NEEDLE FELTED BLUE TIT with Steffi Stern, The Makerss Thursday 09.45am

90-minute workshop – cost £25.00

Learn how to needle felt this realistic life size Blue Tit using super-fast felting wool and felting needles.

Steffi will teach you techniques and tricks how make basic shapes and sculpt with wool, add surface features and colours just by using a felting needle.

Steffi’s style is supportive, encouraging and fun filled.

Take your little feathered friend home together with an Eco wool felting mat, felting needles and full colour step-by-step instructions.

Please note that you will have to attach the wire legs onto the bird later at home, as the glue needs to dry thoroughly. The legs are in the kit and Steffi will give extra instructions on how to do this. The finished bird size is about 7cm tall.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for total beginners, children 14+ with adult supervision.

Meet the Tutor

Steffi Stern

Steffi Stern, a seasoned needle felting artist, published author and founder of sustainable craft business, The Makerss -– brings nearly two decades of needle felting expertise to her craft. With a focus on creating lifelike and artistically crafted felted animals, Steffi’s artistic flair has forged exciting collaborations with beloved brands and characters. Her passion is to bring the needle felting joy to as many people as possible.

Craft Academy Full Day Workshop – Bespoke ceramic dog and cat sculptures with Ros Ingram

Bespoke ceramic dog and cat sculptures – Thurs 31st Oct 2024 – 9:30am

This class offers a unique opportunity to create an individual piece of clay art, capturing the essence of your very own beloved pet, or favourite breed of dog or cat.

During this full-day workshop you will have quality time to enjoy modelling with the professional support of Ros to achieve your goal, using high quality materials and fail safe techniques.

Under Ros’ guidance you will:

Learn about different clay types.
Create a sculpture of your pet approximately 20cm tall.
Use tools to add textures and make marks.
Decorate your pet with ceramic slips and stains.
Obtain lots of individual help, with the opportunity to ask all your questions.
Have your finished piece fired at Ros’s studio and posted back to you, within 30 days.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must bring photographs of your chosen pet to the class, in a seated position from all angles. These can either be printed photos or digital ones on your phone or tablet.

This workshop will take place at our 31st October – 3rd November Birmingham NEC show which includes access to: The Creative Craft Show, Sewing for Pleasure Winter Edition and Simply Christmas!

Full day Academy Workshops include:

Lunch and refreshments throughout day.
All materials, equipment, firing and postage costs.
Complementary ticket to visit the main show on another day.

Important Note:

This class is suitable for beginners over the age of 16.

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.

Sewing for self-care: Sew an Eye Mask and Reusable Skincare Pads – Thursday 15.15

90-minute workshop – cost £24.00

[Max 10 people]

Sew a mini self-care kit for yourself or to gift to someone else. In this class, Lauren will guide you into make a silk lined, padded, wrap around eye mask along with sustainable reusable makeup/ skincare wipes.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for beginners, over 16’s years.

Meet the Tutor

Lauren Tedstone

Lauren Tedstone, quarterfinalist of series 9 of BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee (2023). Her machine, given to her many years before by her grandmother was finally put to use in late 2019 when Lauren taught herself to sew. Starting with small projects for her children, Lauren then went on to garment sewing and is on a journey to curate and create a complete handmade wardrobe. A big lover of fashion trends, she loves creating key timeless classics that have professional finishes and longevity. Lauren is also a family orientated person, often sewing for her children and family.

Tumbling Block Y Seam Class with Clive Bruder- Thursday 13.35

60-minute workshop – cost £17.00

[Max 10 people]

This class is a wonderful opportunity for beginners and experienced sewers alike to enhance their skills and create beautiful projects. Y seams are a unique sewing technique used to connect three or more fabric pieces together at angles that cannot be sewn using regular straight seams. In this class, you will learn all the essential techniques and tips to successfully sew Y seams, including marking and cutting fabric, sewing accurate seams, and achieving smooth and professional finish.

Clive will ensure that you gain confidence and mastery in sewing Y seams. Whether you are interested in quilting, garment construction, or any other sewing project, this class will equip you with the skills to tackle complex designs and create stunning creations. Join this sewing class and unlock a whole new world of sewing possibilities with Y seams!

Advisory Note:

Suitable for beginners, 16 years plus.

Meet the Tutor

Clive Bruder

Clive started sewing when he was around 10 years old. With the help of his Mum he made some curtains for their home on an old hand cranked Singer sewing machine that was gifted to them by a relative. Ever since Clive has been hooked on sewing.

He went on to college to study textile design, followed by The University College for the Creative Arts in Epsom, to achieve a Fashion BA Honours Degree.

Over the past few years with the support of family and friends Clive was encouraged to start his own business Bruderful Design. Unfortunately like many, his business was badly impacted by COVID, but despite the pandemic he’s been extremely lucky with new exciting opportunities. This included a regular guest slot on Sewing Street TV, the launch of @WeSewToo and along with his husband Mark he has attended many sewing shows and together with Mark’s successful brand, they have released lots of sewing patterns too.

Clive says, “Nothing makes me happier than being at my sewing machine and being creative.”

Fabulous Cuff Plackets with Mark Francis- Thursday 9.45am

90-minute workshop – cost £24.00

[Max 10 people]

Join Mark Francis from the Great British Sewing Bee for everything you will need to know to sew the perfect cuff plackets. In this session you will cover traditional, bias bound and inseam cuff plackets. Everything is provided, but please do bring a basic sewing kit if possible. Full instructions are there for you to take home and you will be working in Calico cotton for your samples.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable to children under 16 years. Experience with using a sewing machine preferable.

Meet the Tutor

Mark Francis

Mark’s practical sewing experiences began quite late in life, but his relationship with sewing began when he was a small child. However, needlework was not something that little boys were encouraged to do in the 1980’s.

Many years passed until he found the confidence to finally learn to use a sewing machine, and he discovered his passion for making clothes and costumes. Then, a few years ago, Mark’s husband entered him for series 6 of the Great British Sewing (2020) and life hasn’t been the same since!

Mark now works across the sewing industry, teaching, presenting talks and developing his growing range of sewing patterns.

Make & Take: Create a Landscape picture with Embroiderers Guild – Thursday 11:30am

Duration: Between 1 hour- 1.5 hours

Cost: £10

Information about this workshop:

Using a ring frame, which will act as the picture frame upon completion, we will help you use fabric strips to produce a stunning landscape to hang on your wall.

Make and Take session times:

Thursday 11:30- 12:30

Friday 9:30- 11:00

Saturday 11:30- 12:30

all ability levels, incl beginners

You can book & pay for these sessions at our stand H17 but we have limited spaces!

Make & Take: Create a Card or Notebook cover with Embroiderers Guild – Thursday 3:00pm

Duration: Between 1 hour- 1.5 hours

Cost: £10

Information about this workshop:

We will provide materials for you to make a unique card or notebook cover using simple stitches, adding beads and buttons.

Make and Take session times:

Thursday 3:00- 4:00

Saturday 3:00- 4:00

Sunday 1:00- 2:30

all ability levels, incl beginners

You can book & pay for these sessions at our stand H17 but we have limited spaces!

Make & Take: Create a flower picture with Embroiderers Guild – Thursday 9:30am

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cost: £10

Information about this workshop:

Using a small ring frame which will act as the picture frame upon completion, we will show you how to layer sheer fabrics and stitch through them to great effect for a stunning picture for your wall.

Make and Take session times:

Thursday 9:30- 11:00

Friday 9:30- 11:00

Saturday 11:30- 12:30

all ability levels, incl beginners

You can book & pay for these sessions at our stand H17 but we have limited spaces!

Make & Take: Make a needlecase using simple shapes & stitches with Embroiderers Guild– Thursday 1:00pm

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cost: £10

Information about this workshop:

Make and decorate a felt needlecase to take away to use for your sewing projects. You will have a choice of pattern and colours to use.

Make and Take session times:

Thursday 1:00- 2:30

Friday 3:00- 4:00

Saturday 1:00- 2:30

Sunday 3:00-4:00

all ability levels, incl beginners

You can book & pay for these sessions at our stand H17 but we have limited spaces!

VIP: Cartonnage Sewing Wallet With Mark Vardy From Pinflair/ Silvar Design- Thursday 10:00, 11.00, 12.00

Discover the basics of cartonnage and make this useful travel sewing-wallet. Mark from Pinflair/Silvar Design will guide you through this simple no-sew process. A basic sewing kit will be included for your make. Scissors will be available to, optionally, purchase separately.

Advisory note:

No experience is necessary. Over 16’s only.

NOTE: Workshop places are on a first-come-first served basis.

Meet the Tutor

Mark Vardy

Mark Vardy has a passion for jewellery making. He has a level 3 NCFE certificate in craft and is a qualified adult education teacher. Mark founded Silvar Design in 2004, teaching a vast array of techniques, and he covers everything from costume jewellery design, macramé and kumihimo braiding through to stringing techniques, enamelling on copper and silver jewellery. More recently Silvar Design has partnered with Pinflair Creative Crafts.