Our First Two Free Workshops

on 09 November 2016

You may have heard we received a grant from The Community Wellbeing Innovation Fund Hertfordshire to pilot a group of free workshops. We wanted to give people in the Hertfordshire community that we don’t usually reach an opportunity to come along & try their hand at some of the work we do on a daily basis.

The plan is to provide a relaxed & friendly environment with hands on one to one expert tuition in some of the up-cycling & upholstery crafts we are known for.  Our daily operations depend on a core of committed & dedicated team members. These courses are run for people experiencing isolation, loneliness, respite for carers or mental health issues that may not be able to make the longer term commitment or who may just want a taster.

We have now completed our first 2 courses; Patchwork crafts and Up-cycling a chair.

Patchwork Crafts:

This is a four week course (for a few hours one day a week) covering elements including design schemes, tools and equipment, measuring, cutting and sewing. At the end of the course the participants got to take home their design sketches, the completed cushion and lots of good memories.

As you can see the standard was very high and the group had no end of fun.

What the group said about the course:

“My family have all noticed how engaged I have become.”

“Thank you for such a lovely memory and cushion.”

“We are starting a little campaign for more courses.”

“It has opened my eyes to the many enjoyable aspects of up-cycling.” 

“Really easy, just called in and signed up.”

“Surpassed my expectations. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. Couldn’t recommend this enough.”

Up-cycling a chair:

This is a six week course (a few hours one day a week) covering elements including design scheme, tools and equipment, repairing loose joints, sanding, priming, painting, varnishing, upholstering a seat pad. At the end of this course the participants even got to take home their chair!

 First session: From this ↑                      to this ↑

Second session: From this ↑                                          to this ↑

Third session: From this ↑                                                  and this ↑

  Fourth session: Well on the way ↑

Fifth session: Almost there ↑

As you can see, each chair is amazing, individual and unique, just like the wonderful people who transformed them!

What the group said about this course:

“This course has enabled me to engage with others, see a project through, be supported and learn a new skill.”

“I found that I’m not too old to learn new things, and am really proud of my achievements.” 

“Learnt to accept imperfections which helped me to accept my uniqueness.”

“It was really nice to have something to look forward to.”

“I would love to come to another course. Just give me the dates and times.”

“Great way to relax, as well as look at your habits which may impact on your well being.”

 We will be running more courses between now and the end of March next year. If you are interested, please contact us via the website or call Ian or Holly on 01707 322103.