education and community

If you would like to book a workshop with me, I can teach online, travel to your venue or you can come to my workshop in Cardiff. I can supply mailed out kits with all materials for a workshop tailored to your ages, interests and needs.

I love teaching these processes – a core part of my practice is sharing and educating. It supports my belief in building resilient communities, enhances creative social society and supports sustainable living through developing heritage handcrafts; all whilst enhancing wellbeing and mindfulness or “mendfulness”.

Book now

You can book me for an hour’s illustrated talk, a group zoom workshop or week-long retreat, from tots to teachers, of all ages and abilities.

‘the day was wonderful. I loved it. You are an inspiration and a lovely teacher.. I used my new inks today on a sample piece and they are beautiful’

Who I teach…
I work with all who want to learn about making with recycled and natural materials, practice low-impact techniques, re-connect with nature, invest in wellbeing and develop artistic eco-literacy. I always work with enthusiasm and patience, with all ages and abilities, from beginners to professional teachers, artists and designers.
With over 20 years experience of teaching and lecturing on textile, surface pattern, print and general visual art techniques, I’m comfortable teaching in a variety of settings, from nursery and primary through to community projects, higher education and artist groups.
Community groups, after-school, holiday clubs, scout & guide organisations.

‘My son ..enjoyed the half term project with Cat Lewis enormously. She’s a great teacher who engaged and encouraged him to create some lovely work. He came home every evening talking about the activities of the group and what he’d learnt. He was inspired to work hard on his book, which he enjoyed making from recycled materials, and is already using his walnut ink for his GCSE work as well as making some of his own.

He found the experience of working with artists inspiring and it was lovely for me to see him come home buzzing with ideas and he’s looking forward to putting more of his ideas into practice.

This project was a wonderful opportunity for him and I’m delighted that he was given that opportunity and was able to take advantage of it. He’s looking forward to the next project / workshop!’

Make your own bespoke workshop or buy a gift..

Eco/Botanical plant prints

Dyeing with seasonal, local plant and bio waste

Shibori Dyeing, using indigo and other natural dyes

Book making and binding, with printing and collage

Ink making – use your materials or mine, to make your own special inks

Hire the workshop – daily or weekly rates, induction required

Papermaking and casting, using recycled textiles, papers and plant materials

Colour reduction/Discharge printing, specialist textile print/breakdown process, by hand and screen

Devore/Burnout printing, specialist textile print/breakdown process, by hand and screen

Kids – i work with schools, youth groups, health care settings, festivals and parties!

Teacher’s CPD, all the above processes, as well as sustainable practice in the classroom and environmental awareness.

Do’s and special days – make your own special things – stitch, print, drawing, dyeing, napkins, ribbons, t-shirts, banners etc!

Talks & Demos – on environmental work, community, wellbeing, research travel, print and dye processes, textile materials and flax/linen

To prepare for a workshop

All materials and recycled/organic fabrics can be supplied for you, but it’s a good idea to bring your own preferred gloves, a basic sewing and art kit with things like scissors, pins, needle and thread, pencils, ruler, brushes, anything you like to use in your own work. Also some plastic bags to take wet work home in. For dye classes, you may bring your own small pre-washed items to transform: such as napkins, tee shirt, pillow case, a summer dress, linen trousers, scarves, a shopping bag or a table runner. The items don’t have to be white, in fact, some of the most interesting transformations happen on items originally with a print or other colour. Loved, gently used or stained items are also a great choice. Check the labels of the items to make sure they are made from natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, wool, linen, viscose or silk. You need to wear clothing that you don’t mind getting a drip or two of dye on!