‘Hands on, experimental with a strong emphasis on using found materials and inventive applications of textile and mixed media processes as part of the exploration of developing a ‘creative language’ West Dean College .
Workshops and collaborations are centred around the exploration of skills and ideas aimed at developing confidence and individuality as part of the creative process.
I collaborate with organisations and groups internationally. I am also a short course tutor at the beautiful West Dean College and run a self-paced online course Making Connections with Fibre Art Takes Two.
I am thrilled to offer an international in person course with the lovely people at Creative Experiences in 2027. See further details of all workshops on this page.
This is where learning from Cas Holmes really benefits your art practice, as Cas understands the importance of creating a dialogue with the materials you use. She creates artwork layered with meaning by piecing together somewhat disparate materials so they can weave in their own history onto the work and ultimately stimulate the viewer’s imagination. And as you work through the course you’ll uncover your voice and your own connections to the work you create (Fibre Arts Takes Two)
About my work process
The rituals of making marks, layering cloth and paper are founded on processes and techniques I have evolved and adapted from long-term studies in Japan. Found materials’ are collaged and ‘laminated into layers with paste in a process best described ‘wet appliqué
The connection between painting and drawing and the slower act of stitching, gives unexpected results producing surfaces full of depth, subtlety and movement
Workshops
As an artist and a carer, creative learning remains an important part of my practice. I continue to offer workshops, courses and talks all over the world. Teaching gives me the intellectual and creative challenge I need. If you would like to work with me, please get in touch via the contact form on this website.
West Dean College
I run regular courses with West Dean College at their beautiful historic campus in the heart of the Sussex countryside, at the new London Campus in Bloomsbury, and on line via Zoom. Read my recent interview on creativity and challenge with West Dean here.
Place-Marks and Images in Experimental Textiles:West Dean, Sussex, 10-13 April 2026 This course looks at colour, line, texture and mark-making with cloth, paper and stitch. A playful ‘what if?’ approach to design in an experimental approach to gaining inspiration for textile and mixed media work.
One day courses at West Dean London Campus:.
Reclaimed landscapes West Dean. London Campus 8 March 2026 Explore ideas surrounding hand stitched and collaged ‘paintings’ informed by the techniques discussed in Cas’s publication, ‘Textile Landscape’.
Stitched textiles – Momigami with cloth and paper, London Campus Saturday 30 May 2026. Explore ideas related to the design and the creation of Momigami textile papers, combine paper with cloth and look at different ways of texturing surfaces.
‘Please could you pass on enormous thanks to Cas for such an inspiring course, I loved meeting her and sharing time living in her world of extraordinary talent, she generously helped me to feel that this world was accessible to me too.’ Student Feedback
Find out how West Dean can help you to quieten the world at their London and Sussex short courses as you immerse yourself in the creative process. A short video here on Instagram:
Drawing on History – a creative walk in Mote Park Saturday 2 May 2026
Join Community Archaeologist Andrew Mayfield as we explore the site of the old Mote House in the park. You’ll learn more about this lost building and the work being done to uncover it’s hidden history. We’ll then head to the Learning Space to take a closer look at some of the artefacts and objects that have been uncovered during recent excavations of the site.
I will then lead a tutored sketching session to capture some of the objects, looking at different aspects of time in the park and the interaction between history and nature.
All materials will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own sketching pads/pencils if you have them.
Time: 1pm – 4pm, cost £15 BOOK HERE
Watercolour Walk, Mote Park in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council Creative Arts, 1st July
Join artist Cas Holmes for a leisurely walk around Mote Park exploring the variety of landscapes, with a particular focus on trees and the effects of sunshine and shade. Then learn some basic techniques as we take an improvisational approach to watercolour painting en plein air.
All materials will be provided but you’re welcome to bring your own if you have them.
If the weather is bad, the painting session will be held in the Mote Park Learning Space.
Time: 1pm – 4pm, cost £25 BOOK HERE
I am offering unpaid carers free creative workshops ‘Draw Together’ once a month at the new Creative Hub in Maidstone following the success of walking and drawing sessions in Mote Park. Date are to be scheduled the second Tuesday afternoon of each month starting November 11th 14.00-16.00. Contact Involve Kent to register your interest and book your place.
Please check directly with the hosts for availability and updates.
Online and International teaching
I am not able to undertake much travel at the moment which has meant a change to how I work internationally. I aim to work on one International Retreat a year and this year I will be with Creative Experiences in Barcelona (further details below)
‘Your approach to Zoom was not only highly professional but was delivered with respect, thoughtfulness and made us feel we were creating together. (Amanda)’
I also run online workshops and courses with project partners and groups in the USA, Europe and Australia. Contact me if interested in finding out more.
Layers, Lines & Image with Crafty Monkies
Saturday 16 May 2026 AND Saturday 13 June 2026 4.00pm – 7.00pm (BST)
Online Interactive Workshop
Delighted to offer TWO linked workshops for you, with Crafty Monkies. A space in-between allows you to go off and play with the techniques learned in Class One on Saturday 16 May 2026; The second class takes place on Saturday 13 June 2026 – to get the most out of the techniques
Delighted to be working with Creative Experiences . This will be one of the rare opportunities I will have to work away from home doing what I love in beautiful surroundings with our wonderful hosts Nadine and Mark. BREAKING NEWS..new experience being planned for 2027
Making Connections – Mark, Layer & Stitch is for those willing to take a risk and become empowered to create work that truly reflects their unique voice and perspective. This self paced course is a rich creative resource full of inspiration and ideas to last a lifetime. She creates artwork layered with meaning by piecing together somewhat disparate materials so they can weave in their own history onto the work and ultimately stimulate the viewer’s imagination. And as you work through the course you’ll uncover your voice and your own connections to the work you create (Takes Two). Hear a student story here.
Before you enrol, a few things to know.:Making Connections is structured, but flexible. and well-suited to artists who want time to think, experiment, and work without pressure
If you value exploration, reflection, and returning to ideas over time this course allows you to revisit lessons, and let your work unfold in its own way. Many students say the confidence comes not from finishing quickly but from learning how to keep going.
Please check directly with the hosts of the courses advertised for availability and updates.
Selected student comments from my courses and examples of work in progress on courses can be found here
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Speaking at Kent Arts Conference
cas holmes 
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