Creative Workshops Await… Summer Workshops Coming Soon!
At Happy Makes, I offer creative workshops that blend art, nature and wellbeing. These sessions are designed to be playful, inclusive of all abilities, and restorative – a proper break for your mind. You don’t need to be ‘good at art’ to join in.
Workshops are designed to be:
Open-ended and expressive – no ‘wrong way’ to make
Sustainable and low-cost where possible, often using scrap, upcycled or natural materials
Suitable for most ages, generally aimed for ages 13+ (can be adapted on request). Family friendly, but not childish.
Rooted in Nature – drawing inspiration from plants, textures, stories and seasons.
Workshops range from gel plate printing with natural textures, to making pocket journals, scrappy patchwork, slow stitching, zine-making and poetry collages using found words. Messy and energetic, mindful or calming, I can put together something for you.
It wouldn’t be Happy Makes without crochet and knitting classes – they haven’t gone away and I’m exploring possibilities.
I’m currently seeking to develop my programme in collaboration with local organisations. If you would like me to run one of these sessions at your venue, or book a private session, please get in touch.
Otherwise, please join the mailing list to find out when bookings open. Thank you, and see you soon!
Revisiting old classes and worksjops in knitting, crochet, spinning and more.
Family friendly workshops a speciality.
Experiment with new mediums and techniques.
Workshop Menu
How to Crochet: An Introduction to Granny Squares and Patterns
Learn the fundamentals of crochet, such as basic stitches, changing colour and following a simple pattern.
Junk Journalling for Beginners
Repurpose old papers, envelopes and magazines to make a journal to use as a diary, reciepie book, commonplace book… anything. Simple bookbinding for beginners.
Gel Plate Printing with Nature
Explore printing with leaves, flowers, feathers, and found treasures. A great introduction to playful, experimental mark-making and monoprinting
Pocket Wild Journals
Make a small notebook to tuck into a coat or bag. Start to fill your pages with garden wisdom, notes, sketches, quotes or pressed leaves.
Garden Guardian Dolls
Make a small soft doll or creature inspired by the garden – a spirit of nurture or mischief.
Mythical Garden Creatures
Draw or collage a creature who might live in or protect the garden. Add a description, name, or secret power.
Eco-Spell Flags (suggested collaboration)
Create mini flags with affirmations or messages of hope and growth. String them together or keep them as individual treasures.
Secret Garden: Zine-Making
Cut, collage and doodle a tiny magazine, or zine that tells a personal or wild story—imagined or remembered.
Wildflower Memory Cards
Create beautiful mini artworks inspired by flowers or plants. Add a written reflection or memory tied to each one.
Patchwork for the Planet (suggested collaboration)
Stitch a small piece of slow textile art that connects to a feeling about the Earth, garden, or community. This could grow into a collaborative “quilt” or wall piece.
Fragmented Landscapes
Torn papers, stitching, and printed textures come together to build abstract garden-inspired scenes. Encourages letting go of perfection.
Whisper Stones
Decorate stones or wood slices with personal symbols, messages, or quiet reminders.
Found Poetry in the Garden
Use magazine scraps, paint and gel prints to create poetic collage pages.
Earth Marks
Create expressive abstract pieces using natural brushes (twigs, leaves, handmade stamps).
Generous Testimonials
“I’ve never had someone encourage me like this – thank you!”
“I’ve finally got the hang of crochet and made a blanket for my grandchild”
“I’d recommend Caroline’s workshops to anyone. She’s friendly and encouraging, and I’ll be back for more!”