As Mother’s Day is approaching in the UK, I’ve been thinking of what I could get my mum that could be a change from chocolates or flowers. I was also trying to think of things that perhaps we could both do together while still staying in our own homes, and I thought perhaps creative workshops could be a really nice idea.

Trying something new with a friend can make learning and creating more fun, and right now I think most of us would just like something new to do and discuss that we can get excited about!

Making and creating - crafting - has been proved to help reduce stress and anxiety, increase dopamine which reduces the risk of dementia ,and improve wellbeing through a sense of enjoyment and pride. Making generally involves repetitive actions which are soothing yet require enough focus that you can’t really worry about the state of the world while you work- this is certainly what I find with knitting and visible mending! So, getting creative seems like the perfect antidote to the stresses most of us are experiencing just now.

If you’d like to read more about the health benefits of craft, you can do that here.

I’ve found a few great options to get you started if you’re in need of some creative craft workshop ideas. I’ve tried to choose a range of ideas that I think you’ll love- try them yourself, and maybe treat a friend or your mum if you’d like to get creative together!

Camban Studio

Fiona at Camban studio has created a fantastic series of creative workshops running throughout the year, covering Drawing with Stitch, Embellishment and Beading, Sashiko and Eco Printing. You provide materials that you have, and she will guide you through her favourite techniques each week in a relaxed zoom session.

For more details and booking information, head over to her website here.

Miesje Chafer

Miesje is a print designer, and I’ve loved her work ever since I first met her at an event in Farnham a few years ago. Her work includes printed fabrics and papers, embroidery and quilting, and she has put together some embroidery kits which I think looks great! Have a look at her printed paper packs too- if you think origami might be your thing, they’d be great to play with.

Snapdragon Life

I have to admit that Snapdragon Life is one of my favourite Instagram accounts to follow, with beautiful countryside imagery. That description really isn’t good enough, so if you’re looking for a daily dose of joy, take a look for yourself! Jane has created tutorials for all sorts of making, gardening and generally things for a slower, happier life. She has some lovely craft kits, including “Grow your own Calendula balm” (I love that idea), making your own wax wraps and solar dyeing alpaca socks.

Squid Ink Co

Squid Ink Co are a Glasgow based craft business, and they have a selection of fantastic looking little weaving loom kits with different colour options. Why not get making your own little tapestry?

Laura Spring

Laura Spring is a textile and print designer also based in Glasgow. Her designs are bold and colourful (no prizes for guessing why I love them!), and she has created kits so you can make your own cushion using her fabrics. There are a range of colour and pattern options to choose from, so the only difficult bit is choosing which one to go for! You can also find a kit to make your own wax wraps.

Collingwood-Norris

Then of course there is darning and visible mending- great skills to learn so you can look after your knitwear and keep it for longer, with endless creative possibilities!

I have a darning kit that is a great way to give someone a new skill- everything they need to get started in the one pack, wrapped up nicely to make it a lovely gift.

It’s also worth keeping an eye out on Jude Gove, who has started doing zoom workshops to make her beautiful leather purses, with materials sent out in advance. Just doesn’t have a website, but keep an eye on her Instagram for new workshops being announced.

Kate Colin Design has also started online creative craft workshops recently for her incredibly beautiful paper folding. If you haven’t seen her amazing folded lampshades, then definitely go and have a look!