Get Creative

Learn the traditional bookbinding techniques of folding, sewing, pasting, creating a case and finally casing in to create your own bespoke hardback A5 notebook.  

You will choose from a range of beautiful endpapers and book coverings. 

There is no prior experience needed. 

All materials and tools will be provided.  

Create a striking, full size stag’s head in animal-friendly willow for your wall.  These also look great with lights.  

This course is suitable for beginners.

Please remember to wear full closed toe shoes. 

Explore the mindful practice of slow stitch, allowing the textures of the fabrics and rhythm of stitching to guide you to express your creativity.  Using Joelle’s collection of reclaimed fabrics which are dyed and eco printed using plants from her garden and kitchen waste. 

Learn to sew a log cabin patchwork and embellish it with simple stitches to create textual effects.  You will first practice the techniques on a sample coaster, before choosing materials and threads to make a textile wall hanging or mat measuring 15cm x 20cm wide.

All materials are included.

Learn various wire forming techniques and create a wonderful Christmas wreath designed to be treasured and brought out every year.

In the morning you will make the wreath structure decorated with pine, holly and mistletoe sprigs and berries. Time is tight, so you’ll be given your own pack of wires, so if needs be you can add to your wreath at leisure at home. 

In the afternoon you will make the wire robin and do any last-minute finishing to the wreath.

The workshop is a good way to learn basic wirework skills and Anna will guide you step by step through the making process. You’ll get a handout to remind you of how to do the basics as well as suggestions for suppliers so you can make more at home; you could make a wreath or a simplified version.

Please note, this is an intensive workshop and wire work can be repetitive and a strain on the hands if you’re not used to it, so please bare this in mind if you have any issues with hand strength. (We do not recommend this workshop if you have arthritis in your hands/wrists, carpal tunnel or similar).

The workshop is delivered by Anna Roebuck from The Making House in Burton on Trent; Anna has been delivering specialist workshops for over 20 years and will support you in creating your own amazing piece of artwork in a relaxed setting.

All materials are included.

Experiment with the shapes and colours of the festive season to create your own unique glass artworks using a variety of coloured glasses, wire and solder. This workshop teaches all the basic techniques needed to achieve beautiful and original finished works, including copper foiling, soldering and finishing.

How creative are you? In all probability, much more so than you thought! 

Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun. So said writer Lou Cook and this workshop will cover all of the above, especially the having fun bit. 

Triggers and exercises will be used to help stimulate the imagination and loosen up the mind: we will look at barriers to creative thinking and how to overcome writer’s block. 

Suitable for beginners and all levels of experience.

Creativity is contagious. Pass it on. Albert Einstein

Book two Creative Writing workshops for £65; Friends and Patrons £30, please book at the Craft Gallery