Mid Week Makes is an evening programme that takes place on Wednesdays from 6-8pm and brings people together to experiment with creative materials, try new processes and spend time making alongside one another. This autumn’s sessions explore photography, plant-based pigments and printmaking, and willow making, with a focus on natural and locally grown materials and inspiration from the environment around us.
No experience is needed and all materials, food and refreshments are provided.
Sessions
Wednesday 28 October – Seeing Differently: Photography, Plants and Sustainable Making with Axel Hadiquet
Wednesday 4 November – Seeing Differently: Photography, Plants and Sustainable Making with Axel Hadiquet
Wednesday 11 November – From Plant to Pigment: Making Natural Inks – Part 1 with Jessica Crisp
Wednesday 18 November – From Plant to Pigment: Making Natural Inks – Part 2 with Jessica Crisp
Wednesday 25 November – Willow Wreath Making – Part 1 with Deeside Willow
Wednesday 2 December – Willow Wreath Making – Part 1 with Deeside Willow
Wednesday 9 December – Seeing Differently: Photography, Plants and Sustainable Making with Axel Hadiquet
Wednesday 16 December – Willow Wreath Making – Part 2 with Deeside Willow (for both groups who were in Part 1)
Seeing Differently: Photography, Plants and Sustainable Making with Axel Hadiquet
Wednesday 28 October, 6-8pm
Wednesday 4 November, 6-8pm
Wednesday 9 December, 6-8pm
Across three sessions, photographer Axel Hadiquet will explore different ways of taking and making photographs, looking at how light, composition, movement and perspective can change the way we see an image.
We’ll explore different types of cameras and photographic approaches, including both digital and analogue photography, using the environment around us as inspiration for still life, portraiture and image-making.
Alongside this we will test out plant based developers made from materials, including plant-based developers made from materials found in the local environment. We’ll explore how these can be used as an alternative to some of the more harmful chemicals traditionally used in photographic processing, and consider how we can make photographs in ways that are less harmful to ourselves and the environment.
Each session will be a chance to experiment, try something new and discover different ways of seeing and making through photography. It is recommended to attend all three sessions, however it is not essential. No previous photography experience is needed. If you have a camera you would like to use, please bring it along. Axel will also show you how to make the most of your camera phone, so you can take part with whatever camera you have.
From Plant to Pigment: Making Natural Inks with Jessica Crisp*
Part 1 – Wednesday 11 November, 6-8pm
Part 2 – Wednesday 18 November, 6-8pm
Artist and maker Jessica Crisp will lead two sessions exploring the colours we can extract from plants grown at SSW and sustainably foraged in the local area.
Across these sessions, we’ll experiment with different plants and methods for extracting their pigments, developing recipes and creating our own plant-based inks. We’ll catalogue the colours we discover, building a reference of different pigments, recipes and ink possibilities that we can return to and develop.
These sessions are all about exploring what plants can give us and discovering the possibilities of making our own inks from the natural materials around us. We’ll then take these explorations into printmaking in our Winter Programme early next year.
* This workshop runs over two sessions, and you’ll need to be able to attend both dates to take part. Please ensure you request to attend both sessions when booking.
Willow Wreath Making with Deeside Willow
Wednesday 25 November, 6-8pm – Part 1
Wednesday 2 December, 6-8pm – Part 1
Wednesday 16 December, 6-8pm – Part 2
Working with Deeside Willow, we’ll explore the versatility of locally grown willow and learn traditional techniques for working with this natural material.
Part 1 – Making the wreath
The sessions on 25 November and 2 December will each offer a separate group the opportunity to make the hoop or base for their own willow wreath. Participants should only attend one session. When booking, it would be helpful to let us know which session time(s) you are available to attend and, if you have a preference, which session you would ideally like to join.
Part 2 – Decorating the wreath
On 16 December, both groups will come together to decorate their wreaths, adding natural materials and creative details to their finished pieces. It’s a chance to continue developing the wreaths made in Part 1 and create something to take home in time for Christmas.
Booking
Mid Week Makes sessions are free and open to everyone over the age of 10. All materials, food and refreshments are provided, and no previous experience is needed.
Sign up for your free sessions by emailing communities@ssw.org.uk with:
- Your full name
- Email address
- Postcode
- Telephone number
- List all the events that you would like to book
- List the names of the other people attending with you
- If anyone is under 18, please list their age/s
- Any relevant information about medical conditions or accessibility needs
You can also call the SSW office on 01464 861 372 between 9.30am and 3.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.
Please note
Children and young people over 10 years old are welcome to Mid Week Makes but must be accompanied by an adult.
