Hucknall library offers families creative craft course

Michelle Squires is running a recycling craft workshop for children and their parents at Hucknall Library

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Inspire service is running a free five-week family learning course in recycled crafts at Hucknall library, starting Saturday, April 22, 1-3pm.

Michelle Squires, a community development worker with SureStart and Hucknall Children’s Centres, will be leading the classes and promises lots of low-cost fun.

She said: “I’m passionate about encouraging parents to try back to basics play ideas - things that are easily accessible at home without spending a lot of money.

“Activities like these are a good way to build relationships with children, enjoy some quality time and learn how to work well together.”

She added: “It’s also an opportunity to get out and get to know other people in the community.”

The sessions will focus on crafts with an outdoor theme, to get children in the mood for the summer months.

Michelle said: “With the long school holidays to come, it’s good to have some ideas you can take out and about.

“We’ll be making things like windchimes, miniature gardens, mini-beast catchers, and bug houses.”

Michelle is a self-taught craft enthusiast who has picked up plenty of tips and tricks in her day job, so her teaching approach is well suited to those with less-experience.

She said: “Everything I do has a confidence element too, I want to build up parents’ self-esteem - whether bonding with their child or if you might want to go out and try something new for yourself.

“I have lots of links through SureStart so I’m always happy to point people in the direction of other opportunities to build their skills up.”

It will be the first time that Michelle has run a course of this kind since she joined the Inspire ranks, and she hopes it will have the added benefit of supporting the council’s library services.

She said: “I want people to come along and have fun, and maybe this will lead to other courses.

“It’s important to make the library and these community resources are used to ensure they are there for parents in future. It’s about making the most of what we’ve got.”

Each two-hour class will also include a storytelling session to show what the library offers year round.

Materials for the course will be provided, but Michelle will be encouraging parents to bring in items from home and to reimagine the everyday items that surround them.

To register your interest or book a place on the course go to http://bit.ly/2o6LRBZ, email [email protected], or telephone 01623 476830 quoting reference INSP17/28096.