Lenka's Way of Lace4th lace|heart|art challenge postponed
Posted on September 11, 2020
Due to the New School of Lace temporary closure, the 4th edition of the lace|heart|art challenge has been postponed.
In previous years, when the school was in full swing, it was possible for the lace|heart|art team to meet and plan, and for Lenka, the main designer, to prepare the lace|heart|art project for lacemakers around the world. Unfortunately, with the disruption of the regular schedule and ensuing changes, we cannot support the development of the next challenge at this time.
We had to accept the decision to postpone the 4th lace|heart|art until things in the NewSchool of Lace, and in the world at large, return to normal.
For time being, the free downloads for all three editions of the lace|heart|art challenge are still available online (1st lace|heart|art challenge 2018, 2nd lace|heart|art challenge 2019, 3rd lace|heart|art challenge 2020). Prickings and working instruction will assist any lacemaker who wishes to work on the heart patterns.
They were designed for anybody who wants to express love and gratitude in a unique and delicate language of handmade bobbin lace. Remember, you can modify them to make them your own!
❤️❤️❤️
lace|heart|art team
Happy Easter, Happy Lace!
Posted on April 18, 2019
If you feel the spring energy surging and looking to manifest through you, here are some ideas for projects in wire lace! We have quite a collection of spring patterns in the New School of Lace design book… in bobbin lace as well as needle lace:
Some of them are available exclusively from Wire Lace Supplies shop on Etsy, the others were workshop projects that are still waiting to be published in the Pattern&Tutorial format.
Get inspired, have fun and express your creative self in wire lace!
Students’ Work – New School of Lace 2017-18
Posted on June 26, 2018
The New School of Lace school year 2017-2018 just ended and what a year it was!
Lace on and off our pillows had grown, evolved and expanded in many directions, showing that creativity is without boundaries, and handmade lace techniques are exceptionally suited to limitless interpretations. Throughout the last nine months, we have practiced lace skills, learned new techniques and applied them in various projects in fibre as well as wire mediums.
There were fewer one-day workshops, and more weekly classes, which demonstrates that New School of Lace students are dedicated to deeper study of lace techniques and lace design. The results are promising, and well worth sharing.
Students’ Work
Candice Okada completed an ambitious lace art project for her graduation show, Postscript, an exhibition of work by the 2018 graduates of the University of British Columbia’s two-year Master of Fine Arts program at the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, in Vancouver, BC.
The work, titled “Eva Hesse, I have a present for you:Mind all the little Pricks” (2018) offers a unique look at handmade lace. The artwork consist of two embellished boxes with their sides open to expose the pins that were used in lace construction. The luxurious object with delicate lace pattern thus uncovers a rigorous process of bobbin lacemaking, which relies on support of hundreds of strong steel pins. This surprising revelation presents both sides of handmade lace – the outside form, pleasing to senses, and the inside framework that engages the mind. The temporary pin structure, exposed to viewers, confirms the laborious nature of lacemaking process. It also delivers a fact usually hidden to the uninitiated – that the fine lace work requires not only patience, attention to detail and nimble fingers, but also a very logical, mathematical mind.
In the title of the work, Candice acknowledges her source of inspiration, Eva Hesse’s work “Accession II”. Drawing on her own experience with lacemaking process, Candice transform the idea of a plain industrial box with prickly inside walls into a new entity, with a stronger visual impact as well as deeper meaning. In the unexpected juxtaposition, soft, sweet and and delicate surface of the boxes contrast with the forest of sharp steel pins inside. Open skin reveals bones, offering a powerful experience to all viewers, not just lacemakers whose fingers had been pricked often enough to recall the pain, which inevitably accompanies pleasures of the lacemaking process.
Candice’s original lace artwork, along with her embroidery and bead weaving, attracts attention, triggers curiosity and brings fresh outlook for the traditional craft techniques. Quite an achievement for a young artist, who only recently added handmade lace to her textile art vocabulary.
Another up-and-coming lace artist, Urzula, of Zula Jewelry, is exploring bobbin lace applications in jewelry making. Her new line of Fairy Catcher earrings combines a delicate wire lace nets with nature inspired designs, and the Light Shield infuses lace with light in bold wearable art pieces. Zula had a special opportunity to present her new work in the juried show at SNAG Conference in Portland, Oregon, USA, in May.
Donna Leong finished her Five Meters Club https://lacegazette.com/five-metre-club/ entry in wire lace and her Seedlings and Primrose picture (completed with a lace garden snake) won People’s Choice Award at the BC Lace Getaway 2018 competition “From the Ground Up)
Angela Kikuchi and Donna Leong excelled at the 1st lace|heart|art Challenge, our very own International Online Exhibition of Handmade Bobbin Lace in Colour, winning top prizes in wire lace category. Angela was the only lacemaker among 60 participants from 10 countries, who submitted entries in both fibre and wire lace. Congratulations!
First Prize in Wire Lace – Donna Leong, Canada
Third Prize in Wire Lace – Angela Kikuchi, Canada
Marina Szijarto, a multi-media multi-talented artist, and occasional lacemaking student, traveled to to Spain to participate in Girona Flower Festival. Within a cloister walls she discovered an exposition that combined things she loves – plants, community art installations and lace – and she shared photos with us. What an inspiration!
All these achievements, along with genuinely positive atmosphere in the classes and workshops, are proving that the New School of Lace is fulfilling its goal of keeping the fine craft of lace alive through creativity.
Good work, everybody!
I look forward to our future lace endeavours that will push boundaries, challenge our skills, inspire our growth and create more lace art.
Have a nice summer, absorb the warmth of the sun and beauty of nature for the future lace inspiration 🙂
Lenka
For a preview of the upcoming lace exhibitions, read the next blog post.
Newsletter #2 – Spring 2018
Posted on March 15, 2018
Spring delivers fresh energy we’ve been waiting for, and sets the best example of natural beauty, creativity and vitality. Let’s look, experience, enjoy and get inspired!
New School of Lace
Weekly classes in fibre and wire lace are in full swing. Everybody is having good time and learning a lot. With more light and warmth the lace on our pillows is going to blossom, there is no question about it!
May Workshop has been confirmed. We are going to work on a special “Old Tree” pattern, which is suitable for any media. Some seats are still available, so whether you work in fibre or wire, or both, come and join us on Saturday, May 26th, in Ocean Park Community Hall in South Surrey. As always, we will learn and share and talk… this time about wisdom of old trees and old lace…
Workshop: The Old Tree
Day and time: Saturday, May 26, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Location: Ocean Park Community Hall, 1577 128th Street, Surrey, BC
Skill level: intermediate
Registration: laceaway@gmail.com
The Old Tree design is based on basic torchon lace pattern, but it offers much more. It will make your creative juices going like tree sap responding to the season’s call. The pattern is open to colours which can be matched and mixed, and even dyed over (fibre) or coloured and patinated (wire). Tree branches, trunk and roots are finished in a free hand techniques (braiding), which means that every tree will be different, because it will be made with different hands. In this workshop you will learn how to create truly original lace art.
And it is about time, because there are two very exciting events coming up!
Exhibitions, Lectures and Other Events
Artist call for bobbin lace makers:
FIBER and LACE
Calling all bobbin lace makers who would like to present a piece in the Langley Art’s Council’s-Art in Found spaces, Fiber and Lace show. The exhibition will run from September 19th until October 2nd, with an opening night reception. This will be held at the Langley Civic Center (Township of Langley City Hall). All works must be hung and no greater than 16”x20”. This space can hold up to 20-24 works of art, we may be able to include more if there are many smaller works, or if we utilize the upper floors. Mixed media, fiber lace, bobbin lace, anything goes, as long as it is lace based. I would like to showcase the amazing work and talent of our local lace makers. Many people aren’t aware of hand made lace, and we can change that!
Please include a write on your piece complete with how long this piece took you (estimates are fine), how long you have been practicing for, and the inspiration of your piece. Also, please include what you used (fiber, wire, paint, photography, glass, etc.) and if this piece is for sale. All works must be submitted by August 31st to Sybille, please contact her at
kisssyb at gmail dot com, or via New School of Lace email
laceaway at gmail dot com
INCOGNITO
The Langley Arts Council also has their annual fundraiser November to December called Incognito, which can be a fine opportunity to support an organization that supports local lace artists! Any type of work can be submitted as long as it is 10”x10” and 1.5” wide. Another great place to show off your amazing lace talents. All pieces are sold for $50 with $25 going to the artist and $25 going to the Arts Council. All work must be unsigned as it’s Incognito. Once the piece is sold, the buyer will find out the artist’s name and can request a signature. Please contact the Langley Arts Council for more information and to submit your work. Submission date TBA.
New School of Lace Display in Semiahmoo Library is being wrapped up this week, and three Bookworm Bookmarks will go to the lucky contest winners. Handmade lace mini-exhibit has been well received, and live lacemaking demo well attended. As a result, the New School of Lace has one brand new student-lacemaker!
New School of Lace Display in Ocean Park Library is still on till the end of March, so if you are in vicinity, stop by and see how well do lace and spring go together!
lace | heart | art
It’s been very exciting time for the lace|heart|art team to review all submissions for the 1st International Challenge.
We received many entries from all over the world, and were amazed by creativity of lacemakers, and their wonderful interpretations of Barb’s Heart. It’s been a very special experience, but also very difficult, because we had to choose winners in each category. We did our best, and are looking forward to sharing the results with you.
The lace|heart|art online exhibition will open soon, on April 8, 2018.
Stay tuned!
Before that, we are happy to present a lace|heart|art lecture and slide show at FibresWest:
Join us for presentation on importance of traditional crafts in families and communities, and a tribute to a young woman whose love is reaching lace makers all over the world. Traditional crafts facilitate connecting, sharing and healing in today’s society. Our message, perhaps needed now more than ever, contributes to an important discussion about the value of handwork and crafts for the overall well being of women and their quality of life.
FibresWest 2018
Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds, Surrey, BC
Saturday, March 24, 11:45am
For more information, visit FibresWest
Wire Lace Supplies & Patterns
As some of you already noticed (and followed up), two New School of Lace Patterns & Tutorials were published:
1/ “Snail” Pattern & Tutorial was added to BASIC series. Dedicated to Cloth Stitch and Whole Stitch in Wire Lace, the pattern offers thorough explanation and instruction of stitches that pose perhaps the biggest challenge to lacemakers who transition from fibre to wire lace. Add it to your wire lace library, and you are covered!
2/ Chicken Egg Stand Pattern & Tutorial opens a new ANIMAL series. Animal images are popular in lace, and in wire lace they come alive in 3D form. The Chicken is not only cute, but also a fully functional egg holder. It is one of those little projects that bring about big smiles. The complete step-by-step tutorial will help you along, so you can create unique decorations for Easter and all upcoming spring celebrations.
Both new patterns are available exclusively in my WireLaceSupplies Shop on Etsy.
While there, you will notice that wires in all colours were fully replenished and the wire lace student kit is back in stock.
Is you prefer to shop live instead online, the next sale event is coming soon:
WireLace Supplies will be at BC Gem Show Tailgate Sale, in Abbotsford.
Besides the regular stock of fine wires for lacemaking, I will have for sale wires in thicker gauges, that are good for wire wrapping, jewellery making and sculpture. Please visit, and bring with you your craft friends!
BC Gem Show Tailgate Sale
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Building #2-32470 Haida Drive
Abbotsford, BC
Looking forward to seeing you at any or all spring lace events! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at laceaway at gmail dot com.
Happy spring and happy lacemaking!
Register for May Workshop
Posted on March 8, 2018
Registration deadline: Thursday, March 22, 2018
“Old Tree” Workshop is open to wire as well as fibre lacemakers!
Join us and see how you can turn a simple torchon pattern in original lace art!
Lenka’s Way of Lace Newsletter 1/2018
Posted on February 1, 2018
The first 2018 Newsletter is here and it brings information about lace events that are planned for the next couple of months.
There is nothing better than lacemaking for the winter end months – especially if the projects are in warm tones (see Punto de España workshop) or downright spring colours (see Spring Meadow Egg Stand workshop).
Let’s make lace and get ready to celebrate the sun’s return 🙂
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Saturday, February 10, 10;30 am – 5:30 pm
Ocean Park Community Hall, 1577 128th Street, Surrey, BC
One day creative workshop in bobbin lace in wire brings something very new. Traditional Spanish Point Lace (Punto de España) of the late Renaissance and Baroque times had been made in precious metal threads of silver and gold. Numerous royal portraits in major European art collections attest to popularity of this lace in fashion and interior design through centuries. Punto de España patterns are highly suitable for wire medium and offer endless inspiration for jewellery and art object design. This workshop, the first of the Spanish Point lace in the New School of Lace curriculum, offers an introduction to essential design elements of this fabulous technique.
Skill level: intermediate
Registration is still opened, and a few seats available in this workshop. Please register ASAP.
Ocean Park Community Hall,1577 128th Street, Surrey, BC
This workshop is open to all levels. It will guide beginners and experienced lacemakers alike through the basics of cloth stitch weave to a spring meadow with fresh grass and delicate flowers. You will learn how to create a cheerful egg stand – a perfect Easter table decoration or a special gift for coming spring celebrations.Skill level: beginners and intermediate
WEEKLY CLASSES
Weekly classes are well on the way. All lacemakers are doing great, learning many kinds of lace – Idrija tape lace and torchon lace in fibre, point ground lace in fibre and wire, free form wire lace, and lace design in fibre and wire. Monday classes are all full, but there is always possibility to open additional classes on other days, as long as three students agree on the same day and time.
Contact me by phone or email, or visit Weekly Classes page to find more information.
LACE | HEART | ART
Deadline for the 1st International Challenge and Online Exhibition of Handmade Bobbin Lace in Colour is approaching. Entries are arriving from all over the world and we are looking forward to receiving more lace | heart | art by Wednesday, February 14th. Do not wait and send your entry now!
For more information, visit lace | heart | art page.
TALKS, DISPLAYS, DEMOS and OTHER EVENTS
Lace by Lenka the Semiahmoo Library, in South Surrey, BC
Display featuring the New School of Lace will be in the library from February 3rd to March 15th.
Lacemaking demonstration is scheduled for Thursday, January 22nd, from 2 to 5 pm.
Library visitors will get a chance not only to learn about fine craft of lace, and see lacemaking demonstration, but also to win one of the original wire lace Bookworm Bookmarks in a contest!
If you are nearby, please drop in to see the lace display by the entrance door. For those of you who have never been to this library branch, here is a photo I took of the outside wall – it’s alive! And quite beautiful as it changes throughout the year.
Find more information on Surrey Libraries page.
I am happy to share the news that FibresWest 2018 accepted our proposal for a lecture titled
“Lace | Heart | Art : Barb’s Heart that inspired an International Lace Challenge”
A slide show presentation and talk will focus on place of traditional crafts in today’s society, and their capability to facilitate connecting, sharing and healing in families and communities. Our message, perhaps needed now more than ever, contributes to an important discussion about value of handwork and crafts for overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Saturday, March 24th, time to be confirmed.
Visit FibresWest website for more information.
WIRE LACE PATTERNS & SUPPLIES
New patterns are coming slowly, but surely. Stay tuned!
They will be soon added to my Wire Lace Supplies Etsy shop. To receive a notice about new listings, and occasional sales, subscribe to the Lenka’s Way of Lace News and select Interest: Wire Lace Supplies.
Happy lacemaking,Lenka
- Choose the Newsletter to receive comprehensive information about everything what is going on in Lenka’s Way of Lace Studio
- Choose the New School of Lace for detailed information about workshops and courses in Surrey, BC, Canada, and occasionally elsewhere.
- Choose the Wire Lace Supplies for updates about new patterns and materials, sales and special events.
New School of Lace 2018 Winter Classes and Workshops Schedule
Posted on December 12, 2017
Winter 2018 Schedule has been posted: weekly classes and workshops in traditional Bobbin Lace in Fibre, contemporary Bobbin Lace in Wire, Needle Lace Jewellery, Lace Design and more…
Join the growing group of lacemakers in Ocean Park in British Columbia (Canada) and see what you can create! Here is a collage of 2017 students’ projects for your inspiration:
Looking forward to the new year filled with lace, fun and friendships!
Feel free to contact me by e-mail at laceaway at gmail dot com or by phone at 778.288.0720 if you need more information or to register for upcoming classes and workshops.
Lace | Heart | Art Updates
Posted on September 9, 2017
We are happy to report that the lace|heart|art international challenge has been embraced by a worldwide lacemaking community. We have received many supportive comments via this blog and our facebook page, some questions, and YES … the FIRST ENTRIES!
Our sincere thanks go to the editors of the following magazines for featuring info about the lace|heart|art challenge:
Vuelta y Cruz (Twist and Cross) – Spain (published in Spanish and English)
Australian Lace Guild Magazine – Australia
Canadian Lacemaker Gazette – Canada
Lacemakers and lace groups who have promoted our event on social networks are too numerous to list – we send a big THANK YOU! to all of you and ask you to keep sharing ❤️ !
We are excited for making a special connection with many lacemakers around the world via Barb’s Heart. It is just what we wanted to share – her love and our gratitude.
To encourage more of you to participate and to make it easier for you, we updated our lace|heart|art support page with some helpful hints and tips on how to understand the pattern and make it your own. Please peruse and start working on your lace|heart|art!
PS: Do not forget to share the lace|heart|art with your lace friends!
Lace Heart Art
Posted on June 6, 2017
New School of Lace is pleased to announce a launch of the ‘lace | heart | art’ – 1st international challenge and online exhibition of handmade bobbin lace in colour.
Our new project offers one simple heart pattern and invites lacemakers around the world to fill it with colours and love.
We welcome everybody, and especially young lacemakers, to participate, get inspired and transform our first heart pattern into original lace art.
In the inaugural edition, we offer one pattern that can be worked in fibre as well as wire medium. Our lace|heart|art pattern #1 is open to interpretation, and lacemakers are encouraged to fill the given pattern with colours of their choice. The heart design is open ended, and the trail can be finished in many imaginative ways.
The pattern, and the whole challenge, follows the New School of Lace principles of respecting the tradition and encouraging creativity in the field of handmade lace.
Learn more about the ‘lace|heart|art challenge’ and share the news with your lace friends!
2015 Schedule Update
Posted on January 9, 2015
New courses started already and workshops are scheduled for January, February and March… The list of activities is growing, and the ideas are shaping for the future. To accommodate the growth, I have reworked the website and gave New School of Lace bigger and better organized space, so all the information will be easier to find. Have a browse, and please let me know if you experience any difficulties with navigation.
Maybe you will get inspired to sign up for a class or two 🙂
Lenka's Way of Lace 