Let’s get crafty! It’s makers time
Norfolk Makers Festival sees The Forum, Norwich transformed for sixteen days with inspiring exhibitions, creative activities, workshops, demonstrations and crafty conversation. And it’s not just for adults too, families are welcome to look around and perhaps get involved in their daily programme of free activities.
Want to see the Queen’s Norfolk home knitted? This is Sandringham as you’ve never seen it before. Interested in naughty naked knits? Then the discreet Nudinit cinema will be just up your street. And want to be part of the biggest, longest adventure cartoon Norwich has ever seen? You can do this and so much more.
And with just under a week left of the festival, here’s a taster of what you can still see and do …
Photo: One of the fairground games made by Alby Stained Glass. By The Forum.
Artists from Alby Stained Glass, in Bawdeswell, have created a unique fairground modelled out of stained glass, complete with moving dodgems and a working carousel.
Those who remember Norwich in the sixties will enjoy the historic details in the models. You can watch the artists at work in The Forum and they will also be offering evening workshops so you can have a go at making your own stained-glass creations.
Photo: Nudinits by The Forum
The popular Nudinits are back with more episodes and yes, they’re a bit rude! Or perhaps saucy? If, you enjoy a bit of a ‘carry on’ style titter and are interested to see just how racy knitting can be, pop into the discreet Nudinit cinema.
The stop-frame animations, recounting adventures of the residents of the village of Woolly Bush, are created by artist Sarah Simi.
Photo: Margaret Seaman at Sandringham. Courtesy of The Forum.
Fans of extreme knitting are in for a treat thanks to local maker Margaret Seaman. Not content to stop after the knitted homage to Great Yarmouth in 2019 she’ll be exhibiting a work-in-progress knitted recreation of Sandringham, the Norfolk country home of Her Majesty the Queen. Eagle eyed visitors might also be able to spot members of the Royal Family around the display.
The display will be on public view throughout the Norfolk Makers’ Festival raising funds for the Louise Hamilton Trust.
Photo: The Ship of Light will form a community art piece during the festival. By Sarah Cannell.
Help create The Ship of Light, a piece of community artwork, which will be on display throughout the Festival.
The Ship of Light is part of a project called Creative Odyssey, set up by local artist Sarah Cannell whose son Henry was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2016.
The ship will help Creative Odyssey raise funds for Children with Cancer UK and to provide therapeutic art activities.
Photo: Gelli plate making will be on offer at Cromer Library. courtesy The Forum
For those who can’t get to the Festival at The Forum, here are a few other crafty options around the county during the Festival fortnight. Events include:
Full details available at https://norfolkmakersfestival.co.uk/fringe/
Photo: Artpocket will be offering workshops as part of Norfolk Makers Festival. courtesy The Forum
As well as the daily free activities the festival has specialist workshops where you can practice and learn new skills with expert makers. Come along and learn intaglio printmaking, crocheting, willow weaving and modelling with glass.
Photo: Join Craftivism movement Say it With Stitch. Courtesy of The Forum
Fri 21 Feb | Drop-in between 10am-4pm | Free
Craftivism (craft + activism) is a worldwide movement, which uses the quiet art of textiles to shout about big issues.
Join ‘craftivism’ enthusiasts #SayItWithStitchGY for a drop-in session creating stitched love notes addressed to our planet.
Sew your own mini patch to embellish your bag or wear as a statement brooch with your pledge to our earth.
Photo: There will be plenty of free family friendly activities at Norfolk Makers Festival. Courtesy of The Forum
Norfolk Makers Festival is family friendly and there’s plenty of fun to be had crafting and making as a family! The programme changes every day and there’s always free activities suited for all ages and abilities.
Check out the full programme at: https://norfolkmakersfestival.co.uk/whats-on/
Photo: Cartoon Challenge. Courtesy of The Forum
Sunday 23 Feb | Drop-in between 10.30am – 4pm
Head to The Forum and be part of creating the biggest, longest adventure cartoon Norwich has ever seen! Come along on 23 Feb for the final chance to add your own masterpiece to the cartoon. Professional cartoonist, David Shenton, will then be unveiling the giant artwork outside of City Hall.
So come down, pick up a pen and make your mark!
Photo: One of the submissions for Picking up The Threads exhibition. Julia Crook – Shoal – Disappearing Worlds.
Have a look at the amazing works from local makers. The Picking up the Threads juried exhibition sees over 40 pieces on display. These were selected by judges.
This promises to be a diverse and inspiring exhibition, featuring a wide range of unique and local textile art.
The festival programme changes every day and the full programme of what’s on can be found at norfolkmakersfestival.co.uk
