Workshops, Lectures & Activities

Free  Cost involved  Timed sessions  Pre-booking necessary at the activity

Workshop Marquee

The Workshop Marquee is where some of the practical hands-on activities have been brought together under one roof. This tent will feature six different workshops for both adults and children including,

Papermaking

A fascinating workshop giving you the opportunity to create your own handmade paper incorporating some of the flora from the Gardens of Hatfield House. The examples here have been made with daffodils and dahlia. Recycled materials and fibres such as rope can also be used.

Pyrography Workshop

Pyrography 'hands on' workshop and demonstration. Be inspired by the marvelous pyrography picture of Queen Elizabeth I whose childhood home was the Old Palace at Hatfield House. Make your own plaque, coaster or key fob with the guidance and instruction of a very skilled pyrography artist which can be taken home at the end of the day.

Stamping Workshop

Have some light-hearted fun in the stamping workshop run by Stamp Addicts from Kempston, Bedfordshire and create your own card for that special occasion or person in your life.

Origami Workshop

The art of paperfolding - an ancient Japanese skill with a contemporary twist. Run by expert origami designer Mark Bolitho and his team from Crease Lightning, this workshop is guaranteed to be fun! From simple forms to complex designs, adults especially will relish the challenge

Decopatch

An addictive craft that is growing in popularity and is a modern equivalent of traditional decoupage. A great opportunity to try a new and rewarding craft. Come and have a go with all materials provided.

Collagraph Print Workshops

A collagraph is produced when a printing plate is textured by scouring, peeling back and sticking on textured materials such as wallpaper, sand and organic matter, eg. rice and seeds. The plate is then sealed, inked and pulled through a press before being hand embellished. Kim Major George will be running four workshop sessions at 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.30pm and 4.00pm. Each will be about 1hr long and the finished work can be taken home when dry. (Max. of 8 people per session).

Around the Showground

Art in Herts

An opportunity for you to meet members from some of the art & craft groups from around the county. A wide range of skills can be seen from marquetry, mosaic making and machine knitting to silk painting, spinning and sugarcraft. This is a very popular tent and if you have ever thought of joining a local art or craft club and finding out what goes on in your local area, now is your chance!

Cookery Workshop

Hands on cookery workshops. Everything is provided so children from preschool and older can make a delicious dish to take away and share with their family. The idea of the workshop is to get everyone involved with a choice of sweet or savour recipes suitable for the cooks' age. A great chance to become food confident!

Storytelling

Celebrated storyteller Jane Lambourne of Wassledine will be captivating her audience with stories themed around crafts, local wildlife and history. There will be timed sessions throughout the afternoon in the storytelling marquee.

Painting with Light Experience

The secrets behind the preparation of a finished “Photo-Graphics” are revealed and you are invited to engage with this fasciating process and create your own unique composition at the show. (Marquee G)

Glassblowing

Watch a beautiful vase or bowl being created from a molten gob of glass with spectacular demonstrations by skilled artisans from Barleylands Glassworks.

Wildlife Painting

'Have-a-go' at wildlife painting. Join professional artist Linda Wain who will giving instruction on how to paint wildlife with live animals as subjects. Materials provided.

Clay Days

Lucienne de Mauny will hold fun open sessions teaching construction techniques and the skills used in modelling clay. 'Hands on' session are also available for primary or secondary school groups (& their teachers) who would like to establish or develop clay work in their schools. Themes for the work can be discussed beforehand and a resource pack for teachers will be available. These courses will run on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th from 10.45am - 1.00pm or 2.15pm - 4.30pm. (Max. group size: 16).

Raku Firing

Glaze and fire your own pot. Select your piece from a range of prepared vessels and choose the colour for your glazes. The firing takes around 10 minutes and the finished piece can be taken home.

Watercolour Lectures

Timed demonstrations and lectures by artist Tony Cowlishaw who specialises in tranquil and atmospheric English watercolour paintings of rural landscapes, coastal and marine scenes. Simplified talks for groups of schoolchildren will be available by request. Aided by video close ups as he works and talks.

Lectures at 11.00am and 1.00pm and 3.15pm.

Silk painting

A vibrant and contemporary display of silk painting, exhibited by The Guild of Silk Painters, incorporating a wide variety of skills and techniques by many different artists. Also an opportunity to try your hand at this vibrant craft by having a go on a sampler.

Costume Drawing Workshop

Costume drawing workshop for children aged over 7 years. An opportunity to design and draw an outfit under the guidance of an experienced costume designer. A range of ideas suitable for both boys and girls.

Ceramic Working Studio

A ceramic studio where the ceramicist can demonstrate and discuss all the various stages of ceramic construction, from start to finish.

Potters Wheel

Try throwing an earthenware pot on a potters wheel. Tuition and expert guidance given. Protective apron provided!

Felt Making

Demonstrations and 'have a go' sessions of the ancient craft of feltmaking - the transformation of sheeps wool with soap, water and other materials, into contemporary clothing, toys, jewellery, art and functional items.

Spinning and Weaving

Try your hand at these ancient crafts with up to six different types of wheels and looms.

Talks on Nelson and the crafts involved during the construction of HMS Victory

Timed talks about Nelson and the techniques used to construct the Navy's flagship of the day, HMS Victory. You will be amazed by some of the facts and figures. Also see some beautiful craftwork made from the original oak, copper and other materials salvaged during the restoration of HMS Victory.

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THESE AND ALL THE OTHER EXCITING ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE AT LIVING CRAFTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE LIVING CRAFTS OFFICE ON 023 9286 3871.