Category: Crafts

  • Sustainable Textile Jewellery with Mahawa

    Sustainable Textile Jewellery with Mahawa

    Learn to make sustainable textile jewellery with Mahawa from award-winning Mansading Textile. Inspired by a traditional African wrapping technique. Preserving traditional hand textile skills and using up waste fabrics and yarn, you will create a beautiful necklace or bracelet to wear or gift.

  • CDT for under 11’s

    CDT for under 11’s

    11am onwards – drop in, The Old Print Works upper gallery

    Wood working skills that can set you up for life

    pricing available in workshop

  • The Upholstery Group

    The Upholstery Group

    The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works

  • Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon pottery workshop is back for Second Saturday – come and get friendly with clay!

    Drop in – free/donation

  • SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION

    SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION

    SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION 🧵✨ ✊

    This exhibition showcases the artworks produced by Sewing Solidarity, a GAP project led by artist Jane Thakoordin that invited young people aged 13 – 18 to create a series of new banners for Balsall Heath and The GAP inspired by the trade union banner tradition.

    Over several months, young people took part in a series of sessions at The GAP in which we explored working class stories, local histories and banner art, and experimented with textile design techniques and slogans to co-design and collectively create five beautiful banners.

    The final designs bring together traditional and contemporary elements, and are inspired by the diversity and culture of Balsall Heath, and the richness of its community spirit and generosity despite not being monetarily rich. In times of difficulty, people have come together to support one another and show solidarity, despite our differences.

    In the trade union tradition, the Sewing Solidarity banners have been created as lasting pieces that can be used at community events, protests, demonstrations and celebrations to represent our solidarity for years to come. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for how or where these banners might be displayed in the local area!

    About the artists

    Jane Thakoordin is a participatory artist with over 30 years experience of co-creation with groups and organisations both regionally and nationally. Using textiles as the main medium, Jane draws on her background as a mental health professional and tutor to create spaces where people can experiment and express themselves. Follow Jane @janethakoordin_

    Project participants – Nimra, Naveera, Ruby, Mohamed, Mohammed, Nasaradin, Mariya, Zahra, Chi, Ezra, Jo, Hala, Mariya, Ayda, and everyone who joined us at Balsall Heath Second Saturday!

    Funded by @westmids_ca and @bhamcitycouncil

  • Crafts with Itzatna Arts

    Crafts with Itzatna Arts

    Crafting activities with Itzatna Arts.

    ITZATNA ARTS COLLECTIVE are an emerging artist collective based in the Midlands that create intercultural collaborations between artists and diaspora communities between Mexico, Latin America, and the UK.

    For more information https://www.itzatna.org

  • Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon pottery workshop is back for Second Saturday – come and get friendly with clay!

    Drop in – free/donation

  • The GAP Winter Craft Fair

    The GAP Winter Craft Fair

    ✨❄️The GAP Winter Craft Fair❄️✨ Saturday 14th December, 11am – 4pm

    Pop down to @oldprintworksbrum on 14th December for a festive fun-filled day out whilst supporting local artists and young people. Expect an exciting array of unique handmade gifts and goodies for sale – all made by local young artists, designers and crafters – in amongst our cosy community cafe The MIX and during the bustling @balsallheathsecondsaturday.

    Featuring….
    @_achastudio
    @apundantlyclear
    @artbyamjam
    @hannahmandrews
    @capture.and.create.media
    @jenkoandco
    Mangoonthecanvas
    Knittingcrochetions

  • Wreath Making at The Old Print Works

    Wreath Making at The Old Print Works

    Join Hannah for a fun and creative family friendly wreath making workshop.

    In this hands-on session, you will craft your very own unique wreath using a variety of locally sourced materials.

    All materials included.

    The workshop will be held in the Drawing Room at The Old Print Works – with step free access.

  • Collage gift box workshop

    Collage gift box workshop

    11am – 1pm

    Come and make a sturdy beautiful collage gift box. All welcome. No prior experience required.

  • Petals, Wings & Charms – Creative Crafts for Mexican Day of the Dead

    Petals, Wings & Charms – Creative Crafts for Mexican Day of the Dead

    Join ITZATNA for a colourful celebration of Life and Memory: Day of the Dead Arts & Crafts Workshop!

    Step into a world of vibrant colours, rich traditions, and heartfelt creativity as we honour Mexico’s Day of the Dead through arts and crafts! In this unique hands-on family-friendly workshop, you’ll learn about the magic of ‘Día de los Muertos’ while exploring traditional Mexican symbols like marigold flowers, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and the enchanting *Árboles de Vida* (Trees of Life) charms crafted in clay.

    What to Expect:

    – Paper Marigolds: Learn to make delicate, vibrant *flores de cempasúchil*, the iconic marigold flowers that light the path for spirits with their radiant orange glow.

    Butterfly Ancestors: Craft your own beautiful butterflies, symbolising the souls of ancestors returning to visit during this sacred time.

    Hummingbird Creations: Capture the spirit of the hummingbird, a beloved symbol of love, resilience and joy, in your own unique art.

    Clay Charms: Create your own small *árbol de vida*, or tree of life, to honour loved ones and celebrate the beauty of the cycle of life.

    Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply excited to try something new, this workshop is the perfect way to celebrate Día de los Muertos in a meaningful and creative way. Bring friends, family, or come solo and connect with others who are excited to honour these beautiful traditions.

    Reserve your spot today, and join us as we remember, create, and celebrate together. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!

    Suitable for families with children aged 4+

    All Workshops are Drop-In & ‘Pay What You Can’ donations. 

    Any questions? Email us on contact[at]itzatna[dot]org or DM us on socials @itzatna.arts // @itzatna_arts

  • Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon pottery workshop is back for Second Saturday – come and get friendly with clay!

    Drop in – free/donation

  • WHITE POPPY EVENT

    WHITE POPPY EVENT

    2-5PM

    The Mix Cafe

    Children & family friendly

    Craft activities include making:

    • Paper poppies/doves and coloring in
    • Palestine themed friendship bracelet
    • Badges
    • Peace stories and drawings

    Craft stall and baked goods for sale. All proceeds will go to MATW Limbs of Hope Project (and supporting a family in Gaza)

    £5 per child, £2.50 per additional child

  • Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    11am until 1pm, Lower gallery or courtyard, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works

    Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood

    Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces

    pathcarvers.co.uk

  • Palestinian Tatreez bookmark Workshop

    Palestinian Tatreez bookmark Workshop

    Join The MIAH Foundation for an in–person workshop on creating a Palestinian Tatreez bookmark, with a guided tutorial.

    During the in–person workshop, you will learn about the history of Palestinian Tatreez and the techniques to create your own embroidery based on traditional motifs. You will then create your own Tatreez bookmark. All materials will be provided. This workshop is being run as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.

    12 – 2pm | Saturday 12th October 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

  • Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    11am until 1pm, Lower gallery or courtyard, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works

    Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood

    Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces

    pathcarvers.co.uk

  • Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon pottery workshop is back for Second Saturday – come and get friendly with clay!

    Drop in – free/donation

  • Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop-October

    Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop-October

    In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.

    All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style.

 Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!

    Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)

  • CDT for under 11’s

    CDT for under 11’s

    11am onwards – drop in, The Old Print Works upper gallery

    Wood working skills that can set you up for life

    pricing available in workshop

  • The Upholstery Group at The Old Print Works

    The Upholstery Group at The Old Print Works

    The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works

  • Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon pottery workshop is back for Second Saturday – come and get friendly with clay!

    Drop in – free/donation

  • Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop – September

    Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop – September

    In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.

    All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style.

 Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!

    Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)

  • CDT for under 11’s

    CDT for under 11’s

    11am onwards – drop in, The Old Print Works upper gallery

    Wood working skills that can set you up for life

    pricing available in workshop

  • The Upholstery Group at The Old Print Works

    The Upholstery Group at The Old Print Works

    The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works

  • Solidarity Badge Sewing

    Solidarity Badge Sewing

    Come along 1-2.30pm to make a little orange heart badge – an international symbol of friendship – as an antidote to hate

  • The Upholstery Group at The Old Print Works

    The Upholstery Group at The Old Print Works

    The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works

  • Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop – August

    Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop – August

    In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.

    All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style.

 Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!

    Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)

  • Sundragon Pottery –  August

    Sundragon Pottery – August

    Sundragon pottery workshop is back for Second Saturday – come and get friendly with clay!

    Drop in – free/donation

  • Ceramic Tile:The Dome of  The Rock with the MIAH Foundation

    Ceramic Tile:The Dome of The Rock with the MIAH Foundation

    Come join us for our Saturday in–person workshop based on the tile of the Dome of the Rock, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    12-2pm | Saturday 13th July 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Join us to learn about this Dome of the Rock tile design and create your own ceramic coaster to take home. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.

    This workshop is inspired by the ceramic tiles that decorate the Dome of Rock, or Qubbat aṣ-Ṣakhra, in Jerusalem, Palestine (occupied Palestinian territories). Painted in an underglaze of cobalt blue on a white tile, this floral design can be tesselated to create a never-ending pattern. During this workshop, you will study one of the tile patterns that adorn this building, which is currently housed at the British Museum and in the teaching collection of the MIAH Foundation Islamic Arts Gallery.

    You will recreate this design on a ceramic tile that can then be taken home to be displayed or used as a coaster. Please note: this workshop focusses on the design of the tile. Due to the length of the workshop, the design will be painted using acrylic paints and not underglaze.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Book your place today below

  • Sundragon Pottery –  july

    Sundragon Pottery – july

    Sundragon pottery workshop is back for Second Saturday – come and get friendly with clay!

    Drop in – free/donation