Live Making Workshops
Join artist Amy Leung as she explores our weekly #MakeShiftStudio challenges with some making experiments of her own. Workshops will be broadcast live on our @Hello_Towner Instagram account at 2.00pm on 7, 14, 21 & 28 May and 4 & 11 June.
Each workshop will lead you through some playful makes using household materials, exploring…
Thursday 7 May: Squashing / Playdough
Download your illustrated guide for making Playdough
In this workshop, artist Amy Leung introduces us to her salt dough recipe. Follow along through the measuring and mixing process and then, use household items and materials to experiment with collecting prints and building constructions.
You will need:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1/3 cup of salt
- Just under a tablespoon of oil
- ¼ cup of water
- Food colouring / poster paint / water-based paint (optional to dye your dough)
Thursday 14 May: Spinning / Windchime Mobiles
Download your illustrated guide for making Windchime Mobiles
In this workshop, artist Amy Leung leads us through the playful process of making a noise-making, light-reflecting mobile from objects and materials found around the house. Explore sound, movement and shadow with this simple make.
You will need:
- Scissors
- A coat hanger or a tin can (clean and empty with raw edge taped over)
- Shoelaces, yarn, string or ribbons
- Clothes pegs
- Elastic bands or tape (or both!)
- Shiny materials
- Spoons and forks
- Anything that makes noises; like keys, trinkets, bottle tops, pebbles
Thursday 21 May: Floating / Bubble Snakes
Download your illustrated guide for making Bubble Snakes
In this workshop, artist Amy Leung takes us through the process of creating a simple bubble maker and then experiments with her bubbles, including by making bubble prints and sculpting bubble mountains. This is a quick make that’s perfect for a sunny day.
You will need:
- Sock
- Scissors
- Washing-up liquid
- Elastic bands
- Plastic bottle
- Bowl and water
Thursday 28 May: Doodling / Making Inks and Marks
Download your illustrated guide for Making Inks and Marks
In this workshop, Amy Leung shares with us her recipes for making homemade inks – making use of some classic freezer and cupboard stocks including instant coffee, spices, and frozen berries! In true #MakeShiftStudio spirit, she also creates an imaginative and wearable drawing tool made from simple household objects and talks us through how to make our own surprising marks.
You will need:
- Rubber glove
- Elastic bands or tape
- Objects you think make good textures (and you don’t mind getting inky), e.g. sponges, feathers, string or cardboard pieces.
To make turmeric ink:
- 1 Tablespoon of turmeric powder
- 3 Tablespoons of warm water
- ½ Teaspoon of vinegar
- ½ Teaspoon of salt
To make berry ink:
- A handful of berries (fresh or frozen)
- Sieve
- ½ Teaspoon of vinegar
- ½ Teaspoon of salt
If you’re not able to take part in the live sessions, don’t worry – the recorded workshops will be available the following day on Facebook and our @TownerGallery Instagram account.
What to expect each week:
- Gather your materials using the materials list, which will be shared in advance on Instagram and Facebook each week
- Follow @Hello_Towner on Instagram and just tune into the live broadcast at 2.00pm every Thursday
- Enjoy getting creative during the workshop – making, experimenting and collaborating
- Share your outcomes with us by tagging @Hello_Towner and using #MakeShiftStudio in your posts. Amy will also be posting what she creates and how she’s using her #MakeShiftStudio creation at home!
You can always download that week’s making guide in advance if you want to know what to expect, and don’t forget that if you can’t make the live workshop, the recording will be available for you to get involved when it suits you!
Everyone is invited to take part but:
- Please do ask permission before you borrow things
- If you’re a child please ask an adult to work with you
- Amy will be sharing lots of advice. Make sure you follow this to keep all the activities safe for you to enjoy!
- We’d love to see what you make, but please don’t share photos of anyone without asking them first.
- When choosing extra materials to work with, please don’t use sharp, precious or breakable objects