About me
By day- planning, writing and organising obsessive, by night (and weekend)- embroiderer extraordinaire!
I am a graduate of the Royal School of Needlework and for the last twelve years I have been running my own business 'Jessica Aldred Bespoke Needlework,' alongside my day jobs. I teach embroidery, carry out commissions and give talks and presentations.
Having recently relocated from Dubai to West Yorkshire I am currently looking for work. I have experience of education coordination, creative management, scheduling, administration, events planning, marketing and content writing.
Work history
Owner & Chief
Since 2004 I have been working freelance, either exclusively or alongside employment. I take on private commissions (new pieces and textile restoration/ conservation), design, develop and teach classes and workshops, write for publications and give talks and presentations.
Commissions include a stitched wall hanging depicting the brand guidelines and powerful message behind the work of Fine Cell Work, a charity which teaches needlework to prison inmates. I was commissioned by The Partners, the design agency behind Fine Cell Work’s identity. The project won marketing and design awards internationally.
After having worked as a volunteer tutor for Fine Cell Work for three years I produced a stitch manual for them. I created all of the designs, samples, photographs and copy. The manual has ensured continuity in the learning processes of inmates as well as providing them with individual records of achievement. It has been positively received by the FCW board of trustees along with volunteers and inmates across 29 UK prisons.
Other commissions include restoration and conservation of antique textiles, embroidery production for the A/W 2015/16 collection for Dubai based fashion company House of Hashe and embroidery design and sampling for a member of the UAE royal family. In 2011 I co-wrote a book- ‘Adventures in Needlework’- which was published by the Guild of Master Craftsman Publications (GMC) and continues to be sold internationally. I have taught widely across the UK, USA and UAE.
Creative Manager & Embroidery Teacher
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I was responsible for visual merchandising, line managing the teaching team, overseeing the development of classes, teacher training and mentoring, scheduling and marketing to include web editing, social media campaigns and the production of class brochures. I also lead the planning and delivery of exhibitions and events as well as designing, developing and teaching embroidery classes to adults and children.
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Skills
- Events
- Copywriting
- Blogs
- Administration
- Social Media Marketing
- Education
- Web Content
- Creative Direction
- Office
- Powerpoint
- Word
- Scheduling
- Customer Service
- Creative Management
- Outreach
Education
Intermediate Certificate in Counselling Skills
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Therapeutic counselling, ethical/moral values, social, cultural and health and safety issues relating to counselling, basic counselling skills practice.
Certificate in Delivering Learning
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The principles of teaching and learning and the importance of the teaching and learning cycle for planning training sessions.
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