**Flotsam Flo Tote Bag Workshop – 2.5 Hours**
Join us for a hands-on experience in creating your own unique Tote Bag in our 2.5-hour workshop near Redruth. Discover the art of upcycling as we transform hard-to-recycle plastic materials like banners and inflatables into stylish accessories.
In this session, you’ll learn to craft a one-of-a-kind Tote Bag using a variety of reclaimed materials. Each bag will be distinct due to our use of broken or varied materials, so your creation will be entirely unique.
With a maximum of three participants per workshop, you’ll receive personalised guidance and support—no sewing experience required! We believe anyone can learn to sew, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Explore our collection of materials, use a template to cut out your bag’s shape, and enhance your design with decorative plastic offcuts. You’ll gain practical skills in design, construction, and sewing, while also learning about Flotsam Flo’s sustainable approach. Take home your handcrafted Tote Bag and the knowledge you are helping to reduce waste and learn new skills.
What You Will Learn:
- Operating a sewing machine
- Health and safety in the workspace
- Techniques for sewing with plastic materials
- Using a simple pattern
- Sewing hems
- Applying applique designs (if desired)
- Cutting and securing straps to prevent fraying
- Attaching straps securely
- Methods for upcycling plastic materials
Knowledge Required:
No prior sewing experience is necessary. Our workshops are designed to accommodate all skill levels, with tasks and techniques to challenge and enhance your abilities. Please note, these sessions are for adults only (18+), though we plan to offer workshops for younger participants in the future.
What You’ll Take Home:
- A custom-made Tote Bag
- Enhanced design and making skills
- Practical upcycling techniques and ideas
What’s Included:
- All materials and equipment, including webbing straps, thread, and sewing machines
- Expert instruction from an experienced Design and Technology teacher
- Free on-site parking
- Refreshments (please email us with any special requirements or allergies)
About Your Tutor:
Kate, the founder of Flotsam Flo, has been working with plastic materials for three years and sewing with reclaimed material for many more. She is a qualified secondary school teacher with over a decade of experience in Design and Technology, including Textiles. Kate is also a practicing artist (visit Kate Doran Artist on Facebook) and has a First Class Honours degree in Graphic Design, incorporating textiles. Recently, she led creative community workshops for ‘Hellfire Kernow’ in Redruth.
What to Bring:
You don’t need to bring anything specific, but if you have any plastics, broken inflatables, or similar items you’d like to reuse, feel free to bring them along. We will mainly use plastic materials such as banners and inflatables. While we cannot guarantee that all materials can be used, we will assess their suitability. Note that wetsuit material requires different techniques and equipment, which we do not have in abundance at the moment so are unable to use wetsuit material in this session. if you would like a one-to-one session where we upcycle wetsuits or you would like different availability for another session, please email us.
**Safety Notice:**
Please be aware that Flotsam Flo items and any products created during our workshops are not suitable for children. These items are intended for adult use only and may contain components or features that could pose a risk to younger users. For the safety of your children, please ensure that these products are kept out of their reach and used only by adults. Materials very likely to contain or be made of PVC.
Workshop Location:
Workshops are held at Flotsam Flo HQ, located at:
48 Cardrew Way, Cardrew Industrial Estate, Mount Ambrose, TR15 1SS
The building is opposite Aqua-Rod, and parking is available right outside. Please use this [map link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DTdEfXVqFeUDh6gH6) or [What3words location](https://w3w.co/clasping.tabs.strutting) for directions.
Important Parking Info:
Please park in the designated Flotsam Flo car park only. Do not park across the road at the Big Green Biffa building due to health and safety regulations. If Dave the Flotsam Flo van is not visible, please avoid parking in that area.
Note:
While we strive to complete each project within the workshop time, occasionally it may not be possible. We will ensure you’re confident finishing your item at home if needed.
You can read about our cancellation policy here.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a cost of delivery described below, but once you checkout postage is not included.
Postage and Packing
Products are shipped using Royal Mail (2-4 business days).
- Up to £12: £2.45
- £12 to £60: £3.35
- £60 to £100: £6.95
- Above £100: £15.00