❋
Throwing Creative Mischief at life events
Workshops that slow you down, spark conversation, and help you create something meaningful to honour the moment
Sometimes we just need to stop. Make something with our hands. Have a proper conversation. Create space to breathe.
That's what these workshops are about.
Not rushed. Not productive. Not ticking boxes on a to-do list.
Just creative connection – with yourself, with others, with materials, with stories.
Whether you're learning to sew, weaving with scraps, turning junk mail into beautiful journals, or creating memory pieces from treasured fabrics – these workshops give you permission to slow down and make something that matters.
Perfect for groups who want to:Deal with the highs and lows of life with creativity, colour and a whole raft of creative chaosTake time out for wellbeing and creativityLearn new skills in a relaxed, supportive environmentConnect through making (not just talking)Create meaningful keepsakes and beautiful handmade itemsExplore sustainable craft practices using reclaimed materials
Wonderful Waste: Sustainable Making
All workshops use reclaimed, recycled, and repurposed materials wherever possible.
Fabric scraps become greeting cards. Junk mail becomes beautiful journals. Deadstock textiles become treasured garments. Paint sample cards, photo negatives, teabags, and bits of this and that become art.
Not only is this kinder to the planet, but working with "imperfect" materials takes the pressure off. There's freedom in making something beautiful from scraps – it's already wonky, already weird, already wonderful.
“Great tutor who enabled everyone to work at their own pace”
Participant at Bradford Industrial Museum Heritage Apron Making workshop
Workshop themes
1. Textile & Sewing Workshops
Beginners Welcome | Intermediate Skills | Heritage Techniques
From learning to use a sewing machine for the first time to developing pattern-reading skills, these workshops celebrate textile heritage while building practical skills you'll use for years.
What we make:
Simple garments and accessories
Heritage-inspired items (aprons, fabric buttons, woven pieces)
Upcycled textile projects
Perfect for: Museums, heritage sites, community groups, textile guilds
2. Mixed Media
Playful | Experimental | Story-Led
Using reclaimed materials (junk mail, fabric scraps, paint cards, found objects), we create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that tell stories.
What we make:
Handmade sketchbooks and journals
Textile collage art
Greeting cards from fabric scraps
Wax-sealed memory pieces
Bookmarks, brooches, and textile tiles
Perfect for: Libraries, art centres, wellbeing programmes, creative groups
3. Weaving & Fibre Arts
Meditative | Accessible | Beautiful Results
Small-frame weaving and simple fibre techniques that anyone can do – wonderfully therapeutic and surprisingly addictive.
What we make:
Mini weavings (landscape pieces, abstract designs)
Woven wall hangings
Simple crochet projects (for beginners)
Perfect for: Wellbeing programmes, mindfulness groups, care settings
4. Creative Memory-Making
Therapeutic | Meaningful | Deeply Personal
Workshops that help people preserve memories, commemorate loved ones, celebrate big life events, and transform sentimental items into keepsakes through gentle, creative making.
What we create:
Memory weavings of meaningful places & landscapes
Textile mementos from textiles with sentimental value (clothes, blankets etc)
Mixed media pieces incorporating personal items
Creative ways to honour stories and memories
Perfect for: Bereavement support services, heritage groups, community wellbeing programmes, museums
Special note: These workshops are designed with sensitivity and care, creating safe space for people to process emotions through making.
Workshop formats
Single Sessions (2-3 hours) Perfect for taster sessions, drop-in programmes, or one-off events, creating smaller items like brooches, bookmarks, keyrings. Great for learning the basics & piquing interest, or as a workshop in a larger event.
Multi-Session Series (4-6 weeks) Develop deeper skills, build community, complete more ambitious projects. Great for people who would benefit from weekly engagement & creative time.
Week/weekend Intensives (2-5 days) Dedicated time for heritage techniques or skill-building and the most ambitious projects, e.g. making clothing, memory items.
Family Workshops Suitable for children (6-12 years) with accompanying adults, or drop-off options for 8-12 year olds.
Holiday Programmes School holiday clubs exploring different craft technique. Can follow the format of any of the above.
Who I work with
Museums & Heritage Sites Workshops that connect to local history, industrial heritage, and traditional craft techniques
Community Groups & Wellbeing Programmes Creative connection sessions that prioritise mental health, social connection, and gentle skill-building
Schools & Youth Groups Engaging craft workshops that build confidence, creativity, and practical skills
Libraries & Arts Centres Drop-in making sessions and creative series that bring communities together
Corporate Wellbeing Team-building through making (no trust falls, just textiles)
My approach
Sustainability First
I use reclaimed, recycled, and repurposed materials wherever possible, modelling sustainable craft practices and celebrating creativity from "waste."
Heritage Meets Contemporary
Many workshops connect to local industrial heritage (particularly textile manufacturing) while teaching relevant contemporary skills.
All Abilities Welcome
I adapt workshops for different skill levels, ages, and abilities. Whatever your ability and skills, you can safely make beautiful things.
Creative Health
Making has genuine therapeutic benefits – encouraging mindfulness, preserving memories, building community connections, and giving our hands something to do while our minds wander.
No Pressure, Just Creation
These workshops aren't about perfection. They're about process, conversation, connection, and creating something meaningful (even if it's a bit wonky).
Interested in booking a workshop?
I'd love to hear about your group, your space, and what kind of creative connection you're hoping to create.
Get in touch via the contact form or email helen@unlikelygenius.com and let's chat about what would work for you.
Practicalities
Based in: Bingley, West Yorkshire
Available for: Workshops across Yorkshire and surrounding regions (contact for further afield)
Group sizes: Flexible (typically 6-15 participants depending on workshop type and premises for the more intense programmes)
All materials provided: Participants just bring themselves (and personal items for memory-making workshops)