How I Choose Our Makers For The Year Ahead

Botanical Casting with Clare Towers

Our art and craft workshops in Norfolk are shaped by thoughtful planning long before guests arrive. When people search for craft workshops near me or art classes near me, they often imagine the creative part of the day, but so much of what you experience at Reef Make and Do begins months earlier at my dining table. That is where I sit with endless cups of tea, my planning notebook, my diary, and messages from artists and makers who hope to join us. This slow, careful work is what creates the calm, welcoming atmosphere so many of you comment on.

Choosing who teaches here is never simply about finding talented people. Norfolk is full of gifted artists and makers. What matters most is the feeling they create. I look for people who will help guests feel capable, relaxed, and encouraged. People who listen as carefully as they teach. People who understand that adults often walk in feeling a little unsure of themselves, especially when trying something new.

Mark Making with artist Penny Lindop

I spend time getting to know their work, the way they speak about their craft, and the atmosphere they bring into a room. Some I have known for years, and some have been part of Reef Make and Do since the very beginning. Others I discover through recommendations or by unexpectedly coming across their work and feeling that spark of curiosity. Each artist brings something different, and this is what allows us to offer such a varied programme of creative workshops in Norfolk throughout the year.

The deciding factor is always imagining what it will feel like for you to spend a morning or a full day with them. Will you feel welcomed? Will you feel encouraged to try? Will you feel safe to take your time? Will you leave feeling proud of what you created? If the answer is yes, then I know they are right for Reef Make and Do and right for the lovely community that gathers here.

Gel Plate Printing with Caroline Houchell

Over the past few months I have broadened the range of arts and crafts on offer because so many of you enjoy trying new things regularly. Our long term artists have been developing fresh ideas and new variations of their workshops, while your feedback has guided which art and craft workshops should be added next. This mix of new techniques, familiar faces, and thoughtful teaching is at the heart of what makes Reef Make and Do a trusted place for creative workshops in Norfolk.

Next year’s programme is coming together beautifully with a blend of returning makers and new artists offering skills that many of you have asked for. It takes time to add each workshop to the website, so if you have been looking for inspiring craft workshops near me, please do keep checking back as new listings are appearing every week.

If you would like to explore our full range of workshops, courses, and weekly classes that are already online, you can find everything here: https://www.reefmakeanddo.com

A quick reminder that there are only three events left now before I break for Christmas. I can hardly believe it. The remaining workshops are

Willow Christmas Wreaths tomorrow, Saturday 29, from 10am to 3pm.

Origami Crackers on Friday 5 December from 10am to 12.30pm.

Origami Fairy Lights on Friday 5 December from 1pm to 4pm.

All three workshops have been generously discounted to fill the last spaces, so do book quickly if you would like to join us.

CHEESE STRAWS

I don't know about you but I love party food and this is a firm favourite and super easy to make. You'll never buy them again once you have tried these!

METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°C/gas mark 6.

• Line two baking sheets with greaseproof paper and set aside.

• Cut the butter into small cubes, then place in a bowl. Add the flour and rub together until it resembles breadcrumbs.

• Finely grate the Parmesan, then add 60g to the flour and butter, along with the mustard and paprika. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold water until the mixture comes together.

• Roll it out on a floured surface, forming a rectangle about 1cm thick. Slice it into 1cm sticks and place onto the baking sheets.

• Sprinkle over the remaining cheese, a little more paprika and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden.

  
  

Yum!

Thank you, as always, for being part of this lovely community. You have been so kind and thoughtful with your responses to newsletters and recipes, your ideas for new workshops, your eagle eyes on my occasional typos, and your wonderful name suggestions for the new Craft Club. I cannot thank you enough.

Warmest wishes

Rachael xx