Since I last saw you more workshops have been taking place around the UK as part of the All Counties Craft Challenge, first up was Handmade at Helen’s, a fledgling craft shop in Dumfries.
So, when I left you last I had completed a rather full on week of workshops, TV work and driving that took me from the South coast of Devon, through Peterborough and all the way up to Gretna.
After a good old sleep it was time to get set up for the weekend of workshops in Dumfries. Somehow the road maintenance folk had heard about my visit and decided to shut off the bit of motorway that I needed to use to get to the workshops for the whole weekend – thanks for that! Lol.
Truthfully, it didn’t turn out to cause too many issues as it was just taking the older roads that were in place before the motorway so all well signposted and easily navigable.
We pulled up at Handmade At Helen’s which is, as I mentioned, a fledgling craft shop housed in an historic building in the Chrichton Centre, Dumfries.
Handmade At Helen’s has only been trading for five months – isn’t it great to see new craft shops opening up!?
Anyway, Gelli Plates with an MDF shape were the order of the day – pocket watches, that don’t fit in the pocket, to be precise.
So it was eyes down and messy craft out!
Lots of giggles and creativity in this workshop – always good to smile and laugh while you’re ‘working’ isn’t it?
The day was over sadly too quickly but not so quick as to be able to get everyone together for a #craftclassselfie or four…
That was day one. On day two we had ourselves a Scan N Cut workshop, covering lots of basic operations and bit and bobs.
Got so engrossed that I even forgot to get ‘concentration face’ photos. Did manage to get a #craftclassselfie though :)
We even made it into the local newspaper!
Time now to get everything ship-shape for the final Scottish workshops of the challenge.
Now, to say that I was a little anxious about this journey is to make an understatement. I’ve talked before on how anxiety can run away with itself and blow all things out of proportion. Imagine that emotion thinking through a twelve hour ferry journey … yup, you guessed it, I was a tad on edge.
More about that in the next diary post.
At this point I remember a picture I saw in Helen’s shop …
Um, Ok.
I’ll try…
Right, that just about brings this wee blog post to a close. Not long remaining on the challenge!
Don’t forget, I am putting myself through all of this nonsense in order to raise awareness of mental health issues and also to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity.
Thanks for taking the time to catch up. See you again soon!
J :)
GENTLEMAN CRAFTER 
Seem to be doing well with workshops a real shame you could not make to one 2 one
In cornwall when you were in Devon good luck with them all x
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all are smiliy faces…i wish i could be the part of that successful and productive workshop too
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Thanks again John for coming to Handmade at Helen’s. We really enjoyed the weekend 😃
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Another two successful workshops John. Congratulations. Not long before you finish now.
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You are always smiling John.
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You’re always awesome John!! X you’ll look back on this amazing journey in time and think ‘I DID IT !’ x much respect to you x
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Yes a really imposing building. What a happy lot of crafters they look like.
Great to get in the local paper.
Well done John. Another successful crafting workshop.
xxx
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Oh yes, we are a very happy bunch!!
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Fabulous post John. I could feel the ‘happy’ and the enthusiasm.
You must surely be getting weary of being on the road by now, and looking forward to a long relaxing soak in the bath, and your own bed.
I don’t think I could have done what you’ve done. I’d probably only have lasted three weeks to be honest.
But very well done. You’ve pushed yourself on and on, and have brought so much fun and ideas to crafters who’ve managed to get to your ‘days’.
You’re on the home stretch now … Keep up the GREAT work. Nearly there. Don’t run out of steam yet, ’cause there a still a load of people who are very much looking forward to meeting you and spending some time in your company!
[big cheering from the crowd]
Sending love and squidges <3 ~ Cobs. x
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What an imposing yet beautiful building Handmade at Helens is based in. May do a little research on it to see what is was built for.
Great that it made the paper, keeps the conversation going :)
Hugs, T x
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Here you go! I’m so lucky that I get to go to ‘work’ here every day!
http://www.crichtonfoundation.org/the-crichton-campus/
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