Maker + Mind

22/05/2026

Here's what the Maker + Mind workshops are really for.

22/05/2026

Here's what next week's workshops are all about, and a little peak at the studio if you've never visited before. The next round of workshops isn't until 16 June onwards so get booking if you need a making fix right now!
Slow stitching with unusual materials - Weds 27th May 6pm
Intro to English paper piecing - Thurs 28th May 6pm

13/05/2026

🥳NEW WORKSHOPS🥳 Booking link in bio---->

The Maker & Mind Studio classes are designed around the proven fact that making things can make you feel good. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of small movements, the colour and feel of the materials, and naturally lower stress and bring calm. Freedom in creative direction is encouraged, and enjoying the process takes precedence over perfection.

1) Intro to English Paper Piecing: We'll discuss EPP's history and versatility, take a look at it's antique and modern applications, while learning the core principals and creating a hexagon flower to adorn our felt needle books.
2) Mini Weave: over, under, repeat: Immerse yourself in total creative freedom. You'll leave with a small woven, perfectly unique piece and a big new understanding of how woven textiles are made.
3) Slow Stitching with unusual materials: A slow stitching session that explores couching and mirror-work; two techniques for attaching unusual materials, found objects, and embellishments to textile.

With three adaptable workshops and 8 dates to choose from, there's a moment of making for everyone in our new classes! We can't wait to see you at the Studio 💖

05/05/2026

We’re excited to launch our Help campaign in East Hertfordshire at Hoddesdon Market.
Some of the children in our care have been working with textile artist Connie Maker + Mind to create a beautiful community quilt, full of colour, creativity and the words that fostering means to them. It’s a powerful piece of art and a celebration of their voices.
We’d love you to come along, see the quilt in person, and even add your own contribution to it.
Friday 15 May - Hoddesdon Market, 10am - 4pm
Pop it in your diaries! For more information, visit: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/news/news-archive/fostering-help-east-herts-2026

05/05/2026

You blew us away! From near and far, folks came with open hearts to welcome the Maker + Mind Studio to Ware. We're still reeling from the crazy turn out on Opening Day. There aren't enough words for all the thank yous! We're thrilled to be a part of this amazing community of creatives and the curious, and can't wait to see you all again soon ❤️

We're open from now, 10am to 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday - so pop in, scope out the gallery, top up your making supplies and check in on whatever project Connie has on the table.

Our first workshop dates launch this Thursday, so watch this space - with EPP patchworking, slow stitching, and tabletop weaving - all designed to nurture wellbeing and creative confidence 🤗

Enormous love and thanks to our artists for being a part of the launch, and for celebrating the power of making in our local makers gallery.

12/12/2025

My quirky Christmas wreath 🎄🤪

This wreath came together from free Christmas tree trimmings, reused wire, teeny sari scraps, some gifted fleece locks and my Nana’s old cotton reels. It was a peaceful, cheap, contemplative make and I got to dive into the memories of sewing with my Nana ❤️

It’s a reminder that your creativity doesn’t need to be big budget or perfect, just personal.

This Christmas, I hope you feel inspired to craft in your own unique way, to use what you have, celebrate your quirks, and honour the stories behind the materials you choose.

Look close and you'll catch the reflection of one chuffed little maker 😅🤦‍♀️😊

Don't be afraid to make your Christmas your own, and let creativity be part of your festive season.

31/10/2025

Quick tutorial: Happy Halloween from our coven to yours! These pumpkins are handstitched from dressmaking scraps, use whatever you have to hand.
Cut a rectangle twice as long as it is wide (ours are 5x10cm, 7x14cm and 10x20cm)
Running stitch the short ends together right sides facing, open up the long edge - you have a tube!
Running stitch about 1cm from the top edge of the tube and gather together, secure with a few stitches - you have something that looks a bit like a bowl.
Turn it right side out with the gathered edge at the bottom and stuff it with yarn or fabric scraps fleece, polyester stuffing, linseed - what ever you've got.
With another running stitch about 1cm from the top, gather that edge as well, poking the cut edge inside as you pull your thread and securing with a few extra stitches.
With the longest needle you've got, leaving a long tail on the bottom side, stitch from the middle at the bottom to the middle at the top and then aroooound the outside (round the outside, round the outside).
Pass the needle through again in the same place and pull tight - you've made a pumpkin segment. Repeat a few times until you're happy with you squash-y bulges and secure your thread by notting into the long tail you left on the bottom side. Voila!
Finish your pumpkin with a stick and some glue, a felt leaf or leave it au naturel - whatever tickles your spooky fancy.

25/09/2025

We're here in Hitchin Market Place
until 4pm, come along, take part, spread the word about the need for Foster Carers and how YOU can help, no matter your circumstances

23/09/2025

Maker & Mind will be back in the wild with an outdoor workshop on Thursday 25th September, sharing and adding to the beautiful HELP community quilt, made in collaboration with Hertfordshire's foster community. Join us in Hitchin market 10am - 4pm and add your voice to this heirloom textile work that celebrates the impact of foster care through craft.

We’re inviting the community to join us in Hitchin on Thursday, 25 September for the launch of our HELP campaign, aimed at raising awareness about fostering.

Come see our beautiful community quilt, created by foster children and carers, each patch stitched with words that reflect the heart of fostering. Add your own word and pick up leaflets or posters and help us spread the word. hertfordshire.gov.uk/help