The Festival of Stuff 2025: Masterclasses

During our Culinary Seaweed Masterclass, new flavours, textures and smells were explored. We welcomed seaweed lovers and haters alike, with one participant joining us to overcome their dislike of the divisive algae (and, by the end of the session, they were a self-confessed convert, having discovered new, interesting ways for them to enjoy this unique food).

The Japanese Joinery Masterclass created a fun, supportive environment for complete newcomers to achieve something that they admitted they never thought they'd be able to, leaving with a new, insatiable itch to explore woodworking further. Visitors exclaimed their delight for the masterclasses' detailed explanations, learning everyday practical tips - like from the basic skill of properly using a pencil and ruler - as well as more complex principles featured in Japanese joinery.

Our Silver Twisting Masterclass turned people's precious metal dreams into a reality, with users bending, hammering and melting silver to create one-of-a-kind jewellery and small sculptural pieces. Visitors explored the processes of hardening, annealing and 'pickling' metal, and considered how silver can be twisted and manipulated to take on unique character and form.

The Historic & Electronic Embroidery Masterclass encouraged people to problem solve on the spot, learning historic sewing skills and contemporary electronic techniques, intertwining embroidery silk with conductive thread to connect the past and present. The result? Beautiful stitched patterns that lit up or created a synthesised sound when connected to a touch-responsive textile sensor.

Our Rags to Rope Masterclass inspired people to turn discarded pieces into riches, breathing new life into unloved garments. Whether the item was 'Worn Out Emotional' or 'Brand New and Guilty', in this session, they became a useful resource once more. Visitors considered complex mixed fibres, twisting and manipulating fabrics once destined for landfill.