"Get Stuffed"

I may seem as if I have been procrastinating lately, the root cause being a need to get my workshops as good as they can be, perhaps I've thought myself into a knot. This particular week has been  positive, apart from my having a nasty, wheezy tight chested cough, at least I've managed to tick a few things off my to do list.

One was to prepare for a forthcoming workshop that I am running for Charnwood Arts on 3 March, at the Charnwood Museum in Loughborough. This  will be a Jon Burgerman inspired workshop for kids.  I aim to get them to sew together their own designed characters in a similar simple, playful and cartoony style.

Last week, I hosted a mini session with a couple of willing participants - my friend, her boy and my son.  I really didn't have much of a plan to start with, rather, I wanted to create a space and atmosphere in which they could learn.  I offered suggestions for choice, and a few pictures to influence their decision to create their own characters.  The process was amazing to watch!  My friend went for bright and vibrant colours that matched her personality.  Her boy wanted to make a owl like character and  wanted to make a slight alteration to the general pattern on offer - a child who wanted to be different and my boy chose a more abstract arrangement - a boy just like his father!  There was a moment when they decided that the stitching was taking too long so intervention, (a plate of biscuits),  was required to keep them on task and motivated. Then there was a minor incident with a needle (mental note to give short but serious instruction on returning all pointy things back to their cushions before proceeding onto the next stage!) All in all a very successful and creative session.

If you would like to book your child onto the "Get Stuffed" workshop go to the Charnwood Arts, Artzone section for more information.

Ulr, Noel & Owl!