Makers Workshop
The therapeutic quality of craft
Reinstating the skills of craft and the art of slowing down!
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with perfect images on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, craft is often misunderstood, with a focus on the finished product or ‘look’, rather than the importance of the process or skills that are developed and honed through hours or years of repetition.
Scott will share his skills and experiences with you throughout the morning where you will have the opportunity to take part in a range of practical experiences, enabling you to build your knowledge through hands-on learning that include:
Sculpting with clay and wire
When children draw, they take a line for a walk in a two-dimensional space. When they work with wire and clay, they can extend this into the three-dimensional space and create a sculpture.
Wire allows children opportunity to think with their hands and work with tools as they twist, snip, weave and join this flexible material.
The process of working with clay supports personalised learning, sensory development, fine motor skills, self-esteem, self-expression and problem solving skills. In addition, clay has a well-documented therapeutic quality that settles and calms children.
Weaving incorporating natural materials
Weaving is acknowledged as one of the oldest surviving crafts in the world. With that in mind we will be exploring the process of weaving through the construction of weaving webs and simple baskets based on ancient practices using materials including Willow, Flax and Cambungi.
Felting
Felt from wool is considered to be the oldest known textile.
Here you will discover the magic of working with fleece and develop an understanding around the technique of wet felting and needle felting, quick and fun projects to make with children and where to purchase materials required.
Soap Carving
Soap carving is as it’s name suggests the act of carving a bar of soap, although it can be much more complex than it seems. Soap carving is an art that anyone can learn. It can be an amazing activity for children but it can also be a gateway to creating amazing sculptures and getting in touch with your artistic side.
Soap carving is used by many as a way to clear the mind and reduce stress, it has also been identified as helping with anxiety and insomnia. The motions of carving are always rythmic, creating a visually and audibly soothing experience for the carver as well as those watching and listening.
Facilitator:
Scott Gibson
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