Spell Shells with Lady Kitt

Attendees are invited to make a decorative spell or wish by drawing, writing or collaging onto shells found locally and adding length of knotted embroidery thread. In this activity Kitt is  asking: “What magic spells can we cast, or wishes can we make, to share and strengthen the emotional heritage of GHT?”. Finished objects can be left with Kitt to become part of an exhibition in 2026 (info below) or can be taken away with you. 

Kitt is currently working at GHT to develop an exhibition for August 2026 about the “Emotional Heritage” of the building. Between November 2025 and June 2026 Kitt will collaborate with local people (particularly GHT Front of House staff and volunteers) to creatively explore the inheritance of feelings in the building. In response to these collaborations, Kitt will create an “Impermanent Collection” of games, smells, textures and sounds, housed in a large-scale installation or shine.

Knot magic, also known as cord magic, is a form of spellcasting where knots are tied in strings, or ribbons, to represent intentions and direct energy. It's a practice found across various cultures and traditions. Kitt combines knot making with drawing to create what they call Art Spells- creative objects which offer:

• time to reflect on wishes & set intentions
• resources to make desires tangible (a talisman for your wishes)
• opportunities share what you want and need with others- “shy bairns get nowt” as the saying goes in the North East (where Kitt is from!)

Kitt thinks all these things are useful in making good stuff happen in the world, regardless of any additional mystical or magic powers that may be at play!

Access:

·   Access to the café is step free

·       Stipend- for staff / volunteers who need to take time off work to attend the session / are self-employed artists, there is a £10 stipend available for your time. Please contact co-ordinator Allison info.ladykitt@gmail.com with the  heading “GHT Nov 6th workshop access” before Friday 31st October, if you would like to access this. There are six stipend available on a first come first serve basis

·       BSL- if you would like a BSL interpreter for this event please contact co-ordinator Allison info.ladykitt@gmail.com with the heading “GHT Nov 6th workshop access” before Friday 17th October

·       Travel costs- please keep any receipts for travel to and from the event. Send photos of these to co-ordinator Allison info.ladykitt@gmail.com before Friday 14th Novmeber to be reimbursed for travel expenses.

·       Access assistant and / or childcare and or / other dependant care costs- if you require the costs of any of these to be covered in order to attend the session please contact co-ordinator Allison info.ladykitt@gmail.com with the  heading “GHT Nov 5th workshop access” before Friday 31st October, to let them know how much these cost are

·       Printed text and illustrated instructions for the crafting activities will be available on the day.

·       Materials, tools and activities will be available for a variety of mobility requirements (like table mounted scissors) and for a variety of sensory needs and preferences