Scrapbooking

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

### 15 Jun – Concertina 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

**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.

**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.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-10-evenings-wood-table-2/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-10-evenings-wood-table-2/) ⋆⋆⋆ In this throw-away age, when all the furniture we own is assembled and not built, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to spend some precious time learning how to use ageless tools to make something everlasting from wood. These 12 evenings are a perfect starting point for many aspects of woodwork that will give you the confidence to choose and replicate basic wood joints into other projects. Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, experienced Woodworker, Len Conway will guide and inspire you as he teaches age-old techniques in joinery. As you begin making objects traditionally constructed from seasoned pine, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and spokeshaves. Len is an experienced woodworker and teacher. Students will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence. Over 12 weeks, we will cover many aspects of traditional carpentry tuition. There will be lots of practical exercises in each session including a project to make a simple frame table that you will take home. Students will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence. **Step I – We will get familiar with some tools of the trade:** * Introducing basic tools. Equipping a toolbox for home carpentry. * Timber selection/marking out and cutting. Tips on woods, saws and drills. * Using a plane, different types of planes. Sharpening tips and practice. * Using a chisel and its uses. Sharpening tips and practice. **Step II – You will use planes, chisels and marking tools:** * Simple joints and why we use them. * Half joints, lap joints. Practice using chisels and planes. * Bridle joints and a mortise and tenon **Step III – You will make a simple project to take home:** It’s fast-paced but with the support of Len, you will complete your own project to make a simple frame and legs for a small table * Work from selected pine and measure, mark and cut pieces. * Choose and make joints, assemble and secure with adhesive or screws. * Sand and smooth to a stage where your project is ready for staining or waxing and taken home with pride. All personal protection, the use of tools and basic materials are included.

Welcome to our Epping book club — a welcoming space for people who love reading, meaningful conversation, and meeting like-minded book lovers. We’ll explore a mix of thought-provoking fiction, contemporary favourites, and empowering reads, creating engaging discussions in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our meet-ups will take place at The George and Dragon on Epping High Street, the perfect cosy venue to unwind, connect, and share perspectives. There’ll be plenty of options to enjoy during the evenings too, including tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic options, so everyone feels comfortable and included. Whether you’re an avid reader or just getting back into books, everyone is welcome! This is not a paid event, though we do ask that you purchase a copy of the book we will be reading.

Lets sketch the Banksy Statue on Waterloo place near Pall Mall! It might not be up by then but if not theres tonnes of cool memorials and statues around there to sketch instead. Win win! Let's meet in front of the statue at 11.00 and go off to sketch, I'll wait for a bit for any stragglers and then we can all meet again at the same spot at 13.00 and compare sketches afterwards! Nearest Tube Stop: Piccadilly Circus/ Charing Cross Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend. Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

**Collagraph (2 days)** – £125 20 & 27 June 2026 10am-4pm ### Course Overview * Explore contemporary printmaking through a series of short, focused workshops led by artist and printmaker [Raquel Amat](https://art-class-london.co.uk/team/raquel-amat-parra/). Each workshop introduces a specific printmaking technique and can be booked individually. * Workshops take place in our North London studio, a short distance from Crouch End, Finsbury Park, Archway, and Highgate. * Suitable for beginners and those with some experience. * All basic materials provided.

Join us for a composition workshop where we will introduce the work of a few renowned photographers — their style, themes, and visual approach. This could be the geometry of Henri Cartier‑Bresson, the intimacy of Diane Arbus, the colour mastery of Saul Leiter, or the minimalism of Fan Ho. Each workshop will have different photographers work to analyse, learn about and shoot in the style of. **Analyse one signature photograph** * We will will show a series of their images then break down a single image from each photographer: * composition and framing * use of light and shadow * subject placement * visual flow * emotional impact * storytelling choices * negative space * geometrical shapes * etc **Shoot in their style** You’ll receive an exercise inspired by the photographer’s approach. This will include the elements that photographer uses in their work. **What you will learn** * To **see with intention**, not just shoot * Connect theory with practice - analysis followed by action * Build confidence by using a clear creative direction EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens * An open mind and fun attitude! TRANSPORT As usual check the TFL website for any disruptions that may delay your journey on the day. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 **UPCOMING EVENTS** **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)

For June 2026 we are reading “Most Important Arab Novel of the 20th Century” , Season of migration to the North . Considered a classic of postcolonial literature, the novel explores the impact of British colonialism and European modernity on Sudanese culture and identity. It’s a haunting, layered story about belonging, displacement, and what it means to live between two worlds . We are meeting on the 20th of June at 2 pm at SHOT Marylebone to discuss it .

**Join us for an afternoon of community art and craft time!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilltop Branch** in **Meeting Room 4**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** The RSVP count for this event is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. Please try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, allowing folks on the waitlist time to check their schedule. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

**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.

Grab a drink or some food and get to know each other. This is our first event and we can take it slow. I’d love to meet everyone and hear if there’s anything you like to get out of the group. Looking forward to meeting you all!

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 meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

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.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet 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!**