2024 Festival Dates: 6 & 7 July

A series of films to capture the skill, heart and heritage that our Makers use in every piece of their work. The fantastic Northern Heart Films met a selection of Makers appearing at this year’s festival to create films that convey the meditation of making. With graphics from festival partner Source Creative.

Ceramicist Laura McNicolas of Nettleton Pottery

In the first of our series of films documenting heritage making techniques, Northern Heart Films have captured the tenderness and love Laura McNicholas of Nettleton Pottery puts into her delicate ceramics…

…finding beauty in the textures, colours and patterns revealed in the world around us to evoke memories and emotions.”

Leatherwork with Jason Stocks-Young

Jason’s move from London to the foothills of the Pennines re-kindled a passion to create and make, using the material that so many of his well-worn and well-used accessories were made from – Leather.

On his journey he has learned, and is still learning, from some great leatherworkers who share his ethos of using traditional methods and high quality leathers. He makes all his leather goods by hand in his Saddleworth workshop, with hand-stitching at the core.

Model Making with Jessica Staton

Jessica Staton uses traditional techniques of the theatre to create models in a scale 25 times smaller than real life. Northern Heart Films met her to capture the care, precision and delicacy of her handcraft. Pick up one of her magnificent Miniatures at our Makers Market

It is through making miniatures that I try to make the ordinary become magical Jessica Staton

Kantha Stitch with Sameira Amir, Rabia Sharif & Yasmin Siddique

Kantha is a traditional Indian method used to make new fabric from worn saris. Threadbare cloths are layered and stitched together using a simple running or ‘Kantha’ stitch, bonding the layers together to create a new fabric. Our heritage handcrafts sees Sameira, Rabia and Yasmin of UCLan come together to share the magic of making. Join them for their Kantha Stitch workshop at the National Festival of Making

Plantscapes & Terrariums with Ginny Scholey of Salvaged Gardens

Ginny is a keen gardener and plant lover and has been for over 30 years. Having moved onto a boat and missing her garden, she became interested in the world of bottle gardens and plantscapes. Combining her own individual style, creativity and love of plants, Salvaged Gardens was born. Ginny’s aim is to bring living art into people’s lives, through terrariums, bottle gardens and workshops.

Quilting with Lisa Watson

Using traditional Harris Tweed, Lisa Watson creates authentically British quilts, cushions and more. Northern Heart Films met this heart-and-soul maker to soak in all of her 25-year experience of making. Catch her at the Maker’s Market in King George’s Hall.

Heritage handcrafts is supported by

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Funders

Sponsors

2019 Trusts & Foundations

The National Festival Of Making Delivery Team

National Festival of Making is supported by the Arts Council England, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Brian Mercer Trust and Foundations and Partners. This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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