Guest Tutor Spotlight: Elizabeth Ashdown

We are thrilled to introduce one of our exceptional guest tutors: Elizabeth Ashdown, one of only a few hand passementerie artists working in the UK today. Blending traditional, endangered craft skills with a fresh contemporary aesthetic, Elizabeth brings rare and beautiful techniques to a new generation of makers.

Working from her London studio, Elizabeth creates bespoke, made-to-order passementerie for interior designers, fashion designers, milliners and beyond. Her distinctive style - vibrant, textural, and richly detailed - has seen her work featured in publications such as The World of Interiors, Architectural Digest, Embroidery, Selvedge, Elle Decoration and The Financial Times.

Elizabeth’s passion for craftsmanship is also captured in her book Passementerie: Handcrafting Contemporary Trimmings, Tassels, Fringes and More. Most recently, she launched Kaleidoscope, an innovative and colourful collection of trimmings for luxury passementerie house Samuel & Sons.

Elizabeth Ashdown Guest Tutor Feature Blog

Reviving a Rare Craft

"Drawing inspiration from rare textile traditions, I breathe new life into the endangered art and craft of passementerie," says Elizabeth. "Rooted in traditional techniques, yet always pushing the boundaries of contemporary design, my bespoke passementerie is about more than decoration—it’s about storytelling, artistry, and creating exquisite pieces that stand the test of time."

Her practice focuses on the interplay of colour, texture, and pattern. Inspired by unexpected combinations and playful structures, Elizabeth’s work challenges preconceived notions of what passementerie can be, offering a refreshing and modern approach while honouring centuries-old traditions.

Passementerie Masterclass with Elizabeth Ashdown

The Joy of Teaching

Elizabeth first discovered her passion for teaching after realising how many people were captivated by the intricate details and rich history behind her work.

"Sharing the techniques and traditions that I have spent years perfecting felt like a natural next step," she explains. "I love teaching because it allows me to keep this beautiful, centuries-old craft alive, and there’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone discover the joy of creating something truly special with their own hands."

At Hand & Lock, Elizabeth feels particularly at home. "I really enjoy teaching at Hand & Lock because it’s such a historic and inspiring environment, surrounded by people who truly value craftsmanship and tradition. Being part of their community allows me to share my passion with students who are genuinely eager to learn. There’s a wonderful sense of continuity in passing on passementerie techniques in a place so deeply rooted in the world of hand craftsmanship and embellishment."

What to Expect in a Passementerie Workshop

For anyone thinking of joining one of Elizabeth's upcoming Hand & Lock workshops, she offers this advice:

"Come with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Passementerie is all about patience, creativity, and attention to detail. Allow yourself the time to enjoy the process rather than rushing to the finish. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried anything like it before—I’ll guide you through each step, and you’ll be amazed at what you have created by the end of the class."

Whether you're a seasoned maker or a complete beginner, Elizabeth’s workshops promise a welcoming, inspiring environment where you can learn rare techniques and create something truly unique.