Craft Community | Workshops for everyone
In April 2021 we worked on a national project with Arts Council England to offer a series of craft workshop opportunities which could be accessed by anyone who had been affected by loneliness throughout the pandemic. The workshops were delivered online, and a craft kit was sent out by post.
We have filmed the workshops for you to access for free and if you wish to obtain a free kit (while stocks last) please contact us at hello@makesouthwest.org.uk
If you are interested in us delivering a workshop within your organisation, please contact our Education team, ian@makesouthwest.org.uk
Cut Paper Chandeliers with Mandy Biscoe
Based on Pajaki, pronounced ‘pah-yonk-ee’, traditional Polish chandeliers made from coloured paper and straw, Mandy shows you how to cut and assemble your own eco-friendly chandelier.
Imaginary Landscapes, Concertina Sketchbooks with Charlotte Turner
Charlotte shows you how to make a concertina sketchbook and fill it with the landscapes of your imagination.
Starting from Scratch, Drypoint Printmaking with Louise Scammell
Louise shows you the steps involved in making a print from a Perspex ‘block’ and will print and return your finished work.
Zoom baskets with Stefan Jennings
Using green willow, Stefan shows you, step-by-step, how to make a traditional and rustic basket.
No Place Like Home: Unlocking Lockdown, papier mache dwellings with Elizabeth Jardine
Elizabeth shows you how to use papier mache as a sculptural material and help you to make a dwelling from your mind’s eye.
Moths to a Flame with Jenny and Naomi from Art and Energy
Using recycled plastic, Jenny and Naomi shows you how to make beautiful moths and then create cyanotype artworks using the power of the sun. Send your moths to us to join the Moths to a Flame art installation heading to Glasgow for COP26, the UN conference on climate change in November 2021.
“Personally, I have been greatly impacted by loneliness throughout this pandemic. I live alone and I’ve missed deep connection with people I love and respect. People just don’t notice it in me because they think I’m such a ‘jolly’ person… A big thank you to Elizabeth for holding the space so beautifully and The Guild for organising the workshop.”
“I just want to say thank you for the course, materials and video for a reminder. I have gained so much from it, helping with my isolation and to learn something new and inspiring which can be adapted in so many ways. It was wonderful to meet the other ladies too. ”
Craft Community Virtual Exhibition June 2021
Over 220 people have been part of this project and had a go at completing a workshop. We have had such inspiring feedback where people enjoyed the experience of creating together and found it a positive experience for their wellbeing.
If you have any queries please call 01626 832223 or email hello@makesouthwest.org.uk
Project generously funded by Arts Council England