Craft Groups London

Summer Crafternoon🧶🎨☕️🍰

Crafting in the Old Diorama

MAKE A PLANT HOLDER

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-plant-holder-40](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-plant-holder-40) ⋆⋆⋆ A good woodworker has a number of basic joints in their virtual toolbelt that they can use for any project. We have devised a lovely one-day introduction to woodwork skills which is a homage to the not-so-humble mortise and tenon joint – one of the essential joints required if you are looking to create sturdy pieces of furniture that can be fitted together like a beautiful 3D puzzle. A mortise (or mortice) and tenon joint connects two pieces of wood mainly when the adjoining pieces connect at right angles. In its most basic form, a mortise and tenon joint is both simple and strong and comprises two components, the mortise hole and the tenon tongue. The tenon, formed on the end of a piece of wood generally referred to as a rail, fits into a square or rectangular hole cut into the other, corresponding piece of wood. The tenon is cut to fit the mortise hole exactly. It usually has shoulders that seat when the joint fully enters the mortise hole. The joint may be glued, pinned, or wedged to lock it in place. Over the course of this hands-on, practical day the tutor will give you careful direction in the use of using traditional tools. You will learn how to measure and cut accurately, how to use a chisel to make four ‘mortise and tenons’, how to use a plane to shape and apply a smooth finish to edges, and how to slot it all firmly together. The result will be a strong, standing plant pot holder that will proudly support a plant to brighten up a corner of any room and stand as a lasting testament to your joint making skills. An elegant 20cm white pot is included for you to take home with your new plant pot holder – we’ll leave it to you to decide how to fill it. This workshop is suitable for all ages. Small class size = plenty of attention. All personal protection and use of tools and materials are included. Suitable for beginners.

HAND CANING FURNITURE

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/hand-caning-furniture-98/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/hand-caning-furniture-98/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Also known as Hand, Strand or Hole-to-Hole Caning.** KEY PROJECT: HAND CANED WOOD FRAME. Suitable for beginners. Enjoyable for all. One-day weekend workshop. 10am – 5pm. Ever seen a great chair in a junk shop but noticed that the caning that spans the seat is sadly coming away at the edges? Sometimes a chair that had been caned has had an unsightly slab of plywood tacked onto the broken seat. This is an opportunity to increase your upholstery know-how and bring a ‘once pretty’ seat up to scratch. Now you will be able to snap up a bargain and re-cane the seat yourself. The task is not as daunting as you think and can be done easily in a domestic setting with no specialist equipment- unless a washing-up bowl and some golf tees could be defined as such. This is a very old traditional craft, sometimes known as hand, strand or hole-to-hole caning. Specialist split cane is woven from side to side and fixed in place. During the one-day workshop, upholstery expert Netty Erw will inspire confidence while guiding you through the stages of intertwining the fine split canes. At the end of the day, you will have completed a square panel of traditional caning to take home with pride. The skills learnt during the day will enable you to embark on your own project at home. Netty has learned her skills from her clever aunt Rachael South, who in turn learned from her grandfather. We are thrilled to share in this generation's cascade of talent. All use of tools and materials supplied. We have a cane to buy after the course if you want to get started as soon as you get home. Beginners welcome. No previous experience in upholstery is required. If your chair is wobbly or scuffed – or even repainted, you can come to our ‘[Intro to Furniture Restoration](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/furniture-restoration-wood-revival/)‘ day course and learn how to make it look loved and valued again.

WILLOW BASKET MAKING

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/willow-basket-making-55](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/willow-basket-making-55) **⋆⋆⋆** A classic craft with a contemporary flair. One day willow basket-making workshop. Before the invention of the plastic bag most shopping was carried home in baskets, and in Britain willow was one of the main materials used to make them. If you have ever studied and admired work by a basket weaver, this is your chance to jump in and give your hands a treat. Over one day, experienced basket maker John Page will guide you through the stages of making a gorgeous traditional shallow basket in English Willow. This is an excellent beginner project in 'stake and strand' technique resulting in a very durable and strong structure. In this small workshop, there will be plenty of guidance and background information on this classic craft. John also repairs harps and plays the organ. He is a patient and easygoing tutor so come and join us for a creative, relaxing day. Beginners welcome. The use of all tools and basic materials is included.

INTRO TO WOODTURNING

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodturning-122](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodturning-122) **⋆⋆⋆** If you have ever seen wood turned on a lathe and been intrigued by the bowls and forms made on it, this one-day workshop will demystify the technique and teach you basic techniques to make a simple bowl and a hardwood barreled pen. You will be led by expert, Nathan Cardwell who is a passionate woodworker and a patient tutor. When not with us, he teaches woodwork in a London boy’s school. Nathan will introduce the parts of the lathe and explain how to safely secure your work, the methods to use with each chisel and how to sand and finish your projects. During the day you will learn the ’Headstock method’ to make a small bowl in hardwood and ‘Spindle turning’ to make a wooden tube that fits into a metal pen mechanism. We will supply everything so come with curiosity and enthusiasm and leave with satisfaction, a bowl and a ready-to-use rollerball pen. We will also advise you on how to continue this fascinating hobby with guidance on buying your own lathe, tools and timber.

Crafts & chat in Central London

September Stitch 'n Bitch

🧶 **What’s Stitch ’n’ Bitch all about?** Think of it as the sassier, yarn‑covered cousin of a book club — but with far fewer rules and far more laughter. Stitch ’n’ Bitch is a global community built on the simple joy of making things with your hands *while* having a good old natter. Whether you’re into knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross‑stitch, weaving, or just aggressively untangling a ball of yarn you found at the bottom of a drawer, you’re in the right place. The crafts are the excuse — the banter is the real event. Expect: 🧵 Stitches dropped, picked up, and occasionally sworn at 🪡 A mix of beginners, pros, and “I just like the vibes” attendees 💬 Chat ranging from wholesome catch‑ups to delightfully juicy gossip 😂 The kind of easy, silly conversation that makes Monday nights feel a lot less Monday It’s cosy, it’s creative, it’s a little cheeky — and everyone’s welcome to pull up a chair and join the chaos. What to bring: B.Y.O. yarn, knitting needles/ crochet hooks or whatever you use to craft. Knitting/crochet or sewing patterns if applicable Work in progress craft projects Agenda: Arrive to the Common at 6:30pm with your crafts, drinks and snacks (weather permitting). Come say hello and let's get crafting!

SOLD OUT • ZINE MAKING with LESS STRESS PRESS: cultivate creativity

This event is full. Join the **[WAITLIST](https://thoughtexperiments.kit.com/waitlistlessstresspress)** and we'll let you know if a place becomes available. A special event to share the creative practice of zine making 💭✍️✂️🎨📖 IN A NUTSHELL, zine making creates opportunities to: * spend time exploring ideas * hone in on something you love or care about: a cause, a message, a skill, a place (the possibilities are endless) * get creative with collage, drawing, writing, printmaking (etc.) * produce compelling and unique booklets that you can print cheaply and share with friends and strangers offline After lots of creative brainstorming of their own, Bonny and Ellie have landed on zine making as the perfect way to both open up space for playful, low stakes creativity, and focus their minds on bite sized projects. You will soon be able to see some of their zines [here](https://www.instagram.com/lessstresspress). They’re excited to share with you! **IN THIS WORKSHOP, we will:** * Introduce the practice * Share some examples: brief history of zine making, LessStressPress examples * Get to know each other’s interests * Brainstorm using collage and scribbles: get into a low stakes, creative headspace * Use a template to plot our zines: 2 covers and 6 pages of content * Design our first zines (everything is possible with analogue materials, but if you love digital design, bring a laptop) * Sharing circle * **Optional finale:** * Visit the print shop visit together * Print copies of our new zines * LESS STRESS PRESS Pop Up: hand out copies of our new zines to strangers :-) **BY THE END OF THE DAY, we'll have** * learned a new practice to spark creativity and clarify thinking * met a new group of people and learned about the things they care enough to make a zine about * had some thought provoking conversations * produced our own original zines, ready to share :-) **NOTES ON THE GENERAL ATMOSPHERE:** Although we’ll be learning a new practice we'll also be aiming to have an enjoyable day, with good humour and fun. This will be less like school and more like a relaxed hang out in a café with an additional creative twist. **WHO SHOULD COME:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the experience. This group is not about being experts, it is about thinking creatively together and learning new ways to develop and communicate ideas. **WHERE WE'LL MEET:** We'll be meeting in a beautiful little creative studio in Stoke Newington. The exact address will be provided to attendees directly. **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- newsletter and reflections **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DcSICl49X509EFdGBo3hKg)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/lessstresspress)** \- see what we look like \(content coming soon 😅\) **[WEBSITE](http://www.alltogether.one/)** \- everything else **#creativity #inclusivity #openmindedness #creativepractices #community #newskills #zinemaking**

Craft Session

Come and join us on Tuesday evening, 7-9pm for a chill evening of crafting. We meet at London Friend office, 86 Caledonian Road, London N19DN. You don't need to RSVP, so you can just show up. This session is a drop in and a chance to meet likeminded people to socialise with even if you don’t fancy getting crafty. Materials are provided onsite for FREE and no experience is needed! This social activities group is open to all LBT women plus non-binary people who have an identity within a community that centres on women. We are looking forward to seeing you! :)

Knit, crochet, stitch and chat!

Welcome! We hope you'll join us! Please bring your current project and grab a chair! We’re an informal group, not a class, and there’s no fee to attend. If you're able, please do order a drink or snack at the bar...The Canbury Arms welcomes our group every Monday evening and we like to show our appreciation! If you are experiencing symptoms related to Covid-19, please do not attend the event. We’ll be very happy to welcome you at the next one! Find us: We meet in the restaurant side of the pub. Upon entering from the main door on Canbury Park Rd, veer to the right and make your way into the dining room; we sit at the banquette tables along the wall to the right. If in doubt, please ask at the bar! You can order drinks and snacks at the bar or use the 'Young's - On Tap' app. Christine teaches beginning knitting, intermediate/advanced knitting techniques, and beginning crochet. If you would like a private lesson for yourself or your small group, please get in touch for details. Currently, Christine is only teaching in a private capacity. Chat with us on Discord: Our group has a Discord server for staying in touch outside of our regular Monday meets! If you are a current or past member who attends in-person meet-ups, and you're interested in even more yarny chat, this is the place to join in! Contact Christine or Aisha for an invite. Accessibility: We meet in the restaurant side of The Canbury Arms, which is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions, please do send Christine a DM!

Folklore Inspired Creative Session

**Do you ever feel the pull to be creative, but don’t know how to start, or even what you want to make?** **Do you ever get a flash of inspiration, but never have the time or energy to follow it through?** **Do you worry that you need to learn creative skills before you have the 'right' to make art?** **If you answered yes to any of the above, then this event is for you!** As children, we create all the time. We sing, draw and write as part of our normal lessons. We make sandcastles, secret dens, friendship bracelets, invent ball games and make up elaborate storylines for dolls and action figures. We don’t fear failure because the point isn’t to succeed, but to express ourselves and have fun. In fact there’s a whole branch of folklore called childlore! But as adults, it can become hard to connect with that creative instinct, whether that’s due to time, energy, cost or self-doubt. So for this event, we’ll be taking time and space to connect with what inspires us and flex our creativity just for the fun of it. Skill and experience levels don’t matter (although those who are skilled or experienced are welcome!)-what matters is remembering what creative inspiration feels like to you personally, and pursuing it to create something authentic to you. To do this, we’ll be emulating artists across millennia in using folklore as inspiration. A collection of folklore genres will be supplied, each containing a collection of prompts, and you will be picking a piece of folklore that speaks to you on that day and creating a piece of art based on your own interpretation of your prompt. This art can be anything, from poetry to sketching, sewing to architecture, make up, set design, tattoo art, songwriting, fashion, game design or event planning-whatever your prompt inspires you to create! You can choose to do several pieces or spend the whole session on one. Paper and pencils will be provided, but please feel free to bring other materials so long as they are not disruptive to the people or environment around us (eg no liquid paints, musical instruments, etc). Please note: this is not a technical lesson! No specific creative skills will be taught, as the aim is connecting with your own personal creative process. But you are welcome to take your pieces home with you to hone your skills. If there are specific areas of folklore that you would like to see prompts for, we would love to include them! Please feel free to message Kathy up to a week ahead with your ideas :) (This is a free event, so we ask that you please keep RSVPs updated to ensure that as many people as possible who want to come are able to. Cancellations with less than three days’ notice may be removed from the group to prevent wasted spaces in future. Many thanks for your understanding!)