As well as running workshops and immersive experiences, Wordsmith Crafts makes Heritage accessible by providing creative types with outlets for their creativity. The Studio is looked after by Simon, and he runs Cluaran as a club where members can find space for making. Sometimes they make things to sell, Sometimes as a part of Quartz worship, sometimes simply for the joy of making.
The Studio is set up to help provide an introduction to heritage crafts. It is also a way to introduce makers to new markets and build confidence through being part of a community. They can then expand beyond the space to emerge as butterflies, or moths, or dragons…
Browse this page to find the makers!
But before you go, here is a handy guide to what minimums the union suggest for hiring creatives.
Rates of Pay
Walk on activities/storytelling
£120 first hour
£165 half day
£280 full day
Craft workshops
£179.60 half day
£359.20 full day
Discounts may be available for multiple session bookings. (Excluding travel, materials, and large props. New activities will also require development time. Rates based on 5 yrs experience).
Activities that meet the CIC aims can also sometimes be subsidised from profit generated through other activities. We also support volunteering for those who can (but not as a substitute for fair employment). Volunteers can maximise return for £spent as well as providing a distinct atmosphere of enthusiasm.
Rates from the SAU and Scottish Storytellers websites. Visit the SAU site to explore how they are calculated.
Etsy
The Wordsmith Crafts Shop on Etsy is currently owned and run by Simon Lidwell as an artist. It is also an online space for other WSC members to sell the fruits of their creativity.
Art Inspired by Heritage
Re-enactment Ready
These items are printed and delivered on demand. The supplier has been chosen for their environmental credentials – and because they are a way to make heritage wearable!
Artists WSC works with
(Some are still WSC members, others have established themselves and have their own set ups – we are still friends though!)
Aidan Rowlands
Aidan is an “Activated” Cluaran member. He turns wood into art, mends machines and built many boilers for Nithraid this year.
He also likes to paddle coracles.
Find his business practice on Facebook called “Positive Forestry“
Ceara Holden
Ceara is an “Activated” Cluaran member. Immersed in the re-enactment scene she works with a variety of materials. You can explore the things she has made on her facebook page.
Nates Forge
Nate started hammering metal at an early age. He now takes steel and turns it into sculptures that range from the very small to some the size of a house.
Nates Forge website
Kat Milligan
Wild Kat has always been fiercely independent. Having said that she is also someone who builds community and introduces folk to things. She has been part of the wordsmithcrafts story even before we moved into Dumfries.
The world is her workshop but you can follow her foraging on facebook
Blue Kitty Creations
Blue Kitty was one of the first artists to share a table with Wordsmithcrafts. She is still a regular at the Kirkcudbright Arts and Crafts Trail. You can explore and buy here creations on Etsy, as well as at markets in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries
Simon Lidwell
Simon takes words and draws them, or captures thoughts in the form of doodles. Some of these are developed with digital magic and then printed. If you’d like to Join Kate in wearing one of these designs visit:
Simon’s Teemill shop
There are, of course, many more people who use the workshop from time to time. Members of Galloway Longfhada Vikings regularly drop in for both re-enactment and general crafts. Members of St Johns Dumfries visit to prepare things for services and outward bound activities. It is also the venue within which Simon has run Making Space sessions where people can simply drop in and have a go.
Glimpses of the Studio!
A sneek peek behind the scenes at the making in progress.
Storytelling Stage
Not a shop thing, but a reminder to sit down and listen to a story every once in a while!
The Floating Monastery YouTube channel is home to a range of stories. Most of the clips you can watch are rehearsals for live performances – find out more about that on the Cluaran site