Events
Workshops
We are excited to present a series of summer workshops at Mrs Smith’s Cottage. These workshops are a chance for local artists, creatives and makers to share their skills, and an opportunity to spend time with friends or family while sparking your creative side.
Activities are accessible for all, however support will be needed for young children or those with mobility issues.
These workshops have been in part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of our restoration and reinterpretation project. Allowing us to offer them to you at a subsidised ticket cost!
Friendship Chair Workshops
Sunday 16th and Sunday 23rd January - 12noon to 4pm
No need to book, simply drop in
Our artist-in-residence, Nicki Jarvis, is transforming a wing-back armchair into a celebration of Mrs Smith’s community. The names of almost 200 of her most frequently-mentioned friends are to be embroidered onto patchwork squares, before being made into a chair cover with upholsterer Hannah Weston Smith from Hannah & Nails in Folkingham.
Nicki will be holding two informal embroidery workshops at the Cottage. Drop in any time during the session and join us in doing some simple back stitch embroidery on the specially printed patchwork squares.
Alternatively, you are welcome to pick up an embroidery pack any time the museum is open. This contains four prepared squares, embroidery threads and a needle, plus guidelines on what to do.
Block Printing Workshop
Saturday 29th January - 9am to 12noon
Join artist Nadya Monfrinoli for a day of block printing for all the family. Combine techniques like Lino cutting and stamp making to create bright and colourful prints to take home or sign up to the book-making workshop to turn your prints into an artist book.
This workshop is suitable for adults and older children. Any children attending must be accompanied by an adult.
All materials are provided and prepare to get messy!
Book Making Workshop
Saturday 5th February - 9am to 12noon
Create your own unique and beautiful book with artist Nadya Monfrinoli, using your prints from the print-making workshop or blank paper to be filled in at home. Explore different paper folding and simple book-binding techniques to make a book that is an artwork in itself.
This workshop is suitable for adults and older children. Any children attending must be accompanied by an adult.
All materials are provided.
Sections of our Community made Rag Rug 
Nicki's Rag Rug Navenby Map
Rag Rug Workshops
Tuesday 22nd and Thursday 24th February - 10am to 1pm
Mrs Smith used layers and layers of rugs to help keep her house warm, and many of these were rag rugs made from recycled materials. However rag rug skills can be used to create a wide variety of items.
Join us, during half term, to learn a range of rag rug making skills. Experimenting with different forms and techniques to create a colourful decorative work to take home with you.
This workshop is suitable for families, children must be supported by a helpful adult.