When we signed up for the Art and Craft Workshop we had no idea what format the rally would take.  However, some weeks before the rally, those attending were asked to list the skills and talents, if any, that they would be willing to share with others.

In usual ICA fashion the rally started with ‘happy hour’ sat outside our rally leaders ‘vans in the late afternoon sunshine. During this time an idea was gained of the various skills the members had to offer.

The venue for the rally was the ’Blackmore’ Camping and Caravanning site under the Malvern Hills near Great Malvern.  This was an ideal venue as the site has a large recreational room.

On our first morning those who had brought samples of their hobbies displayed them for the rest of us to see and  choose which craft we would like to try for ourselves.

Our first session was making greetings cards using embroidery threads and beads on pre-marked card. These simple materials gave some very effective results.

One of our members was happy to help anyone with photographic queries.

During the following four days we learned how to cut, assemble and quilt traditional patchwork, a process that can either be done by hand or sewing machine. This was one of the most time consuming projects, we did however learn a ‘cheats’ version of Cathedral Window patchwork which was as effective as it was quick.

Other crafts included making various sized and shaped gift boxes, paper butterflies to decorate them and the very interesting art of ‘teabag folding’. We even tried cording using a variety of coloured wools with surprisingly pleasing results. 

The art of making Dorset Buttons was another skill we attempted.  This was a cottage industry until machines were produced to mass produce them in the 19th century We all agreed that this technique would be useful in making buttons to personalise our own garments.  They can also be used as badges to identify group members.

We also learned a very simple but personal way to wrap a gift by using two sheets of tissue paper which has had small items, such as rose petals, feathers, tinsel etc. sandwiched between them. As well as tissue paper, we were surprised how versatile paper serviettes can be as a craft material.

A different hobby using paper is the art of quiling, again a good way of decorating greetings cards as well as being used in larger projects.

When various art and craft projects are completed they need to be displayed to their best advantage and to this end our group were taught the art of stretching needlework projects and mount cutting using a small but simple tool.

For the less ‘crafty’ rally members, the Malvern Hills offered rich walking opportunities, and the visit to the Morgan car factory was also an enjoyable afternoon.

As is usual on ICA rallies, we had several very enjoyable social events.  An American Supper followed by a Crazy Whist session was held on site and a skittle evening and final, excellent, meal was held at a local pub.  The Blue Bell Inn organised a mini bus to transport us from and to the site on both evenings.

Even among the small group of members who attended the rally there were still craft skills untapped.  I am sure there are many more ICA members who have skills they could share with others.  I for one am hoping this is the first, but not the last ‘Art and Craft Workshop’, as it was such a pleasant way to spend the week and to go home with skills I intend to continue using.

We had two new members on the rally, and I know they both felt it was a very positive introduction to ICA.