Crafter's Guide To Birmingham
With a resurgence of crafting as a method of relaxation and promoting sustainable living, we have rounded up a guide of retailers, courses and events in Birmingham to help you reach your creative dreams.
Tracking down supplies
There was a time when fabric shops and haberdasheries abounded, particularly post WWII when people ‘made do and mended’. With the introduction of fast fashion, these crafter’s havens have gradually left the high street and you’re hard pressed to find many these days.
However, in recent years, shops dedicated to those with artistic talents (and those who just want to have a go) have started to re-emerge. In Birmingham, you’ll find the cheap and cheerful The Works, with seasonal crafting curiosities amongst the books. You’ll also find basic art supplies, ideal for amateurs.
If you are a more experienced artist, visit Cass Art on Corporation Street, the UK’s leading art material supplier. With knowledgeable staff on hand to help you choose between a plethora of art brands, you’ll soon be fulfilling their motto - ‘Let’s fill this town with artists’.
For fabrics, venture to the Fancy Silk Store where you’ll find a floor-to-ceiling Aladdin’s cave of fabrics to suit any project. From clothes and handbags to curtains and wedding chair covers, this is the place to be, with the added benefit of being able to stock up on some fabrics with an online store. Additionally, head across the road to the Rag Market (opposite St Martin’s Church) where you’ll find a number of haberdasheries and wool stalls at very reasonable prices.
Creative learning in birmingham
The city also offers a whole host of courses ranging from absolute beginner to advanced, with certification of your new found skills a possibility for some courses. Check out Craft Courses for activities in your area including glass blowing, stone carving, felting, wild food foraging, natural beauty product making, calligraphy, leatherwork, sculpture, printmaking, weaving, jewellery making, book production, quilting, blacksmithing, pottery, floristry, woodwork, upholstery and soap making. There’s something for everyone.
If you want to take your hobby to the next level, apply to join STEAMhouse (it’s free!), a centre run by Birmingham City University helping people take their ideas and make them into a business. With access to workshops, business support and an event programme with industry experts, it could be just the place to learn how to make a living from something you love doing.
Craft in Birmingham city life
You’ll find events year round to tempt you with the crafty bug at the NEC (Birmingham). Indulge in in some project-related retail therapy, find new inspiration, discover unique crafts and gain advice from experts in the industry. For any craft lover, going to a craft lovers event is a must!
Head to the Midlands Art Centre on the first Sunday of each month (with additional dates nearer to Christmas) to have a snoop around the collection of top notch products on offer from local designers – think ceramics, paintings and jewellery. These opportunities are great for a social outing, making connections and who knows, you may spot the perfect gift or treat to yourself!
For an added bit of culture, take a trip to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Explore the changing art scene of history, from Egyptian pottery and shabtis to the height of Victorian fashion through to Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Combined with a rolling programme of arty workshops, there’s a little something for everyone.
Inspiring Birmingham Girl creatives
And finally, here are a few of our favourite local crafter’s who are inspiring us with their extraordinary talents.
Lint and Thread: adding pizzazz to clothes through embroidery
Frankie Norman: designer of feel good images
We hope that on your next trip into the city, you will feel suitably inspired to pick up a paintbrush, yarn, needle and thread or whatever takes your fancy and create something amazing. Happy crafting!
Written by Charlotte Bird, who can be found at @charlotte_m_bird
