INTRODUCTION TO PUNCH NEEDLE with Kim Searle, Darn It! Workshops – 13.45

Create your own punch needle artwork using a wide variety of different colours and textures. Experiment with four different types of punch needle tool and three different types of fabric. You’ll leave with all the skills you need to punch like a pro and troubleshoot your own punch needle projects.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for beginners and all ages over 12+; children under 16, must have adult supervision.

Meet the Tutor

Kim Searle

Kim graduated from the University of Huddersfield BA Textile Crafts in 2012 after specialising in Printmaking with an emphasis on creative work within communities. Since leaving university she’s worked on various projects with a common vein of passing on creative skills and using creativity as a way to build up community, support positive mental health and bring people a lot of joy. She works under the name of Darn It! Workshops, primarily delivering creative workshops across the country, creative sessions in galleries, community groups, festivals, events, creative spaces and more. Kim recognises that everyone learns differently and adapts teaching styles to the individual, tries to only work with venues that are accessible, offers low-income options and strongly believes in the benefits of creativity for mental health. She also co-runs Thread Republic, a Textile Scrap Store and Sustainable Textile CIC based in Huddersfield.

SAPPHIRE MOON SILVER PENDANT with Tracey Spurgin – 11.45

Join Tracey Spurgin, International Metal Clay Artist, as she takes you step-by-step through the process of creating an adorable and stunning pendant using Art Clay Silver. You will have a choice of designs as illustrated. You will get to grips with all the essential foundation skills and proudly walk away with your finished creation. The workshop fee includes silver clay and the sapphire-coloured gemstone but does not include the jump ring and chain.

Advisory Note:

Aimed at the complete beginner, but this class is not suitable for children under the age of 16 due to the nature of the tools used to make the pendant.

Meet the Tutor

Tracey Spurgin

Tracey Spurgin is a qualified Senior Art Clay instructor having completed courses with Artclay World UK. She has trained to the highest level with some of the world’s leading metal clay artists & tutors. With more than 20 years’ experience, Tracey teaches in her own studio in East Yorkshire as well as travelling extensively in the UK and internationally to deliver courses, workshops and master classes in colleges, museums, galleries and shops. She has also been a guest designer on Jewellery Maker TV.

Tracey loves to challenge herself and work on projects that she considers to be almost engineering in clay. Hinges and lockets and threaded vessels are something that fascinate her. So she will spend days, weeks and months on troubleshooting problems and ideas until she finds a solution. She is passionate about sharing her discoveries and the joy of metal clay.

STERLING SILVER TEXTURED RING with Naim Roseby and Laura Weston – 15.50

In this workshop you will learn how to create texture on a sterling silver wrap around ring. You will receive a pre-cut sterling silver ring shank. Choose from a hammer or stamp to create your desired.

You will also learn to file, shape and polish the final ring and be able to wear it straight away.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable for children under the age of 16 due to the nature of the tools used in this class.

Meet the Tutor

Naim and Laura

Silversmiths Naim and Laura are sisters, who run Calla Crafts and Obsidian Butterfly in Leicestershire. They were retail managers for many years until they decided to retrain as silversmiths. Naim and Laura love making quirky and unusual things in their workshops and love teaching others how to “bash stuff with hammers” and create beautiful pieces using fun tools. Naim will be teaching this class, whilst Laura will be manning their stand.

TRADITIONAL DORSET BUTTON CARTWHEEL with Gini’s Dorset Buttons – 14.30

Join Gini, winner of Kirsty’s Handmade Christmas, and learn how to create a beautiful traditional cartwheel Dorset button in beautiful spring colours and hear all about the history of this 400-year old craft.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for adults over 16 years.

Meet the Tutor

Louise Armitage, aka ‘Gini’

‘Gini’ has been teaching and keeping the 400-year old traditional craft of Dorset Buttons alive for 33 years.

Originally taught by an old lady from Dorset, who’s family skill had been passed down through generations, and now had no one left to pass it on to. Gini made her a promise that she would teach other people and continue to pass on the skills. Gini has kept this promise and taught individuals and workshops all over the UK and around the world.

Bringing the skill up to date with modern ideas and techniques she won Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas with her unique designs in 2020.

WILLOW SWALLOW with Rachel Harwood – 12.00

As the swallows return for summer join weaver Rachel to make a willow one of your own. Using traditional weaving techniques you will create an outline before weaving over. These are a perfect decoration for inside or out.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for all abilities; Adults over 16 years only.

Meet the Tutor

Rachel Harwood

Drawing on her experiences of wildlife and nature, Rachel uses British grown willow from Somerset to create sculptures for the home and garden. Connecting with the natural environment is her passion and she tries to capture the movement of nature in her sculptures. Rachel loves to teach, passing on her practices and inspiring people on the use and beauty of natural materials to reconnect with the natural world.

MAKE YOUR OWN CERAMIC HARE with Ros Ingram – 09.40

Join ceramic artist Ros Ingram and learn how to create your own characterful clay hare in this step-by-step workshop.

All materials and off-site firing included. Return P&P is an extra cost, payable on the day.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for all ages and beginners; no children under 16 years.

Meet the Tutor

Ros Ingram

Born in Stratford upon Avon, Ros Ingram trained in ceramics and print at Wolverhampton University. Ros runs ceramic workshops on a regular basis in Warwickshire. She has exhibited worldwide, currently showing at a number of galleries in the Cotswolds, Cornwall, and Germany. As well as undertaking commissions, Ros also works as a visiting artist in residence creating permanent ceramic installations and recycled art projects. One of her projects working with young children was on display at the National Gallery, London. Recently The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust commissioned Ros to create five unique ceramic murals of each iconic property for permanent display in her hometown.

PRINTS AND PATTERNS: EXPLORING FABRIC PRINTING with Alison Hulme, Eau Brink Studio – 09.45

In this engaging session, students will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity and explore the art of fabric printing using Thermofax screens. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, this workshop is designed to cater to all skill levels.

Throughout the workshop, participants will have the freedom to select a piece of dyed fabric as their canvas, on which they will bring their artistic vision to life by printing captivating pictures or designing a unique cushion cover. With guidance, you’ll discover the techniques and methods required to achieve stunning printed designs.

By the end of this workshop, you will have gained valuable skills in fabric printing, allowing you to express your creativity and produce unique pieces that showcase your artistic flair.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable for Children under 16 years.

Meet the Tutor

Alison Hulme

Alison Hulme, a talented textile artist hailing from Hampshire, UK, has made her mark in the world of stitched textiles. With a Foundation Degree in Stitched Textiles completed in 2013, Alison’s artistic journey has been filled with exhibitions, shows, and inspiring workshops.

With a passion for textiles that knows no bounds, Alison continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of stitched textiles, enchanting audiences through her captivating exhibitions, transformative workshops, and boundless creative endeavours.

EASTER BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP with Anna Weatherley-Hastings, The India Block Print Co. – 11.45

During this 90-minute workshop you will explore Easter and spring designs from The Indian Block Print Co. Using their hand carved printing blocks to block print some Easter cards and tags, plus a fun Easter tea towel.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for children over the age of 12 with parental supervision.

Meet the Tutor

Anna Weatherley-Hastings

Anna has been part of The Indian Block Print Co. from the beginning. With over 10 years experience running block printing workshops she will share her in depth knowledge and tips with all things Block Printing.

SEASONAL TREE LANDSCAPE with Katharine Wright, Leicestershire Craft Centre – 13.45

Create a beautiful glass landscape in seasonal colours working with our huge range of glass, cabochons and frit. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be artistic to get a fantastic result – there are templates for you to follow if you wish.

Please note: Your glass fusion will be taken away at the end of the class to be fired in a glass kiln and returned to you by post. Price incudes firing and UK P&P.

While every precaution will be taken to ensure your piece comes back to you safely, firing is a process that can have unexpected outcomes and we cannot be held responsible should your piece crack during the process, or gets lost or broken in the mail.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable for children under 16 years.

Meet the Tutor

Katharine Wright

Owner and founder of the Leicestershire Craft Centre, Katharine has been crafting since she was seven and her mum taught her to knit – her first handmade gift was a knitted egg cosy for her Grandpa.

Patchwork and dressmaking are particular favourites, but Katharine also knits and crochets, makes jewellery and enjoys all kinds of other crafts including embroidery, felting, silversmithing, glass fusion and painting.

Katharine has taught workshops at a variety of national Craft Events including The Festival of Quilts, The Handmade Festival and Malvern Quilt Festival. She has also appeared as a Guest Demonstrator on Sewing Street TV.

MOSAIC BLUE BIRD with Anne Tyson – 15.15

Join Anne Tyson from Flowerpot Mosaics for a fun introduction to the world of mosaics and create a pretty mosaic bird. You will be using a mixture of glass and ceramic tiles which have all been pre-cut for you.

This workshop is a chance to relax and create something lovely to take home whilst learning about the wonderful art of mosaics.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for children over the age of 10 when accompanied by an adult.

Meet the Tutor

Anne Tyson

Anne Tyson based in the West Midlands, Anne has been creating and teaching mosaics for 14 years. She is passionate about the mosaic art form and specialises in creating outdoor mosaics to brighten up our outdoor spaces. Anne’s aim is to spread her passion for mosaics and shatter the misconception that it is a difficult craft