At Flotsam Flo, part of our mission is to educate and inspire. We offer workshops in schools and community settings to raise awareness about plastic waste and sustainability. These sessions not only educate the next generation about environmental issues but also demonstrate creative ways to repurpose waste, helping to foster a more sustainable, circular economy.

Kate, the founder of Flotsam Flo, brings a wealth of experience to our workshops. With a decade of teaching Art, Textiles, and Design Technology in secondary schools—including four years in a Special Educational Needs and Mental Health (SEMH) school—Kate’s expertise and passion for education shine through in every session. Known for her outstanding teaching, she seamlessly integrates her skills into our workshops, making them both informative and engaging.

Our workshops can be tailored to fit either a half-day or full-day format and cover a range of topics. Participants learn about the impact of materials and plastic pollution, explore practical solutions and engage in hands-on activities. They create designs for new products, see examples of exemplary work, and learn various joining techniques to make their own products from materials.

In addition to our environmental workshops, Kate also offers Art workshops, blending creativity with educational goals.

Join us to make a difference and develop new skills while contributing to a sustainable future.

The most recent project Kate has worked on was Hellfire Kernow in Redruth, run by Golden Tree Productions. Kate was the creative maker for the Angels Kryw and ran community making sessions and made items for the day. Where possible, items were used that cold be repurposed, such as used tetra packs to make headdresses and off cuts of fabric to make 'battle skirts'.

If you are a school, community group or organisation interested in a workshop or talk, please get in touch.

Although we no longer run Flotsam Flo sewing workshops, this photograph was one of our first workshops. We created tote bags from scratch!

Here’s what Liz, one of our wonderful attendees from another workshop had to say:

"I felt immediately welcome and relaxed. I liked that you were open to trying something new, even though it turned out to be your backpack pattern. You’re a great listener and understood exactly what I wanted. I felt completely at ease with your methods. You provided all the materials and showed excellent knowledge of both the machines and materials. And the snacks were lovely too! I’m going to treasure my beautiful bag. You’re an absolute star."

"I have followed Flotsam Flo for a while now and have brought some lovely items from her. I love the whole ethos of reusing items that can't be recycled, I think what Flotsam Flo is doing is amazing.

I was brought a tote bag workshop for my birthday, the children were very excited to see what I would make. I was a bit nervous as I am not confident using sewing machines and have never attempted to make a bag. Kate reassured me every step of the way and helped sort out any problems that occurred. I really enjoyed the workshop, the time went so quickly! 

I love my bag even if it is a bit wonky and feel proud that I made it. My daughter said "Mummy you are so clever" but I think Kate is the clever one.

Thank you Flotsam Flo."

- Emily, Workshop Attendee