd September.

Upcoming Exhibitions and Events
There’s a busy weekend coming up, with some of my work included in the “Inspired” exhibition at Nenthead Mines on 8th and 9th August, from 10am to 4pm.
I’ll also be taking part in a fair with Northern Artisans’ Market in Embleton Village, Northumberland, this Sunday. 

I am delighted to have two pieces in the Northern Summer Exhibition at Newcastle Arts Centre, which runs until 12th September.

I’ve also applied to the Baltic Open this year, so please keep everything crossed for me — I should have a yes or no by the end of the week!
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Looking Ahead
A little further ahead, and slightly farther afield, I’ll be teaching a two-day workshop at Creative Threads Studio in Garstang, Lancashire. We’ll be exploring Gelli plate printing for textiles and mixed media on 3rd and 4th October.
https://www.creativethreadstudio.co.uk/event/gelli-plate-printing-for-textiles-mixed-media-with-deb-cooper/
 
 
Until next time, enjoy the rest of the summer.
And enjoy being creative, in whatever way it happens.
Deb x

Well I have had a busy old time lately … Exhibitions (thank you to all of you who visited)  and some lovely workshops, including a wonderful weekend teaching at Hope & Elvis.
It looks like its going to be a glorious bank holiday weekend, so I thought I would jump in with an update before you head off to the beach, garden, pub beer garden?!?...
Preparation is in full swing for The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair.
19-21 June 2026, Sport Central, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne (Preview Evening 18 June 6-9pm)         http://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk
A standout summer event in Newcastle celebrating the very best in contemporary craft, design and art. Discover over 100 exceptional makers and artists, with beautifully crafted work. Meet the makers, enjoy live demonstrations, take part in workshops, and relax in the pop-up café.
In other news…
 I am currently working on some commission pieces for two lovely sisters who have a wonderful collection of vintage family textile which they feel shouldn’t be hidden away, but  celebrated. It’s a lovely project to work on and hopefully will honor the stitchers and lacemakers past with something a little more contemporary which can be displayed in their homes.
If you have ever considered commissioning an art work it’s a lovely way to work with an artist to get something really special for your home or workplace.
My next commission slot will open at the end of August, if you think this might be of interest do get in touch to find out more details of how he process would work for you.
Upcoming Workshops …
Many of you know that my work is built up in layers and whilst I am a great lover of hand stitch, I also include free-motion machine stitch in my pieces. I have had lots of people saying that they don’t feel confident using there sewing machines for this type of embroidery … so I have two up coming workshops which will hopefully built your confidence. We will explore your sewing machine and explore free-motion machine embroidery. Then hopefully you will feel inspired to join the second workshop which will explore and experiment more.
If hand stitching is more your thing Cretan Collage is also available to book. A relaxed and inspiring hand‑stitching workshop where you’ll create a beautifully layered textile piece using Open Cretan Stitch. This is a chance to slow down, explore texture and pattern, and enjoy the simple pleasure of stitching by hand.
And if you are busy with your own projects and would like to join a like-minded group the studio is open for WIP Wednesdays
Workshops are available to book on my website shop page. https://www.debcoopertextileart.com/shop.html
 
Enjoy the sunshine and beginning creative,
Until next time happy stitching,
Deb x
 

Very last moment but I have managed to sucure some sponsership which has allowed me to be able to return to Harrogate Art Fair at the Show ground with Fusion Art Fair. Next weekend 7th & 8th March.  Its fablous show for art lovers, so I am happy to be returning for a second year. If you are interested in visiting please get in touch as I have a limited amount of complimentry tickets.
https://www.fusionartfair.co.uk/
And a couple of other exhibitions to look forward to –
Easter Treat …..New this year “Blanchland -Art in the Hall” starts 28th March and runs until 12th April. I will be joining some amazing artists from across the northeast. There are also workshops running in conjunction with the Art Fair. Including one from me “Mixed-Media Tags” on the 2nd April. – booking via website as usual.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Blanchland_Artisan_Markets/100092571420969/
https://www.debcoopertextileart.com/store/p51/Mixed_Media_Tags_%E2%80%93_Creative_Workshop_-_Thursday_2nd_April%2C_Blanchland..html
 
Also overlapping with Art in the Hall ( isnt that always the way)…..
 I will also be exhibition at Gallery 45 in Felton alongside four other textile artists. Saturday 4th April till Thursday 28th May.  It’s a great little gallery we worth a visit if you havent been, and of course its very close to Running Fox bakery and café so it would be rude not to visit.
https://feltongallery45.co.uk/events-exhibitions-2/
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 I am beginning to feel the nights starting to draw in just a little bit. It feels like we need to enjoy every last moment of the summer before it fades.
My Summer has been busy with dyeing, stitching, gardening, art fairs and workshops.
But I am hoping to grab a few days away at the end of August/ beginning of September before the nights really draw in.
This will cause a little gap in the fortnightly W.I.P. Wednesdays which will start again on 10th September.
It has been lovely to bump into so many of you this year at both Alnmouth and Belford Art Festivals. My next event is at Whalton on 5th October with Tin Shed.
Upcoming Workshops
Mixed Media Minis- inspired by my 100 day project that I stated back in 2024 and have only recently finished
(I added a unscheduled year gap in the middle – lol), create mini artworks and tags with all your “bits”.
Exploring Edges –  in this hand stitching workshop you will create a sampler book of different edging stitches.
Autum Colour – 2 days of experimental dyeing and printing celebrating the colours and leaf falls of the season.
Autumn/Winter workshops are now available for booking on my website shop. I have also updated the inspiration packs stock, and added cords and ribbons.
Lastly I am delighted to have “Hidden Messages” selected for  the Northern Summer Exhibition at Newcastle Arts Centre  - there is a great range of art work on display until September 13th – its well worth a visit if you are local.
Till next time hope you enjoy the late summer day and look for to the autumn colours.
Deb x
PS - I am hoping to find lots of inspiration whilst I am on stay-cation … So if you would like to see more regular updates, and don’t already follow me on Instagram ..this this the link to my page - INSTAGRAM
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​Well, it’s June already- how did that happen? Does that mean its officially British summer time? The hedge rows are appropriately frothy!
There has been some lovely weather in May, and I am keeping everything crossed for a sunny weekend for Alnmouth Arts Festival on 14th and 15th June. This year you will find me in a private house which is very exciting. Maps will be available but my venue is 19 Riverside Road – overlooking the estuary, though the big blue gates!
 Also coming up … the return of Bywell Arts Festival 28th and 29th June with a preview on the Friday evening at the twin churches of St. Peters and St. Andrews in Bywell, Stocksfield.
I will also be returning to Belford Arts Festival this year on 12th and 13th of July (still awaiting confirmation of venue)

So as well as lots of preparation of events in the studio…W.I.P. Wednesday are continuing approximately every fortnight – so if you are free are looking for a friendly and hopefully inspiration place to get on with your “works in progress” booking is now available on my website – this means if there is a place available you can drop in at the last minute to secure your seat.
The next two workshops are also available to book in the website shop-
Manipulated and Knotted boxes on 11th June (only two places available)
And ..Creative backgrounds for stitch with Natural Dyes and Plants a three day workshop. The three days will give you a good overview of natural dyeing and printing with plants, as well as some resist dyeing methods. 8th,9th and 10th July.
 Www.DebCooperTextileArt-Shop 
The warmer weather is encouraging me to get out to the allotment and to go for more walks, enjoying all the lovely cow paisley and hawthorn. Inspiration everywhere and good creative thinking time .. so hopefully some new projects and works coming soon.
Hope you are finding your creative space in whatever way that is…
Till next time, happy creating-  Deb x
 

New Year update ….
I have started the new year in full swing creatively and have completed several new works already…. These will be making their way to the *Fusion Art Fair in Harrogate in March.
(Bit confusing but this has nothing to do with *Fusion Textile Artists who are also exhibiting in February and March in Carlise! – Con-Fusioning!!!)
It is set to be a great exhibition with a wide range of different UK artists – an opportunity to buy art directly from the artist. You can find out more about it here….
https://www.fusionartfair.co.uk
*I have some complimentary tickets, if you would like to visit, please get in touch with me.
 Upcoming Workshops
Friday 21st March, Rust and Tea Dyeing, £60
Saturday 29th March Mindful Meadows, £60
Thursday 17th April Sorbello stitch (abstract composition), £60
29th & 30th April, Mixed-media collage- exploring ideas (2 days), £120
Thursday 15th May, Rustic Pouches, £60
Wednesday 11th June, Knotted and Manipulated boxes, £50
8th, 9th 10th July (3 days) Creative backgrounds for stitch with Natural Dyes and Plants, £175
All workshops above are running in my Mickley Studio – limited spaces! They run from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm, tea and coffee are provided, please bring a packed lunch.
New for 2025…… I am going to try something different “W.I.P.* Wednesdays” (*work in progress)
  I will be running these approximately once a fortnight until June to start and see how you enjoy this format!
You are invited to join me and like-minded creatives in my studio to work on your own projects.
I will be there to help with techniques and supplies, possible help or suggestions but I will not provide a preplanned workshop on these days.
You get to work in a friendly and supportive environment and dedicate time to your own work, or perhaps continue with work started at a workshop
The sessions will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and cost £20 per session. Tea and coffee will be provided, but please bring a packed lunch and your current project or idea.
In other news….
I am delighted to have a piece of work in the Contemporary Textiles Exhibition at the Fronteer Gallery in Sheffield which runs until the 6th March.
​ Fusion Textile Artists will be exhibiting at Vellum Gallery in Carlisle from 19th February to 16th March.
I will also be taking part in The Spring Fair at Allendale Forge Studios, which runs for all of March.
New stockist …as well as the fabulous Number One at Kirkharle, my small works can now be found at Milkhope Creatives, at the Milkhope Centre, Seaton Burn  and Ivy Makers Guild,  Aspatria, Cumbria
If you would like to ask me anything, book a workshop, a private event, commission a special piece of work or would like to arrange a visit to the studio, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email.
Hope you are having a happy, healthy and creative start to 2025,
Warmest wishes, Deb x 

 Winter Events …
16th & 17th November -  Craft in the Pen – Skipton
 https://www.craftsinthepen.org.uk/home
22nd, 23rd, & 24th November – Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair
https://brancepethcastle.uk/activities/craft-fair
29th, 30th, Nov. & 1st  December  Craft Market Kendel
https://www.breweryarts.co.uk/event/craft-market-kendal-4/
4th December Artisan Festive Fair at Ellingham Hall
https://www.thetinshed.co.uk/events/ellingham-hall-artisan-festive-fair
 
Wrap up warm and enjoy being creative in whatever form that takes,
Deb x 

August sees me returning to Art in the Pen (Skipton) – If you have never visited this event its full to the brim of art and creativity in all forms and well worth a visit.
https://www.artinthepen.org.uk/
If you already follow me on Instagram, you might have seen that a collaboration with casting artist Janet Howick. I created some small panels in textiles for her to experiment with casting this type of texture. I am sure you will agree that the results are beautiful. They will be on show for the first time at Art in the Pen details below…
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-P18ANKLj6/?img_index=1
You can also find me at Ushaw Flower Festival ……6th – 8th September
https://ushaw.org/whatson/ushaw-flower-festival-24/
 
As well as preparing for fairs I have also been preparing for a couple of exhibitions that happening in September….
Fusion will be returning to Ballif gate in Alnwick 10th Sept – 27th Oct and I will have a several pieces in the exhibition alongside the other group members on the theme of “Lost Words”
https://bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk/whats-on/fusion-textile-artists-lost-words/
I will also have solo display of work on at Wild and Free – Whitley Bay from 22nd September to 13th October I will have a mixture of old and new pieces on display and available to buy…
https://wildandfreegallery.co.uk/
 
Also, in September will be returning to Highstreet Quilting for a Workshop “Inky Abstractions” in this beautiful Quilting Shop. Please book with them directly for this one.
https://highstreetquilting.co.uk/event/inky-abstractions/
This will be the only in person workshop in September – as I will busy with another couple of projects – I can not share all the details for the moment … but I will say that there may be an opportunity to get a free workshop with me – keep your eyes peeled and I will share information when I can.

I will be opening the studio doors to visitors as part of the Dene Workshop Open Days on 28th and 29th June, it would be lovely to see lots of visitors and it’s a chance to see some of the newer works in person and have a chat. 
Out and about this summer …. Come say hello if you are visiting
Art & Craft Fairs Summer 2024 .
 
7th, 8th, 9th June               Threads Fair Sunny Bank – Leeds (I am there on Friday -one day only!)  
15th,16th June                     Alnmouth Arts Festival
13th, 14th July                     Belford Arts Festival  
26th, 27th, 28th July         Brancepeth Castle
11th August                         Blanchland Artisan Market
17th, 18th August               Art in the Pen – Skipton

The studio door at Dene workshops, Mickley, remains open every Tuesday in June if you fancy popping into say hello.

For more regular updates and news on workshops etc. please sign up to my newsletter. 
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 If you have any other questions, would like to book a private workshop or personal mentoring session- just drop me a message.