Scrapbooking

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 :)

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-lined-curtain-69/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-lined-curtain-69/) **⋆⋆⋆** Ever wanted to make your own curtains but not wanted to risk ruining expensive fabric if you tried? Try this small friendly workshop to jump-start your skills. In this one-day workshop, experienced curtain maker Ian McQueen will teach you how to produce beautiful flowing curtains for any room. Even if you are an absolute beginner and have never used a sewing machine, we will guide you through measuring the window, marking and cutting out fabric to assemble a fully lined curtain with a smart machined pencil pleat header. Everything is explained as we sew along and we will also demonstrate how to interline curtains to make them extra sumptuous and heat-saving. We will also show how to use a triple pleat tape and make hand pleats. The curtain is all hand-sewn with only a minimum of straight machine stitching. Everyone will take home a sample curtain made from one metre of fabric. We have a small selection of fabrics for you to use. All personal protection, tools and materials are included. Suitable for beginners. Enjoyable for everyone.

Welcome mums to be to our weekly Present in my Pregnancy Gathering. This is a space where we pause, appreciate and remember to enjoy our pregnancy journeys together. **First up - Mum & Baby Time** * Journaling * Memory recording What to bring - a journal or phone for writing, a sketchbook or phone for recording memories (I use canva) **Second Up - Helping Each Other** * Discovery swaps - sharing ideas and tips What to bring - nothing **Third Up - Time Out** * Sharing Circle - listening to each other * Craft Activity - thank you card * One Intention What to bring - stickers, gems and anything to decorate a card. Card and coloured pens provided. I’m really excited to meet you and for this space to open up. I need it so much and hope we can support each other to make it happen 🙏🏽🤰🏾🩷. Why is this a paid event? The truth is Meet Up charge a hefty fee for setting up a group. I hope the fee is low enough to not stop anyone coming but also enough to cover the monthly organisation cost of running this lovely space. Thank you for your support 🙏🏽. Option to pay by PayPal as well.

Do you want to meet new people in a relaxing chill atmosphere surrounded by new books? Do you dislike loud and smelly places like pubs and clubs? This is the event for you. Science and Philosophy Book Club is creating a new kind of meetup where people who love books and knowledge can meet new friends in a big book shop. We will explore around different sections of the book shop together as a group while making interesting conversations with each other. We will go to both fiction and non-fiction areas. If you feel shy and feel nervous to come alone, I will make sure you will feel comfortable and accomodate to your needs. I will help introduce you to others so you can go over the barrier of anxiety when approaching a new person. We will meet on the ground floor lounge area of Doubletree Hilton Hotel at 6 p.m. It is an amazing cosy bar with classy vibes. We will wait for everyone to show up while getting some drinks and socializing. At 7 p.m we will head to the Waterstones book store near Russel Square and UCL. After we explore the book store, we will come back to the hotel bar and stay there for the rest of the night. This event requires £5 donation to cover the venue fees. You can pay via cash or card. Thank you for helping the book club!

**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.

**🎟️ 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.*

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/freehand-machine-embroidery-56/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/freehand-machine-embroidery-56/) **⋆⋆⋆** Join us for a one day workshop devoted to becoming creative and experimental with freehand machine embroidery, even if you are wary of the outcome! If you are confident with a machine you can increase your range of abilities by learning new techniques. Take home your creation as a cushion cover or in a glass frame. Learn from Deborah Andrews, who teaches our basic sewing classes as well as being an artist and Illustrator. Even if you have never used a sewing machine before, with Deborah’s support and encouragement, you will develop techniques using a freehand needle on a domestic machine. **Morning – Part one.** In the morning you will ‘warm up’ by experimenting with ‘Couching’, ‘Applique’ and ‘trapunto’ techniques to enliven your design and enhance your work with interesting ‘3D’ effects. Using a palette of inspiring textiles and coloured threads, you will learn how to control an ordinary sewing machine by guiding the sewing foot to produce stitches that patch, embroider and script under your guidance. **Afternoon – Part two.** After selecting from our furnishing fabric selection or deciding on a plain linen background, you can build a unique creation using your own ideas or adapting our selection of templates if you prefer more structure. We supply coloured threads, an embroidery hoop, a large selection of scrap fabric and soft furnishing weight fabrics and cottons as your surface. You can bring your own fabric if you wish and any sketches and ideas you have for a project. Unleash your creativity and let your ideas emerge in front of your eyes. The use of all tools and materials are included.

We will be meeting at The Racketeer! We will divide into smaller groups to discuss this month's book. It will be very obvious when you arrive to the pub, where our group is, but please feel free to give me a call if you are struggling to find us. For new members, shoot me a message on meetup and I will send through my phone number!

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/rush-basket-making-53/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/rush-basket-making-53/) ⋆⋆⋆ A classic craft with a contemporary flair. Basket making is often overlooked as a pleasurable hobby to develop at home. There is a very satisfying feeling from creating a unique bowl or box from natural fibres. If you have ever enjoyed handling a beautiful basket and love the look of the interwoven strands, this is a chance to learn how to begin this worldwide tradition. In this one-day workshop, you will be able to make a bread-basket-sized beauty in a rustic rush to give as a present to someone special or keep to admire yourself. John Page is an experienced basket maker. He teaches his skills at City Lit in London and so we are proud to host a workshop with him at the centre. 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. In this small workshop, there will be plenty of guidance and background information on this classic craft. Beginners welcome. The use of all tools and basic materials is included.

**Please bring your own picnic blanket if you want to use one. If you have your own paint supplies feel free to bring these too.** Hey everyone! For our very first meetup, we’re heading to Victoria Park Saturday 27th June at 4:00 PM for a super chilled afternoon of painting and hanging out in the sunshine. Please don't worry at all if you haven't picked up a paintbrush since school—this is completely casual, zero-pressure, and mostly just an excuse to unwind and chat with some new people. We’ll bring basic paint supplies (paper, paints, brushes, and water jars). All we ask is a £5 contribution on the day just to help cover the cost of the fresh materials. Feel free to bring along whatever snacks, picnic food, or drinks you fancy. We'll probably not have easels or canvas for this event, just card or paper, but we'll see what we can do. See the pinpoint on the map for the rough location. Please join the WhatsApp group if you can't find us and I'll guide you: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CrxJ5ihGhrP6FPlqrBfVPj?s=cl&p=i&ilr=1](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CrxJ5ihGhrP6FPlqrBfVPj?s=cl&p=i&ilr=1). Can't wait to meet you all there!

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/traditional-and-modern-lampshade-making-78/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/traditional-and-modern-lampshade-making-78/) ⋆⋆⋆ If you aspire to the luxury and elegance of lampshades that ooze class like a dowager, this is the workshop for you. Even if you have never stitched in your life, Ian McQueen’s relaxed and friendly style of tuition will have you wishing you had taken to the sewing needle years ago. Ian is a City and Guilds trained craftsman who makes elegant traditionally built fine lampshades for interior designers and high-end shops. Some are sophisticated – lined with silk so light glows through, some are dramatic statements bejewelled with vintage adornments. All are hand stitched -not glued – so that they retain their shape and structure to give years of pleasure. During a one-day workshop, you will select a wire frame and transform it into a bespoke home accessory for all to admire in your home. We use a 10-inch diameter Drum shade and a 12-inch diameter straight Empire frame. You can select fabric from a few fabrics we have available but we recommend you bring along 1 metre of fabric to match your colour scheme. If you want to walk on the wild side, bring any fabric you want to give new life. Students have even transformed an old pair of jeans into a striking shade. The process is fun but meticulous so there is sometimes only the time to complete the stitching on one lampshade in a day. This will depend on your speed. What you will take home is some of the historical skills used by milliners and upholders. (They were the stitchers who hung the tapestries on medieval walls.) As well as the know-how and route to suppliers you will learn how to make your own lampshades at home. The tutor can demonstrate how to make simple trims in the same fabric. No special machinery is required and only a little help from a simple sewing machine is available at the centre. It does not matter if you have never used a machine before. Choices- 1. Make a firm drum lampshade. Using a supplied frame, you will learn how to stitch reinforced fabric onto a frame using a traditional stitch. 2. A pleated or unpleated lampshade. The lampshade fabric is stretched or folded directly onto a ‘Straight Empire’ frame. The lampshade can then be lined with a contrasting fabric. The use of all tools and materials are included. We have additional assorted frames for sale, as well as a small range of vintage trimmings for you to make more lampshades at home. Suitable for beginners. Enjoyable for all.

**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.**

**Get your creative flow going with a Saturday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** 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 - Parsons Avenue Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. 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** Space for this first meetup 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. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

**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.

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.

You can sleep in on the Sesquicentennial (observed), we’re shifting to the following Friday. But join the local UX community for a chat and some biscuits to catch up. If you were in CA for Figma Config, tell us all the lines and you can tell me how I can animate an SVG without coding it by hand, and why I’d even want to. Thanks to the team at Nationwide of supporting the group.

The ultimate Thursday night out is back. Join us for BAM Thursdays (Bar, Art, and Music) at the Columbus Museum of Art. Live music, great art, delicious bites, vendors and fresh cocktails in the garden space. Limited seating is also available inside Schokko Café (yummy sharable plates). **FEE:** BAM Thursday evenings offer **FREE general admission** from 5:00–9:00 PM. See what’s on view [here](https://www.columbusmuseum.org/art-exhibitions/on-view-now/) (special exhibits are $5.00 fee). **TOUR**: I'll lead a tour of the main museum from 6:30pm til 7pm. FREE **PARKING** behind the museum is $7.00. Nearby parking a little cheaper. **SEATING**: *Tables are available on a first come first serve basis for dining. In the event of inclement weather, BAM Thursdays will move inside to the atrium.* **DRESS**: Summer dressy casual