Get Crafty on The Docks

What will we do?

• Create a welcoming and inspiring space within our maker space at Grimsby Docks for people to be able to book onto a range of workshops.
• Invest in new pieces of kit so that we can offer even more activities and sessions.
• Give people the chance to come and try out new craft techniques without them having to invest in buying all the kit and then potentially never using it again!
• The funding would guarantee at least a 12 month stay (although we plan to stay for much longer!)
• We will 'give back' by the way of regular drop in day sessions - set up for people to come and join us at no cost with the chance to try out a range of activities. Essentially a warm space - pop the kettle on and grab a biscuit whilst you craft.
• Creativity and art is a great way to support mental wellness and we know that there's lots of people out there who could do with somewhere to go - we want to be able to offer sessions for those who just need a chance to talk if they want or just get out of the house and be around people - no expectations, no judgement.

Why are we doing this?

• The arts and creative skills are being forgotten and lost - I was lucky enough to be of a generation when school was a place where there were loads of art lessons. As a parent of a 14 year old, it's quite clear to see that this isn't the same any more.
• The knock on to this is that there are now multiple generations where arts and craft skills are lacking - and unless you have someone at home to teach you - it's only going to get worse.
• We want to be a part of the change for Grimsby - we want to make art and crafts accessible to as many people as possible, for whatever reason. To learn, to improve, to enjoy or to help with physical or mental health conditions.

Why are we charging for workshop spaces still?

• Ticket sales for workshops will be invested back into the workshop space - it will provide supplies and materials for us to be able to offer more varied workshops and increase our ability to offer 'pay what you can' or free community sessions.
• We are small business owners who are passionate about supporting the local community and economy - we want to be a part of the future of the Kasbah and by basing our workspace down there we help allow regeneration to continue.
• We will be able to increase our capacity for making our own products which are sold locally within ISWAS, in Abbeygate Grimsby. The shop supports over 50 independently owned UK small businesses and being able to keep this space viable in the town centre allows us to continue this support.

Who am I?

• Hi, I'm Gemma - Grimsby born and bred and despite having moved away for uni and work, I've settled back here in my home town and have chosen to base my family and my business here.
• I studied Art & Design here in Grimsby and then moved to Manchester to study Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University. When I moved back to Grimsby I set up my first business, To Have and To Hold and created handmade handbags. 
• As well as being a maker in my own right, better known as It Started With a Stitch I've spent years teaching and sharing my love of crafts to people of all ages. I've taught hundreds of people to crochet, hosted pompom parties for children's birthdays and hen parties and worked on loads of projects locally within the community and schools.

Why do I keep saying 'We'?

• I'll be joined in the workspace by my partner Ben, a maker in his own right and better known as The Dandy Introvert. Ben brings a wealth of experience in crafts that I don't have and will allow us to offer so much more in the way of workshops including: T-shirt/clothing design, Jesmonite, Jewellery Making and so much more - he's also the resident cutting and heat press expert.

If you've made it this far - then thank you for taking the time to find out more about what we are trying to do. If you can pledge then that would be awesome and if it's not for you right now then that's totally fine too - a share of this to your networks or crafty and art loving contacts would be amazing.

PS...

This is what we're working with, watch this space!

Gem & Ben x