Scrapbooking

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-5-weeks-2/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-5-weeks-2/) **⋆⋆⋆** 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/)

Join to us to talk about The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is a multigenerational novel following the Trần family in Vietnam through the 20th century, focusing on two women, grandmother Trần Diệu Lan and granddaughter Hương, as they endure famine, war, and political upheaval, offering an intimate, human perspective on Vietnamese history. There will be a book swap as well so bring a book you would like to swap if you want!🧐🧐😌😌

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-make-a-cupboard-13/ **⋆⋆⋆** If you hanker after a really useful item to take home with you, this versatile cabinet is an amazing piece of joinery to learn how to make. Made from seasoned pine, this classic project will teach you how to make an accurate wood frame, with a hinged, panelled door. The completed cabinet is 435mmH x 300mmW x 140mmD. You will have the opportunity of learning classic joints, such as a mortice and tenon and dovetails, insert a shelf and hang a door, as you build your skills week by week. You will use measuring and marking tools, and hand tools, including chisels, smoothing, plough and rebate planes. Over 12 weeks, we will cover many aspects of traditional joinery tuition. This content-rich class will suit everybody who wants to learn a lot in a short time. Len Conway, a very experienced craftsperson and tutor will explain each part of the process and instill lifelong good habits as well as tips for improving accuracy if you have some woodwork experience. About Len Len Conway has over forty years of experience in further education. He has taught carpentry, Joinery and multi-skills to a high level. His interests include music, architecture, art, mountain walking and boating.

We're the All Good Bookshop writing group - we've been around for 10 years now. We offer writing feedback and discussion, whatever your level. Never been before? That's fine. Can only come once in a while? That's fine. Want to come regularly? That's fine. While we're predominantly narrative-based, any type of writing is welcome. Fiction, non-fiction, screenplays, novels, short-stories... bring it along and see if it fits. The cost is £5 to join us. Half of this goes to the bookshop and the other half goes towards snacks/drinks for everyone. Pay when you get there. (If you're having any financial problems, feel free to have a discreet chat with Chris about it). HOW IT WORKS First, we do introductions, which cover: 1 - Who you are 2 - What kind of thing you write 3 - What you're working on 4 - What you've done in the last two weeks. Then we find out who has stuff to read out (1,000 - 2,000 words), and who has questions/discussion points. If you'd prefer to do written hand-outs, you can as well. We then run through as many people as we can fit in, so they can read out or run through a discussion point. The group is run by Chris Brosnahan, an experienced writer and a long-running facilitator of writing groups. HOUSE RULES 1 - No egos. Everyone's stuff is up for criticism/feedback. 2 - Be constructive. We're not a review group - we're trying to help each other improve. 3\. No pressure\. You can turn up and just observe if you want \- you're not under pressure to read out or feed back\. 4 - We do our best to be a safe space. You don't know the backgrounds of everyone in the room. If you're going to read something that might be problematic or emotionally difficult, talk about it first - and if you're unsure, ask. 5 - We do our best to be a safe space. For particularly graphic scenes, please discuss in advance. A reminder that listening to erotica is, in itself, a sex act, and needs the enthusiastic consent of everyone involved. 6 - Content warnings apply. This doesn't just mean things like sex or violence. It also includes things like abuse, long-term illness, death - think of things that someone may find difficult if they're dealing with at the moment. We do our best to be a safe space. 7 - If you're struggling with anything being read, you can take a break without any justification or questions. 8 - Banned question: "Is this based on your own life?" - it doesn't add anything and can make discussion awkward. Please don't ask it. 9 - Let other people talk. You'll get your chance to feedback or ask questions, but it can be all too easy to talk over people. You also don't need to respond to every piece of feedback. 10 - Keep it respectful. Keep it friendly. Any problems? Get in touch and ask.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-monday-eve-17/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-monday-eve-17/) **⋆⋆⋆** 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.

**We first read this in August 2016, and it's time to revisit a classic!** Through John Fowles’ 1963 debut novel The Collector, we’ll explore the horrors of loneliness, of abduction and of a seemingly harmless butterfly collector… Here’s the summary from the [goodreads.com](http://goodreads.com/) page: “Withdrawn, uneducated and unloved, Frederick collects butterflies and takes photographs. He is obsessed with a beautiful stranger, the art student Miranda. When he wins the pools he buys a remote Sussex house and calmly abducts Miranda, believing she will grow to love him in time. Alone and desperate, Miranda must struggle to overcome her own prejudices and contempt if she is understand her captor, and so gain her freedom.” The meeting will start at 7pm and finish between 9.00 and 10pm (BST), with breaks in between. Just a reminder that the pub lets us to use the room at no charge so please do purchase drinks/food from the bar. Bringing in your own food from outside the pub is not allowed!

**FREE TO MEMBERS, BECAME A MEMBER WHEN YOU ARRIVE** Sometimes the best therapy is simply slowing down, using your hands, and sharing a moment with kind people. 💛 If life has been a little busy or stressful, why not take a small break in the middle of the week? Join us for our **free ceramic classes** — a relaxed and friendly space where we make simple clay pieces, chat, laugh, and meet new friends. You don’t need any experience. Just come as you are and enjoy the moment. 🎨 Playing with clay 💬 Friendly conversations 🌿 A little pause from everyday life 📅 Every Wednesday ⏰ 7–9 pm Everyone is welcome. It would be lovely to see you there. 😊 Any questions, call/text Rodrigo +44 7535 272361 or Rita +44 7454 044190

* **Screen Printing on Textiles (2 days)** * www.art-class-london.co.uk * 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. * **Screen Printing on Textiles (2 days)** – £125 9 & 16 May 2026 * 10AM -4 PM

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-furniture-restoration-1-day-88/ ⋆⋆⋆ 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.

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

Warning ⚠️ You may leave with… ✔ A decorated cake ✔ New friends ✔ Zero stress Our Sip & Cake Decorating Night is back this MAY 🎂🍷 📍 SE24 💸 Early Bird £5 OFF (before end of April!) Seats are limited & vibes are guaranteed ✨ 👉 BOOK NOW before it’s gone https://KDEcake.eventbrite.co.uk

**TICKETS AVAILABLE [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/collage-narratives-creative-writing-collage-workshop-tickets-1987075806227?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)** *Join Elena at her atelier on the Thames for a creative writing collage experience.* Connect with forgotten stories and uncover hidden narratives from within. Explore creative writing through text collage. Cut, rearrange, and transform found words into new narratives, shaping unexpected connections into your own original piece. This hands-on process bypasses the pressure of writing from scratch, opening space for discovery, play, and personal insight. Fragments become portals to echoes of memory, imagination, and new worlds. In this words cloud collage workshop, you’ll be guided through a creative process that combines writing and visual composition. We begin with a short meditation and breathing practice to settle the mind. You’ll then be provided with magazines, newspapers, 30 x 30 cm white cardstock or A3 coloured paper card, scissors, and glue — everything you need. With gentle guidance, you’ll create your own collage of words, allowing meaning to emerge intuitively as you work. If you feel comfortable, at the end of the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to share your piece with the group, if you wish, and we can enjoy a brief moment of collective reflection. **No prior experience needed — beginner-friendly** **All materials included** **Step-free access** **TICKETS 👉 [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/collage-narratives-creative-writing-collage-workshop-tickets-1987075806227?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/collage-narratives-creative-writing-collage-workshop-tickets-1987075806227?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)** ## **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** The workshop takes place at Trinity Buoy Wharf, a historic 19th-century site in London’s Docklands, where you can find London’s only lighthouse. Today, it is also 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 to the possibility of being photographed or filmed. These images may be used for marketing or promotional purposes, such as on our website or social media. If you prefer not to appear, please let the organiser know on the day, and we will ensure you are not included.*

Let's Crop!

**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\*\*.\*\*

**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.**

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

**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!**