ABOUT 'LOU GARDINER'S FLYING ACORN CAMPAIGN'

Calling all stitchers! Join us at Marchmont as we host the creative powerhouse and embroidery artist Lou Gardiner at the start of her Flying Acorn campaign.

Lou is recruiting volunteers to stitch flying acorns for her next exciting project the 'Cape of Creative Courage'.

This spectacular collaboration will connect people from all walks of life though a shared interest in this traditional craft -

The Cape is due for completion in Spring 2023 and so there is plenty of time to get started!

Come and meet Lou and join the 'acorn army' on Monday 20th June from 10am* till 12:30pm.

No previous sewing experience is necessary; just the courage to have a go and create.

Lou will guide us through her Cape making process and demonstrate how to make the acorns. Pick up those needles and let's go!

Tea, cakes, (and Sherry) will be served.

*Please note due to a preceding private event at the House doors will not open until 10am

If you arrive before then we would ask you to wait patiently, and in the unlikely event of bad weather the House Steward will direct you.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

Below: Lou wearing her 'Cape of Empowerment'

"My experience as an artist, designer and maker has shown me embroidery’s power to inspire sharing, energy and creativity. Through my work, I aim to create new opportunities for positive interaction with this authentic and exciting medium, to celebrate 'the feminine' and our connection with nature."

About Lou Gardiner

Lou is unique British designer-maker from Styal, Cheshire.From embroidered illustrations, to large-scale artworks and commemorative capes, Lou’s dynamic embroideries showcase the highest levels of craft and technique. Layering appliqué, inks and paints with intense stitching and hand-sewn beads, the works shimmer with magical depth and catch the changing light. Every piece is meticulously made, labour-intensive and energetic.

She has pioneered this unique practice since graduating with a BA Hons in Fine Art Textiles at Goldsmiths, London University in 1996 and with an Illustration MA in 2004 from Manchester Metropolitan University.  Since, Lou has maintained a full-time studio practice, employing and training work experience students and promoting contemporary embroidery in many unusual channels such as television, radio and advertising.

Parallel to a rich portfolio of commissioned work Louise has also designed and developed a range of British high end products in silk and velvet including large silk scarves, kimono-style jackets and hand made velvet furniture. All the products are made by British manufacturers and kept as local to Louise's studio as possible.

Lou remains a passionate and energetic ambassador of stitch and individual creativity. Contemporary embroidery is an exciting medium, with endless possibilities and she has shared her techniques in talks and workshops in India, France, NZ and Australia.  Her energetic approach blows the cobwebs off this under-rated craft and she has proved that intricate handmade textiles can inspire a surprisingly thoughtful and intense response from an extremely varied audience and she continues to promote the versatility and beauty of contemporary embroidery through lively social media content, talks and international workshops. 

Louise is currently working on an ambitious campaign with Marchmont House to celebrate creativity, nature and to promote British makers called 'The Cape of Creative Purpose'.

Instagram: @lou_gardiner_embroidery

Facebook: @Louisegardinerembroidery

Twitter: @loulougardiner

#acornarmy