Courses in Felting and Natural Dyeing, Hong Kong

During November Nikki has invited fibre artist, Debbie Leung, to give a fantastic selection of felting and dyeing classes at her studies.

Her fibre journey:

Fibre is an exquisite medium for self expression. Regardless its origin, whether from nature or from high tech innovation, it is there for us to improve our lives both functionally and aesthetically. It is the application aspect of this medium that appeals to me enormously. On the one hand, I admire tradition and culture, which is the accumulation of human civilisation. On the other, I feel able to indulge in what the latest technology offers. By incorporating both, creativity is unrestricted. Fibre art allows me to express myself and I hope you enjoy will enjoy it too.

Debbie will be giving a series of three sessions:

Natural Dye:  3 Sessions - November 12th, 19th, 26th   2pm - 9pm (Thursdays)
(Costs: tuition $990, materials $700)

Felt Flowers: 2 Sessions - November 15th, 22nd 10am - 1pm  (Sundays)
(Costs: tuition $660, materials 400)

Felt Jewelry and Accessories: 3 sessions - November 11th, 18th, 25th, 9.30am -12.30pm (Thursdays)
(Costs: tuition $990 materials $600)

A Successful London Show

Nikki and Les's stand at the Knitting and Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace was a resounding success. A huge number of people came up to them to say how much they loved the work and lots of friends and past pupils popped their heads in to say hello.

Clara Poon, a pupil of Nikki's who is now working in London popped in to say hello.

Here is some of the beautiful work that was on display at their stand, 'A Tribute to Ancient Inspirations: East meets West.

Knitting and Stitching Shows 2015 - London (Oct) and Dublin (Nov)

LesDesigns are going to be exhibiting at the Knitting and Stitching Shows in London and Dublin. They are doing a wonderful display called A Tribute to Ancient Inspiration: East meets West.

Do go along and have a look. Here are the links to the two shows:

London from the 7th to the 11th October at Alexandra Palace, London:
http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/london/Content/Nikki-Delport-Wepener-and-lesley-Turpin-Delport-A-Tribute-to-Ancient-Inspiration-East-Meets-West

Dublin from the 12th to the 15th November at Simmonscourt, RDS, Dubin:
http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/dublin/page.cfm/link=73

Delicious Embroidery now available in Hong Kong

Les and Nikki have just brought out their new book, Delicious Embroidery. To buy it online go to the Publications  page.

Delicious Embroidery is the coming together of mother and daughter and east meets west. The common denominator is a passion for the art of embroidery. Our new flavours (technique chapter) has evolved as a result of our worldwide embroidery tutorials and the generosity of our incredible needlework students.

Lesley (South Africa) and Nikki (Hong Kong) take you on a gastronomic feast. Enjoy delicious techniques and the menu of 18 projects. From simple to extravagant, the design application ranges from breakfast to lunch or supper.

The world of embroidery is your oyster; we hope this book whets your appetite ...

"Made in Hong Kong" Paper Mache Panda Workshop

Les Designs took part in the "Made in Hong Kong" Panda Paper Mache Workshop in support of the 1600 Pandas project which is a World Wildlife Fund initiative to highlight conservation issues in the world. In this case, the dangerously low number of pandas left in the wild which is estimated to be around 1600.

The World Wildlife Fund commissioned the French artist, Paulo Grangeon, to make 1600 paper mache pandas which are on a world-wide tour to promote conservation which is presently taking place in Hong Kong.

Funds raised by the participants on the workshop were donated to WWF Hong Kong for conservation and education work.

The Original 1600 Pandas on show at the PMQ in Hong Kong

Nikki, Gladys, Sue and Lorraine working on their paper mache panda

Nikki putting the finishing touches to the panda

The team's panda which they called Bao bao which means treasure

The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry

Les Designs took part in the creation of the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry which celebrates Scottish heritage and culture around the world. The tapestries are a series of panels which pay homage to the incredible determination and courage of Scots over the centuries.

Members of the tapestry team: Jana, Fok,
Nikki Delport-wepener, Lorraine, Mrs Lun, Isabel

Sue Burchett, Lorraine Knowles and Ana Shipman working on the tapestries

The Tapestries either in progress or complete

The tapestries will first be exhibited in Scotland and then move around the world.