Focus on sustainable fashion, handmade and hand-upcycled clothing, made from recycled materials. ask about commissions too!
Category: Crafts
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Listening, Crafting & Conversation Circle
Join us this Balsall Heath Second Saturday for an intimate listening, crafting & conversation circle exploring the importance of passing on knowledge of women’s creative work between generations and within communities.
We will invite you to crochet whilst listening to a recorded interview with artist-crafter Jane Thakoordin, before opening up space to share reflections and stories between ourselves about women’s creative work.
This event launches part two of THREADS: An Interactive Exhibition Untangling The Hidden Work Of Women. The exhibition includes oral history interviews with four local women from different backgrounds about how they learnt their creative skills from other women. The interviews were conducted by Kim Chi, who also created artworks in response which are on display in the exhibition, along with craft objects loaned by the interviewees and various interactive activities.
The session will be facilitated by Isra Kausar (Curator), Kim Chi (Artist) and Ella Marshall (Programme Director).
All genders welcome
Ages 14+
No booking required – just show up at 3.30pm
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Clothes Print Workshop
11am onwards at The Old Print Works
Give your clothes a new bloom! Join us as we celebrate Festival of Blossom with Natasha & Ashleigh for a family-friendly workshop where we’ll breathe new life into old garments. Have a go at making your own print with floral woodblocks.
Bring an old garment of clothing to refresh or print one of the patches provided.
Free
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Crochet your Floral Creations
Join us for a fun and creative crochet workshop where you’ll learn how to make stunning, handcrafted flowers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this workshop is perfect for you!
You are invited to bring in your own yarn and hook, and any material you wish to use for the crochet workshop – there will also be materials provided by us so feel free to join us either way!
We will be learning the basics of crochet and learning to read Chinese crochet abbreviations! If you’re interested, please join!I’m a student from Birmingham City University and this workshop is going to contribute to my degree show, if you don’t feel comfortable contributing, please let me know beforehand!
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Sustainable Textile Jewellery with Mahawa
Learn to make sustainable textile jewellery with Mahawa from award-winning Mansading Textile. Inspired by a traditional African wrapping technique. Preserving traditional hand textile skills and using up waste fabrics and yarn, you will create a beautiful necklace or bracelet to wear or gift.
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Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers
11am until 1pm, Lower gallery or courtyard, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works
Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood
Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces
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Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop
In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.
All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style. Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!
Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)
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CDT for under 11’s
11am onwards – drop in, The Old Print Works upper gallery
Wood working skills that can set you up for life
pricing available in workshop
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The Upholstery Group
The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works
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SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION
SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION 🧵✨ ✊
This exhibition showcases the artworks produced by Sewing Solidarity, a GAP project led by artist Jane Thakoordin that invited young people aged 13 – 18 to create a series of new banners for Balsall Heath and The GAP inspired by the trade union banner tradition.
Over several months, young people took part in a series of sessions at The GAP in which we explored working class stories, local histories and banner art, and experimented with textile design techniques and slogans to co-design and collectively create five beautiful banners.
The final designs bring together traditional and contemporary elements, and are inspired by the diversity and culture of Balsall Heath, and the richness of its community spirit and generosity despite not being monetarily rich. In times of difficulty, people have come together to support one another and show solidarity, despite our differences.
In the trade union tradition, the Sewing Solidarity banners have been created as lasting pieces that can be used at community events, protests, demonstrations and celebrations to represent our solidarity for years to come. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for how or where these banners might be displayed in the local area!
About the artists
Jane Thakoordin is a participatory artist with over 30 years experience of co-creation with groups and organisations both regionally and nationally. Using textiles as the main medium, Jane draws on her background as a mental health professional and tutor to create spaces where people can experiment and express themselves. Follow Jane @janethakoordin_
Project participants – Nimra, Naveera, Ruby, Mohamed, Mohammed, Nasaradin, Mariya, Zahra, Chi, Ezra, Jo, Hala, Mariya, Ayda, and everyone who joined us at Balsall Heath Second Saturday!
Funded by @westmids_ca and @bhamcitycouncil
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Crafts with Itzatna Arts
Crafting activities with Itzatna Arts.
ITZATNA ARTS COLLECTIVE are an emerging artist collective based in the Midlands that create intercultural collaborations between artists and diaspora communities between Mexico, Latin America, and the UK.
For more information https://www.itzatna.org
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The GAP Winter Craft Fair
✨❄️The GAP Winter Craft Fair❄️✨ Saturday 14th December, 11am – 4pm
Pop down to @oldprintworksbrum on 14th December for a festive fun-filled day out whilst supporting local artists and young people. Expect an exciting array of unique handmade gifts and goodies for sale – all made by local young artists, designers and crafters – in amongst our cosy community cafe The MIX and during the bustling @balsallheathsecondsaturday.
Featuring….
@_achastudio
@apundantlyclear
@artbyamjam
@hannahmandrews
@capture.and.create.media
@jenkoandco
Mangoonthecanvas
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Wreath Making at The Old Print Works
Join Hannah for a fun and creative family friendly wreath making workshop.
In this hands-on session, you will craft your very own unique wreath using a variety of locally sourced materials.
All materials included.
The workshop will be held in the Drawing Room at The Old Print Works – with step free access.
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Collage gift box workshop
11am – 1pm
Come and make a sturdy beautiful collage gift box. All welcome. No prior experience required.
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Petals, Wings & Charms – Creative Crafts for Mexican Day of the Dead
Join ITZATNA for a colourful celebration of Life and Memory: Day of the Dead Arts & Crafts Workshop!
Step into a world of vibrant colours, rich traditions, and heartfelt creativity as we honour Mexico’s Day of the Dead through arts and crafts! In this unique hands-on family-friendly workshop, you’ll learn about the magic of ‘Día de los Muertos’ while exploring traditional Mexican symbols like marigold flowers, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and the enchanting *Árboles de Vida* (Trees of Life) charms crafted in clay.
What to Expect:
– Paper Marigolds: Learn to make delicate, vibrant *flores de cempasúchil*, the iconic marigold flowers that light the path for spirits with their radiant orange glow.
– Butterfly Ancestors: Craft your own beautiful butterflies, symbolising the souls of ancestors returning to visit during this sacred time.
– Hummingbird Creations: Capture the spirit of the hummingbird, a beloved symbol of love, resilience and joy, in your own unique art.
– Clay Charms: Create your own small *árbol de vida*, or tree of life, to honour loved ones and celebrate the beauty of the cycle of life.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply excited to try something new, this workshop is the perfect way to celebrate Día de los Muertos in a meaningful and creative way. Bring friends, family, or come solo and connect with others who are excited to honour these beautiful traditions.
Reserve your spot today, and join us as we remember, create, and celebrate together. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!
Suitable for families with children aged 4+
All Workshops are Drop-In & ‘Pay What You Can’ donations.
Any questions? Email us on contact[at]itzatna[dot]org or DM us on socials @itzatna.arts // @itzatna_arts
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WHITE POPPY EVENT
2-5PM
The Mix Cafe
Children & family friendly
Craft activities include making:- Paper poppies/doves and coloring in
- Palestine themed friendship bracelet
- Badges
- Peace stories and drawings
Craft stall and baked goods for sale. All proceeds will go to MATW Limbs of Hope Project (and supporting a family in Gaza)
£5 per child, £2.50 per additional child
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Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers
11am until 1pm, Lower gallery or courtyard, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works
Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood
Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces
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Palestinian Tatreez bookmark Workshop
Join The MIAH Foundation for an in–person workshop on creating a Palestinian Tatreez bookmark, with a guided tutorial.
During the in–person workshop, you will learn about the history of Palestinian Tatreez and the techniques to create your own embroidery based on traditional motifs. You will then create your own Tatreez bookmark. All materials will be provided. This workshop is being run as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.
12 – 2pm | Saturday 12th October 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.
To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.
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Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers
11am until 1pm, Lower gallery or courtyard, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works
Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood
Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces
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Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop-October
In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.
All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style. Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!
Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)
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CDT for under 11’s
11am onwards – drop in, The Old Print Works upper gallery
Wood working skills that can set you up for life
pricing available in workshop
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The Upholstery Group at The Old Print Works
The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works
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Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop – September
In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.
All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style. Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!
Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)
-
CDT for under 11’s
11am onwards – drop in, The Old Print Works upper gallery
Wood working skills that can set you up for life
pricing available in workshop
-
The Upholstery Group at The Old Print Works
The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works
