ENGLISH PAPER PIECING with Susan Finlay, Sew Confident – Thursday 10.15am

90-minute workshop – cost £25.00

English Paper Piecing is a method of patchwork where fabric is wrapped around shapes made of thin paper or cardboard. Once the shapes are covered in fabric you will then hand stitch them together to form a design.

SewConfident quilting tutor Susan will take you through the whole process and share all her hints and tips for to produce a beautiful design that can be used as part of a quilt or as a decoration on another me made item. This is a lovely, mindful project that you don’t need any prior sewing experience to be able to participate in.

Advisory Note:

No experience necessary for this class and all ages

are welcome, under 16’s with parental supervision only.

Meet the Tutor

Susan Finlay

Susan Finlay, Sew Confident Susan has been sewing for as long as she can remember, having been taught as a child to sew and knit by her Mum and Gran. For the last 12 years Susan has enjoyed patchwork and quilting and for the last 10 running a business making memory quilts and memory animals. When not sewing for her business Susan enjoys English Paper Piecing as it is such a relaxing craft to do, as it’s all hand stitched it makes it fairly portable and so easy to carry about

SPARKLING WINTER TREE DORSET BUTTON BROOCH with Gini’s Dorset Buttons – Thursday 15.15pm

60-minute workshop – cost £18.00

Join Gini, winner of Kirsty’s Handmade Christmas, and learn how to make the traditional craft of Dorset buttons with a twist. Create a sparkling winter tree brooch and hear all about the history of this 400-year old craft.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for ages 16+.

Meet the Tutor

Louise Armitage, aka ‘Gini’

Gini has been teaching and keeping the 400-year old traditional craft of Dorset Buttons alive for 33 years.

Originally taught by an old lady from Dorset, who’s family skill had been passed down through generations, and now had no one left to pass it on to. Gini made her a promise that she would teach other people and continue to pass on the skills. Gini has kept this promise and taught individuals and workshops all over the UK and around the world.

Bringing the skill up to date with modern ideas and techniques she won Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas with her unique designs in 2020.

SPARKLING PEARLS with Mairi Carlton, Beadworkers Guild – Thursday 12.15pm

60-minute workshop – cost £18.00

During this workshop you will make three pearl and crystal beaded beads, embellished with crystal rose montees for that extra sparkle.

You will have the choice of adding them to a chain for a fabulous sparkling necklace with matching earrings to add some bling to your outfits for those festive occasions.

Alternatively, you can use the beads to make a stunning festive tree decoration. Either option would be perfect for a gift or just as a treat for yourself.

Advisory Note:

The workshop is suitable for beginners of all ages, though any children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet the Tutor

Mairi Carlton

Originally a self-taught beader, Mairi has been creating and teaching her own designs for over 20 years. Mairi organises a large beading group in Glasgow called ‘Beadwildered’, teaching locally on a regular basis and delivers workshops online and nationally for several organisations. Mairi is currently the Chair of the Trustees for the Beadworkers Guild.

HAMSA FINE SILVER PENDANT with Tracey Spurgin – Thursday 10.15am

90 minute workshop – cost £36.00

[Max 16 people]

Join master silver clay artist, Tracey Spurgin, as she guides you through this great project to complete a stunning pendant in fine silver with a gemstone setting.

Aimed at the complete beginner, this workshop will take you step-by-step through this great learner project. You will get to grips with all the essential foundation skills and will proudly walk away with your finished creations.

NB: The jump ring and chain are not included.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for any ability over the age of 16. This workshop is not suitable for children under the age of 16 even if accompanied by an adult.

Meet the Tutor

Tracey Spurgin

Tracey is a Senior Art Clay Instructor with 20+ years’ experience teaching out of her own Craftworx studio in E. Yorks as well as around UK and internationally. She runs online courses where you can learn at your own pace at home. She has written 120+ tutorial projects for national magazines and international metal clay guilds.

CATHEDRAL WINDOW TOTE BAG with Kerrie Padmore, Living in Loveliness – Thursday 10.15am

2 hour workshop – cost £36.00

Join Kerrie from Living In Loveliness for an enchanting journey into the world of delightful fabrics and the captivating art of cathedral windows.

Cathedral window quilting is a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and the sheer beauty of fabric. This is the perfect opportunity to awaken your inner artist and design something truly exceptional.

In this class, you’ll experiment with exquisite fabric scraps to create your very own cathedral window tote bag, showcasing your newfound skills and creativity!

Book your space today and let your imagination soar!

Advisory Note:

This hands-on session is perfect for those looking to enhance their sewing skills and create a beautiful Tote Bag. Not suitable for children under the age of 16.

Meet the Tutor

Kerrie Padmore – Living in Loveliness

Since launching ‘Living In Loveliness’ 11 years ago, Kerrie’s passion for teaching and super-cute fabrics has blossomed and grown even more. With sewing classes and sewing retreats from beginners to the more advanced sewers, plus her fabulous range of sewing kits and patterns.

Kerrie’s passion lies in bringing people together in workshops through their shared joy of sewing, and she looks forward to welcoming you to her wonderful world of ‘Living in Loveliness’ at the Creative Craft & Stitching Shows.

Craft Academy Full Day Workshop – Bespoke ceramic dog and cat sculptures with Ros Ingram

Bespoke ceramic dog and cat sculptures – Thurs 31st Oct 2024 – 9:30am

This class offers a unique opportunity to create an individual piece of clay art, capturing the essence of your very own beloved pet, or favourite breed of dog or cat.

During this full-day workshop you will have quality time to enjoy modelling with the professional support of Ros to achieve your goal, using high quality materials and fail safe techniques.

Under Ros’ guidance you will:

Learn about different clay types.
Create a sculpture of your pet approximately 20cm tall.
Use tools to add textures and make marks.
Decorate your pet with ceramic slips and stains.
Obtain lots of individual help, with the opportunity to ask all your questions.
Have your finished piece fired at Ros’s studio and posted back to you, within 30 days.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must bring photographs of your chosen pet to the class, in a seated position from all angles. These can either be printed photos or digital ones on your phone or tablet.

This workshop will take place at our 31st October – 3rd November Birmingham NEC show which includes access to: The Creative Craft Show, Sewing for Pleasure Winter Edition and Simply Christmas!

Full day Academy Workshops include:

Lunch and refreshments throughout day.
All materials, equipment, firing and postage costs.
Complementary ticket to visit the main show on another day.

Important Note:

This class is suitable for beginners over the age of 16.

Meet the Tutor

Ros Ingram

Born in Stratford upon Avon, Ros Ingram trained in ceramics and print at Wolverhampton University. Ros runs ceramic workshops on a regular basis in Warwickshire. She has exhibited worldwide, currently showing at a number of galleries in the Cotswolds, Cornwall, and Germany. As well as undertaking commissions, Ros also works as a visiting artist in residence creating permanent ceramic installations and recycled art projects. One of her projects working with young children was on display at the National Gallery, London. Recently The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust commissioned Ros to create five unique ceramic murals of each iconic property for permanent display in her hometown.

Sewing for self-care: Sew an Eye Mask and Reusable Skincare Pads – Thursday 15.15

90-minute workshop – cost £24.00

[Max 10 people]

Sew a mini self-care kit for yourself or to gift to someone else. In this class, Lauren will guide you into make a silk lined, padded, wrap around eye mask along with sustainable reusable makeup/ skincare wipes.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for beginners, over 16’s years.

Meet the Tutor

Lauren Tedstone

Lauren Tedstone, quarterfinalist of series 9 of BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee (2023). Her machine, given to her many years before by her grandmother was finally put to use in late 2019 when Lauren taught herself to sew. Starting with small projects for her children, Lauren then went on to garment sewing and is on a journey to curate and create a complete handmade wardrobe. A big lover of fashion trends, she loves creating key timeless classics that have professional finishes and longevity. Lauren is also a family orientated person, often sewing for her children and family.

Tumbling Block Y Seam Class with Clive Bruder- Thursday 13.35

60-minute workshop – cost £17.00

[Max 10 people]

This class is a wonderful opportunity for beginners and experienced sewers alike to enhance their skills and create beautiful projects. Y seams are a unique sewing technique used to connect three or more fabric pieces together at angles that cannot be sewn using regular straight seams. In this class, you will learn all the essential techniques and tips to successfully sew Y seams, including marking and cutting fabric, sewing accurate seams, and achieving smooth and professional finish.

Clive will ensure that you gain confidence and mastery in sewing Y seams. Whether you are interested in quilting, garment construction, or any other sewing project, this class will equip you with the skills to tackle complex designs and create stunning creations. Join this sewing class and unlock a whole new world of sewing possibilities with Y seams!

Advisory Note:

Suitable for beginners, 16 years plus.

Meet the Tutor

Clive Bruder

Clive started sewing when he was around 10 years old. With the help of his Mum he made some curtains for their home on an old hand cranked Singer sewing machine that was gifted to them by a relative. Ever since Clive has been hooked on sewing.

He went on to college to study textile design, followed by The University College for the Creative Arts in Epsom, to achieve a Fashion BA Honours Degree.

Over the past few years with the support of family and friends Clive was encouraged to start his own business Bruderful Design. Unfortunately like many, his business was badly impacted by COVID, but despite the pandemic he’s been extremely lucky with new exciting opportunities. This included a regular guest slot on Sewing Street TV, the launch of @WeSewToo and along with his husband Mark he has attended many sewing shows and together with Mark’s successful brand, they have released lots of sewing patterns too.

Clive says, “Nothing makes me happier than being at my sewing machine and being creative.”

Fabulous Cuff Plackets with Mark Francis- Thursday 9.45am

90-minute workshop – cost £24.00

[Max 10 people]

Join Mark Francis from the Great British Sewing Bee for everything you will need to know to sew the perfect cuff plackets. In this session you will cover traditional, bias bound and inseam cuff plackets. Everything is provided, but please do bring a basic sewing kit if possible. Full instructions are there for you to take home and you will be working in Calico cotton for your samples.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable to children under 16 years. Experience with using a sewing machine preferable.

Meet the Tutor

Mark Francis

Mark’s practical sewing experiences began quite late in life, but his relationship with sewing began when he was a small child. However, needlework was not something that little boys were encouraged to do in the 1980’s.

Many years passed until he found the confidence to finally learn to use a sewing machine, and he discovered his passion for making clothes and costumes. Then, a few years ago, Mark’s husband entered him for series 6 of the Great British Sewing (2020) and life hasn’t been the same since!

Mark now works across the sewing industry, teaching, presenting talks and developing his growing range of sewing patterns.

VIP: Cartonnage Sewing Wallet With Mark Vardy From Pinflair/ Silvar Design- Thursday 10:00, 11.00, 12.00

Discover the basics of cartonnage and make this useful travel sewing-wallet. Mark from Pinflair/Silvar Design will guide you through this simple no-sew process. A basic sewing kit will be included for your make. Scissors will be available to, optionally, purchase separately.

Advisory note:

No experience is necessary. Over 16’s only.

NOTE: Workshop places are on a first-come-first served basis.

Meet the Tutor

Mark Vardy

Mark Vardy has a passion for jewellery making. He has a level 3 NCFE certificate in craft and is a qualified adult education teacher. Mark founded Silvar Design in 2004, teaching a vast array of techniques, and he covers everything from costume jewellery design, macramé and kumihimo braiding through to stringing techniques, enamelling on copper and silver jewellery. More recently Silvar Design has partnered with Pinflair Creative Crafts.