Description

This is a follow up master program of 6 classes in which we seriously study the interaction of colors in your textile work.

Please note: This course is only open to participants who have already completed the masterclass colour study 1.

About the sessions

During follow up season 2026-2027 we will focus on the colors of nature. We will use the 110 colors of nature from the first nomenclature of colors by Syme as as our palette and will enter a centuries old tradition to take nature as our inspiration. During the sessions we will share background information, inspiring work from other artists, technical tips and tricks and discuss each others work.

During one of the sessions -on the 5th of February- we will make a field trip to the Artis Zoo. Entrance tickets are not included.

As practice is key to understanding colours, you will get homework. We encourage students to spend as much time as possible on their homework, but at least a minimum of 4 hours each week.

The homework exercises are mainly given in cross stitch, but you have the freedom to translate them to other textile techniques like embroidery, weaving, felting, knitting, punch needle or quilting.

About your teachers

This masterclass is led by Gerda Leeffers, founder and creative lead of Studio Koekoek, a textile studio dedicated to contemporary embroidery and colour exploration.

Gerda’s approach to colour is rooted in years of intensive collaboration with Loret Karman, a renowned master colourist. Through this close mentorship, Loret passed on her extensive knowledge of colour in textiles, enabling Gerda to continue and expand this exceptional body of expertise. Together, they developed this exclusive masterclass, combining historical colour theory with practical textile applications.

As part of the preparation for this course, Gerda carefully researched and matched the colours of Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours—using the hand-painted 1814 edition by Patrick Syme from the Rijksmuseum’s Special Collections—to corresponding DMC embroidery floss. This meticulous work makes it possible to translate one of history’s most celebrated colour systems into embroidery.

Throughout the masterclass, Gerda guides you in applying these colour principles through embroidery. Drawing on her daily practice as a textile artist and educator, she teaches a range of stitches, techniques, and practical methods that help you understand not only how colours work, but also how they behave in thread. By combining historical knowledge with hands-on making, you’ll gain both a deeper understanding of colour and the confidence to use it in your own textile projects.

Materials:

  • At the start of the program you will receive a material kit with fabrics and tools from the collection of Studio Koekoek worth €50 to use.

Catering:

  • During the sessions in our studio you’ll get free coffee, tea, water and snacks.

Date & Time: 6 Friday afternoons 

  • 6 November 2026 14:00 – 17:00
  • 8 January 2027 14:00 – 17:00
  • 5 February 2027 13:00 – 17:00 Field trip to Artis Zoo (entrance ticket not included).
  • 2 April 2027 14:00 – 17:00
  • 14 May 2027 14:00 – 17:00
  • 2 July 2027 14:00 – 17:00

Location:

Indoors at Studio Koekoek, Weesperstraat 100 in Amsterdam.

This is close to the “Magere Brug” and the “Holocaust Name Monument” in the centre of Amsterdam. Metro station Weesperplein or Waterlooplein.

It is possible that a few sessions may be at another location that suits the topic. Of course this will be communicated in advance.

Skill level

The is a master course designed for textile lovers and artists that already completed master course 1. During this course you will deepen your knowledge and skills.

Language

We’ll host the workshop in both Dutch and English

About Studio Koekoek’s workshop

We love to welcome you in our studio in Amsterdam. We’re working every day with textiles and like to share our enthusiasm with you. You’ll learn in small groups, so you’ll get lots of help with questions.

Workshop cancellation policy

In the unfortunate event that you cannot join your booked event, you are welcome to resell or give your ticket to somebody else who is able to attend. If you wish to cancel your ticket, we adhere to the following policy:

  • Cancellations made more than 1 month before the first day of the course receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made between 14 and 31 days before the first day of the course receive a 50% refund.
  • Cancellations made less than 14 days first day of the course are not refunded.
  • No-shows are not refunded.

Minimum of 6 participants, maximum of 9.