MAKE! Craft Britain

MAKE! Craft Britain – “The need to create is very strong in us all.” So says Kate Kearney as her daughter and presenter of the programme, Martha Kearney, embarks on a quest to understand the power of craft in Britain. A joyful celebration of craft, this show follows ordinary people across the country having a go at a new craft skill with viewers at home also encouraged to get in on the action with easy-to-follow ‘how to’ demonstrations. The programme follows two craft workshops. On the edge of the Yorkshire moors, embroiderer Marna Lunt welcomes a mixed group of students to her two-day course making embroidered lampshades. Ex-Policeman Tony is a complete beginner, while textiles student Catherine has been sewing all her life. Meanwhile, in London, six complete beginners take up their scalpels for a crash course in paper-cutting. Teacher/practitioner Christine Green explains the long heritage of this new craft craze, teaches them the basics of designing, cutting and finishing, and gets them going with making 3-D cards. Richard and Mark draw inspiration from their local park, Crystal Palace, while newlyweds Eri and Jamie make cards that celebrate their one year ‘Paper’ anniversary. In both workshops we see how the simple pleasure of crafting and the discovery of a hidden creative talent gives rise to an enormous sense of well-being and pride in each student.