In November 2023, I had the pleasure of joining a collage workshop with artist Petra Heidrich at Burg Herstelle in Beverungen – a charming little castle just a short drive from where I live. The historic atmosphere of the castle, combined with Petra’s warm guidance, made it the perfect setting for a day dedicated to creativity.
Petra’s specialty is embroidered collages – an inspiring fusion of paper art and textile elements. Her intricate works, which you can admire on her Instagram account, combine delicate stitching with carefully chosen imagery, creating pieces that feel both tactile and poetic.
During the workshop, I explored embroidery as a new layer in my own collage practice. Adding stitches to paper was surprisingly meditative – each thread bringing a different texture, rhythm, and depth to the surface. I loved how embroidery can highlight certain details, add a gentle three-dimensional quality, and make a collage feel even more personal.Working with both paper and thread opens up endless creative possibilities. It invites you to slow down, to look closely at your materials, and to connect with your work in a tactile way. I left Burg Herstelle inspired – not only by Petra’s artistry but also by the joy of experimenting with a technique that blends two crafts I love: collage and textile art.
If you’re looking for fresh inspiration for your own creative process, I highly recommend exploring embroidery in collage. And if you ever get the chance to attend a workshop at Burg Herstelle, you’ll find that creativity flows especially well within castle walls.