Join artist Dominika Kubalova for a beginner’s bookbinding workshop, in which 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).
Our repairers were invited to join MAC as part of their activities to mark the Big Green Week. We are happy to support them and to share Balsall Heath Repair Cafe with MAC visitors.
If you join the Repair Cafe regularly please do come and see us at the MAC on Saturday 13 June. Located in Cannon Hill Park its a short distance from The Old Print Works and accessible via public transport.
Balsall Heath Repair Cafe returns to The Old Print Works on Saturday 11 July.
The CDT room has a range of tools for turning, milling, precision cutting, drilling, engraving and pyrography. Projects are designed and led by children, who make musical instruments, vehicles, furniture or whatever they can imagine out of wood, plastic and metal. Children are also encouraged to adapt and repair their tools.
These sessions are run by Richard Newton who has 30 years of experience teaching craft, design & technology to children.
90 minute session. £8 per child / £6 per sibling
Richard Newton is a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works.
Join a free workshop to design banners for West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign (WMPSC) and promote the upcoming visit of women from the West Bank as part of their Al-Khalil Birmingham Friendship project. They will also be promoting produce from Palestine.
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.
As part of Birmingham Permaculture Network Weekender, learn how to make a bike powered generator, for sound systems, device charging and more. Led by Rakesh Rootsman Rak.
Join artist Sofia Niazi from Print and Matter for a Risograph workshop at MIAH Gallery (11am-1pm, £10) or a private print slot (2-4pm, 30 min slots, £10 technician fee + cost of print job).
This workshop, led by Community Energy Birmingham, gives people hands on experience installing home energy efficiency measures. Funded by Central Co-Op.
Join artists Jane Thakoordin and Fiona Bailey for a creative workshop to accompany the Each Child a Light Exhibition at The Old Print Works.
Design and make your own decorative square honouring and remembering a child killed in Gaza. Your completed work will be stitched into the growing quilt alongside others already made by hundreds of people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience including artists, crafters, community and faith groups, children and students.
Free, but please register here as spaces are limited. All materials provided and open to everyone over the age of 14.
If you’re an artist (at any level) developing a creative practice + seeking fresh perspectives 👁️ then YOU ARE INVITED to my studio aka ✨ @seemaworld_boon_ ✨
vibes:
1️⃣ bring along one piece of work (at whatever stage) to share with others in the group.
2️⃣ each person will have the floor to ask questions + exchange intentional feedback in an open peer-led environment, with reflective takeaways👖
3️⃣ it’ll be chill + kind but ultimately supportive
4️⃣ in the interest of being non-hierarchical, i’ll also look to share something (if there’s time + space) and be vulnerable too
In this workshop you will master Swiss Darning, a clever way that mimics knitted stitches to make holes and thin patches disappear.
This session is taught by @knitwithu – a BCU textiles student specialising in knit – arrive as a beginner and leave as a pro!
You will learn how to repair your knits like an expert, giving you the skills to fight fast fashion by making your clothes last longer. We provide all the needles, colourful yarns, and practice fabric you need, so you can walk out with a more sustainable wardrobe and the confidence to keep your favourite sweaters in great shape for years to come.
This workshop takes place in Daily Thread, the community textiles space at The Old Print Works. Please note this space is located on the first floor and only accessible via a number of stairs.
Join us for a drop-in discussion and creative activity to celebrate the completion of this year’s Big Plastic Count and hear about the actions we can take to minimise plastic pollution.
Back in March, thousands of people from schools, households, community groups and workplaces across the UK counted their plastic waste for one week as part of the UK’s biggest people-powered investigation into plastic waste.
Now, we’ve crunched the numbers and processed the data, and our results reveal the shocking scale of the UK’s big plastic problem…
This is a free drop-in with no need to book. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly happens to your plastic waste, what actions we think our government should be taking, or simply want to chat, then come along!
In this session with MAKE & TADA!, participants can design and build their very own finger basketball game.
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 10 must be supervised by an accompanying adult*
The Balsall Heath Alliance is a group of local community organisations working across Balsall Heath.
They are keen to update the policies that govern how local Planning Decisions are made, and to do that are consulting on updating the current Local Neighbourhood Plan. At this stage, they are keen to get feedback from residents about all the issues that matter to them. They will be asking local people a few key questions so that they can collate feedback about the priority local issues.
As part of Balsall Heath Second Saturday explore the Birmingham Resistance Library collection, borrow and return books. Open to all.
Radical Exhibition Collective is a film collective with the aim to support the development of access to film culture in Birmingham. Through diasporic programming and centring subaltern expression, REC seeks to increase access to independent, archival and experimental film and moving image. They recognise the potential of film watching spaces as sites of resistance, community gathering and a tool for collective liberation.
! Please note, Birmingham Resistance Library will now be located in The MIX Cafe. The venue has step free access.
Browse, Borrow & Return, 1-5 pm
Explore the Birmingham Resistance Library collection and borrow a book. No membership required. You can browse the catalogue in advance online too at www.birminghamresistancelibrary.co.uk
Design and Colour in a Bookmark, 1-5pm
Drop-in activity suitable for all ages
REC’s Community Pop-up DVD Library, 1-5pm
Radical Exhibition Collective’s (@radicalexhibition) community DVD library has been created with the intent to increase access to independent film and moving image in Birmingham. With a focus on platforming subaltern expression and films that may be unavailable to freely stream, rent or find online, REC’s pop-up DVD library recognises the value film holds in the cultural sphere and seeks to address gaps in engaging with it.
Book Return💫
If you’ve borrowed a book from the library, please remember to return it this upcoming Browse, Borrow & Return session
Donations✨
Donate a book on the day, link in bio for our wish list or donate a book related to ‘resistance’ that you have read and recommend.
Balsall Heath Second Saturday hosts a screening of a powerful new 50 minute film about the climate and nature crisis and what it means for all of us, along with credible, positive responses.
As well as understanding the crisis, it’s about conversation and connection as communities come together. Whether you’re already involved or just curious to know more, everyone is welcome.
Join us for a screening followed by a discussion and cake.
Saturday 13 June, 4.30pm to 6.30pm (Doors 4.15pm) Recommended for age 16+ Seats are free but limited so please book in advance here.
Community Energy Birmingham (CEB) is running the Seeing in Colour project (funded by the University of Birmingham) to host free thermal imaging workshops and evening walks in your neighbourhood. These events will help local residents grow their understanding of heat loss in homes.
CEB are a non-profit organisation who have experience since 2012 in delivering projects which improve the city of Birmingham’s relationship with energy.
Our thermal camera classes will show you:
Sources of heat loss and humidity from homes – which could potentially make your home more comfortable, healthier AND cheaper to run (subject to the practicality of implementing solutions).
To ‘See in Colour’ by learning how to use a handheld thermal camera from one of our expert demonstrators. You would have the opportunity to use this camera on your house during a neighbourhood walk.
Our team can then advise you on:
‘Do it yourself’ solutions (like changing heating schedules or draught proofing)
Funding available for home efficiency improvements (e.g. loft insulation, wall insulation, solar panels). Take this opportunity to help you and your neighbours in the journey to comfortable and healthy homes. For more info contact Joe from the University of Birmingham or Beate from CEB, by e-mailing j.k.day@bham.ac.uk or info@communityenergybirmingham.coop
This is an excellent educational opportunity for families with complimentary snacks and hot/soft drinks provided.
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.
