From Sketches to Sketchbook - Half Term Workshop

A half-term drawing & bookmaking workshop for young people (ages 11–16)

This relaxed, hands-on workshop is for young people who enjoy being creative, as well as those who find starting a sketchbook a bit daunting. Often it’s the blank page that causes the hesitation — not a lack of ideas, but not knowing where to begin.

In this session, we’ll work backwards. Instead of starting with a sketchbook and trying to fill it, we’ll begin by making drawings on loose sheets, building up content first. Only later will we decide how those pages come together, giving you control over sequence, format, cropping and what gets left out.

We’ll take a walk around Sunny Bank Mills to explore the buildings, textures and spaces as inspiration for drawing. You’ll be guided through a range of simple and effective drawing and mark-making approaches, using different materials and papers. The focus is on experimenting and observing, rather than worrying about making “good” drawings.

Towards the end of the session, we’ll bring all your drawings together and show you how to bind them into your own handmade sketchbook using simple hand-binding techniques. Many people find this way of working feels much less daunting — the sketchbook becomes a record of what you’ve already made, rather than something you have to be brave enough to start.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll take home:

• A collection of drawings and experiments
• A hand-bound sketchbook you’ve made yourself
• New ways to approach drawing with confidence
• Ideas for turning drawings, notes and research into sketchbooks and project books you can take back to school

No previous drawing or bookmaking experience is needed. All materials are provided.

About the artist

Zöe Louise is an artist and educator with over 10 years’ experience teaching creative arts. Informed by her background in graphic design, her practice is rooted in book arts and process-led making. She is particularly interested in how relationships between text and image, sequencing, and simple book structures can help people think through ideas visually.

Zöe’s teaching is grounded in learning by doing — exploring materials, making mistakes, and reflecting on outcomes — and she enjoys working alongside participants to teach, learn, and be inspired together.

When attending a workshop you can receive 10% off within the Gallery Shop on the day of your session.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable.

If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.

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Host or Publisher Sunny Bank Mills Gallery