First of all, thank you to everyone who bought a piece of my work last year, everyone who admired or  showed interest in my work. And anyone who took part in one of my workshops - it really means a lot.  
I would like to wish everyone Happy New Year - I am hoping its a creative one filled with stitch and happiness. 
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 My first batch of workshop dates for 2020.

I will be running these workshops from Rectory Hall in Whickham. Tea and coffee will be provided. You will need to bring a packed lunch (there are also plenty of shops and restaurants locally). There will be a £5 materials cost payable on the day. You might like to bring along your own sewing kit and any specific materials you would like to use. 

There are 5 day workshops, on the fourth Tuesday of the month, January to May. 10am till 3pm

28th January          Manipulated & Knotted
25th February         Rust & Tea
24th March             Print & Stitch 
28th April               Twisted & Hidden 
26th May                Lines & Edges 

Mixed Media Textile Ideas - I will also be running a  6 week short course of creative textile ideas that will build into a mixed media textile book that you can use to explore lots of ideas.  Every Friday, 10am - 12noon , 28th Feb till 3rd April (inc)

Bookings can be made via Eventsbrite link below. (book now button)
Or contact me directly if you have any further questions, deborah@debcoopertextileart.com

Its that middle bit - between Christmas and New Year when you catch your breath and swear you could live on salad for the rest of the year!  Hope you all had a good Christmas.
2019 was a great year. Workshops, lots of new fairs, my first time in a London Gallery, and some lovely requests for commissions.  
So to the New Year, it is traditionally a time of review and planning for the future. I am feeling very excited about 2020. Maybe this feels particularly important at the start of a new decade.  My first job of the year will be to release some new workshop dates - so if you subscribe to my newsletter look out for a email arriving soon. 
 I am so grateful to everyone who has taken an interest in my work, thank you, it really does mean a lot. I have met some lovely people this year. 
So I would like to say a Happy New Year to you all, here's to a fabulous 2020.

Well the nights are drawing in, the trees are glowing in their autumn glory and before we know it it will be Christmas.  I will be at the Shipley Art Gallery again this Wednesday. This workshop has sold out (which is great news), however if you are quick there are still some places on the "Twisted and Hidden- Creative Paper craft day" work shop on Wednesday 20th, https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/twmuseums/t-zdpopn , just £10 !!!! I hope to be able to give you an update on some more of my workshops at the beginning of November.  For anyone who is in the area Newcastle upon Tyne Embroiderers Guild have an open day on Saturday, see their website for details   https://newcastleupontyneembroiderersguild.wordpress.com/  .  Okay on to the "c" word - not long till Christmas (there i said it !!!) I have quite a few fairs booked for November, again I will keep you update. For anyone wanting to get in early I will be at the Rival arts fair at Reghed in Penrith 26th & 27th October, and blatant plug I will be restocking my Etsy shop over the next week. I would encourage people to buy local and from small/independent businesses this Christmas, there are some wonderful talented makers out there!!!

St Gabriel's Art and Craft Festival in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne runs from Friday 27th till Sunday 29th September. I have displayed my work here since it first began and there is always a lovely atmosphere. Local Artists, Demonstrations, Local Musicians and Refreshments. I will be selling all sorts of lovely stitched and eco dyed things. Fingers crossed for an improvement in the weather, but I am sure there will be a warm welcome either way. 

I have been busy making and preparing since getting back from my summer holiday.
This Sunday (15th September) I will be at Stanhope Show in the new Vintage and Handmade Fair. (Unthank Park, Stanhope, County Durham).
 At the end of month, I will be at St. Gabriel’s Art Festival in Heaton, Newcastle. It’s a three-day event with artists/makers selling and demonstrating, there is always a lovely atmosphere and usually homemade cake! St. Gabriel’s Ave NE6 5QN, 27th – 30th September.
My first workshop with Shipley Art Gallery is on Wednesday 18th September it’s a great taster at only £10 – with materials included – there are a few spaces left which can be booked via https://shipleyartgallery.org.uk/
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I am delighted to be running some workshops alongside the Shipley learning team, in Gateshead. These events are being subsidised by the @shipleyartgallery and so are a bargain at just £10.00 – so spread the word and book early at the links below.
 
https://shipleyartgallery.org.uk/
 
 Experimental stitch Sept 18th
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/twmuseums/t-ngmjjr
 
Manipulated and knotted – A creative textiles day. Oct 16th
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/twmuseums/t-akzazo
 
Twisted and Hidden- Creative Paper craft day Nov 20th
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/twmuseums/t-zdpopn
 
 

Great news - I have had a piece of work (Revealed, image below) selected by the Society for Embroidered Work for the Contemporary Stitched Art Exhibition. The exhibition is open 12th to 17th July 2019, at The Clerkenwell Gallery, Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DP. 

Had a busy few weeks craft fairs at Masham, Newcastle and Whitby. Oh and very importantly my brilliant lovely fella asked me to marry him! I am currently busy preparing paperwork and finishing off a few last pieces to take to Textravaganza at Rheghed in Penrith this weekend. Really looking forward to it should be a great event with over 30 textile artist. Its free entry and there is also a brilliant exhibition of contemporary textiles in the gallery at the moment "Thread".  And by the way I said ...... YES !!! x  

Return to the Meadow
Considering the environmental impact on nature created by waste and over production.
No new materials have been purchased to create this piece.
Made with fabric that has been previously used and repurposed.
A combination hand & machine stitching, many of the threads and fabrics have been dyed with rust, tea and plant material.
Old washers and buttons used as embellishment. 
The work has been mounted on cardboard furniture packing.
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I will be at a Handcrafted Boutique Event at Thirsk and Stowerby Town Hall on Saturday (9:30am -4pm).