Scrapbooking

**Level up your street portraits** Our street photography skills development series continues, this time journeying to the vibrant backdrop of **Brick Lane**. In our previous sessions, we worked on our timing, framing, managing multiple subjects and layering, creating a project, and graphical street shots. Now, it’s time to turn our focus toward **Street Portraiture.** In this session, we are shifting from capturing the scene to capturing the main character. Brick Lane provides the perfect location, with its mix of locals and visitors offering many opportunities to find a subject to photography. We will explore how to balance of environment and subject, learning how to use the area’s textures and street art to complement, rather than distract from, the person in your frame. We will concentrate on the posed portrait, the interaction, and taking the best shot you can of your subject to make the most of the time they are gifting you. This workshop will help you build the confidence and technical skill to create compelling portraits on the fly. **What to expect** * **Human Connection:** Learn techniques for approaching subjects or capturing authentic, unposed moments. * **Environmental Context:** Use Brick Lane’s unique urban landscape to complement your subject. * **Lighting:** Utilise the available light in the street to master lighting in a portrait context. * **Community:** Share the afternoon with fellow enthusiasts and take another step forward in your journey towards mastering street photography. **The gear** * **Gear:** A camera or a smartphone (and plenty of memory card space!). * **Comfort:** A pair of reliable walking shoes. * **Mindset:** A determination to have a great time and a curiosity for the people you meet. **The extras** After the workshop, the learning doesn't stop. You’ll be invited to join the **Tap on the Shoulder** WhatsApp group to share your best shots and receive constructive feedback from the group. Afterwards, we will head to a local pub for refreshments and banter, where we can get to know each other a bit better. **Join us** **Bring the family!** Children are welcome to participate, and attendance is **free for those under 15** (use discount code **UNDER15**). > **Note: Please arrive 5-10 minutes early. To respect everyone’s time, I will wait only 5 minutes for late arrivals before we begin our journey through the streets.** **What are you waiting for? Book your place now to learn the art of the street portrait!**

In the digital age💻📡📱, do you still like getting a physical book to read? Where do you buy them? Amazon? Waterstone? Blackstone? How about join us for a bookshop crawl, let's try to find some hidden gems of independent bookshops. (Or just tag along for a chat😁) We will start from Tottenham Court Road, pass Russell Square and finish at King's Cross. We will do 10 bookshops📚📚📚! (So do get your comfy walking boots ready.) Don't worry, it's not a marathon, don't feel under any obligation to finish all the bookshops. The two hour time is just a guidance, some shops take longer and some are less. If you ever want to stay in one shop for longer (I know, been there, done that😂) feel free to do so, you can join us at other shops. (See itinerary below) Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the shops, so you are not obliged to buy any books, just get whatever you like. *** 📚💃🏼 📖💃🏿☕️ ITINERARY ☕️💃🏾🍷💃🏻🍴📚 We will all meet up at Tottenham Court Road, outside the Dominion Theatre. Don't worry if you are late, join us in along the walks. Then the tour shall begin! 1: Bookmarks Address: 1 Bloomsbury St, London WC1B 3QE Comment: A niche socialist bookshop for books on politics, cultural & history. 2: Oxfam Bookshop Address: 12 Bloomsbury St, London WC1B 3QA Comment: One of my favour bookshops, books are so cheap at the charity shop. (Some books are even brand new!) 3: London Review Bookshop Address: 14-16 Bury Pl, London WC1A 2JL Comment: A literary magazine-owned book store. (A 12mins walk towards Russal Square Station) 4: Skoob Books Address: 66 The Brunswick off, Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AE Comment: Another of my favourite, one of the biggest second-hand bookshop in London 5: Gay's The Word Address: 66 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AB Comment: A bookshop for books on LGBTQ topics, both fiction and non-fictions. 6: Judd Books Address: 82 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AG Comment: Book in the shelf filled to the ceiling. A lot of hardback books as well with great price. Generally we finish here, then for people who want to stay we usually find somewhere to have food and further discussions in the afternoon. *** Optional: (A 10mins walk towards King's Cross St. Pancras Station) (Feel free to leave here for public transport) 9: Hatchards St Pancras Address: Unit 7, St Pancras International Station, Euston Rd, London N1C 4QP Comment: Claims to be the oldest bookshop in the United Kingdom (Piccadilly store), though owned by Waterstone now. 10: Housmans Bookshop Address: 5 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9DY Comment: A bookshop for new and second-hand publications on progressive politics. (A 10mins walk from King's Cross) 11: Word On the Water - The London Bookbarge Address: Regent's Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW Comment: A quirky bookstore on a canal barge, good place for a picture. (Off Angel Station ) 12: Oxfam Bookshop Address: 48 Upper St, London N1 0PN Comment: Quite a bit distance for walking, though pretty close by public transport. If you like another lucky dip into charity bookshop, why not? *** Wow, you made it, hopefully you have found some books that will make you happy🎈🎉✨. For people who likes to have more socials or talk more about books (or just to show off your purchases😆), we can find some place for a cup of coffee or a late lunch. *** Google map link for the bookshops: https://goo.gl/maps/3kENnrMv9tSoZ4xB9

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/willow-basket-making-54/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/willow-basket-making-54/) **⋆⋆⋆** 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.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/prepare-paint-206/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/prepare-paint-206/) ⋆⋆⋆ Learn to decorate in one day, 10am – 5pm. All set to decorate one room… or perhaps your entire home? Brush up your decorating techniques by messing up our workshop, instead of your living room! Painting a room is a great way to transform your home interior, without it costing the earth. But it can be a daunting task and everyone wants to have that professional-looking finish. What’s the secret to decorating success? Preparation and practice. Our Prepare & Paint workshop is a very practical class. From clearing the space to cleaning up brushes, we will take you methodically through the whole process. We will guide you through the importance and process of preparation: How to fill gaps and blemishes to make the surfaces smooth and ready for paint. You will practice using different tools and materials, experiment with different qualities of brushes, and finally learn how to apply paint to where you want and not all over yourself. In the morning, each student will have a panel of ‘wall’ and woodwork to work on. You will learn how to select the correct tools and materials and prepare a room for painting, from cleaning the paintwork to filling small and large holes in the walls and woodwork. Learn what materials to use and how to apply the filler and how to sand the surfaces in preparation for painting. We will even show you how to prepare areas that have been damaged by water stains, flaky plaster, and lost areas of wood. In the afternoon, you will learn how to select the correct paint and judge the correct situation to use primer and undercoat and how to paint ceilings, walls, and woodwork. Get to grips with how to paint edge lines that are crisp and sharp. Delight in painting without drips or masking tape and learn how to select and care for a paintbrush. We will even show you how to clean a brush and a roller so that they will give you years of service. Brush up your decorating techniques by practising under the guidance of an experienced decorator, who can answer your decorating problems as well, so bring photos of the snags in your home and take away lots of confidence to tackle the tasks at hand. All personal protection, tools, and materials are included. Suitable for absolute beginners. Enjoyable for everyone. This workshop takes place over one day.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-roman-blind-94](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-roman-blind-94) ⋆⋆⋆ Suitable for beginners. Enjoyable for everyone. One-day workshop. 10am – 5pm. Drawn to the look of fashionable roman blinds but not sure how to make them yourself? Then this one day workshop is for you. From measuring the window to fixing it to the wall, experienced tutor, Ian McQueen will guide you through the tools and techniques for making bespoke and accurately fitting blinds for any room in your house. During the day, you will master the art of producing a fabulous window treatment. You will make a sample blind using a 75cm x 1-metre drop piece of fabric. We keep our workshops very small for this discipline as you will need room to spread out when you are measuring and sewing so we aren’t able to make larger samples. You can take your professional handiwork home with pride. You will learn what to buy when shopping for cords and rings and how to select a suitable fabric to bring perfection and privacy to your decor. The Goodlife Centre has a varied selection of quality fabrics for you to use.

**UP** is a dynamic photography workshop designed for creatives who want to see the world differently. We’ll travel to a series of curated locations where the most compelling shots aren’t in front of you - they’re above you. From architectural lines to open sky compositions and using nature to create frames, this workshop trains your eye to look up, frame boldly, and capture the extraordinary hiding in plain sight. And then with a series of exercises we will challenge you to 'see' UP in a more creative way! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * Using negative space * Settings for good exposure * Making and breaking composition rules EXPERIENCE * All levels welcome EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens such as 18-55, 24-70mm * A wide lens if you have one * Optional 70-200 * Good walking shoes and a curious mind! TRAVEL & WEATHER * Check with TFL for any delays that might interrupt your journey * Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026 [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) UPCOMING EVENTS [www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events) Photo ©London Photographic

**Bookable via our website:** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/cigar-box-guitar-33/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/cigar-box-guitar-33/) ⋆⋆⋆ Cigar Box slide guitar workshop. One day 10-5pm A great way to combine woodwork and music. In this one-day workshop with professional woodcarver and multi-instrumental musician Jon Hall, you will learn how to build your own cigar box guitar that you can adapt to an electric or acoustic style. Measure and cut the neck of the guitar from hardwood to fit the box, install the tuners, calculate the positions and cut the frets to create a unique and fun musical instrument. Jon can help you tune the guitar if you wish. We supply all the parts, including the cigar box, but if you have a hankering for a Havana, you can bring your own. Perfect for beginners.

PUT AN END TO AUTO! Would you like to learn to use your camera properly and get the shots you want by choice and not by accident? Attending this small group workshop will give you a strong understanding of the essentials needed to get the results you're looking for. This session will include theory and practical exercises to apply what you have learned. By the end of this session you forget about only getting great results by accident, and feel confident that you understand how to get your camera to do what you want! This is the end of Auto! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: * The important dials and buttons on your camera * Exposure triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO * Focusing * Histogram * White Balance * Depth of Field * Metering * And much more... **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * **PayPal via RSVP** * The Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * **Send £30 via PayPal** to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Send us a text or comment below and we will add you to the event attendee list. EXPERIENCE Beginners / Refreshers EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 **A WEEKEND IN VENICE – Oct 2026** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095/) **MONTHLY EVENTS** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa)

PUT AN END TO AUTO! Would you like to learn to use your camera properly and get the shots you want by choice and not by accident? Attending this small group workshop will give you a strong understanding of the essentials needed to get the results you're looking for. This session will include theory and practical exercises to apply what you have learned. By the end of this session you forget about only getting great results by accident, and feel confident that you understand how to get your camera to do what you want! This is the end of Auto! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: * The important dials and buttons on your camera * Exposure triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO * Focusing * Histogram * Depth of Field * Metering * White balance * And much more... **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * **PayPal via RSVP** * The Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * **Send £30 via PayPal** to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Text Alex on 07956264049 and we will add you to the event attendee list. EXPERIENCE Beginners / Refreshers EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 **TRAVEL WEEKEND - VENICE WEEKEND - Oct 2026** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) **MONTHLY EVENTS** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar)

Join the Offline Women for a screen-free conversation exploring the core concept of **Ageing**. This is your chance to disconnect from the digital rush and dive into the personal experience of moving through life’s transitions. We’re gathering to nurture real-life connection and speak honestly about what it truly means to grow older today. We’ll address the unique challenges women face, specifically the pressure of a youth-obsessed culture. It is a space to acknowledge the physical and emotional shifts we navigate and the work of reclaiming our identity as societal roles change. By leaving our phones tucked away, we focus on our real lives rather than the filtered versions of ageing seen online. Our dialogue centres on the wisdom gained through experience and the resilience built over time. We’ll share how our perspectives have evolved and the importance of community in navigating these chapters. To keep the group intimate, spots are limited so everyone feels heard. We commit to these phone-free hours to recharge our attention and offer one another the gift of undivided focus.

PUT AN END TO AUTO! Would you like to learn to use your camera properly and get the shots you want by choice and not by accident? Attending this small group workshop will give you a strong understanding of the essentials needed to get the results you're looking for. This session will include theory and practical exercises to apply what you have learned. By the end of this session you forget about only getting great results by accident, and feel confident that you understand how to get your camera to do what you want! This is the end of Auto! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: * The important dials and buttons on your camera * Exposure triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO * Focus * Histogram * Depth of Field * Metering * White balance * And much more... **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * **PayPal via RSVP** * The Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * **Send £30 via PayPal** to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Send us a text or comment below and we will add you to the event attendee list. EXPERIENCE Beginners / Refreshers EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 **TRAVEL EVENTS** **VENICE WEEKEND - Oct 2026** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographiclcp/events/313109097/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographiclcp/events/313109097/) **UPCOMING EVENTS** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographiclcp/events/calendar](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar)

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-plumbing-duplicate/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-plumbing-duplicate/) ⋆⋆⋆ Learn how to tackle some basic plumbing tasks around the home in this practical, hands-on workshop. During this one-day weekend workshop, our experienced tutor will walk you through some ‘dry’ exercises to top up your skills in the ‘wet arts’ of your home. Plumbing = Water in and water out. There will be plenty of time to learn how to isolate the water supply, fix a leaky tap, rescue something from a U bend and unclog a blocked sink. All the basic essentials that you need to be able to do yourself without the expense of calling someone in. Learn the principles of replacing a tap, if the replacement washer didn’t do the trick, or if you are just a fashionista that wants the latest design. Get the know-how of how to fit a washing machine and a dishwasher to the ‘loo’, where you will learn how to replace any non-working part in your cistern. Warm up your knowledge of your heating system – how it works and how and when to bleed a radiator or adjust the pressure on your boiler. You will also practice how to remove and replace silicone sealant around the bath and shower. So you can go home and give your bathroom a mini-makeover, without spending a fortune. All of our courses take place in a safe environment. There is no use of blow torch or welding equipment and no running water systems. Every exercise is done on dry disconnected examples but with enough detail to add confidence to any learner. This course is created to add to any homeowner’s proficiency and sense of self-sufficiency. It will also benefit housing landlords who want to take on minor repairs in their properties. Leave with the confidence to tackle some basic plumbing jobs around the house and gain some independence. All personal protection, tools and materials are included. Beginners welcome.

**This month’s Creativity Circle is very timely. We will be making our own craft flowers out of paper, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sparkles, cupcake liners, pipe cleaners and more! All ages welcome, show up as you can, bring a friend or a few if you would like to! Excited to see you there! Seats Limited. Held at the Westerville Public Library Meeting Room B.**

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

🌸 Mother’s Day deserves more than flowers 🌸 Join us for an elevated outdoor paint experience designed for creativity, connection, and unforgettable memories. ✨ Brushes & Brunch: Mother’s Day Garden Edition ✨ Beautiful garden vibes Brunch bites Signature refreshments Guided painting Soft music Luxury energy Whether you're celebrating your mother, your daughter, your friends, or simply honoring yourself — this experience is your invitation to slow down and create something beautiful. No painting experience needed — just bring your good energy. This is not your typical paint party. This is intentional. This is elevated. This is your moment. 🎟 Limited seating available to keep the experience intimate. Reserve your spot early https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brushes-brunch-a-curated-mothers-day-painting-experience-tickets-1987709930911

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Let's Crop!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**