Event Information
About this event
Suitable for complete beginners or those who are already very adept at crafting but would like to try something new and exciting! This workshop covers just one type of mould making with cuttlefish bone but I also run an afternoon session using Delft clay, so if you would rather try that method, see my other events...alternatively, if you want to use both methods, (which most folk do!), you can book onto one of my all day workshops (costs less that way too!)
The price of the workshop includes 25gms of lead-free Pewter, which is more than enough to cast a few copies of your mould - depending on the size of your design - all tools, tuition, and findings that you will need to complete your custom-made treasure! Not to mention to the tranquil woodland settings, roaring campfire, and plenty of fresh tea & coffee!
Pewter is a marvellous metal to work with and is sustainable to boot as it can be endlessly remelted and recast with very little loss. It is very verstaile too and this is just one of the ways it can be worked with...but in my mind one of the most interesting and satisfying!
Around a lovely camp fire, we will carve and whittle our cuttlefish bone into a detailed mould whilst our pewter heats up in the embers of the fire! Once perfected, the mould is fixed to a flat board and supported in sand ready for the molten metal to be poured in! It's such a fascinating and exciting process and always delights, even when things don't go to plan!
You'll then be shown how to finish your piece using various tools and techniques depending on what you want it to be, e.g. keyfob, brooch, pendant, light pull, door knob or draw handle...and so many other things besides!
The woodlands provide the perfect setting for this wonderful creative session and you will find the whole unique experience to be totally immersive and deeply satisfying...nature and creativity combined is a very powerful anti-dote to the stresses and strains of our overly busy lives and this workshop is designed to redress the balance and give you time to immerse yourself in creative flow whilst absorbing the therapeutic benefit of being in nature.
So come and join us...you'll be so glad you did!
See my YouTube channel for more videos from my workshops.
Organizer Wild Woodland Workshops
Organizer of Pewter Casting in The Woods with Cuttlefish bone
My name is Dee and I created ‘Wild Woodland Workshops’ in order to provide fully immersive, creative experiences in a woodland environment.
The reason for this unique combination is four-fold:
1. Creative activity has been researched and documented for many years now as a highly effective way to relax and de-stress, to connect with your inner self, contemplate and release thoughts, desires, worries and joys in free and flowing ways…and lets face it, the pace of life and the speed of change in our modern world is often breath taking and overwhelming. Engaging in creative activity enables us to step out of that race and slow down, giving ourselves time to breath and if necessary to process ‘stuff’. See my research page for articles and posts relating to these themes.
2. The second reason is similar, in that being in Nature and particularly around trees, has also been proven to be incredibly beneficial to our whole self well-being - our physiology, immune system, mental health and physical health all benefit from time spent in nature, again see my research page for studies that have started to emerge over the last decade or so, which demonstrate these findings. The combination of creative activity in a natural environment not only doubles the benefits but multiplies them endlessly and every single person who has taken part in any of my workshops so far, has left feeling enlivened and refreshed, inspired and relaxed, and chuffed with their unique creations!!
3. The third reason is based on my love of learning and discovery and my desire to encourage folk from all generations to be active and continue learning and exploring, no matter what your educational status or background! Learning is an everyday occurrence whether we are aware of it or not, so why not be more directive in what and where and how you learn! Life long learning is also one way to maintain cognitive function and stave off degenerative brain disorders as we age….again, check out my research page!!
4. Finally, my own selfish reasons really….I just love being outdoors, especially in the woods and around trees, I love learning, teaching, inspiring and being inspired, and I love being creative and using my hands, so facilitating others to tap into their inner creative is incredibly satisfying and rewarding for me.
I have always been a curious and creative person and have been designing and making things since childhood. I studied fashion in London and then went on to train as a secondary teacher once my family started. I have been an Education professional for over 15 as Head of Design Technology; Teacher of Art, Maths, and IT; as well as a Level 3 Forest School Leader since 2013; Head of Outdoor education and ‘Adventure School' founder. I am also the mother of 2 wonderful teen boys! I have a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to draw upon and a whole heap of passion and enthusiasm for what I do!!
Sadly, many folk believe they are not creative or arty….it’s just not true! Everyone has an inner creative and my desire is to help folk find and explore theirs in a satisfying and therapeutic way!!
