NEW PROJECT TO WIDEN ACCESS TO CRAFTING

Rebecca Wilson and Jo Pudelko are delivering a special programme of free classes this autumn and winter from their Dunblane studio.

Creatives from Central Scotland School of Craft and Central Scotland School of Jewellery have come together to address inequalities in the craft world.

Dunblane based duo, Rebecca Wilson and Jo Pudelko, are set to deliver a special programme of free craft and jewellery workshops this autumn and winter.

They aim to reach local people who have previously been excluded from creative opportunities due to financial or social constraints.

Rebecca explained: “Access to crafting and jewellery making is very often limited to those who can afford it.

“We want to remove the cost barrier to give people, who may never have had the chance to learn a creative skill, the opportunity to take part in our series of classes.

“We have plans in store for some meditative knitting, alchemic fun with cyanotype printmaking and we’ll be adding a bit of bling to the programme with classes in silver jewellery.

“We’ve already had some interest from local groups including Stirling Carers, who are coming along for their first class next week.”

All classes will be delivered at Craft Central's Dunblane High Street studio, close to the city’s train station.

Jo added: “With the cost-of-living crisis impacting on mental health, we want to open up the wellbeing benefits of craft activities to under-represented groups.

“The classes will offer participants the chance to learn something new and connect with a supportive community.

“They’re also an opportunity to unearth hidden talents that could in turn unlock a new career. Craft has the potential to be much more than a hobby.”

The first workshops will be delivered in early November and will run until January and are supported by a Community Led Local Development (CLLD) grant.

Chair of the CLLD Local Action Group, Douglas Johnston said: “In supporting Craft Central, the Local Action Group was very aware of the wider benefits of jewellery and craft making and that it’s not just about creating a beautiful end product.

"We loved the idea of giving everyone the opportunity to learn a new skill and have some time out. 

"We hope people will apply to join the workshops from right across Stirling and Clackmannanshire, particularly anyone who needs a bit of breathing space and a break from the stresses of life."

The new initiative builds on the success of a previous subsidy scheme by Rebecca and Jo, which was funded by Creative Scotland and Scene Stirling.

One participant commented: “A friend told me about the subsidised places, and I applied without the expectation of getting one.

“That kind of opportunity had felt too far out of my league for years. When I got an email with an offer of a place I was thrilled.

“The day was a success for me at every level. No distinction was made between my place and the paid-for places which made me feel comfortable, valued and welcome.

“The isolation of Covid slipped away and I spent a happy day in the company of like-minded people.

““I use my sewing skills to make items for charities and to lead workshops as a volunteer.

“The gift of the free place will not just be beneficial to me; it will ripple out.”

To express an interest in taking part in the workshops email hello@scottishcraftschool.com