Scrapbooking

**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.

Join us to talk about and 80's classic book, that has also been turned into a movie. Howl's moving Castle .... Cursed into old age by the Witch of the Waste, eighteen-year-old Sophie Hatter finds refuge in the moving castle of the notorious, vain Wizard Howl. Sophie navigates magical contracts, dimensional doors, and Howl’s chaotic life to break both their curses. Which did you like better the movie or the book?

**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.

## **🎨 Watercolour Art Class – Your New Favourite Creative Habit** Want to enjoy more creativity and finally learn how to paint with watercolours? Welcome to the **last art club you’ll ever join.** A warm, supportive, welcoming space where you’ll build real skills, meet lovely people and make artwork you’re genuinely proud of. Every month we meet at **The Mulberry Bush,** where you’ll be greeted by your host and artist, **China Jordan**. You’ll get a **free drink,** a table full of art supplies, references, and step-by-step guidance as we explore a new watercolour topic each month. Whether you’re brand new to art, picking it up again after years or just desperate for a midweek creative reset away from your laptop …this class is for you. ## **🖌 “But what if I’m rubbish at art?”** Perfect. You belong here. No experience needed at all. These classes are designed for beginners and the art-curious. China will guide you gently through each step, showing you how to: * control the brush * mix colours * layer your paint * and build real confidence with watercolours **Everyone can learn to paint — and it’s China’s job to prove that you can.** ## **🍷 What’s Included** * **✔️** A **free drink** on arrival * **✔️** All **art materials** & aprons. * **✔️ Protective envelopes** to take your artwork home safely * **✔️** A calm, welcoming, no-pressure environment * **✔️** Step-by-step instruction & personalised feedback. ## **🌿 What You’ll Learn** Each month we explore a new theme or technique, so your skills and confidence grow steadily over time. You’ll build your own mini portfolio of watercolour knowledge — without ever feeling overwhelmed. ## **👋 Meet Your Host** ArtistAnd is a wellbeing & art company run by professional artist China Jordan, founded in 2019. ArtistAnd exists to help people feel calmer, more confident and more creative — through accessible, friendly art classes. Classes now run: * in-person * online * and in corporate wellbeing settings **Always inclusive. Always encouraging. Always supportive.** ## **🏢 Private Bookings Available** These sessions can also be booked privately for: * **Corporate wellbeing events** * **Team-building sessions** * **Hen parties** * **Birthdays & special occasions** Just drop us a message and we’ll tailor something beautiful for your group ✨ ## **🔁 Cancellations & Changes** We totally understand that plans sometimes change — life happens 💛 However, as these classes are small, carefully prepared, and often fully booked: * **Refunds are not available** * Any last-minute changes or **rescheduling requests** will **incur a £7 admin fee** per ticket, which helps cover preparation and booking costs already committed to your place * **Email: china@artistand.co.uk** Browse all upcoming classes: [www.artistand.co.uk](http://www.artistand.co.uk/) **We really appreciate your understanding and support of small business — it genuinely makes these classes possible ✨**

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-monday-eve-21/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-monday-eve-21/) **⋆⋆⋆** 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.

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 around the leak street arches! This cool art tunnel near Waterloo is brimming with tonnes of amazing and inspiring graffiti to get sketchin’ Let's meet outside the entrance to Leake Street on Lower Marsh, this is just a short walk from Waterloo station. The what3words location is ///verge.powder.hood We’ll meet there 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. There’s some nice coffee shops on Lower Marsh so we can go sit somewhere there. Nearest Tube Stop: Waterloo 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/intro-to-woodblock-printing-3/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodblock-printing-3/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Course:** Intro Wood Block Printing **Suitable for:** Suitable for beginners. No prior experience is required. **About:** Spend a day learning to cut a wood block to create layered relief prints. Printing onto paper. This one day course is a great introduction to the craft of reduction woodcut printing onto ‘Awagami’ paper. Even if you have never cut into a piece of wood or have any artistic experience, You will be able to explore your creativity and learn wood cutting methods to create prints. You will be guided through the techniques to carve your own woodblock, creating a layered image as the surface of the block is cut away at each stage, printing each new colour as you go. A single block will be carved and printed in layers, lightest to darkest, until a final unique piece reveals itself. You will learn to use different woodcarving tools to make various cuts into your woodblock taking inspiration from iconic Japanese woodcut prints (like The Great Wave of Kanagawa), well known artists, nature, and patterns to create your own design with guidance from tutor Ollie Norris, or perhaps you may already have your own designs in mind? The woodcuts are shallow and do not require great strength to make, so the workshop is open to all abilities. All use of tools and materials supplied Bring an apron or wear old clothes in case some of the paint jumps onto you.

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.

Wabi-sabi is a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It is an appreciation of authenticity, modesty and humility and an acceptance of the natural order. Applying this concept to photography allows us to see and create things in unconventional ways. Join us for this unique workshop and through a set of exercises you will start to "see" and shoot more creatively. You will develop an eye for wabi-sabi and create images that show the beauty in wabi-sabi. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * To see photographic potential in ordinary objects * To utilise a number of techniques to make your images unique * To appreciate the natural order and apply this to your photography * Apply different photographic techniques to achieve wabi-sabi EXPERIENCE * All levels welcome EQUIPMENT * Any camera or smartphone * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! CONTACT * Alex 07956 264049 **TRAVEL WEEKENDS** **BERLIN - Oct 2026** **[https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/315327782](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/315327782)** **VENICE - Oct 2026** **[https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095)** **VALENCIA - Jan 2027** **[https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/315327518/edit/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/315327518/edit/)** **MONTHLY EVENTS** **[www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events)**

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-machine-sewing-1-day-91/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-machine-sewing-1-day-91/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Course:** Textile Repair workshop: Patching – Sashiko, Boro, Appliqué – 1 day Demystify the art of sashiko along with other patching techniques used to mend and alter clothing or accessories. Sashiko is a traditional Japanese technique which transforms mends into visually striking additions to your well-loved clothing using repeated stitches. Translated to “little stabs”, the craft originated 400 years ago as a means to preserve clothing and embrace damage through creative stitch patterns. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at this practical, yet aesthetic mending technique but didn’t know where to start, this is the perfect course for you. During the course, you will learn about the tools and materials necessary to start your mending journey as you are guided through a range of techniques which include sashiko and appliqué by experienced textile artist Selina Latour. You will learn other patching methods using hand stitch techniques used in patching such as herringbone, whip, slip and blanket stitches. Bring along a piece of clothing or two to practice the new techniques on and mend throughout the day! Visit our website for more information: [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/textile-repair-workshops/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/textile-repair-workshops/)

Join famed author, philosopher and spiritual teacher Acharya Prashant for an intimate book signing at Watkins Books!

**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.

You can sleep in on the Semiquincentennial (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.

July is Summer/Lake Vibes theme! * The book we will be discussing is The House Across the Lake by Riley Seger * Feel free to attend whether or not you’ve read or finished the book * Trying something new for July, book club will be at the Starbucks inside the Dublin Barnes & Noble. So due to the location, snacks and drinks will not be provided this time. * Please update your attendance status here on the event page if you are attending or unable to. This time is extra important for this, due to limited spots for this event.

💰 **Build a Self-Running Store with AI – eCommerce Blueprint** Let AI handle product research, ads, and fulfilment while you scale. ⚠️ RSVP won't hold your spot. Complete registration via the link below. ### [🔗 REGISTER NOW](https://aiventurelab.org/product/AIEcommerce?city=Columbus&groupurlname=the-book-lovers-journey-discussion-group&startgmtdatetime=2026-07-07T22:00:00Z) --- What you'll build: - A marketing funnel that runs on autopilot - A repeatable blueprint that works from day one - A store setup strategy that cuts setup time in half *Your automated store. Running 24/7.* 🛒

✍️ **Launch Your AI Ebook Business – Workshop** Use AI to write and publish ebooks that sell while you sleep. ⚠️ Register below to confirm your place — RSVP is not your ticket in. ### [🔗 CLAIM YOUR PLACE](https://aiventurelab.org/product/AIEbookBusiness?city=Columbus&groupurlname=the-book-lovers-journey-discussion-group&startgmtdatetime=2026-07-07T22:00:00Z) --- What's covered: - Write full ebooks with AI in hours, not weeks - Format and list ebooks so they actually sell - Build a publishing pipeline that runs on autopilot *AI writes. You earn.* 💰