Create & Unfold Workshops

Victorian and Japanese makers understood that creativity, resourcefulness, and community could thrive even in challenging times. Their techniques carry a kind of quiet magic, practical, beautiful, and deeply human. If you can fold paper or hold a needle, you can make something delightful. If you like the idea of slowing down, making something beautiful, and learning a little about crafting history, I’d love to welcome you!

Which workshops shall be taking place on which days:

9th April - Paper Engineering Workshop

14th May - Tunnel Book Workshop

11th June - Kimekomi Workshop

13th August - Puzzle Purses Workshop

10th September - Paper Engineering Workshop

8th October - Tunnel Book Workshop

What's a Tunnel Book?

A tunnel book is a 3D, accordion-folded, paper-engineered structure that creates a miniature, layered, scenic, or narrative diorama. The book uses a series of pages (panels) with central, progressively smaller cut-out windows, allowing the viewer to look through the book to see a detailed, deep scene, often styled as a peepshow.

What's Kimekomi?

Originating in Japan, kimekomi involves embedding pretty fabric into a solid form to create seamless patterns. Calm, precise, and deeply satisfying to learn.

What's a Puzzle Purse?

Puzzle Purse are intricately folded paper, origami-style, letters or love tokens popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. They feature complex, layered, and often hand-painted designs that unfold in a specific sequence to reveal hidden messages, poems, or small tokens. These "love notes" were used to convey affection.

A Nurturing Environment for All Makers:

There’s absolutely no pressure to finish quickly; the focus is on personal growth and enjoyment. Beginners are warmly welcome. This is a place to slow down, make beautiful things,  and learn a little history along the way. Participants will take home beautifully crafted pieces that reflect their unique journey and individuality.

This event is hosted by Karen. Karen is a lifelong maker with a background leading large-scale transformation across public services, healthcare, and international projects. She teaches with clarity, warmth, and a knack for organising creative chaos. She believes in the joy of crafting. Her workshops are designed to provide clear and supportive teaching, fostering a calm environment for all participants to explore their creativity.