SOLD OUT Sculptural Goldwork Octopus with Michelle Agnew

Location: Via Zoom 

Duration: 5 Days

During this 5 day class you will learn a wide range of Goldwork techniques, starting with the soft string and felt padding. Covering this with gorgeous metal threads creating Cutwork and chipping. You will also learn how to couch and tie back as well as attaching Pearl Purl and spangles. All of these traditional Goldwork techniques with a modern twist.

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 Profile

Michelle Agnew is a Canadian artist based in Toronto, specialising in sculptural Goldwork embroidery. Her journey into this unique art form took her to England in 2022, where she studied the Royal School of Needlework’s certificate and diploma programs. Since then, she has worked full-time as an embroidery artist. 

Agnew blends traditional goldwork with contemporary techniques, reimagining embroidery as a three-dimensional art form. Her work draws inspiration from nature, architecture, and the historical tradition of embroidery. By combining these elements, she created pieces that are both visually striking and conceptually engaging. 

Her work has attracted attention from notable clients such as Max & Co, Saks Fifth Avenue and Merrell. Currently, Agnew is collaborating on several new projects with design firms worldwide, pushing the boundaries of her craft and exploring fresh artistic directions. Her work pays tribute to the rich history of embroidery while constantly finding ways to expand its possibilities. 

In 2023, she created a goldwork octopus commission for an American couple living in Honduras, whose favourite activity was diving to see octopi together. The piece received quite a bit of attention and was longlisted for Create Magazine’s 2024 Annual Women’s Edition. Michelle is delighted to be returning to London and partnering with Hand & Lock to share the techniques she used on this piece.

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.