New Year, New Start

http://www.yogaanisha.com/

After an incredibly successful session in December the wonderful Nisha is back to host a positive thinking workshop to set you up for the new year. By giving you the tools to change your thoughts and change your life this fun and interactive workshop will talk you through how to change your life into what you want through the power of thought. All you need to bring are some photos of yourself, some magazines and a smile!

"This is a very good workshop and I would highly reccomend it to anyone in need of some positive thoughts, after attending the Decmber workshop I am now looking forward to a very joyful 2011"- Ute

Learn how to crochet

Free drop in session

Wednesday 14th December

10:30-12

Thought about buying your Xmas Tree yet? Why not make your own...

Family Club this week was packed to rafters with eager families getting into the festive spirit and spreading some cheer making their own alternative Xmas trees.

Why not pop along to our Xmas Fair this weekend where we will be making decorations for our trees.

Beginners Sewing Machine Workshop

Want to enrol on our beginners sewing machine workshop, but not sure what level you are at? 
Here is a step by step guide of what you can expect us to cover in your session. 

We spend the first hour of the session covering the basics of how to set your machine up, how to select the right stitch and how to work out the tension on your machine. Each participants is given a hand out to take notes during the session.

Once everyone has got to grips with their machines it is time to put what we have learned in to practice.

Each person selects their own fabric and cuts the pattern pieces for their very own tote bag.

The results are fabulous don't you agree?

Our next session is on Monday 29th November, 9am-11am. 
To book your place email jill.robertson@stmargaretshouse.org.uk

Holy Mackerel- Saturday Family Club started this Saturday

Sophie along with her trusty sidekicks got crafty this Saturday with her Superhero's and Super Villains themed workshop.

Each group invented their own superhero and their arch nemesis, gave them a name and decided on their individual powers. Next step was to start bring them to life by sticking, cutting and painting.

We already have 3 groups down for next week, come on, join in the fun, you know you want to!

Full House at the Beginners Sewing Course

We were full to the brim with enthusiastic participants for last night beginners sewing class. Workshop leader Lyn introduced the class to the basics of hand sewing through her unique and quirky style. Hearts were filled and friends were made and everyone went away the proud owner of their own craft project and a new skill to pass on to others.

Jealous you missed out on the fun last night? Check out our new online booking system on the right hand side of the blog and get yourself in there quick sharp for the next session.

Beginners Workshop- First Session Complete

Our very first beginners workshop session happened tonight and was a great success.
By starting off small and making a simple toy we taught the basics of cutting out from a pattern, pining out fabrics and hand stitching them together.

The result was a unique gift that our participants took away with them.

Next week- machine sewing basics- interested??

Beginners Sewing Workshop- Wednesday 10th November @ 6:30

To Book your place or for more info please email- 


jill.robertson@stmargaretshouse.org.uk 
siobhan.watts@stmargaretshouse.org.uk

Cut it out, and sew!

Today the back to basics space was buzzing with activity with a bunch of volunteers sharing their working techniques, ideas and inspirations.  Maria explained how she produces her beautifully crafted textile compositions using a 'cutwork' technique as a base and local folklore/poetry as subject matter.  Maria also made a stunning textile design (see images below) and Angela tried it out for herself with Maria's guidance;  look out for the results appearing in the window space soon.   

 Maria explaining her technique to the group and

 below her great design for the Back to Basics window.

Reese, has been making more template cars to add to the growing collection of paper sculptures invading the shelves at Back to Basics.

Angela worked on her small, intricate, peak district inspired pieces using hand embroidery techniques.

And in anticipation of tomorrows alternative eco toy making workshop Amy has been sketching ideas for new 'creature characters' to make up.  

Looking forward to tomorrow's blog!

Show us your handy work

Italian jewellery designer Francesca Colli hosted our very first jewellery workshop today, teaching her willing participants how to make one of her beautiful designs.

By using pliers and copper wire she showed how to twist and turn your way to a beautiful ring, a set of elegant earings or beaded bracelet.

Pop into Ayoka where her designs are on sale now!!

Creature Comforts

Creature Comforts

New volunteer Amy came in today and got stuck in by turning some of Ayoka's misfits into, well misfits of a different kind.

Her unique take on teddy bears have a dark side with hand illustrated features. Pop in on Friday and learn how to make one for yourself.

Here's what you missed today- Mosaic Taster Session

The end of week 2 at Back to Basics and yet another successful taster session under our belts. Today we saw some very interesting projects coming together in Angela's mosaic workshop. 

Buttons, beads, glass tiles and shells were all fair game when it came to Angela's brief introduction to the basics of mosaic making. With her willing students Angela taught the basics of cutting shapes and the rules of mosaic making, producing some very interesting results.

Roll on here full workshop which is planned for later this month. Watch this space for more info or sign up to our news letter so we can keep you updated.

First workshop success! :D

So after an exciting week of open studios here at Back to Basics, we had our first workshop this morning. 

A group of enthusiastic sock lovers created some funky colourful mobile phone cases! We got crafty with sewing, cutting and glueing pom-poms, glitter, sequins, beads, their names and winding pipe cleaners onto individually crafted cases!

Halloween Half Term -Workshops Confirmed

Day 3 brought new people and new skills through the door at Back to Basics. We have recruited 4 new volunteers and 2 new workshop leaders, which means a whole new range of classes for you to enjoy. Check out our workshop page to see next weeks schedule or pop by to sign up.


Plus go to the Volunteers tab to see what the team got up to today.

Day Two and things start to get crafty.

Day two already and our band of trusty volunteers have been on hand at Back to Basics to meet any visitors who stop by to see what we are all about. We have had such positive feedback from all of you so thank you for stopping by.

Watch this space over the next week as we start to upload our workshop programme, or pop by all week between 10-5 and have a chat about our upcoming programmes.

In the meantime check out our volunteers section for a day by day diary of what we have been making.

                                   

Almost There...

After a few weeks of hard labour and good old fashioned elbow grease, the newly renovated workshop is almost ready to go. We're putting some finishing touches inside and out over the next few days, adding some more lights, a new sign and a window display ready for our official opening on Monday 18th October.

We've got lots of plans for the space which we will be sharing with you very soon!