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

### 22 Jun – Coptic 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

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.

**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-19/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-monday-eve-19/) **⋆⋆⋆** 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. The chair on the right was completed in about 12 weeks. 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 beautiful sculpture and tulip gardens by Embankment. Some excellent views of the London Eye and South Bank here too! Let's meet outside the entrance to Embankment station at 11.00 and its a short walk in either direction for some lovely gardens. 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, hopefully the weather will be lovely! Nearest Tube Stop: Embankment 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 :)

# **Join us for an afternoon of drawing in the heart of Angel, exploring the character, typography, and visual stories of local shopfronts.** **We'll meet outside Angel Station and take a slow sketching walk through the neighbourhood, paying attention to hand-painted signs, vintage lettering, market stalls, window displays, and the unique identities of independent businesses.** **Whether you're an experienced urban sketcher, designer, illustrator, or simply curious about drawing, you're welcome to join. Bring your sketchbook and your favourite drawing materials.** **Meeting Point:** Outside Angel Station 230PM No experience required just curiosity and a willingness to look closely. We look forward to drawing with you. Drawing Credits Mike Green

June is fantasy month! Time to explore worlds of dragons, epic battles and magic. This month's book is: The Fifth Season - N.K Jemisin Get it now!

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-furniture-restoration-1-day-90/ ⋆⋆⋆ Revamp your tired woodwork. Get the Ra Ra back into your furniture – jazz up those car boot finds and old junk. Many of us own items that wouldn’t star on ‘Antiques Roadshow’ but are pieces that would benefit from a gentle sprucing up. In this one-day starter class, our tutor will walk you through how to tackle those forlorn but beloved pieces of less valuable furniture that need some tender loving care. You will learn how to apply a solution to a problem piece-whether it’s a white ring left by a cup or a scratch in the varnish and have hands-on practice of removing varnish and refinishing woodwork. You will also explore the world of glues and clamps to learn about tackling a wobbly chair and re-attaching loose trims and veneers. Please bring your own piece to work on. Lots of charity shops sell old boxes and shabby cabinets. You can pick up a bargain on eBay. We have easy step-free access to the centre and you can find a place to park fairly easily nearby. It may not be possible to finish your own work, but if it's a wobbly chair we can show you how to re-glue it back together and the tutor can help you identify what needs to be done. We don’t cover furniture painting on this day course. The use of all tools and basic materials is included. Beginners welcome.

Welcome to ROC book club, monthly book club exploring books from around the world. This month of June we are reading from Cuba. The book of choice is Havana Blsck by Leonardo Padura. This will take place at the Barbican library 27/6 at 2pm. Feel free to come and discuss all ages, genders and races welcome ! Hope to see you there happy reading

**🎟️ Tickets available on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-cyanotype-workshop-with-nature-as-co-author-tickets-1990651946559?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**[ ](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-cyanotype-workshop-with-nature-as-co-author-tickets-1990651946559?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) Discover cyanotype, a photographic printing process, in this hands-on workshop where Nature becomes your co-author Slow down, step outside, and perhaps take a walk through the local *Lee Valley* — exploring *Bow Creek Ecology Park*and *East India Dock Basin* between Canary Wharf and Trinity Buoy Wharf — for a little birdwatching and inspiration from the natural world. Breathe deeply, listen to the river, and enjoy the calm energy that comes from spending time outdoors. Walking in nature can help quiet the mind, restore focus, and reconnect us with the rhythms of the natural world. Notice the delicate shapes, textures, and shadows that Nature creates, and transform them into your own cyanotype prints. Then come to *BE Ka Art Studio*, Elena's riverside atelier in *Trinity Buoy Wharf*, for a relaxing cynotype session. In this hands-on workshop, you'll discover cyanotype. This photographic printing process uses sunlight, water, and natural materials to create stunning one-of-a-kind artworks in deep luminous blue. Using botanicals, shells, feathers, and found objects, you'll compose your own prints and watch them develop in real time. No cameras, screens, or prior experience needed. You'll leave with your own original cyanotype artworks. ## Nature & Back to Gaia These workshops are dedicated to Nature and *Back to Gaia – A Copyright for Nature* 👉 *[https://www.backtogaia.org](https://www.backtogaia.org)* The founder of the project will present during the events, sharing the vision behind the initiative and its work protecting the natural world. 10% of every ticket will be donated to the charity and invested in projects that support and protect Nature. ## What You’ll Do * Arrange botanicals and natural objects to compose your own cyanotype prints * Add a personal touch with wooden letters, drawings, or handwritten details * Expose your work in sunlight — or UV light if the weather is cloudy * Develop your prints in water and watch the images appear ## What’s Included Everything is provided, including: * A5 coated paper sheet in your choice of colour * Acrylic film * Botanicals, feathers, shells, and natural materials *(feel free to bring your own if you'd like)* * Small wooden craft letters * Trays and all cyanotype materials Just bring your curiosity. Additional paper in different colours and sizes will be available to purchase on the day, along with acetate sheets and markers to customise your creations even further. ## Good to Know * No prior experience necessary — suitable for complete beginners * Relaxed and creative atmosphere * Children must be accompanied by an adult * Step-free access available #### **Please Bring** #### **BYOB** – No drinks or food will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own. The studio is close to local favourites such as *The Orchard Café* and *Layers Bakery*\*\*,\*\* if you’d like to grab a drink or snack before or after (both open every day until 4 pm). ## **📍Location – Trinity Buoy Wharf, London** E14 0FP The workshop takes place at **Trinity Buoy Wharf**, a historic 19th-century site in London’s Docklands, now home to one of London’s most vibrant creative communities, a sculpture park, event venues, and the iconic Container City™ buildings. More info: [https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com](https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/ "https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/") ***The entry gate will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., so please don’t be late. If you arrive after that, unfortunately, we won’t be able to let you in.*** ## **Privacy & Consent** *By attending this event, you agree that photos and videos may be taken and used for promotional purposes, including on BE* *KA website and social media channels. If you'd prefer not to appear, simply let me know*\*\*,\*\* *and I'll make sure to respect your wishes.*

**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.**

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! 📖

Want to see your work shine and put your pride on display? Then come to July's Creativity Circle! We will be making simple Suncatchers with tissue paper! Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.

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!

**Our July novel is: *Listen for the Lie* by Amy Tintera** **This month’s novel was named one of the best books of 2024. It’s a domestic thriller with crime, mystery, and murder, told from women’s perspectives. The story includes a detective, an unreliable narrator, and plenty of suspense. The book is 352 pages in print and 9 hours and 18 minutes on audiobook.** What if you thought you murdered your best friend? And if everyone else thought so too? And what if the truth doesn't matter? After Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer. Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart, and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all, and if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life. But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast "Listen for the Lie," and its too-good looking host Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one that did it. The truth is out there, if we just listen.

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

Come join us for lunch together at Bendi Wok, one of my favorites!