Make and Reuse Creative Workshops
North Kensington
2023
Address:
Maxilla Walk Studios
4 Maxilla Walk, London W10 6NQ
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops is a programme of free creative courses to inspire our community of makers to reuse materials, contribute to the circular economy and make their everyday more sustainable, running from our community makerspace Maxilla Men’s Shed.
The programme aims to help creatives raise the bar on social impact, reduce the carbon footprint, and reduce waste, whilst inspiring art and creativity.
About ACAVA Maxilla Men’s Shed
Maxilla Men’s Shed is a community workshop and makerspace based in North Kensington. Welcoming people of all genders, the Shed provides a unique space for creativity in the community and delivers a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of our members. We operate weekly Tinkering Sessions, where everyone is invited to explore creative ideas. We work on personal projects, all whilst socialising and exchanging skills. We also deliver specialist workshops where the community are invited to learn a new creative skill, diversifying and strengthening the peer support network the Shed facilitates. Learn more about Maxilla Men’s Shed here.
Get involved
Watch this page to find out about our upcoming courses. Alternatively, subscribe to our newsletter here to be the first to hear about new courses’ dates and details.
Courses coming up
We are thrilled to announce that ACAVA’s programme of free creative courses has been extended until March 2025. Watch this section for details of new courses.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Sustainable Print Techniques, with Hanna Whiteman
Join Hanna Whiteman for a four-day workshop in sustainable printmaking. Participants will learn how to create natural dyes and inks using food waste sourced locally, including materials like onion skins, carrot tops, and avocado stones collected from Portobello Market and nearby restaurants.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Introduction to Whittling (Spoon Carving) with Stephen Stockbridge
Join ACAVA for a hands-on, four-day workshop that introduces the traditional craft of green wood carving, also known as whittling. Guided by experienced sculptor Stephen Stockbridge, this free course will take you from the basics of carving to creating beautifully finished items.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Create the Ultimate Workwear ‘Waste-Coat’, with Isabel Fletcher
When: 6, 7, 8, 9 January 2025, 10am–5pm
Join textile artist Isabel Fletcher for a free, four-day workshop where you’ll create your own unique “Workwear Waste-Coat” using upcycled fabrics. Learn simple sewing techniques, appliqué, and quilting as you transform textile scraps into a custom waistcoat with functional pockets and buttons. Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, this hands-on course invites you to craft a personalised and practical garment. Register your interest today!
Past courses
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Sculptural wearable art and accessories, with Anu Bankole
When: 25–28 November 2024, 10am–5pm
Join artist Anu Bankole for a four-day workshop on creating sculptural wearable art from recycled materials. Each day covers specific techniques, from developing ideas and prototyping to reconstructing materials and completing your final piece.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: An Introduction to Circular Carpentry, with Sasha Tishkov
When: 27-30 August 2024
Over four days, learn how to create a new chair inspired by Enzo Mari’s designs whilst reusing responsibly sourced materials from the local area. Led by Sasha Tishkov.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Leatherworking – Creative Thinking and Design, with Yusuf Osman
When: 22–25 July 2024
Over four days, gain a comprehensive overview of what’s entailed when working with leather. The course will combine theory with hands-on knowledge about design, patternmaking and capabilities of the material. Led by Yusuf Osman.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: An Introduction to Contemporary Marquetry with Amber Bailey
When: 2-5 July 2024
A free, four-day workshop led by Amber Bailey where participants will make their own artwork using the historical craft of marquetry. Learn traditional hand-cutting techniques and add your own personal flair to create a piece of contemporary art. This course will teach you about designing and assembling marquetry and how to glue, scrape and polish veneers.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Street Finds (furniture modification) with Andy Healy
When: 17-20 June 2024
A free, four-day workshop led by artist Andy Healy looking at how to restore and modify street-found furniture.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: An Introduction to Circular Carpentry
When: 11-14 December 2023
Over four days, learn how to create a new chair inspired by Enzo Mari’s designs whilst reusing responsibly sourced materials from the local area. Led by Sasha Tishkov and StorqueStudios
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Leatherworking, Creative Thinking & Design
When: 20–23 November 2023
Over four days, gain a comprehensive overview of what’s entailed when working with leather. The course will combine theory with hands-on knowledge about design, patternmaking and capabilities of the material. Led by Yusuf Osman.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Leathercraft
When: 6–9 November 2023
Over four days, learn how to cut from a pattern, saddle stitch, cut, glue, attach hardware and various kinds of edge finishings to small and large leather goods like cardholders, keychain lanyards, small and large bags. Led by Candice Lau.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Introduction to Contemporary Marquetry
When: 9-12 October 2023
Over four days, make your own artwork using the historical craft of marquetry. Learn traditional hand-cutting techniques and add your own personal flair to create a piece of contemporary art. This course will teach you about designing and assembling marquetry and how to glue, scrape and polish veneers. Led by Amber Bailey.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Sculptural Wearable Art & Accessories
When: 11–14 September 2023
Learn how to use traditional crafts and innovative techniques to design original pieces of sculptural wearable art and accessories made from unused materials. Led by Anu Bankole.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Sustainable Textile Techniques
When: 21–24 August 2023
Over four sessions, learn the basics of natural and bundle dyes, suffolk puff and rope making, basic stitch and appliqué to create an artwork made from textile waste materials and natural dyes. Led by artist Alice Burnhope.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Furniture Construction, Restoration & Modification
When: 24–27 July 2023
A free, four-day workshop led by artist Andy Healy looking at how to restore and modify street-found furniture.
Make and Reuse Creative Workshops: Repair, Restore and Recycle Textiles
26–29 June 2023
A free, four-day workshop transforming and reusing everyday textiles by restoring and repurposing old items of clothing and fabric.
Programme partners
