The Keepers: Cloth Doll Necklace Workshop with Anna Victoria
Anna is a Melbourne-based textile and mixed media artist who works from her home studio creating whimsical, story-rich pieces, many of which are wearable forms of art. Her work blends fabric, embroidery, embellishment and illustration, with a focus on mindful hand-stitching and a deep love of the creative process.
In this workshop, you will learn how to construct a small soft textile doll using a curated selection of both vintage and contemporary fabrics, beads and sequins. Anna will guide you through the process of building your doll from the ground up, including showing you how she creates the arms and legs, and the overall construction of the form.
Cloth doll necklaces are a wonderful way to showcase your favourite fabrics, or that tiny piece of something special you’ve been saving for just the right project. They can also be seen as a form of jewellery as talisman - an opportunity to create something deeply meaningful by weaving in fragments of cloth or embellishment that carry personal history, memory, or significance.
A special part of this workshop involves bringing your doll to life through its face. Anna will share her approach to hand-painting the faces, and you will have the opportunity to paint your own. If you would prefer, a selection of pre-painted faces will also be available to use.
Your doll will be thoughtfully detailed on both sides and finished as a necklace. These pieces form part of Anna’s ongoing series, The Keepers - small stitched figures that carry story, cloth and meaning.
This is a relaxed and supportive class, suitable for complete beginners as well as those with sewing experience, where you will be encouraged to work at your own pace and enjoy the process. Anna will guide you step-by-step throughout the day, while encouraging you to make your own creative choices so your piece feels personal and unique.
All materials are provided, including:
– a curated selection of vintage and contemporary fabrics
– wool, linen and decorative textile fragments
– beads, threads and trims for embellishment
– embroidery threads and needles
– pre-drilled wooden beads for faces (painted and unpainted options, and all tools required for painting)
– necklace cord/chain and findings
Please bring:
– a basic sewing kit including fabric scissors, pins and needles
- a piece of fabric, trim or embellishment that has personal significance that you would like to include in your finished piece (optional)
No prior experience is necessary.
$320aud including all materials, tuition morning tea and lunch
nb Usual small print applies. We are unable to offer a refund or exchange should you book and then become unavailable to attend. You can happily give your place to a friend. Please respect the small nature of our business and that of the artists we are booking to bring you these events and opportunities. We appreciate your understanding.
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