Scrapbooking

Explore how we search for meaning in our futures, as revealed by the divine, occult or supernatural, from the ancient prophets to the end of days. What will happen to us next? From the earliest beginnings of human civilization, people have searched for signs, patterns and clues to address the last unanswerable question. Looking into the future has obsessed human beings since written records began. As soon as communities could conceive of higher powers, they tried to look into the future. Prophets and priests have delivered divine messages. Shamans and seers have channeled spirits and interpreted visions, portents, revelations and omens. This unique and richly illustrated volume reveals the long history of the future in every human society – from Egyptian oracles, Roman augurs and Aztec omens, to Japanese divination and the active magic of Norse seers. It traces the parallels in different traditions and cultures, exploring the signs and images found in antique documents, rare books, imaginative projections and divinatory paraphernalia. The nine chapters explore extraordinary oracles from ancient Greece and western Africa, to Mesopotamia and the mountains of Tibet; we discover omens, portents and auspicious signs in indigenous societies in Asia; meet the Zoroastrian priests of Iran and astrologers of China; share dreams and visions from Australia to North America; and finally reckon with the many predictions of the end of the world, from ancient days to our present moment.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-evenings-53/ ⋆⋆⋆ **Course:** Intro to Woodwork – Flip Lid Dovetail Box **Duration:** 6 evenings 6.30-9pm /6 afternoon 2.30-5pm or 2 days 10-5pm / 5 evenings 6-9pm / 5 afternoons 2-5pm **Next start date:** Check our website: https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box/ **Suitable for:** Confident beginners. Some basic woodworking experience is useful for this course but not necessary. **About:** Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this six week evening 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. An absorbing course for confident beginners and a enjoyable learning experience for anyone with a little woodworking experience. Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this six week evening 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 a 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.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-37/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-37/) ⋆⋆⋆ **KEY PROJECT: TRADITIONALLY STITCHED AND SEWN EDGED FOOTSTOOL** *All of our upholstery classes are for absolute beginners. It doesn’t matter which one you choose to take first. Each technique that is offered is part of all the processes that every upholsterer has to learn.* 6-week workshop. Thursday nights. 6:30pm – 9pm. A perfect course for a beginner. Jumpstart your knowledge of traditional upholstery skills and methods. Over six Thursday evenings, experienced upholsterers will guide you through the wonderful world of upholstery and help you build a fabulous footstool using traditional methods. You can leave your project at the centre in between classes. Before the advent of foam in the middle of the twentieth century, the only way to make wooden seats more comfortable was to build up layers using available materials. Our small fabric footstool (above) is built from layers of woven webbing, hessian, vegetable fibre, animal hair and calico and is sewn with specialist needles and stitches. Although this method is more labour-intensive than the modern method of using foam, it is much longer lasting and preferred in more expensive pieces of furniture. This is the method used in many traditional chair seats, so once learned, you can apply this method to your own projects. We provide everything for the workshop, from the wood frame to the set of natural beech wood legs that are included for you to paint or stain as you wish. Choose from our selection of top fabrics, or bring your own. You will need about a metre of fabric and you will not need it until the final class. The use of all tools and materials is included. We also have a selection of specialist upholstery tools and all the materials that we use in our workshops for sale at the Goodlife Centre for you to continue your new hobby at home. Beginners welcome. This course is run on a Thursday evening over 6 consecutive weeks. 6:30pm – 9:00pm

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-6-mornings-4/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-6-mornings-4/) **⋆⋆⋆** Do you want to jump into making your own clothes but have never used a pattern? Do you wish to copy a beloved piece of clothing? Would you like to learn how to adjust your own pattern to fit just you? Learn how to take body measurements, read and alter a commercial pattern to fit, lay out and cut fabric and construct a finished garment to a high standard using one of our Janome 525s or Bernina 1008 series sewing machines. During the sessions of this small group of learners you will gain confidence and improve any sewing skills you already have. If you have never used a machine, we can guide you through making a simple garment from a purchased pattern. Bring your own pattern or use one of our small selection. If you have sewing experience but want to start creating your own patterns, you can learn how to create a bespoke piece of clothing. You can also bring a piece of clothing to alter or fix. We supply the basics and the calico you will use to make a ‘toile’ (an inexpensive mock up) to save you ruining your chosen final fabric. Along the way, talented tutor and seamstress will teach you lots of techniques and tips to ramp up your sewing passion. This is a perfect class if you have been teaching yourself so far, or if your last project was made a long time ago at school. **Suitable for:** Suitable for beginners, enjoyable for those with experience. A good level of English and basic math skills are useful. **Next start date:** Check our website for more dates: [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/clothes-making-altering/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/clothes-making-altering/)

Please BOOK A FREE TICKET VISIT IN ADVANCE, on the British Museum website. This is to avoid queuing. I have a few spare tickets so you can message me with your email address or Whatsapp number if you want to use one of them. Meet on the seats in the Great Court opposite the information desk. The event is free to join. Please consider contributing contribute £2 toward the cost of the event and for my time. Alternatively, I can provide tuition at a cost of £10 for the session. All welcome! Please bring your own drawing materials. There are stools you can borrow. Please note MUSEUM POLICY - use a hand-held pad and only draw with pencils. We will draw in the galleries from 10.40 am. We will meet again in the Great Court Cafe nearest the Egyptian Galleries at 12:30 pm.

Have you ever wanted to be that person who sketches in a gallery but you're too nervous to have people look over your shoulder? Yea, I've been there. It's intimidating. You feel like you're in the room naked. I've also been the person to sit and sketch and it's one of the most rewarding activities you can do. Just you, the artwork, and a bunch of people wishing they could do the same. Come and join me on the first Friday of the month and let's go to a gallery. These will be small groups and free of charge. We'll visit a new gallery each month, hopefully free ones and we'll do an hour or so of sketching, followed by a cuppa tea afterwards. Make sure you register so I can send you all the information a few days before the event.

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.

We start at The Photographers’ Gallery to immerse ourselves in the **FREE** Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2026 exhibition. From the raw documentary power of Jane Evelyn Atwood to the surrealist interventions of Weronika Gęsicka, we’ll look at this year's entries and how they portray their subjects. After soaking up the inspiration, we hit the streets of Soho. We’ll add tips and techniques for street photography and take some of the techniques we’ve just seen and apply them to the vibrant and cinematic streets of Soho. GALLERY TICKETS * Tickets are free * Please book your ticket in advance here: * https://accessvam.accessacloud.com/PhotographersGalleryBookings/BookTickets.aspx?eid=0693&spg=Date * Choose Late Friday's Free option at the bottom of the list EXPERIENCE Any level of experience is welcome EQUIPMENT: * Any camera * A 50mm lens is recommended * Any lens with a wide aperture (f1.8/f2.8, etc) OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! PAYMENT OPTIONS * PayPal via RSVP - Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * Send £25 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. TRAVEL As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. 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](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events) Photo ©Jane Evelyn Atwood

**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.

Let's Crop!

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. 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 **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

**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\*\*.\*\*

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

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.

🌸 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