Art in the Orchard: Embroidery with Elnaz Yazdani (Kirkstall)

Join embroidery artist Elnaz Yazdani to create your own unique piece of orchard-inspired embroidery art.

You will learn a range of hand embroidery stitches and techniques using colourful threads, beads and dried flowers. Sitting in a beautiful orchard, you will be invited to observe and draw inspiration from fruit trees with their stunning foliage, fruits and bark. This workshop will allow you to learn and explore embroidery at your own pace in a relaxed environment.

About Elnaz

Elnaz Yazdani is an embroidery artist, gardener and educator based in Yorkshire. She is dedicated to sharing her textile skills and promoting the importance of embroidery as an art form for the future and for community wellbeing. Elnaz has taught embroidery throughout her local area - within primary, secondary and higher education, as well as community groups and organisations.

Learn more: elnazyazdani.com

About the organiser: Fruit Works Co-operative

Fruit Works Co-operative is a Leeds-based social enterprise working to build resilient local food systems and stronger communities through fruit tree planting and care. Our aim is to enable everyone in West Yorkshire to access beautiful orchards and opportunities to take part in growing, harvesting, and enjoying fruit within their local area.

Learn more: fruitworks.org.uk

Venue

Kirkstall Abbey Park community orchard is best accessed from the Abbey House Museum Gardens, or via an opening in the fence opposite 72 Morris Lane.

Google maps location

What3Words location: ///shades.rinse.pirate

Please walk, cycle or use public transport if you can. The orchard can be reached on the 33 or 50 bus routes from Leeds City Centre. Bicycles can be stored inside the orchard. If you are driving, you can park for free in the Kirkstall Abbey Car Park.

Accessibility

The orchard is situated on a gentle grassy slope with slightly uneven terrain. Access is via a woodland path that is not wheelchair friendly. If you have specific access requirements, please contact gini@fruitworks.org.uk to discuss options.

We will provide a range of seating options, including benches, picnic blankets, and fold-out chairs, to accommodate different comfort and mobility needs.

Maximum group size, including workshop facilitators: 17

Materials

All materials are provided. 

Food & Drink

Hot and cold drinks, biscuits and fruit will be provided.

About Art in the Orchard

Art in the Orchard is a project by Fruit Works Co-operative aiming to inspire connection to orchards through art. Between August and October 2026, we are hosting a series of free creative workshops in different community orchards across Leeds where participants will have the opportunity to learn and practise sketching, painting, singing and poetry writing while surrounded by fruit trees.

This project is part of the Seasons of Culture Programme funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council through the Leeds Cultural Investment Programme.

Learn more: fruitworks.org.uk/art

Supporting Fruit Works Co-operative

This workshop is free to attend, but we welcome donations of £5-10 when booking your ticket to help support our work growing, planting and maintaining fruit trees.

If you have any questions about this workshop please email gini@fruitworks.org.uk