Scrapbooking

### 8 Jun – Japanese Binding ### Course Overview * Explore the creative world of book arts through a series of focused evening workshops led by artist and printmaker Raquel Amat. * These sessions introduce a range of traditional and contemporary bookbinding techniques, showing how folding, stitching, structure, and materials come together to create unique handmade books. * Workshops take place in our North London studio, a short distance from Crouch End, Finsbury Park, Archway, and Highgate. * Suitable for beginners and creative practitioners of all backgrounds, these hands-on sessions encourage experimentation while building practical skills in bookbinding and paper-based art. * All basic materials are provided. **Time** 18.00 – 21.00 **Day** Monday **Tutor** **[Raquel Amat](https://art-class-london.co.uk/team/raquel-amat-parra/)** email: artclasslondon.printmaking@gmail.com mobile (WhatsApp): 07933084754 ### Booking Details * **Single workshop** (3-hour evening) – £65 Choose any individual technique. * **4-week block** (4 Mondays) – £250 Attend all four techniques at a discounted price. **Workshop Schedule** Block 1 27 Apr – Introduction to Book Arts 4 May – Japanese Binding (we are open on Bank holiday) 11 May – Concertina Binding 18 May – Coptic Binding Block 2 1 Jun – Introduction to Book Arts 8 Jun – Japanese Binding 15 Jun – Concertina Binding 22 Jun – Coptic Binding

June workshops at The Journaling Club hosted by Patricia. A space for exploring different journaling techniques, building confidence in your artistic skills and meeting likeminded people - away from screens! All materials are provided - only bring your journals. To bring: Your journal - this can be in your preferred size and shape Weekly themes: 1 June - Beginnings 8 June - Whimsical Landscapes 15 June - Dear Loved One 22 June - What’s In Season 29 June - Welcoming Summer

A relaxed London book club exploring the most influential book in history. Whether you think it’s rubbish, holy, or you’re simply not sure what to make of it, you’re very welcome. We meet for two hours at a time. Our reading list includes books from the Bible — as well as some of the books that didn’t make it into most Bibles. The Bible has shaped culture, law, art and ethics for centuries, yet many people are personally unfamiliar with it. Each evening is structured but informal. The group chooses the book or books to read, and discussion takes place in small groups. No lectures. No pressure. No need to prepare anything in advance. The aim is thoughtful, respectful conversation. Plenty of people feel they know quite a bit about the Bible, yet struggle to read it. This is a space to explore it thoughtfully and honestly — in good company. This club is for: • Curious thinkers • Skeptics • Christians with questions • Anyone who wants to make up their own mind Our only rules? Be curious. Be honest. Be kind. And enjoy yourself. It’s also a chance to find a bit of community along the way. Photos may be taken during the evening to share on the Meetup page or social media to help others see what the group is like. If you prefer not to appear in photos, just let the organiser know at any time. We meet in a private room on the second floor of the Duke of Sussex pub. When you arrive, get yourself a drink, ask for The Book Club, and come on up.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-afternoons-52/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-afternoons-52/) ⋆⋆⋆ **Suitable for:** Confident beginners **Course length:** 6 weeks – afternoons **Dates:** See below for individual dates/times **Key tools:** Marking tools, hand saws, chisels, hand planes **Project:** Flip-lid dovetail box **Details:** An absorbing five-week course for confident beginners and an enjoyable learning experience for anyone with a little woodworking experience. Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this five-week course will teach you the fundamentals of woodwork and give you an opportunity to use classic hand tools; brass-backed tenon saws, sharp wood chisels and delicately honed vintage wood planes. This well-proportioned flip-lidded box is constructed of European redwood using a single dovetail joint at each corner and the fitted hardwood lid is attached to the base by a handmade ‘dowel’ peg hinge. The project will familiarise learners with many classic woodwork techniques and is taught with patience and enthusiasm by Andy Nicholl, who has devised this informative and challenging project. You will take home a treasure to treasure- and we hope it will enthuse you to learn how to make many handmade woodwork projects in the years to come. If your keyboard-weary hands have been needing the skill to fulfil and satisfy a yearning desire to create something you can hold, come and join us in our well-equipped and inspiring workshops and discover the wonderful world of woodwork. **Key skills:** * Measuring marking and cutting dovetail joints to make an accurate framed box. * Planing and shaping a hardwood lid to fit the softwood frame base. * Making and fitting a hardwood dowel joint to attach the frame base to the lid.

This month we will be reading/discussing ***[Wrong Place, Wrong Time - Gillian McAllister](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59947696-wrong-place-wrong-time?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=r5vHCnZ5rg&rank=1)***. If you have not read the book, you are more than welcome to join. Be aware, there will be spoilers! 18:30 - 18:45 - Meet, get drinks, get settled (at the back and upstairs) 18:45 - 19:45 - Discuss the book 19:45 onwards - pick book for next meet and socialize **The Venue: [Shinner and Sudtone](https://shinnerandsudtone.co.uk/)**[ ](https://shinnerandsudtone.co.uk/) A lovely little pub with a variety of craft beer. Usually quiet on a Monday and we get the upstairs area. They serve food and dogs are most welcome. **The Book:** ***[Wrong Place, Wrong Time - Gillian McAllister](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59947696-wrong-place-wrong-time?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=r5vHCnZ5rg&rank=1)*** It is midnight on the morning of Halloween, and Jen anxiously waits up for her 18-year-old son, Todd, to return home. But worries about his broken curfew transform into something much more dangerous when Todd finally emerges from the darkness. As Jen watches through the window, she sees her funny, seemingly happy teenage son stab a total stranger. She doesn’t know who the victim is, or why Todd has committed such a devastating act of violence. All she knows is that her life, and Todd’s, have been shattered. After her son is taken into custody, Jen falls asleep in despair. But when she wakes up… it is yesterday. The murder has not happened yet—and there may be a chance to stop it. Each morning, when Jen wakes, she is further back in the past, first weeks, then years, before the murder. And Jen realizes that somewhere in the past lies the trigger for Todd’s terrible crime…and it is her mission to find it, and prevent it from taking place.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/kumiko-coasters-56/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/kumiko-coasters-56/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Course:** Intro to Japanese Joinery – Kumiko Woodwork Lamp **Suitable for:** Absolute beginners. No prior experience in woodworking is required for this course. **About:** This evening course shows you the basics of setting out and cutting the traditional Kumiko woodwork designs to create a lamp. If you haven’t already discovered the Japanese wood craft of Kumiko, you are in for a treat. Kumiko is a technique that uses no nails or hardware, just precise joints to keep furniture and even houses together. It is intricate and functional and a lot of fun to make. Using a small tool set and simple techniques this quiet craft can yield some spectacular pieces. The traditional handicraft has been handed down for centuries but now artisans are taking the age-old concept and applying the designs to more modern-day household items. This is an ideal follow up workshop from the Kumiko coaster one day workshop which introduces you to the basics of setting out and cutting the traditional designs. It is also suitable for confident beginners. The Kumiko lamp uses traditional Japanese tools. The outer frame is created in walnut and the mini Kumiko screen is composed of cleverly cut bass wood to form a modern version of an ancient *Ijutsu* design. The small pieces are cut using an accurate shooting board and a sharp hand plane, then slid into place and backed with *Shoji* paper. The designs for *Kumiko* pieces aren’t chosen randomly. In fact, many of the nearly 200 patterns used today have been around since the Edo era (1603-1868). Each design has a meaning or is mimicking a pattern in nature that is thought to be a good omen. The designs are not just pretty, they also distribute light and wind in a calming and beautiful way. It may look complicated but in reality, like all woodwork – it’s just a series of steps. Give it a try – you may do better than you expect. Auram Desforges, who grew up working on wood frame houses with his father in Canada has devised this elegant lamp. This course is held over 6 evenings and is particularly suitable for those who have completed the one day [Kumiko coaster](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/kumiko-coasters/) workshop. The use of all tools, materials and LED tea light is included. The dimensions of the finished lamp is 132mmH x 132mmD x 132mmW.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-monday-eve-21/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-monday-eve-21/) **⋆⋆⋆** KEY PROJECT: RE-UPHOLSTERING YOUR OWN CHAIR. Suitable for beginners and fun for advanced learners. This workshop is led by Krasmira Nikolova, an experienced upholsterer. We provide the use of all upholstery tools and equipment including compressed air staple guns. Basic upholstery materials that you require for your project will be moderately charged on a pay-as-you-use basis and will be dependent on each chair’s requirements. We can advise you on the purchase of your top fabric and we have a lovely library of fabric samples to help make up your mind. The Goodlife Centre sells all the basic tools and materials for use on projects worked on at home. This is a fantastic chance to up-cycle and personalise a family piece you have at home or a junk shop find and a great way to immerse yourself into the wonderful world of upholstery. The course is suitable for both beginners and those who have a basic knowledge but little experience who wish to extend their expertise. **Choosing a suitable chair** If you are a newcomer to upholstery, there are a couple of pointers to help you choose a chair to work on. Choose something that has one or two flat planes – a seat and a back – as curves and arms are more complex and take longer to achieve. If you are a complete beginner, you could bring something more simple such as an upholstered footstool. More experienced upholsters can bring more complex pieces. Your chair can be traditionally built or modern, but be aware that some modern pieces have been constructed using machinery and are difficult to recreate by hand. [Click here for a detailed PDF of suitable chairs.](https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2r8UvbQtaH5RTVKUjlBdkhDX3c/view?usp=sharing) **Please email info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk with a photo of your chair prior to the course so we can answer any suitability questions and advise if your chair is suitable**. We have very limited storage at the centre, so we can only store smaller pieces during the course. Please make sure the total dimensions are less than 1000mm high by 750mm wide, with a depth of 750mm. The use of tools and machinery is included. All materials will be charged at nominal rates. Some materials will not be kept in stock but can be ordered. Approved projects can be stored at the centre. We cannot offer additional time to work on your project outside of workshop times.

Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you. We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well. Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.

Step away from the online ads and join Offline Women Going Thrifting. Modern shopping is often fast and wasteful, so we are heading out to find a better way. Thrifting is an act of resistance against a system that wants us to keep buying new things. Every item we buy second-hand is one less thing in a landfill, thousands of liters of water saved and supports a charity at the same time. In Charity Shops we can find pieces that were made to last, high-quality fabrics and timeless styles that haven't been dictated by an algorithm. We will meet outside the **Octavia Foundation** in Pimlico (where fashion insiders go), just a few minutes from Victoria Station. We will tuck away our devices before exploring the cluster of around seven charity shops nearby. Please bring a reusable bag and your best eye for hidden gems. Come as you are and leave with unique finds and a lighter footprint on the earth. P.S. Thank you, Angie, for suggesting this wonderful idea. Follow us on [WhatsApp](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCZyvCD38CTaXBpQ72V) to get early tickets for our upcoming events.

We're back with our third event of the year and we couldn't be more excited. We'll stick to our usual format of 2 speakers and a fireside chat (with a twist this time). If you've not been to one of our events before then here is what you can expect. CRAP (Conversion Rate Optimisation, Analytics, Product) Talks is a cross-discipline event. We don't work in silos so why network and learn in silos. In the past we've had speakers from Data, Analytics, CRO, Product, Marketing, Data Science, Design and Research and so many more. If you work in tech, chances are you work cross-functionally, so come along and meet people doing amazing things in tech. **Hosts:** RVU - https://www.rvu.co.uk/ **Venue:** RVU The Cooperage, 5 Copper Row, London SE1 2LH **Date:** 09/06/2026 6pm doors open Talks kick off at 630 Wrap up approximately 9:00pm. **Speakers:** * **[Aya Gaballa](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aya-gab/)** \- "Building Products for Different Cultures" * Co-Founder & Product Lead, Kham Lab * **[Mark Palfreeman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-palfreeman-662044160/)** \- "Gambling with Success: The Complexities Around Measurement in an Industry with Stellar Growth"\. * Senior Business Intelligence Manager, Flutter UKI **Fireside Chat:** * **[Alex Homan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-homan-3aab2a141/)** \- "Analytics in the age of AI" * Lead Data Analyst, Huel

Welcome mums to be to our weekly Present in my Pregnancy Gathering. This is a space where we pause, appreciate and remember to enjoy our pregnancy journeys together. **First up - Mum & Baby Time** * Journaling * Memory recording What to bring - a journal or phone for writing, a sketchbook or phone for recording memories (I use canva) **Second Up - Helping Each Other** * Discovery swaps - sharing ideas and tips What to bring - nothing **Third Up - Time Out** * Sharing Circle - listening to each other * Craft Activity - thank you card * One Intention What to bring - stickers, gems and anything to decorate a card. Card and coloured pens provided. I’m really excited to meet you and for this space to open up. I need it so much and hope we can support each other to make it happen 🙏🏽🤰🏾🩷. Why is this a paid event? The truth is Meet Up charge a hefty fee for setting up a group. I hope the fee is low enough to not stop anyone coming but also enough to cover the monthly organisation cost of running this lovely space. Thank you for your support 🙏🏽. Option to pay by PayPal as well.

**\*FREE FOR MEMBERS, JOIN WHEN YOU ARRIVE!\*** Come and join us at the **Living Room Club Glengal Groove** on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 pm to upcycle second-hand clothes. We gather for creative transformation and upcycling of second-hand clothing items and materials to sell in our cafe. The income from this project supports our Homeless Project in Soho. For further information, please contact Neide on 07585560345

We will once again be teaching origami to the public at the Greater Columbus Arts Festival this coming weekend (Fri June 12th-Sun June 14th). We have a 10’x20’ tent and usually teach several hundred adults and children. ***Come join us if you are local*** \- reply to this email and let us know your availability\. **We are teaching SIMPLE, beginner models, so your skill level is not an issue.** Festival hours are: Fri 11 AM-9 PM, Sat 10 AM to 9 PM, Sun 10 AM to 5 PM, then we pack up. You are not expected to be there all day - whatever hours you want to teach are fine. We (Monica and I) will be there pretty much all hours as we are required to have the tent manned. If you want to assist with set up that is Thursday the 11th Noon to 2:30 We are in booth W728, which is on Washington Ave , between Rich and Main street bridges. This is the west side of the river in downtown. See [this map](https://www.columbusartsfestival.org/visit/festival-map) . we are in the pink “Cbus Arts & Organizations” section, at the Rich street end. Parking is available in several areas there on the west side. For more info on the festival go to [www.columbusartsfestival.org/](https://www.columbusartsfestival.org/) This is one of the best arts festivals in the country - live music on four stages, hundreds of artists, great food...it really is a good time.

**Our June novel is: *The Eights* by Joanna Miller** **This month’s novel is set during World War I. It’s a 20th-century historical fiction story about friendship and war, with coming-of-age elements and a slightly haunted tone. The book is 384 pages in print and 10 hours and 9 minutes on audiobook.** Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its one-thousand-year history, Oxford University officially admits female students. Burning with dreams of equality, four young women move into neighboring rooms in Corridor 8. Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—collectively known as The Eights—come from all walks of life, each driven by their own motives, each holding tight to their secrets, and are thrown into an unlikely, unshakable friendship. Dora was never meant to go to university, but, after losing both her brother and her fiancé on the battlefield, has arrived in their place. Politically-minded Beatrice, daughter of a famous suffragette, sees Oxford as a chance to make her own way - and some friends her own age. Otto was a nurse during the war but is excited to return to her socialite lifestyle in Oxford where she hopes to find distraction from the memories that haunt her. And finally Marianne, the quiet, clever daughter of a village pastor, who has a shocking secret she must hide from everyone, even her new friends, if she is to succeed. Among the historic spires, and in the long shadow of the Great War, the four women must navigate and support one another in a turbulent world in which misogyny is rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War don’t always remain dead.

**$45 chose your own design**

Welcome, readers! Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage*** **by Alfred Lansing.** A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Let's stroll the artists' booths and enjoy some of the festival's opening day! The Columbus Art Festival features a wide and vibrant range of visual art from local and national exhibitors, plus, live music, and all kinds of food and refreshments, along the waterfront downtown. (The featured painting is by Columbus Art Festival exhibitor, Joe Engel - joe-engelart.com)

Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.