Bonnie Bairns

I love working with fabric in the broadest sense. I sew, I sculpt, paint, create and teach. 

I have worked with fabric for over 40 years , it all started when I sat next to my mum who was a professional seamstress. 

Bonnie Bairns was born when I had shown a friend how to make a wrap around dress for her 3 year old daughter. She suggested I should set up sewing classes and sell my wares and makes. 

Bonnie Bairns is now an umbrella for a whole variety of things. Alterations, sales of children's clothing,

sales of fabric sculptures. Courses and workshops. To teach people is a real joy and I love it when my students go on to make their own creations.

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I grew up in The Netherlands but I now live with my family in Scotland. I went to school and I received my formal training in the Netherlands. In later years when the children were younger I concentrated on ceramics which was both very enjoyable and challenging. I have been able to combine my love for sculpting and fabric.

It was in 2015 that I rediscovered fabric sculpting. A new fabric hardener came onto the market and I was instantly hooked. It has many applications. It can be the base for clay and stone art as well as being used on a canvas. I became a certified tutor for the company that makes it, (Powertex UK) in September 2016.     
Being busy with Art and Craft is what I love best but making can be a lonely business. The sharing of my skills and watching others grow confidence and find joy is very rewarding part of my work.  I teach sewing classes, both to groups but also private lessons.  At the Aberdeen Art Centre I am one of the 4 tutors of "Stage Craft" where we teach crafts used in conjunction with theatre productions. Also more recently I have joint forces with a spiritual healer. We aim to bring better mental health through craft. These courses are called: "Your healing hands" which says it all. 

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Daphne