CHELTENHAM ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM’S CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP WEEK AND CRAFT MARKET

29 November – 4 December 2012

You know how every year you say you are going to make your own Christmas presents, and then somehow December rolls around and you still haven’t got around to it?

Well this year Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum are here to help with some Christmas Craft Workshops.  These will be led by some of the most talented local artists and makers to get your festive creativity kick-started!

Running alongside the popular Craft Market which sells high quality works by local artists, printmakers, and designer makers, the following workshops will be available:

• Thursday 29^th– Jaynie Tricker 9.30-2.30

Turn beautiful unwanted old paper items into angels, birds, and flowers as individual hangings or elegant garlands.

Learn how to turn beautiful but unwanted old paper, such as old maps, music manuscripts and tattered books into exquisite paper- sculpture hangings with a little skill and imagination. Local artist Jaynie Tricker will show you how to create beautiful objects such as butterflies, angels, hearts, flowers and birds as individual hangings or elegant garlands.

• Saturday 1^st– Icicles 2.30-5.00

Icicle hanging- decorations with Pig and Lion

Make your own festive icicle hangings using glass drops, textiles and glitter shapes. As intricate or as quick as you like, fun for all ages! Stick around later to see the Montpellier Christmas lights being turned on.

• Sunday 2^nd: Yarn Bombing with DillyTante. 11-4

Learn about the ideas behind craftivism and take part in a yarn bombing session on the Montpellier bandstand.

Yarn bombing is closely linked with Craftivism, a movement that seeks to bring awareness to political and social issues through craft. Talk with Yarn bombers and create your own design to go on the Montpellier bandstand.

(Requirements: Basic skills in either knitting or crochet. Please indicate whether you prefer to knit or crochet. Bring any old works-in-progress or random swatches of knitting or crochet.)

• Monday 3^rd: Make your own Soap with the Little Soap Company

Make your own soap with Emma Heathcoate-Jones from the little soap company, and talk to her about how she turned her crafting hobby into a business.

Create a delicious and unique soap for a gift or as a treat for yourself. Emma Heathcote -Jones will show you the basics of soap making and be full of tips about how to turn your hobby into a business.

• So whether you just pop in to buy some artwork and soak up the atmosphere, or decide to learn a new skill, or finally make all your own Christmas presents this year, don’t forget to pop in and see us.

• For further information please contact Liha Okunniwa : liha.okunniwa@cheltenham.gov.uk