The Crafty Hive Newsletter February 2026

🐝 Welcome to February at The Crafty Hive

As we step into a fresh month of making, mending, and creative community, we’re buzzing with excitement about everything happening in the Hive. February brings new faces, new workshops, and even more opportunities to gather, learn, and craft together.

We’re delighted to welcome two wonderful showcase artisans into the Hive family: Snug Scarf, bringing cosy handmade warmth, and Armani Lawlor Art, whose vibrant work adds a beautiful splash of colour to our shelves. Do pop in to see their creations and show them some Hive love.

We’re also thrilled to share that The Crafty Hive is now an official stockist for the Wiltshire Scrapstore. This means even more affordable, sustainable, and inspiring materials for your creative projects — perfect for makers of all ages.

And we’re buzzing to welcome Nathan from Proper Job Productions, whose pop-up stall features a stunning range of goods inspired by his incredible photography. He’ll be visiting on 8th, 21st & 22nd February, so be sure to stop by and explore his work.

This month is packed with hands‑on fun, with four workshops to explore: Drop Spinning, Mandala Printing, Wet Felting, and a special Kids’ Crafting Session for half term. You’ll find all the details a little further down.

We’re expanding our drop‑in offerings too, with a brand‑new weekly session: Hooked on Crochet, every Thursday afternoon. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned stitcher, it’s a relaxed space to learn, share, and get happily tangled in yarn.

And finally, a huge thank you for the generous donations of fabric, wool, and beads we’ve received this month. Your support keeps our community thriving, and we’re so grateful that you continue to spread the word.

Our Makers

This month we welcome three visiting artisans to showcase their work at the Crafty Hive.

Introducing: Armani Lawlor Art

Armani’s creative journey is rooted in a year of profound personal change, during which painting became a source of healing, clarity, and renewed joy. Returning to the canvas helped her reconnect with her creativity and rebuild a sense of self, one brushstroke at a time.

Today, her work is inspired by the colours, textures, and emotions of the places she has travelled. From Kenya to Costa Rica, Italy to Thailand, each destination has left its imprint on her imagination — and her sketchbook. Armani’s paintings capture the feeling of standing in a place and absorbing its stories, its atmosphere, and its energy.

Her vibrant, travel‑inspired pieces are created to bring a little magic into everyday life — whether they remind you of somewhere you’ve been, somewhere you dream of visiting, or simply offer a joyful escape.

We’re delighted to be stocking a selection of Armani’s prints, cards, and original artworks, with prices starting from £3.25.

SnugScarf

All About SnugScarf

We’re thrilled to introduce SnugScarf, created by local maker Helen, whose love of colour, texture, and cosy comfort shines through every stitch. Helen hand‑knits beautifully soft snoods and fingerless mittens, each one crafted with care and a commitment to uniqueness. She never repeats the same colourway twice—once she’s knitted a pattern in a particular yarn and shade, that’s it—so every snood is truly one‑of‑a‑kind.

Helen sources all her yarn from local wool shops, choosing each skein by touch to ensure the softness and quality she’s known for. We’re delighted to be stocking a gorgeous rainbow selection of her ultra‑soft snoods this month, ready to brighten winter days and keep you snug.

Proper Job Productions

Nathan returns to The Crafty Hive with his stunning photography inspired goods! Catch him at our pop-up market on 7th, 21st & 22nd February — it’s a Proper Job treat you won’t want to miss.

Our Stockists

Wiltshire Scrapstore

We’re excited to now stock Wiltshire Scrapstore Children’s Craft Kits — a colourful collection of creative fun, perfect for little makers! Each kit is packed with everything needed to make themed projects like spoon friends, felt animals, bookmarks, and more. They’re designed to spark imagination, support sustainable crafting, and offer hours of hands-on joy. Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day activity, a half-term treat, or a gift that inspires creativity, these kits are a brilliant pick — with prices starting from just £1.50.

New in the Hive

Gütermann Threads, known for their exceptional quality and vibrant colour range. Whether you're hand-stitching, machine sewing, or adding decorative touches, these threads are a joy to work with and a beautiful addition to your sewing stash.

What’s on this month

Hooked on Crochet

We’re thrilled to launch Hooked on Crochet, a relaxed weekly drop-in every Thursday afternoon at The Crafty Hive. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of stitching under your belt, this is a welcoming space to share tips, untangle yarny mysteries, and enjoy the rhythm of hook and thread. Bring your own project or start something new — we’ll have tea, chat, and plenty of creative inspiration to go around.

Every Thursday 2-4pm

Suggested donation: £5, which includes refreshments.

Sit, Sew, Craft & Chat

Buzz into The Crafty Hive for a relaxed Monday afternoon of creativity and connection. Bring along a project you’re already working on, or join in with the craft we’ve got buzzing for the day. We’ll have templates, threads, and refreshments ready. You’re welcome to bring your own fabric, or choose from our pick‑and‑mix selection in the shop.

It’s a lovely chance to sit, sew, craft & chat in a warm, hive‑like atmosphere. All skill levels are welcome—come to learn, share your skills, or simply enjoy some creative company.

A friendly, buzzy social group for crafters and sewists.

We’d love to see you in the hive.

Suggested donation: £5, which includes refreshments.

Please note: an additional charge may apply if you choose to take part in the prepared craft activity for the session.

The Crafty Hive Knitting Club

Tuesday afternoons, 2–4pm

The aim of the group is to create a welcoming hive of creativity where: Beginners can learn to knit with support from more experienced members, Experienced knitters can bring along their own projects, enjoy some company, and share tips, patterns and inspiration. There’s potential for group charity projects in the future, such as knitting for local hospitals or hospices, depending on interest Experienced knitters are invited to bring their own yarn, needles and projects. We’ll also keep a small supply of spare needles and yarn on hand for absolute beginners who’d simply like to have a go. A couple of very easy starter projects can be provided to help new knitters get going.

Suggested donation of £5 to the Crafty Hive are warmly encouraged to help keep our shop thriving.

Felt so Good Fridays

Bring your wool, WIPs and enjoy a cuppa with like minded folk.

Felting Friday Group on the last Friday of every month, from 11am–3pm.

This isn’t a workshop, but a relaxed, friendly meet‑up where you’re welcome to bring along whatever you’re currently working on — wet felting or needle felting — and enjoy a few hours of shared skills, tips, encouragement and creativity. We’ll also have access to the embellisher in the snug. Drop in for an hour or settle in for the whole session.

• Tea & coffee included

• Equipment available to borrow

• Please bring your own towels (for wet felting) and felting needles

• Suggested donation: £5 per session

• Friday 27th February

Join Our Giant Pom Pom Parade!

Help us fill the Crafty Hive snug with a swarm of colour

There are lots of ways to join the fun:

Buzz into the snug and make a pom pom with us

Take a kit home, craft in your own time, and drop your pom poms back in

Schools and groups: we’ll be reaching out to offer this as a cheerful half‑term activity for young makers on holiday

Let’s see how big, bright, and bouncy our community garland can become. One pom pom might be small… but together, we can create something absolutely bee‑autiful.

Workshops

Felt making with Baa Baa Bag Chic

Learn a new skill with my beginner-friendly wet felting workshop. Led by Paulene (aka Baa Baa Bag Chic), these sessions offer a supportive and inspiring space to explore creativity—places are limited, so book early to secure your spot.

Email Paulene at baabaabagchic@gmail.com to book your place.

If you as an indvidual or a group wish to learn a specific skill, please email me to discuss.

Dressmaking

Who is this workshop for?

All abilities are welcome from age 18 upwards, just bring your current project and lots of enthusiasm.

Email: stitcheshuntingdon@gmail.com or visit Dressmaking - Bradford on Avon | Stitches to find out more information and to secure your space.

Sewing: Friday 6th February

Dot Mandala Workshop

Hosted by Karen @ Dots & Blocks

Beginners:

22nd March or 11th October

1-3.30pm £35 per session

Advanced:

12th July

12.30- 4.30pm £65

🔞 Adults only.

🎟 Book your place here: https://linktr.ee/Dots_Blocks

Half Term fun: Pom Pom Garland Workshop

14th February, 2–4pm

Join us this half term for a bright and woolly Pom Pom Garland Workshop! We’ll be making colourful pom poms and turning them into a cheerful garland to take home.

Perfect for creative kids 8+, it’s a simple, joyful session where everyone leaves with something fun to display. The workshop is £15 per person, including all materials and refreshments

Email to secure your place: creativeexplorers26@outlook.com

Drop Spindle Workshop

Saturday 14th March, 10:30am–3pm.

Discover the art of traditional yarn spinning with Whorl & Spindle Fibre Arts. This relaxed, hands-on workshop will guide you through the basics of using a drop spindle, exploring the qualities of wool, and turning fibre into your very own skein of handspun yarn to take home.

Ideal for beginners or anyone curious about slow craft, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day learning a calming, heritage skill

£55 per person, with all materials inc.

To book: whorlandspindle@gmail.com

Our website: www.thecraftyhive.co.uk

Our site is still a work in progress — the key info is live, and we’re busy adding the final buzz and polish. Thanks for bee‑ing patient while we tidy things up.🐝

Bee part of The Crafty Hive

There’s always room in our hive for more busy bees! Whether you’re volunteering, making, donating, or shopping, every little buzz keeps The Crafty Hive thriving. Here’s how you can bee involved.

🐝 Bee a Co‑ordinator

Fancy leading our Hooked on Crochet drop‑in or a jewellery‑making session?

If you’re interested, have a chat with Wellie or Paulene

🐝 Bee a Volunteer - There are plenty of ways to lend a hand — buzz in for a chat and discover where you might fit perfectly in our hive

🐝 Bee a Maker - We’ve got buzzing selling opportunities starting from just £10 — get in touch to find out more and join our creative hive

🐝 Bee a Donor -We’re on the lookout for donations of haberdashery, fabric, and art & craft supplies to keep our creative hive buzzing.

🐝 Bee a Shopper -Every purchase, big or small, keeps our lights shining and our makers dancing.

🐝Bee a follower of our Social Media - Like, share and follow us on Facebook ‘The Crafty Hive’ and Instagram ‘Thecraftyhiveboa’

Our Snug could be your space!

The Creative Snug is here for you, whether you’re planning a meeting, hosting a workshop, or gathering your group for something special. We’re opening the doors for the community to make the most of this welcoming space, and with our competitive rates, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is. If you’d like to hire the space, just drop us an email for details.

Your purchases and donations help us continue supporting the following charities in our community.

We couldn’t do it without the organisations who stand beside us, thank you for helping us make a difference.

Madeinbradfordonavon@gmail.com

11, Silver Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JY

www.thecraftyhive.co.uk

Instagram: Thecraftyhiveboa

Facebook: The Crafty Hive