Having had a couple month’s break from all of the cutting and sticking, we celebrate the return of Craft Club with a nod to the coming of Spring- taking inspiration from Matisse and Picasso and making some paper-crafted Birds.

Participants were shown examples of both artists, Matisse’ paper cut technique and Picasso’s Dove drawings, which have come to be used and seen as symbolic of Peace. Both artists used simplistic shapes which are accessible to young or reluctant artists, but templates were also provided. We began by drawing and cutting up to 4 bird shapes on card, and then used collage techniques to decorate them before stringing them on a twine string to create bunting. Bright coloured card was provided to mimic Matisse’s use of bright blues, as well as maps, wrapping papers and a selection of magazines.

It was lovely to still see new faces discover our craft session, as well as welcoming back families that have been coming regularly for the past few years now! There was a particular buzz with the Palm House only recently (2 days prior) reopening after the new year break. Families of three generations were coming for look around and a warm from the February chill and staying for a couple of hours, being able to sit a create something to take home, before grabbing a hot chocolate and cake and going on the enjoy the greenery which the outside is still lacking. We enjoyed talking about the possibility of lighter mornings and hearing the birds singing again, and what birds can represent at different times to different people.

It certainly felt good to be back! As ever come 3 o’clock we had some families ask about the session who had just arrived- in this scenario we try to give out what materials may be left over, describing what we have done, as well as sign posting them to the next session.

Rachel,

Artist at Craft Club