Gallery of Work

Teaching traditional craft skills to our community.

Developing positive mental health attitudes.

Restoring our own wellbeing. 

Recycling and re-inventing textiles .

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The Gallery of Us Creating Art Together

 

“Sewing mends the soul”

Testimonials – What Our Learners Say

Maureen P.

Having done a couple of courses with the lovely ladies of Cultural Creatives I can’t recommend them highly enough. 

 The environment felt friendly, safe and inclusive, shyness and nerves were very soon forgotten, you were encouraged to use your own creativity whilst also having enough support examples and group discussions for those less confident in their own ideas so that everybody achieved something to be proud of, the materials provided were lovely and diverse so that everyone had choices and everything we made was unique. 

 The whole experience each time was a huge confidence boost, which left you keen to keep trying new things and it was so lovely to make new friends so that I didn’t feel so isolated. I feel that doing the courses has been of so much benefit to my wellbeing. 

 A totally positive experience which has encouraged me to be a bit more confident my day-to-day life. 

Heather G. S.

I would recommend the team, as they are fantastic teachers. All are encouraging, supportive and fun to be with. I did a Batik class for the first time. Was fantastic how to draw picture, apply wax, paint and try other types of the dye. 

 I painted a herd of elephants and made it into a cushion. Very happy with the end product. On 5th Aug, 2020 I made my Batik painting into a cushion 

Michelle supplied beautiful backing of elephants and helped me cut it out and pin back and front together. I have not used a sewing machine for 40yrs and was a bit nervous but found with encouragement it was no problem and hadn’t forgotten 

Thanks everyone and look forward to more classes.

Our Story

Our Mission, Vision & Values

Cultural Creatives Community Interest Company aims to teach traditional craft skills to our local communities, providing essential skills to transform the way we look at contemporary consumerism. We teach participants how to mend, recycle and re-invent textiles into functional or decorative items. Participants will learn about different fabrics and dyeing techniques. They will learn and apply hand-printing techniques, develop simple sewing skills and take on patchwork from scraps with repeated geometric designs, or make a small piece using traditional rug techniques.  

We are a team dedicated to teaching traditional craft skills whilst raising awareness of mental health conditions and the environmental impact of textile consumerism. Our emphasis is on creating personal, quality items, mending and remaking old into new. We embrace new technologies whilst providing opportunities to learn from our craft heritage. Environmental impact of the textile industry is a global problem very much present in the media today. Cultural Creatives CIC will work with the local community to look at ways we can reduce textile waste whilst also restoring our own wellbeing through partaking in affordable craft activities.    

Our sessions encourage sharing of skills, developing pairs or small groups working to nurture and support aesthetic creativity and practical achievement across the group. We encourage intergenerational sharing, to overcome stereotyping and highlight the positive relationships, increased understanding and respect that can develop between generations. This can support positive mental health by helping individuals view society in a positive and appreciative way. 

Through the process of creative recycling we draw parallels with life lessons and the importance of rebuilding, learning and mending to help develop positive mental health attitudes create opportunities for social interaction and provide support through sign posting to specialist services. 

 Our staff are highly experienced and very knowledgeable in their chosen areas, differentiating to suit participant needs.  We will also stretch and challenge each participant to reach his or her full potential. 

A huge thank you to our funders.

 

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