Part of our 'A Creative Place' project funded by The Holywood Trust, The Robertson Trust, Muirhall Energy and The Stevenson Trust, MAKING SPACE FOR CRAFTS is an online programme, consisting of instructive, inclusive and accessible creative sessions led by experienced artists and makers.

We have designed an adult programme delivered via ten fortnightly sessions and four seasonal children's workshops; helping to make Langholm a more creative place and creating new pathways into hands-on arts and crafts practises for our local community. The project empowers local people of all ages by building skills and confidence via participation in the creative process in a collective manner.

You can register for a 'craft pack' for each workshop which will contain the specific materials required to take part. Craft packs are limited and a small fee applies (this fee will vary depending on the workshop).

Workshops will also be shared via the MAKING SPACE FOR CRAFTS Facebook page HERE where you will also receive feedback, support and encouragement from the project's tutors. You can also share your crafting journeys!

You can access all tutorials as they're shared via the workshop page HERE. Workshops will remain online, creating an accessible archive. Feedback and support for specific sessions will be available over the fortnight following their release. If you're not on Facebook, you can access support via telephone or email by contacting us at the email below.

To register for craft packs or to find out more about the project, please email hello@outpostarts.co.uk
ADULT PROGRAMME:

WEEK ONE - PRINTED TOTE BAG
Monday 19th October 2020
Tutor: Helen Walsh

You will create a printed surface pattern or design using found objects or items found in nature using a variety of methods, practicing on plain scrap material to experiment.

WEEK TWO – EMBELLISHING PRINTED FABRIC
Monday 2nd November 2020
Tutor: Helen Walsh

Following on from Week 1’s workshop, you will add embroidery to a surface pattern design and  embellish existing patterned material/item(s) of clothing. to create something unique and new.

WEEK THREE – CREATE AN ART PRINT
Monday 16th November 2020
Tutor: Lucy MacLeod

Finding inspiration from your environment, design and create art prints on a range of paper using found objects e.g. corks, leaves, flowers and fruit/veg and printing techniques, such as mono-typing.

WEEK FOUR – INVENTIVE BOOK-MAKING
Monday 30th November 2020
Tutor: Helen Walsh

Design and create a unique hand-made book examining pattern, texture, text, layering and line-work. This session could also build on previous week's printing sessions as a next step.

WEEK FIVE – CHRISTMAS TABLE DECORATION
Monday 14th December 2020
Tutor: Ellen Cumming

Design and create a range of Christmas table decorations e.g. centre-piece, place-settings using a range of materials and techniques; recycling and re-using materials where possible.

WEEK SIX – CROCHET CRAFTS
Monday 4th January 2021
Tutor: Gillian Torrance

Gillian will walk you through how to crochet a cosy winter scarf/neck-warmer and decorate it with recycled buttons/accessories.
WEEK SEVEN – UPCYCLING I
Monday 18th January 2021
Tutor: Emma Duncan

Find new purposes for existing, found or unwanted clothing using creative up-cycling techniques.

WEEK EIGHT – UPCYCLING II
Monday 30th January 2021
Tutors: Rose’s Wardrobe

Reinvigorate old clothing via creative visible mending/embroidery techniques.

WEEK NINE – CREATIVE CONTAINERS
Monday 13th February 2021
Tutor: Lucy MacLeod

You will create new purposes for old containers e.g. tin cans, glass jars, plastic bottles using a variety of stylish and decorative techniques.

WEEK TEN – FABRIC JEWELLERY/ACCESSORIES
Monday 27th February 2021
Tutor: Helen Walsh

You will learn new techniques in order to make a range of wearable jewellery/accessories with reused textiles as the source material.

Kids programme:

autumn crafts

With Gillian Stephenson
Monday 19th October

Create crafts objects including leaf sun-catchers using materials found in nature.

halloween crafts

With Helen Walsh
Monday 26th October

Create several spooky characters & objects including a Halloween lantern using simple materials.

diy christmas decorations

With Ellen Cumming
Monday 30th November

Create a range of seasonal decorations to brighten up your home and Christmas tree!

MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS GIFTS

With Gillian Stephenson
Monday 7th December

Design & make several crafts objects that can be given to friends and family as a Christmas present.

Meet the tutors

HELEN WALSH

LUCY MACLEOD

GILLIAN stephenson
Helen Walsh lives and works on the Solway Coast, specialising in drawing & textiles - in particular embroidery. Fascinated by the natural world, she is especially interested in using birds and feathers as symbols in her often intricate work.
Lucy MacLeod is an illustrator based in Langholm, having worked for a variety of high profile clients over 20 years. She is particularly focused on creating mixed media portraiture that combines line with graphic shapes and texture.
Gillian Stephenson is a textile maker who recently returned to Langholm from the Borders. She loves to use natural materials to create unique items, mainly focusing on crochet & needlework.

 ELLEN CUMMING

Following a career in teaching, Ellen Cumming developed her long-standing passion for the arts, channeling her energy into establishing a floristry business. A trained arts award adviser, she also delivers workshops and learning sessions for all ages.

EMMA DUNCAN

Emma Duncan is one half of Langholm-based vintage-inspired fashion brand 'Rose's Wardrobe', who create bespoke womenswear. With a background in commercial textiles, Emma is passonate about creating ethical and sustainable fashion.