The Story of
Idle Hands Craft Club
In 2024, a month-long recovery from an operation brought an unexpected challenge: Boredom and loneliness.
I had always loved to draw however, the perfectionist in me always decided that if what I created wasn't perfect then there was no point starting.
But what was discovered was that I wasn't as bad as I thought. By playing, experimenting and learning at my own pace, I was improving.
And what's more- it was fun.
Suddenly I realised just how burnt out I was. The rising cost of living meant despite working full time there was no money left over for fun. Friendships were all digital and everyone was in the same boat as me, no money to meet up or chat.
I was missing a community.
So I decided to try and meet people by attending art and craft classes and quickly found that the majority of projects near me were during the day when I was working or targeting specific demographics I didn't qualify for.
All I wanted was a place I could go, have a play making something with my hands and have a chat with other people doing the same. Somewhere that catered to my work schedule but didn't exclude anyone. But it didn't exist.
So I made one.
Idle Hands Craft Club is a series of free weekly social clubs held in the evening for like minded people to mingle and share.
Paid monthly workshops will teach new skills and crafts and encourage collaboration.
Eventually hopefully there will be a community centre where we can all meet, like Byker Grove for grownups but with better health and safety and absolutely no paintball.
Sound fun? Fill in the survey below to register your interest and help shape what we become.