Creative Connection Through Making

Workshops that slow you down, spark conversation, and help you create something meaningful

Sometimes we just need to stop. Make something with our hands. Have a proper conversation. Create space to breathe.

That's what these workshops are about.

Not rushed. Not productive. Not ticking boxes on a to-do list.

Just creative connection – with yourself, with others, with materials, with stories.

Whether you're learning to sew, weaving with scraps, turning junk mail into beautiful journals, or creating memory pieces from treasured fabrics – these workshops give you permission to slow down and make something that matters.

Perfect for groups who want to:
  • Take time out for wellbeing and creativity
  • Learn new skills in a relaxed, supportive environment
  • Connect through making (not just talking)
  • Create meaningful keepsakes and beautiful handmade items
  • Explore sustainable craft practices using reclaimed materials

Wonderful Waste: Sustainable Making

All workshops use reclaimed, recycled, and repurposed materials wherever possible.

Fabric scraps become greeting cards. Junk mail becomes beautiful journals. Deadstock textiles become treasured garments. Paint sample cards, photo negatives, teabags, and bits of this and that become art.

Not only is this kinder to the planet, but working with "imperfect" materials takes the pressure off. There's freedom in making something beautiful from scraps – it's already wonky, already weird, already wonderful.

“Great tutor who enabled everyone to work at their own pace”

Participant at Bradford Industrial Museum Heritage Apron Making workshop

  • "10/10. Interesting, stimulting, colourful."

    Participants at Bradford Industrial Museum Heritage Apron Making workshop

  • "10/10. Informative, inclusive, fun"

    Participants at Bradford Industrial Museum Heritage Apron Making workshop

  • "10/10. Absorbing, interesting, enjoyable"

    Participants at Bradford Industrial Museum Heritage Apron Making workshop

Workshop themes

1. Textile & Sewing Workshops

Beginners Welcome | Intermediate Skills | Heritage Techniques

From learning to use a sewing machine for the first time to developing pattern-reading skills, these workshops celebrate textile heritage while building practical skills you'll use for years.

What we make:

  • Quilted purses and bags

  • Simple garments and accessories

  • Heritage-inspired items (aprons, fabric buttons, woven pieces)

  • Upcycled textile projects

Perfect for: Museums, heritage sites, community groups, textile guilds

2. Mixed Media & Creative Expression

Playful | Experimental | Story-Led

Using reclaimed materials (junk mail, fabric scraps, paint cards, found objects), we create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that tell stories.

What we make:

  • Handmade sketchbooks and journals

  • Textile collage art

  • Greeting cards from fabric scraps

  • Wax-sealed memory pieces

  • Bookmarks, brooches, and textile tiles

Perfect for: Libraries, art centres, wellbeing programmes, creative groups

3. Weaving & Fibre Arts

Meditative | Accessible | Beautiful Results

Small-frame weaving and simple fibre techniques that anyone can do – wonderfully therapeutic and surprisingly addictive.

What we make:

  • Mini weavings (landscape pieces, abstract designs)

  • Woven wall hangings

  • Simple crochet projects (for beginners)

Perfect for: Wellbeing programmes, mindfulness groups, care settings

4. Creative Memory-Making

Therapeutic | Meaningful | Deeply Personal

Workshops that help people preserve memories, commemorate loved ones, and transform sentimental items into keepsakes through gentle, creative making.

What we create:

  • Memory weavings from meaningful places

  • Textile mementos from clothing with sentimental value

  • Mixed media pieces incorporating personal items

  • Creative ways to honour stories and memories

Perfect for: Bereavement support services, heritage groups, community wellbeing programmes, museums

Special note: These workshops are designed with sensitivity and care, creating safe space for people to process emotions through making.

Workshop formats

Single Sessions (2-3 hours) Perfect for taster sessions, drop-in programmes, or one-off events

Multi-Session Series (4-6 weeks) Develop deeper skills, build community, complete more ambitious projects

Weekend Intensives (2 days) Immersive learning experiences for heritage techniques or skill-building

Family Workshops Suitable for children (6-12 years) with accompanying adults, or drop-off options for 8-12 year olds

Holiday Programmes School holiday clubs exploring different craft technique

Who I work with

Museums & Heritage Sites Workshops that connect to local history, industrial heritage, and traditional craft techniques

Community Groups & Wellbeing Programmes Creative connection sessions that prioritise mental health, social connection, and gentle skill-building

Schools & Youth Groups Engaging craft workshops that build confidence, creativity, and practical skills

Libraries & Arts Centres Drop-in making sessions and creative series that bring communities together

Corporate Wellbeing Team-building through making (no trust falls, just textiles)

My approach

Sustainability First
I use reclaimed, recycled, and repurposed materials wherever possible, modelling sustainable craft practices and celebrating creativity from "waste."

Heritage Meets Contemporary
Many workshops connect to local industrial heritage (particularly textile manufacturing) while teaching relevant contemporary skills.

All Abilities Welcome
I adapt workshops for different skill levels, ages, and abilities. Whatever your ability and skills, you can safely make beautiful things.

Creative Health
Making has genuine therapeutic benefits – encouraging mindfulness, preserving memories, building community connections, and giving our hands something to do while our minds wander.

No Pressure, Just Play
These workshops aren't about perfection. They're about process, conversation, connection, and creating something meaningful (even if it's a bit wonky).

Interested in booking a workshop?

I'd love to hear about your group, your space, and what kind of creative connection you're hoping to create.

Get in touch via the contact form and let's chat about what would work for you.

Practicalities

Based in: Cullingworth, West Yorkshire
Available for: Workshops across Yorkshire and surrounding regions
Group sizes: Flexible (typically 6-15 participants depending on workshop type)
All materials provided: Participants just bring themselves (and personal items for memory-making workshops)