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

INTRODUCTION TO BEAUTIFUL BATIK  with Shree Desai – 12.45

Ready to step into our time machine – which takes you back over 2000 years? This journey takes you through the incredible artisan technique of Batik, commonly used in the Far East. You will explore various tools and methods for building up multiple layers of hot wax and dyes on to cotton fabric.

The applied wax resists dyes and therefore allows the artisan to colour selectively by soaking the cloth in one colour, removing the wax with boiling water, and repeating if multiple colours are desired.

In this workshop you will:

• Stretch the cotton fabric on a wooden frame.

• Prepare the design on paper.

• Transfer the design on the fabric

• Choose two colours for the design and start applying wax for first colour.

• Dip the fabric in first dye.

• Dry the fabric and apply wax for second colour and dip it in dye-bath (if time allows).

• At home, you will remove the wax by washing it in boiling water or ironing between layers of paper.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable for children under 16 years, due to use of hot wax in this class.

Meet the Tutor

Shree (Shraddha) Desai

Shree is a Textile Designer and Textile Art Workshop leader who is dedicated and passionate about teaching and connecting to the creative world. Shree’s background includes a Master’s degree in Textile Design from the National Institute of Design in India. Most recently, she has been conducting Textile art workshops around the UK and is inspired by teaching both children and adults and delivering excellent customer-focused workshops.

ADORABLE AMIGURUMI TOADSTOOL KEY RING with Emma Pickering, Oh So Pretty And Clever – 11.30

Join Emma to learn how to create this adorable Amigurumi Toadstool Key Ring. Learn from Emma’s expertise as she guides you through the process of creating this cute accessory, demonstrating techniques such as the invisible decrease, yarn under technique (perfect for Amigurumi), the invisible join, seamless colour changing and the French knot.

All materials, including cotton yarn, stuffing, embroidery thread and key ring attachment, will be provided for a complete crafting experience.

The workshop accommodates both UK and US crochet terms, ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic of bringing their own Amigurumi toadstool key ring to life.

Take home your delightful creation, along with newfound techniques and cherished memories from this 90-minute crafting experience.

Advisory Note:

Participants of all ages are welcome, provided you have a basic competency in crocheting in the round, Adult supervision required at all times for under 16’s.

Meet the Tutor

Emma Pickering

Emma’s love for crochet started about 17 years ago and soon became a form of therapy for her. Emma started Oh So Pretty And Clever whilst juggling her family life and ‘normal’ 9 to 5 job, with the goal of helping others discover the same joy and satisfaction that she found from this wonderful craft. In 2019 Emma decided to turn her passion in to a full-time business, and hasn’t looked back since!

When not teaching workshops or planning retreats, you can usually find Emma at home with her family, surrounded by her yarn stash, dog Brodie and two cats Minnie and Mickey.

CUTE SEWING BOX with Nicki Gunn, Daisy’s 60 Minute Crafts – 10.00

Join Nicki from Daisy’s 60 Minute Crafts to make this cute sewing box, perfect to have on hand for all those quick mends. This is ironically a no-sew make; and uses a trusted upcycled material – the cereal box!

Nicki has a reputation for making beautiful projects out of the materials you have in your craft stash and around your home, with monthly projects accessible via her craft club and this project is no different.

Prepare to be amazed at how you can turn simple resources into a pretty little box that not only looks good, but is super useful too.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for all abilities and ages 12+. Adult supervision required at all times for under 16’s.

Meet the Tutor

Nicki Gunn

Nicki is a trained teacher who spent many years inspiring young and old to embrace learning something new. Nicki studied Education at University focusing on Art (textiles) and Music.

After a successful career in Education Nicki decided to follow her true love of crafting and ‘Daisy’s 60 Minute Crafts’ was named after her late Grandma, launched in 2019.

Nicki’s mission is to encourage people to ‘make time to craft’ finding the joy in setting aside a little time to be creative with their hands. She does this by designing projects that are accessible to all levels of crafters; whilst giving her clients a taste of new and exciting crafts and techniques.

She has developed a wide range of workshops and craft kits; she teaches nationally online via her popular 60 Minute Craft Club and face-to-face across Shropshire and Herefordshire.