WORKSHOPS & HOW TO BOOK
How to Book Your Workshops:
Festival tickets include one workshop.
👉 To book your included workshop:
Simply choose a workshop from the list below - click the book button below - select the workshop and add it to your basket — it will show as £0 at checkout as it’s included in your ticket price.
Want to add an extra workshop?:
You’re very welcome to book more than one workshop during the day.
👉 To add an extra workshop:
Step 1 – Click the book here button below and add an Extra Workshop Ticket to your basket
• 1 or 1.5 hour workshop – £14
• 2 hour workshop– £19
Step 2 – Choose your additional workshop and add your selected workshop to your basket
(this will show as £0 as your Workshop Ticket covers the cost - this just books your place in the workshop)
Any problems booking just get in touch via hello@makemend.co
Embroidered Photo
By Miss Shelly Designs
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Time: 10.30-12.30pm & 2.30-4.30pm
Turn Your Favourite Photo into a Hand-Stitched Keepsake with Miss Shelly Designs
Join my Embroidered Photo Workshop at the Make & Mend Festival and transform a treasured photo into a unique piece of embroidered art. Whether it’s a loved one, a beloved pet, or a special moment, you’ll learn how to stitch over your image to create a meaningful keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come.
What to Expect
This fun, hands-on workshop is led by me, Shell (aka Miss Shelly Designs), and is suitable for complete beginners as well as more confident stitchers.
During the session, you’ll learn how to:
• Embroider directly onto fabric printed with your photo
• Use simple, creative embroidery techniques
• Add texture, detail and personality with stitch
• Relax, unwind and enjoy some mindful creativity
• Experiment with my colourful embroidery thread collection
You’ll leave with your personal piece underway, along with the skills and inspiration to continue stitching at home. You will be asked to provide your photo in advance.
Colourful Weaving
By Agnis Smallwood *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Time: 10am-12noon & 12noon-2pm
Join Agnis Smallwood for a fun and colourful weaving workshop. You will create your own pair of pot holders, or coffee mug rug or plant pot mats, its up to you how you will use your gorgeous weaving.
You will create your own individual outcome as you will design your own pattern and be able to select from a range of colourful cotton loops to use within your work.
There will be lots of inspiration and ideas to help you as well as group demonstrations and one to one support throughout.
You don't need to bring anything with you. All equipment and materials are provided for use within the workshop. This workshop is suitable for beginners.
Photography is copyright: Joanne Crawford.
Candle Painting
By Ancheva Designs
Workshop duration: 1.5 hours
Time: 10-11.30am, 12-1.30pm & 2-3.30pm
Mindful Candle Painting with Ancheva Designs
Discover the therapeutic joy of candle painting.
This workshop invites you to slow down and embrace the "make and mend" spirit through colour and pattern.
We’ll guide you through the process of designing and hand-painting your own pair of taper candles, focusing on simple, beautiful motifs that celebrate the season.
It’s a perfect time for creative play that results in a functional piece of art for your home. All materials provided—just bring your imagination!
Kintsugi
By Amelia Jane Gilding *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 11am-1pm & 3-5pm
Discover the ancient art of Kintsugi with Amelia from Amelia Jane Gilding in a fun and creative way. Kintsugi, which literally translates as 'golden joinery', celebrates wabi-sabi (侘寂), the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection.
In this beginners workshop you will:
-
learn step-by-step how to safely break pottery and to repair it with gold, thereby embracing the cracks to make unique pieces of art.
-
restore a ceramic with Kintsugi to take home which makes a beautiful memento of the day and can be used as an ornament or gift.
Why this workshop is so special:
-
Kintsugi is a mindful, meditative art form that celebrates the beauty in imperfection.
-
It is a relaxing creative experience that you can share with others.
-
Your Kintsugi ceramic is a unique personalised piece of art that embraces the power of transformation.
Coaster Printing
By Jessica Jayne Designs
Workshop duration: 1 hour
Times: 1-2pm, 2.30-3.30pm & 4-5pm
Bring a burst of summer to your home with a Flower Coaster Printing Workshop.
A fresh and creative way to make your own set of bright, nature-inspired coasters—perfect for sunny tables, garden gatherings, or thoughtful handmade gifts.
Carve patterns and shapes into lino, then print your designs onto wooden coasters, inspired by flowers in full bloom.
If you're looking for a relaxed, feel-good craft activity to enjoy on your own or with friends, this workshop is a lovely opportunity to experiment, create, and take home something beautifully unique.
Play With Clay
By Rebecca Ridley Ceramics
Workshop duration: 1 hour
Times: 3-4pm
Play with clay in this relaxed pottery workshop!
During this workshop you'll be able to pick from a selection of pottery makes from candle sticks to trinket boxes, spoons to pottery envelopes, or bring along your own ideas.Then pick from a variety of underglazes to decorate your piece.
Your piece will then be taken away to be fired and become a functional piece of art.
Collection of work can either be made at Rebecca Ridley Ceramics Studio at Kirkharle (Northumberland), or it will be posted out to you.
Find out more about Rebecca here!
Decorate a Mug
By Rebecca Ridley Ceramics *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 1 hour
Times: 12.30-1.30pm & 2-3pm
Decorate a mug or beaker with the wonderful pottery process of Wax Resist!
During this workshop you'll be able to pick from a selection of handmade mugs and beakers, to add your own patterns and designs too, by painting on a liquid wax resist. You can be as detailed or abstract as you fancy, plus you'll be able to add underglazes for a splash of colour!
You'll then have the opportunity to dip your pottery creation into a speckled glaze, and watch the patterns appear! Your piece will then be taken away to be fired and become a functional piece of art.
Collection of work can either be made at Rebecca Ridley Ceramics Studio at Kirkharle (Northumberland), or it will be posted out to you.
Find out more about Rebecca here!
Mosaic
By Gabrielle Naptali *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 11.30-1.30pm & 3-5pm
Discover the joy of creating with our Mosaic Workshop.
Professional mosaic and community artist in the public realm for over 25 years, Gabrielle Naptali will be guiding in using broken crockery, colourful glass tiles & disassembled costume jewellery to create delightful summery mosaic images featuring an array of ladybirds, butterflies, flower and bees to take home!
Find out more about Gabrielle here!
Felt Bluebell Garden
By The Handmade Florist *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 10am-12noon
Join Hannah from The Handmade Florist to create your own potted Bluebell Garden in this relaxed, two-hour session. To make the most of our time together, Hannah will provide pre-cut felt shapes, so we can get straight into the making.
The workshop moves at a steady, enjoyable pace, allowing plenty of time to learn the specialist techniques for assembling and shaping these iconic spring blooms. You’ll receive expert step-by-step tuition and all the premium materials needed to complete a finished, potted display to take home. It’s a perfect opportunity to slow down, get stuck into a new craft, and leave with a permanent piece of handmade springtime.
Participants should be comfortable using a glue gun (provided) and we will be using wool-blend felt, therefore this workshop is not suitable for those with a wool allergy.
Felt Orchid Houseplant
By The Handmade Florist
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 2.30-4.30pm
Join Hannah from The Handmade Florist and learn how to create your own beautiful felt houseplant. In this two-hour workshop, you’ll make a stunning, everlasting orchid that never needs watering! Hannah will provide pre-cut felt shapes for you, so we can skip the cutting out and focus entirely on the building and assembly of your plant.
The session is designed for a relaxed pace, giving you the time to master the shaping techniques and finishing touches that make these felt botanicals look so lifelike. You’ll be guided through every step and provided with all the tools and materials to finish your potted orchid during the class. You'll leave with a beautiful handmade plant to brighten your home.
Participants should be comfortable using a glue gun (provided) and we will be using wool-blend felt, therefore this workshop is not suitable for those with a wool allergy.
Silver Ring
By Lindsay Forbes *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 3.30-5.30pm
Join Lindsay Forbes, jewellery designer and Goldsmith from Bench Box to learn how to make your own ring in Sterling Silver. Learn how to measure your finger correctly, before cutting your wire, forming and soldering into a ring. You can even add texture with a variety of hammers to create your own narrow silver band.
Stamped Metal Bangle
By Lindsay Forbes *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 1 hour
Times: 12.30-1.30pm & 2-3pm
Join Lindsay Forbes, jewellery designer and Goldsmith from Bench Box as she shows you how to craft your own metal stamped cuff bangle.
Learn different techniques to metal stamp your own cuff bangle in aluminium. You'll be given tips and tricks to plan your design. Use numbers and letters to personalise, you can even add a favourite quote or song lyric.
Learn how to texture using different design stamps to create a bangle as individual as you are.
Bookbinding
By Kath Bell *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 3-5pm
French Link Stitch Bookbinding
Using a variety of artist papers to create your book, you will be taught how to use the french link bookbinding stitch to create a beautiful practical book.
Kath is an artist practising in printmaking book binding and animation. Working in an art school, Kath teaches print and book art techniques to degree and master level students and runs workshops around the North East.
Stamps & Books
By Kath Bell
Workshop duration: 2 hour
Times: 10am-12noon
Rubber Stamp Printing
Kath will teach you how to use specialist lino cutting tools to transfer your own images onto rubber stamps. Using ink pads in a variety of colours you will print your images in your very own handstitched book.
Kath is an artist practising in printmaking book binding and animation. Working in an art school, Kath teaches print and book art techniques to degree and master level students and runs workshops around the North East.
Embellish Beautiful Blooms
By Jessica Grady
Workshop duration: 1.5 hours
Times: 10-11.30am & 1.30-3pm
Create your own hand stitched beautiful floral bloom using zero waste mixed media embellishments.
Embroidery artist Jessica Grady will show you her techniques to create pleated petals, 3D tasselled stamens, and twisting vines to build your own unique and colourful artwork.
Jessica will open your eyes to what simple household rubbish can be given a new lease of life, and turned into an exciting embellishment to stitch onto fabric! She will also go through different decorative hand embroidery stitches to build your floral design. Your finished floral bloom could be stitched onto a bag or item of clothing, or kept as a beautiful piece of textile artwork.
No stitching experience is necessary and all abilities are welcome in the workshop.
Table Lamp
By Karen Kench - Kettle of Fish Designs
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 3-5pm
This workshop is ideal for those of you who have made a lampshade before. Making a table lamp is much the same process but a bit more difficult at the rolling stage due to the legs of the lamp.
You will be provided with all the materials you need for your lamp, including a bulb holder and switched cord with a plug.
There will be a wide variety of fabrics to choose from, or you can bring your own to ensure it will match your home decor. (A minimum fabric size of 388mm x 512mm is required to cover the self-adhesive panel.)
Your finished lamp will be 15cm in diameter and 35cm tall, with a 2m cable.
Find out more about Karen here!
Candle Lantern
By Karen Kench - Kettle of Fish Designs *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 10.30am-12.30pm
Make a matching pair of candle lanterns using dried grasses to create subtle shadows and a natural look.
These candle lanterns are made in exactly the same way as a regular lampshade, just on a much smaller scale!
You will be carefully guided through selecting your materials, applying a fire retardant backing and making up your lanterns for a professional finish.
Each lantern will be 10cm in diameter and 20cm tall, and comes with a natural cork base and battery powered tealight candle.
Doodle Stitched Wild Garden
By Jessica Grady
Workshop duration: 1.5 hours
Times: 3.30-5pm
Create your own mindful doodle stitched wild garden using recycled threads. Artist Jessica Grady will show you her favourite stitches to create textured flora, fauna, fruit and vegetables in your unique garden.
You could create a wild and tangled jungle or an ordered allotment patch, using threads and embellishments to add details, patterns and colour to your design. Jessica will show you stitches including: running stitch, couching, knots, chain stitch and blanket stitch. She will demonstrate tips and tricks for threading needles, working with unusual materials, and building your patterns together.
Doodle stitching is relaxing and great for mindfulness! You will leave the workshop with the start of your textile garden, which could be added as a fabric panel to a quilt,
cushion or clothing item.
No stitching experience is necessary and all abilities are welcome.
Willow Bird Feeder
By Sylvan Skills *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 2 hour
Times: 10.30am-12.30pm
Make two types of bird feeders, a simple one where one gets the feel for working with Willow , this takes about 30 minutes at the most. Then a more complex one in which one will learn various willow weaving techniques including plain weaving, pairing and possibly three rod or four rod waling.
These are ideal for the garden or the home!
Willow Platter
By Sylvan Skills
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 2-4pm
Make a platter (Catalan basket base), this will involve learning to handle the Willow making rings and learning pairing and whipping. For this activity I may bring the rings already made because then they are less likely to distort, but participants will be able to make their own ring in order to take this home to start a new platter.
Soap Making
By Valeriia Savina
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 10.30-12.30pm & 2-4pm
Join us for a 2-hour soap-making workshop and discover the art of cold process soap using a fun, beginner-friendly technique known as Kaleidoscope Soap.
In this hands-on session, you’ll create your own unique soap to take home, with guidance on how to cure it properly. Personalise your design by choosing your own fragrance, colours, and decorative “confetti” elements.
The workshop begins with a live demonstration, introducing the basics of soap-making and the chemistry behind the process. You’ll then work with a prepared soap base, ready to customise and pour into your own mould to take home.
Screen Printing
By Hannah Gawne
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 10.30-12.30pm & 2-4pm
Join local printmaker Hannah Gawne and explore the technique of screen printing.
In this workshop you will print a patterned design onto fabric to get to grips with the process.
You will then be able to develop your own design to print onto your choice of either a tote bag or tea towel. You will leave the session with two freshly printed fabric items, unique to you.
Dried Flower Wreath
By Bettie Hope
Workshop duration: 1.5 hours
Times: 4-5.30pm
Join Bettie from Thistle & Moonlace to create your own everlasting dried floral wreath.
Using flowers that have been mindfully grown and consciously dried in Teesside, this workshop offers a gentle, seasonal approach to making. Bettie will guide you step by step, helping you craft a unique wreath filled with natural texture and colour.
A beautiful piece to adorn your home, your finished wreath will be a lasting reminder of the landscape it came from.
Dried Flower Posy
By Bettie Hope
Workshop duration: 1.5 hours
Times: 10-11.30am
Join Bettie from Thistle & Moonlace to create your own dried floral posy.
Using flowers that have been mindfully grown and consciously dried in Teesside, this workshop invites you to work gently with the seasons and natural materials.
Bettie will guide you through the basics of forming your own beautiful arrangement in a jar.
Find out more about Bettie here!
Marbling
By Esma Ugurluoglu from Dem Art Collective
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 10.30-12.30 & 2.30-4.30pm
The Art of Painting on Water: Paper Marbling
Step into a world of colour and calm with this hands-on introduction to Ebru, the ancient art of paper marbling. Often described as "painting on water," this magical process is as much about relaxation as it is about creativity.
During the workshop, you will learn how to float vibrant paints on a specially prepared water surface and use traditional tools to create your own one-of-a-kind patterns. It is a truly mesmerising experience where you can slow down, watch the colours dance, and enjoy the rhythmic flow of the water.
By the end of the session, you will have experimented with several designs and will take home your very own marbled artworks to keep.
No previous experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and get ready to let your creativity shine!
Stained Glass
By Chloe Buck & Jane Cuthbert *SOLD OUT*
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 10am-12noon & 1-3pm
Join Chloe Buck and Jane Cuthbert for a unique introduction to copper foil technique Two stained glass artists who have a lifetime of experience.
Create simple light catchers’ in the form of whirlybirds, stars or fish.
Chloe is an incredible stained-glass designer with commissions that include Saltburn Cliff Lift, the Globe Stockton and James Cook Hospital and. Jane works for Whippet Up but this is her passion outside of her regular workshops.
Handstitched Banner
By Bianco Perry
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 11.30-1.30pm & 3-5pm
Come and join Bianco Perry to hand stitch your own banner.
Whether you want to have your favourite tea or your dogs name, the banners your oyster!
No experience necessary, she will even thread your needle if you need!
Needle Felt Landscapes
By Emma Pace
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Times: 10.30-12.30 & 3.30-5.30pm
Introduction to Fiber Art: Needle-Felted Landscapes.
Learn the fundamentals of 2D needle felting in this hands-on workshop. We will explore color blending, layering, and "painting" techniques using premium Merino wool.
By the end of the session, you’ll have mastered the basics of this therapeutic craft and created a unique landscape to display in an embroidery hoop. All materials are included, and beginners are warmly welcomed.