Balsall Heath Second Saturday

The Second Saturday of the Month

Category: The Old Print Works

  • Mosaic workshop with Metallix

    Join artist Mel Berman for a mosaic workshop repurposing old CDs.

    Mel Berman is a metal and mixed media artist who runs Metallix Studio. She creates artworks using embossed pewter and copper sheet and combines them with free machine embroidery and different coloured waxes and inks. They are used to embellish everything from notebooks, mirror frames, boxes and canvasses to create unique one-off artworks.

    This workshop is free, please consider making a donation here.

    Mel Burman is a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works.

  • Risograph Printing Workshop with Print and Matter

    Join artist Sofia Niazi from Print and Matter for a two hour workshop to learn how to make a 2-colour risograph print using drawing or collage. This workshop includes the production of five prints and all equipment and materials is provided.

    The workshop is suitable for ages 7+ and costs £10 per person (subsidised thanks to support from Arts Council England). Book here.

    Sofia Niazi is a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works.

  • Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop

    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)

  • The Old Print Works Market

    The Old Print Works Market

    Bric a brac/clothes/local makers/curios and more

    March stallholders include:

    Anawim, Birmingham’s Centre For Women, selling pre-loved clothes and recruiting volunteers

    Ethical Game, Stirchley-based CIC, selling Biltong and Pastrami

    If you would like to be part of the market, please message us at info@secondsaturday.org.uk or book a stall here (cost £10 or £90 for 12 months).

  • The Original Art Club

    The Original Art Club

    The Original Art Club is a safe creative space for children to explore, create and develop their artistic skills. This is project-based learning tailored to each individual and their ability. The idea is progress not perfection and with an ‘I can do’ attitude here at the club we want all our budding artists to feel confident and encouraged in their creative journey.

    We teach several 2D and 3D techniques within our projects using a wide range of materials from pencil, acrylic paint and watercolours, to clay and paper mache. Our mixed age and mixed ability classes is a unique way in building self-confidence, independence and social bonding. Those children who have been with us longer will have gained more flexibility in steering their own projects and outcomes. We use mediums such as acrylics, watercolours, oil/soft pastels, inks, fine liners and 3D work with papier mache, clay and paper sculpture. At the club we value art and believe it is a significant component for the holistic education of children.

    This workshop is free, please consider making a donation here.

  • Balsall Heath Local History Society

    Meet members of the Balsall Heath Local History Society and learn about their current project Balsall Heath in Changing Times.

  • Film Screening with Ventilator Gallery

    Ventilator Gallery is run by Tammy Woodrow who is a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works.

  • Woodwork with MAKE & TADA!

    Join us on Saturday 14th March, 12.30–2pm. In this session with MAKE & TADA!, participants can make a hand-painted wooden flower.

    This is a relaxed, welcoming free community workshop, suitable for all abilities. All materials are provided, along with guidance throughout. *Children under the age of 8 must be supervised by an accompanying adult*

    MAKE & TADA! is a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works.

  • Bunting Making with The GAP

    Join The GAP in the MIX Cafe to make your own piece of bunting inspired by Balsall Heath using paint, fabric, vinyl and more.

    Your artwork will be added to a metres-long bunting piece created collectively over the next several months as part of the Believe in Balsall Heath project. Once finished, it will be displayed on the streets nearby to celebrate and decorate our beloved neighbourhood.

    This workshop is free, please consider making a donation here.

    The GAP Arts Project is a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works.

  • Draught Excluder Workshop

    Draught Excluder Workshop

    Feeling the draughts in this freeeeezing weather? Improve the cosiness of your home by making a draught excluder to go by the door. You choose the fabrics you want, Kirsty will help by sewing it for you, and you can stuff it! 11am-1pm. All welcome. Free – donations welcome.

  • Faelt Massage –

    Faelt Massage –

    head, face, top of neck, hands, feet, general relaxation all donations to SIFA Fireside

  • Make a metal embossed Christmas magnet with Art Metallix

    Make a metal embossed Christmas magnet with Art Metallix

    Art Metallix workshop
  • Balsall Heaths 750th Birthday Party

    Balsall Heaths 750th Birthday Party

  • Dark Room Open Evening

    Dark Room Open Evening

    Join Darkroom Birmingham for an open evening featuring a relaxed introduction to analogue photography and a hands-on print demonstration. Meet the photographers behind the space, discover upcoming workshops, and enjoy a friendly, welcoming environment for anyone curious about analogue photography processes.

    5-7 (ish)

  • Wreath Making at The Old Print Works

    Wreath Making at The Old Print Works

    Join Hannah and Jude 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.

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Wonderfish Art Studio: Reimagining Our City with Collage

    Wonderfish Art Studio: Reimagining Our City with Collage


    Join Wonderfish Art Studio at Balsall Heath Second Saturday for a hands-on creative collage workshop! Perfect for ages 4–10 and their grown-ups.

    In a safe creative space, we’ll be exploring what we feel about Birmingham and Balsall Heath with the art of collage, using different materials. Together, we are making collaborative artworks that celebrate our beautiful city and connect community and culture.

    Saturday 8 November 11am-1pm

    Drop-in, free, no booking required!

  • Self-Portrait with PRISM Photography Network

    Self-Portrait with PRISM Photography Network

    Discover the power of self-expression at our unique Self-Portrait Studio Event at The Old Print works, in the heart of Balsall Heath. This one-of-a-kind experience invites you to step into a professional studio space where you become the photographer and the subject. Capture your own portrait in a safe, creative environment using professional lighting and backdrops, guided by friendly experts who will help you feel confident and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a first-timer, this is your chance to create striking images that reveal your personality and story.

    Alongside taking your portrait, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to share your wildest thoughts and feelings on a communal mood board. This collaborative space encourages honesty, imagination, and connection—express your dreams, challenges, or inspirations through words, drawings, or images. Your contributions will help capture the vibrant spirit and diversity of Balsall Heath, giving voice to stories often unheard.

    By participating, you will also play a vital role in an ongoing documentary project dedicated to exploring life in Balsall Heath. Your portrait and shared insights could be featured in exhibitions, publications, or digital media, helping to construct a rich tapestry of this community’s identity. Join us for a day of creativity, reflection, and community building—where your story matters and your image can inspire change.

    The experience is offered by the PRISM Photography Network and it Is part of the Balsall Heath Observation project.

  • Her VESSEL : womxn’s journeys and their baggage

  • Rhythms for Life – Percussion and Dance Workshop

  • Learn Easy Finger Knitting

    Learn Easy Finger Knitting

    Learn finger knitting with Jude, all materials provided

  • Plughole Party

    Plughole Party

    T 4 Tits Off: it was worth the lil wait, enit? 🌀

    TICKETS 🔗

    PLUGHOLE is back for a night of collective care, a top surgery fundraiser for our dear friend Kai. We’re treating you to DJs, drag, live music & art. Plus some wet surprises…

    Act fast, we sold out last time and you’re not gonna want to miss this one!

    We know you’ve only just dried off, but it’s time to see you down the drain again 💦

  • Self-Portrait with PRISM Photography Network

    Self-Portrait with PRISM Photography Network

    Discover the power of self-expression at our unique Self-Portrait Studio Event at The Old Print works, in the heart of Balsall Heath. This one-of-a-kind experience invites you to step into a professional studio space where you become the photographer and the subject. Capture your own portrait in a safe, creative environment using professional lighting and backdrops, guided by friendly experts who will help you feel confident and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a first-timer, this is your chance to create striking images that reveal your personality and story.

    Alongside taking your portrait, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to share your wildest thoughts and feelings on a communal mood board. This collaborative space encourages honesty, imagination, and connection—express your dreams, challenges, or inspirations through words, drawings, or images. Your contributions will help capture the vibrant spirit and diversity of Balsall Heath, giving voice to stories often unheard.

    By participating, you will also play a vital role in an ongoing documentary project dedicated to exploring life in Balsall Heath. Your portrait and shared insights could be featured in exhibitions, publications, or digital media, helping to construct a rich tapestry of this community’s identity. Join us for a day of creativity, reflection, and community building—where your story matters and your image can inspire change.

    The experience is offered by the PRISM Photography Network and it Is part of the Balsall Heath Observation project.

  • Willow’s Wardrobe

    Willow’s Wardrobe

    Focus on sustainable fashion, handmade and hand-upcycled clothing, made from recycled materials. ask about commissions too!

  • Make & TADA!Second Saturday Workshop – Festive Hanging Christmas Tree

    Make & TADA!Second Saturday Workshop – Festive Hanging Christmas Tree

    Second Saturday Make & TADA! Workshop – Festive Hanging Christmas Tree

    Join us for a cosy festive Make & TADA! workshop on Saturday 13th December, 1pm–3pm. In this session, you’ll create your own hanging wooden Christmas tree – cutting, sanding, and decorating it to suit your style. Perfect for adding a handmade touch to your Christmas décor or gifting to someone special. All materials and guidance provided. Come along, get creative, and enjoy a festive afternoon of making!.

    👩‍👧 Family-friendly
    🛠️ Tools & materials provided
    🌟 No experience needed

    Check us out on Instagram: Tada_workshop

  • Wonderfish Art Studio: Reimagining Our City with Collage

    Wonderfish Art Studio: Reimagining Our City with Collage


    Join Wonderfish Art Studio at Balsall Heath Second Saturday for a hands-on creative collage workshop! Perfect for ages 4–10 and their grown-ups.

    In a safe creative space, we’ll be exploring what we feel about Birmingham and Balsall Heath with the art of collage, using different materials. Together, we are making collaborative artworks that celebrate our beautiful city and connect community and culture.

    Saturday 13 September 11am-1pm

    Drop-in, free, no booking required!

  • Resisting Erasure – Tatreez: Threads of Resistance

    Resisting Erasure – Tatreez: Threads of Resistance

    Resisting Erasure is a two-part creative workshop series exploring art as a powerful tool for resistance and storytelling as a means to reclaim identity. Each session offers a blend of historical context, hands-on creation, and space for reflection and discussion. Our fist session will be held during Balsall Heath Second Saturday and will focus on Tatreez: Threads of Resistance.

    Tatreez, the intricate Palestinian embroidery tradition, has long served as a method of preserving cultural memory in the face of displacement. This session introduces participants to its technique and symbolism, and invites them to stitch their own bookmarks using a guide or create their own pieces using motifs discussed during the session or those relevant to their personal stories.

    This session is part of Beyond the Margin, a 9-month Inspire Hub programme exploring identity, storytelling, and creative resistance.
    For more information about Inspire Hub or Beyond the Margins, take a look at our instagram @inspirehub.community.

  • Stories From The Den

    Stories From The Den

    Join The GAP at Balsall Heath Second Saturday for Stories From The Den! 📖

    A two hour session of story telling Palestinian and Arab folktales all from the comfort of the den. Get cosy, exercise your imaginations and enter into a world of myths, legends and long tales that tell us much about what it means to be human. After some storytelling we will make some space and use a range of tools and materials to explore some prompts inspired by the stories.

    🕓 Saturday 13th September, 11am – 1pm. Please arrive promptly to make sure we can start the stories on time.

  • HAWWW! zines, diy bits, world-building textures, printed matter + narrative fragments

    HAWWW! zines, diy bits, world-building textures, printed matter + narrative fragments

    HAWWW! zines, diy bits, world-building textures, printed matter + narrative fragments… it’s free + open to all!

    holding (literal) space for a print + publishing gathering has been a brewing intention of mine for some time, so let’s start with a concept day 🌱

    ✨maybe you want to bring, create, share, swap +/or test a #zine or #diy fragment or something in #print

    ✨maybe you want to sell or exhibit your work in true #popup fashion

    ✨maybe you have ideas to share about a dream #popup or #library or #zinefest environment

    ✨maybe you want to congregate in a warm + open space

    join SEEMAWORLD + @mixedrage (!) at this drop-in session to co-dream about your ideal diy publishing environment 🚪

    more on the concept of ‘HAWWW’ itself in the coming weeks 🫆 and info about the first HAWWW during october’s second saturday

    free + open to all!

  • Seemaworld : SCULPTING RADICAL KINDNESS

    Seemaworld : SCULPTING RADICAL KINDNESS

    12:30–14:30 ➡️ SCULPTING RADICAL KINDNESS

    saturday is looming, people! ^^so here’s a lil itinerary to map out this workshop^^

    what does kindness look + feel like when it’s shaped by playful limits? come find out, play and connect.

    we’ll be: sculpting relics for speculative futures 🌍 BUT with a limited resource chosen randomly by you:: clay, found objects, collage, writing, 3d animation,maybe more

    ✨no skills needed
    ✨all materials provided
    ✨drop-in or stay for the duration
    ✨guided workshop / reflection circle begins 12:45
    ✨pay what you feel: £5 / £7 / £9 (book via www.seemaworld.com or pay on the day)

    full programme in instagram bio https://www.instagram.com/seemaworld_, wheelchair access, everyone welcome!

  • Paper bead making with Daily Thread

    Join us for a drop in workshop to make fun and colourful paper beads. This workshop is organised by members of Daily Thread, the community textiles sessions which run every week at The Old Print Works.

    This workshop is free, please consider making a donation here.