Upcycled Purse/Pouch Workshop

Flotsam Flo workshop: 2 hours - Make a Purse/Pouch  

You've seen Flotsam Flo items, now learn how they are made and how we use and upcycle plastic materials. In this 2 hour workshop based near Redruth, you will learn how to make your very own purse, pouch or both, depending on how much decoration you would like to use and your skill level. We will be upcycling plastic materials such as banners and inflatables, which are materials that are really difficult to recycle. The pictures here are examples of purses and pouches previously made. Due to only using broken materials for the main part of the purse/pouch no two items will be the same, so the pictures are for exemplar purposes only. 

There is a maximum number of 4 people per session so you will receive high quality support and guidance. NO SEWING EXPERIENCE NEEDED! We will help you every step of the way and I believe anyone can sew and make items so please don't worry, you've got this!

You will rummage through our treasure trove of materials and use a template to cut out the shapes needed for a purse or a pouch. You will be able to use plastic offcuts to decorate your items if you like to, learning how to stitch on patterns or shapes. You will then stitch your purse or pouch together. If there is time, you will be able to make one of each, or more if you have time. Not only will you be able to take your items with you, you will also be learning skills about how Flotsam Flo uses material as well as design, making and sewing machine skills.

You will learn:

- How to use a sewing machine

- Health and Safety around the workspace

- Special techniques to sew with plastic based materials

- How to use a simple pattern

- Sewing a zip

- Using Applique to add designs (if required)

- Methods to upcycle plastic materials

Knowledge Required

No previous sewing knowledge required however, we will be sewing zips so it is advantageous if you know a little. These workshops are flexible so there will always be some tasks or decoration techniques that can push your skill level. These sessions are for over 18s only, but we are looking to run workshops for younger people in the near future.

What you'll take away

- One purse or one pouch, or one of each depending on time and your skills and decoration techniques

- Design and making skills

- Upcycling ideas and skills

What's Included

- All materials and equipment, including zips, thread and use of sewing machines 

- Tutoring from an experienced Design and Technology Teacher

- Free onsite Parking

- Refreshments (please email me if you have any special requirements or allergies)

About your tutor

Kate is the founder of Flotsam Flo and has been making and experimenting with plastic materials for almost 2 years. Kate is a qualified secondary school teacher, specialising in Design and technology. She has over 10 years of teaching in secondary schools, including Textiles through all key stages including GCSE and BTEC Art Textiles. Kate is a practicing artist (check out Kate Doran Artist on Facebook) and utilised textiles in her First Class honours degree in Graphic design. Kate has also recently been a creative lead for the 'Hellfire Kernow' Creative community workshops in Redruth.

What to bring

You do not need to bring anything with you for this session, however if you have any plastics, broken inflatables or similar items that you would like to reuse, we can try and incorporate this. We cannot guarantee all materials can be used depending on suitability but please bring it so we can see. We will mainly be using plastic materials such as banners and inflatables. We will be focusing on these materials rather than wetsuit material as they use a different skill set and a different sewing machine (which I only have one of but watch this space for future updates).

If you would like to book a workshop with a group of friends, or if you would like a one-to-one workshop, please contact me. 

Where will sessions be held?

Workshops will be held at Flotsam Flo HQ which is based at:

48 Cardrew Way, Cardrew industrial Estate, Mount Ambrose TR15 1SS

This address does not always come up in directions, but it is the building opposite Aqua-Rod.

Here is a link to our location on maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DTdEfXVqFeUDh6gH6

Here is a link to what3words which shops you exactly where we are based: https://w3w.co/clasping.tabs.strutting There is parking right outside the Flotsam Flo building. You will see Dave the Flotsam Flo Van, so please park here. 

IMPORTANT INFO: Please only park in the car park outside Flotsam Flo HQ. Please do not park on the opposite side of the road in the carpark outside of the Big green biffa building. This is due to health and safety reasons. If you can't see Dave the van, please don't park there. 

Please note that while we make every effort to estimate the length of a session and plan to complete each item within the allotted time, this isn't always achievable. We will make sure you are confident finishing your item at home if you have the equipment and if you are unable to do so during in the workshop time.

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.