Robin Whitford: Oxford Punch Needle Mastery Using Personalized Chakra Designs

Level:   Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Level

Unlock your creativity and tap into the energy of your chakras in this colourful workshop focused on mastering both fine and regular size Oxford Punch Needles AND playing with design and patterns!

In this workshop, you’ll delve deeper into Oxford Punch Needle rug hooking, focusing on the intricate beauty of a chakra design of your choice. Perfect for advanced beginners and intermediate punchers, this class is designed to help you gain confidence while honing your technique. Students will also be encouraged to adapt the design to be uniquely their own!

True to Robin’s approach to life and art, this workshop will include playful creative exercises designed to spark your imagination and get your creative juices flowing. You’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to explore new textures and techniques with your punch needle and also new design possibilities for future projects!

🌿 What to expect:

  • A hands-on, immersive experience in Oxford Punch Needle techniques
  • In-depth exploration of how fine and regular punch needle sizes create unique textures and effects
  • A design focus on chakra symbolism, with guidance to help personalize your design
  • A supportive environment for building confidence in your punch needle journey

Tools you’ll need:

Students are encouraged to bring their own fine and regular Oxford Punch Needle (whatever sizes you have!).  Robin will have extra punch needles on hand for those who want to try them out, and they will also be available for purchase at the workshop.

  • 14” or 18” Gripper Strip Frame and cover  – Any gripper frame that has large enough opening to fit the whole punched piece (larger than 12×12) and any type of cover works to protect their hands and arms.
  • Small scissors
  • ONE Regular Oxford Punch Needle (#8, #9 OR # 10 Regular Punch Needles)
  • ONE Fine Oxford Punch Needle (#8, #9, #10, #13 OR #14 Fine Oxford Punch Needles)
  • A variety of Punch Needles can be purchased from the teacher @$35 each, or request that Robin bring some as loaners)

Pattern and Yarns you’ll need

Chakra Fibre Kit of your choice $95 (preordered from the teacher) includes chosen 12×12” pattern on monks cloth and all yarns needed of your preferred design. The photos are the chakra patterns, however in this workshop we will do them all in wool yarn (and not as portrayed in some of the photos below)

OR

Build your own “kit”

  • Pattern on monks cloth (PDF Pattern can be sent via email prior to class for students to transfer to their own backing prior to class)
  • 4 Values of selected color wool rug yarn (eg. Super by Briggs and Little) Color based on chakra selected, plus black and cream
  • 2 Values of Worsted Weight wool Yarn (eg. Heritage by Briggs and Little) – Can compliment above colors
OR

If you have your own Oxford Punch Needle pattern and wool yarn kit that you would like to work on and get assistance with during this class simply connect with the teacher to discuss prior to class.

Robin will contact you before the class to see which pattern option you are choosing.

 

Artist Bio: Robin Whitford is a passionate rug hooking artist and Oxford Certified Punch Needle Teacher. Having started her creative journey with yarn at the young age of 6 knitting for her dolls, she has never stopped playing with fibre since. In 2020 she launched her rug hooking business Hooking Outside the Lines and the Creativity Club, an online rug hooking membership group. Robin loves to help people connect with their inner artist (even if they don’t think they have one!) as well as celebrate all things rug making, creativity and community.

Artist Statement: As an artist, my passion lies in the intricate crafts of rug hooking and punch needle, but what truly drives me is the exploration of creativity through the interplay of colour and textiles. I draw inspiration from ‘glimmers’—those fleeting, yet profound moments that evoke joy and comfort—and use them as the cornerstone of my creations. I revel in experimentation, as I believe that embracing a variety of techniques is the key to perpetual growth and learning in my artistic journey.

Photo of Class Project Options:

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