Our mission is to widen the opportunities for participation in creative activities by providing clear, user-friendly resource materials and training. We believe this will enable teachers, trainers and parents to empower individuals, raise confidence and establish positive attitudes towards the benefits of the craft experience.
 

Our long-term aim is to establish standards of craft delivery. In a move towards this we are in the process of publishing the first of our series of teacher-training manuals ‘Facilitating creative activities’, taking both new and practised teachers and facilitators through essential elements of programme purpose, development and delivery. It can be delivered ‘in- house’ to enhance creative practice or used as a reference. It is also recommended for those working in Out of School Hours provision such as Breakfast and After School Clubs.
 

OSH organisations, early years and craft clubs will also benefit from our forthcoming series on ‘50 ways to….’  (see below). Contact us for details of these products.
 

Our range of training and hands-on days remain as popular as ever.  They provide a chance to do and play: time out to become familiar with new techniques and new ideas.  Some of our training packages will soon be available for independent delivery by your own staff, for parents and those involved in home-schooling. Widening the range of ‘in-house’ options will give parents, children and staff the opportunity to try a variety of crafting options.
 

We also plan to provide a number of activity kits for children’s parties and fun days. Contact us for details.
 

To support teachers, craftspeople and activity deliverers we have 6 Open College Network Level 2 accredited courses available.  These are designed to train and develop individuals in teaching methods,  demonstration techniques and  ways to present creative activities.

Our latest manual ‘Working with memories’ gives teachers and facilitators an insight into the role of memory in establishing personality.

Story telling is now recognised as a vital part of social integration and can benefit all areas of our learning community. Reminiscence celebrates life experience and re-establishes self worth. ‘Working with memories’ suggests ways to encourage verbal sharing and presents ideas for the visual representation of memory albums and life storybooks. It is recommended as an essential module in intergenerational work, nursing and medical care, social sciences and community education. Contact us for details of availability. 
 

We have a new activity resource series designed for all those who lead activities.

Our first facilitator manual is Glass Painting. It comes complete with notes, lesson plans, checklists, designs and 2 sets of instruction sheets. The Facilitator’s Manual: Glass Painting, contains 10 vibrant glass painting projects and is the perfect answer for busy teachers, leaders and home school groups.  Each ‘small step’ instruction has its own accompanying photograph.  The Facilitator’s set has more information and smaller pictures, whilst the learner’s (photo sheet) set has 6 photos per page and minimal word prompt.  All are cross-referenced. They guarantee successful projects every time.  We are currently working on further manuals: Metal foil and Pewterwork, Christmas Crafts, and Creative cards. The Glass Painting manual is also available on CD Rom.
 

For those who want a more flexible package we offer a single project sets which includes one facilitator’s set, one learner’s set, designs, session plan and checklist.  This Teachers’ Set  is available  as a folder set and on CD Rom.
 

Our range of 10 Glass Painting Activity Sets can be used for a number of purposes: parties, classes, home schooling and holiday ideas.  They contain the essential materials and full photographic instructions. We are currently reviewing our suppliers, to ensure quality and availability, so contents may differ from those shown.  We are also developing a range of football related Glass Painting packs complete with original cartoon style designs.
 

Activity leaders will also be interested in our practical craft packs currently being researched.  These will contain a mix of materials, and instructions together with ways to develop the projects across the curriculum.
 

In recognising the continual need for inspirational ideas we are working on a new ‘50 ways to…’   series.  The first – Creative Cards should be available over the next few months. Each book has 50 separate double sided activity pages supported with a colour photograph of the completed project. Projected titles include: Easter, Autumn, Christmas, Papercrafts, Fabric crafts, Wool, Metal and tin, Wax and water.  We are happy to keep you informed of availability.
 

This section also lists a range of smaller text publications and articles on craft teaching and training which are in development: ‘So you want to be a craft teacher’, ‘Giving scintillating craft talks’, ‘Writing training manuals’. 
 

Here you’ll also find free craft downloads on lesson plans, introducing crafts and teaching ideas.  This section is currently in development.
 

Our Educational Consultancy work can help you to develop your OWN creative teaching ideas. Whether you want a teaching manual, text-based instructions or the winning combination of text and photographs, we can help you.

Based near Norwich, Norfolk, we are available locally and nationally to deliver a range of training courses and one-day practical workshops.
 

We give demonstrations and talks and can offer professional craft judging and appraisal. Our Centre in Neatishead, Norwich on the Norfolk Broads will soon host a range of craft workshops in conjunction with bed and breakfast.  We look forward to sharing some skills with you.
 

The Craft teacher is here for you: in the classroom, in the home.  Wherever, whenever and however you need us.  Professional, creative craft teaching and learning solutions for busy people and busy fingers.