Decorative Ornamental Lettering

Location: Via Zoom 

Length of Each Session: 2.5 hours 

Frequency of Session: One session per week for 6 weeks

Join us for our brand new Decorative Ornamental Lettering course, exploring metal thread work and illustrative personalisation. Exploring themes of bespoke metal and silk thread work, this course will teach you the skills required to design and create your own personalised decorative font. Dating back as far as the 2nd - 4th centuries, historiated initials (decorative large lettering) has been used to draw the reader's attention to aspects within larger pieces of script. You will be guided through the process of designing your own decorative letter with our tutors, inspired by your favourite text and will then finish your final piece in metal and silk threads.

During this course you will be guided through the process of creating your own unique Goldwork Letter, choosing your design and recreating the gorgeous decor for your very own bookplate. During this course you will explore: design transfer, bullion work, Goldwork padding techniques and working with Goldwork threads and materials.

All of the materials for this course will be sent out to you. You will need a 10 inch seat frame or an equivalent embroidery frame or slate frame for this class. You will need to supply your own embroidery equipment (scissors, needle threaders, daylight lights etc) to suit your learning needs.

Shipping

Please note that any additional products in your order will be sent with your class kit within the time frame stated below. To receive these items sooner please place this order separately to your course booking.

All International Parcels will be shipped via express courier two weeks before this class is due to start. Please do not book onto this course if you are within the two week window before the course starts and you live outside of the UK. UK parcels will be shipped three days before the course is due to start. UK parcels will be shipped express via Royal Mail. Please note that the address that you book the course with will be the address that the kit is sent out to. Shipping will be calculated at the checkout. 

Zoom & WhatsApp

Our online courses are delivered via Zoom using a high quality visualiser. Please download Zoom before the course begins. We also have an accompanying WhatsApp group for each of our courses. This group enables you to connect with other students and the tutor by sharing photos of your designs and progress. Please download WhatsApp before the course starts. All of our online course sessions are recorded and sent out after the class so you are able to access the lesson should you be unable to attend. 

For guides on how to download Zoom and WhatsApp please see our guides on out FAQ page here

PO Boxes/Third Party Couriers

Please avoid placing orders to PO Boxes or third party courier companies, Hand & Lock cannot be held responsible for replacing kits, delays or additional costs that this may cause. 

All our course times are run on UK time, please check here for help converting to another time zone.

Tutor Profiles

Our bespoke classes are taught by expert hand embroiderers who have worked in the couture industry for brands such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and Burberry to name a few. The classes will cover the basics, insider tips and practical application making sure students are fully equipped to go on and apply what they have learned to their own garments and develop their own unique styles. Our tutors are professional embroiderers first and tutors second, meaning they are able to give you a unique insight into the magical world of couture hand embroidery. 

Read more about our amazing tutors here

Teaching Style

Hand & Lock’s embroidery courses are renowned for their welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, where students of all levels are embraced as part of the Hand & Lock family. With small class sizes and attentive, personable tutors, every student receives tailored guidance and encouragement to help them achieve their creative goals. The school fosters a supportive environment where camaraderie flourishes and lifelong friendships are often formed over a shared passion for embroidery. Students frequently remark on the approachable nature of the tutors, who go above and beyond to share their expertise while celebrating each individual's progress. Beyond technical instruction, Hand & Lock creates a space where creativity thrives and students leave not just with enhanced skills but with cherished memories of collaboration, inspiration and a true sense of belonging to an extraordinary community.

Testimonials

If you would like to hear from some of our past students you can read our testimonials here.

For more information about our courses check out our FAQ page here.