2026 dates
:
23-31 May
Sue Spence
Textiles
My Opening Times
10 - 5 daily, 24th May - 1st June.
By appointment at other times / dates.
I create decorative and wearable textile art from vintage materials in the workroom at my village home.
A self-taught, life-long embroiderer, I have been making textile art for ten years, since retiring from a career teaching English. My former study has become a workroom stuffed with fabric, thread and the paraphernalia of an enthusiastic creative life: art, books and quirky objects.
I'm inspired by the memories held in old materials of people and places; literature, and the natural world, especially the Cornish landscape - coasts and woodlands. My love of trees and wildflowers is evident in smaller decorative pieces, including embroidered brooches.
Aiming to have an entirely sustainable practice, I work with preloved and used materials, hand sewing vintage fabrics, papers and found objects into stitched collages and other work with a strong narrative, often adding text, including my own poetry to tell stories in stitch.
I have exhibited throughout the UK and in the USA, and this will be my third year of Open Studios.
i have been a member of Prime Women Artists since its inception, and established its Textile Artists subgroup. I am also a founder member of the Helford Artists group.
I offer hand stitching workshops for up to 4 participants in my cosy studio:
2026 dates:
Thursday 29th January - Explore your Creativity with Fabric, Paper and Stitch
(4 spaces available)
10 am - 3pm
£75
A day of pure fun, playing with fabrics, trims, threads, stamps, envelopes and papers from my own collection of mainly vintage materials, exploring the boundless possibilities of creating original, quirky and very personal pieces of art.
Coming soon - dates to be announced:
'Stitch A Journey'
Create a piece of original textile /mixed media art, based on a journey of your own : a walk to the shops; a stroll in your garden; from daughter to grandmother, etc. endless possibilities!
10am - 3pm. £75
Further dates will be announced in 2026 ahead of Open Studios for 'Stitch A Journey' and 'Explore Your Creativity with Paper, Fabric and Stitch'.
To make a booking or register your interest in a future workshop, please email me.
Workshops offered. Please contact me for more information.
Studio 157
Mid Cornwall
woodland retreat
castle view park
mawnan smith
falmouth
TR11 5HB
What3Words:
///chosen.impulses.moisture 
[javascript protected email address]
07443477164
www.suespencetextileartist.co.uk
Studio information
From the centre of Mawnan Smith, turn into Carlidnack Road, opposite the village shop. Take the 2nd right turn into Carlidnack Close & follow this road down as it bends left. At the 2nd left bend, go down the little lane straight ahead of you; there is a telegraph pole at the entrance to the lane, with my house name 'Woodland Retreat' on it. Although there is parking for two / three cars at the house, the short lane to it is narrow and does worry some drivers, so parking in Carlidnack Close and walking down is an option, though you are very welcome to drive down, bearing right. My house is on your right, with parking ahead in front of a tall pine tree. The studio/workroom is accessed from a door at the side of the house, and there is one step up into it. No easy access for wheelchair users unfortunately.
On-site parking
Toilet facilities
Family friendly
Open all year round by appointment
