Scrapbooking

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/console-table/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/console-table/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Suitable for:** Absolute beginners. No prior experience in woodworking is required for this course. **About:** Learn traditional carpentry skills using a mixture of hand tools and modern drills to create a beautiful console table at the height of your choice. This is a twelve evening course to make an elegant console table for your home. The workshop is suitable for confident beginners and will teach how to measure and mark your work and how to use saws, chisels , planes as you construct bridle, mortise and tenons and shoulder joints. The design of the table can be altered in height to adapt to a coffee table, a small breakfast bar or hall table. The base is constructed in pine and the top is furniture grade plywood. These 12 evenings are a perfect starting point for many aspects of woodwork that will give you confidence to choose and replicate basic wood joints into other projects. Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, our experienced tutor will guide and inspire you as they teach age old techniques in carpentry. As you begin making wood joints traditionally constructed from seasoned pine, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and spoke-shaves. Maximum dimensions: Table top: 18mm Birch plywood – 80cm x 40cm – Base H82cm x W68cm x D33cm – overall table height 85cm

London's Friendly Book Club's pick for June is **Yesteryear** by **Caro Claire Burke**. Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and has the social media accounts to prove it. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What Natalie’s followers don’t know won’t hurt them. Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children—they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn't her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible. [[Now being adapted into a major film starring Anne Hathaway.]] Please only RSVP if you think you'll be able to make this event. **We host three sessions per book, you only need to attend one.** Everyone is welcome! Grab your copy and join us for a relaxed and engaging discussion.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/follow-on-woodwork-4/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/follow-on-woodwork-4/) ⋆⋆⋆ Directed at those people who have completed one of our longer woodwork courses, or those with confident woodwork skills, we offer an eleven-day week opportunity to build an individual project. During this course, run by experienced carpenter/joiner/furniture maker Ruth Thomson, you will learn how to manage a practical project from sketching it, making a technical drawing, writing a cutting list, costing, marking out and construction to produce a piece of wood furniture. The group will visit a timber yard to learn how to select lengths of soft woods. You will learn the safe use and versatility of a router, a biscuit jointer, a jigsaw and other power tools as needed and learn when and how to make jigs to help fabricate accurate shapes. Using basic workshop machines including a bandsaw and a belt sander, as well as classic hand tools, you will cut and assemble and then learn how to sand, glue and finish your project to completion. We are happy to discuss your personal project if you already have something in mind. There is a size limitation due to time constraints and project storage. Call Alison on 0207 7607613 or send a photo or sketch to info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk Each learner will pay for their own materials. We can take delivery of timber if externally sourced. Please note that we cannot handle MDF in the workshop as the dust requires special extraction and respiratory equipment. Plywood or solid timber will be pre-machined for you on our planer thicknesser and table saw.

Come and join us on Tuesday evening, 7-9pm for a chill evening of crafting. We meet at London Friend office, 86 Caledonian Road, London N19DN. You don't need to RSVP, so you can just show up. This session is a drop in and a chance to meet likeminded people to socialise with even if you don’t fancy getting crafty. Materials are provided onsite for FREE and no experience is needed! This social activities group is open to all LBT women plus non-binary people who have an identity within a community that centres on women. We are looking forward to seeing you! :)

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-daytime-24/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-daytime-24/) **⋆⋆⋆** 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.

Friendly book group Please remember to change your RSVP if you can't make it so someone on the waitlist can take your slot. New books chosen by popular vote and read 2 months later. We look forward to seeing you there!

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-evenings-54/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-evenings-54/) ⋆⋆⋆ **Course:** 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 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.

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.

**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.

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 :)

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)

**🎟️ 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.*

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!**