Gainsborough Library Blank Page Project
A series of creative workshops for teens
Organisation links
Location address: Gainsborough Community Library, Ipswich
Chosen age group:
Ages: 10 - 16 years
Available tickets:
Paid non HAF child £15 per session· Free HAF eligible Free
Next date: Tuesday 29th Jul,
Funded by Suffolk County Council
Universal provision
A summary
Join us at Gainsborough Community Library for a variety of creative workshops throughout the Summer holidays for 10-16 year olds! Workshops are 9:45am - 3:30pm and include lunch, drinks and snacks.
Free places are available for those eligible for benefit related free school meals. Unsure if you’re eligible? For guidance visit www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.
For more information on each workshop and our brilliant artists, please visit our website:
suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk/blank-page
If your booking is made within 72 hours of the workshop, we may not be able to accommodate specific dietary requirements. Please get in touch with the library location for the workshop to discuss options.
Library: Gainsborough Library, Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, IP3 0RL
29 July: Collage and digital book creation workshop
30 July: Songwriting and Album Art Creation Workshop
5 August: Wordy wrap clay pot workshop
6 August: Songwriting and Album Art Creation workshop
12 August: Special effects make-up
15 August: Bookmaking workshop
19 August: Graphic t-shirt design workshop
20 August: Coding with Scratch workshop
22 August: Eco printmaking workshop
26 August: Songwriting workshop
27 August: Inspirational portraits workshop
29 August: Print and illustration workshop
Workshop details:
Tuesday 29 July 2025 09:45- 15:30
My Style - print, collage & digital folded books with Michelle Brace
Work with gel plate printing, collage, text, digital drawing and mixing to create a folded book in your own unique style!
You will start the day by creating your own series of printed texture papers for use in your colourful collage. Your collage will be photographed and added as a background for digital layering, mixing and drawing in Procreate on the iPad (supplied for use in the workshop). Your design will be printed out in colour on A3 paper and folded into a book. You will then be able to add a title and any finishing touches to your book using acrylic markers and cut up text.
Wednesday 30 July 2025 09:45- 15:30
Songwriting and Album Art Creation Workshop with Ben Brown and Catalina Carvajal
Join musician Ben Brown and visual artist Catalina Carvajal for this free creative workshop for 10-16 year olds! Explore your innate creativity to spontaneously create exciting and unique works or audio and visual art. Participants will go on a creative journey, writing and recording a song with Ben and creating the cover art with Catalina. In this workshop we will explore songwriting; rhythm, rhyming and harmony as well as visual arts. Together we will write a song by brainstorming ideas and using a variety of creative techniques and games.
Once created, we will then record the song in the space! We will also cocreate a piece of cover art to accompany the track. The completed tracks will be uploaded to Bandcamp as part of the Blank Page EP which will be downloadable for free (individual participants will not be named).
Please do not bring instruments to this workshop.
Tuesday 5 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
Clay: Wordy Wrap Pot with Emma Jayne Robertson
Join ceramic artist, Emma Jayne Robertson, to make a wrap pot from clay covered in all sorts of textured prints.
You can include words, phrases and imagery inspired by your favourite story.
We will start by drawing out ideas and develop these into a final design. Then we will create!
You will roll out your clay and then spend time exploring all the fabrics, stamps, buttons, shells and more from Emma’s texture box.
She will then show you how to wrap it around a former and add a base to make it into a pot/vase. Each participant will get to choose one colour for their pot/vase before they leave. This will be applied by The EJaRt Creative Team and wiped back to highlight the patterns on the surface before it has its final firing. The inside of the pot will be glazed and the outside left natural.
Items will be delivered back to the library for you to collect, after being glazed and fired.
Please Note: Delivery can take 4-6 weeks as your pot will need to dry out thoroughly and be fired twice in the kiln.
Please bring an apron or old shirt to protect your clothes. (We do have some disposable aprons if anyone forgets them on the day).
Wednesday 6 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
Songwriting and Album Art Creation Workshop with Ben Brown and Catalina Carvajal
Join musician Ben Brown and visual artist Catalina Carvajal for this free creative workshop for 10-16 year olds! Explore your innate creativity to spontaneously create exciting and unique works or audio and visual art. Participants will go on a creative journey, writing and recording a song with Ben and creating the cover art with Catalina. In this workshop we will explore songwriting; rhythm, rhyming and harmony as well as visual arts. Together we will write a song by brainstorming ideas and using a variety of creative techniques and games.
Once created, we will then record the song in the space! We will also cocreate a piece of cover art to accompany the track. The completed tracks will be uploaded to Bandcamp as part of the Blank Page EP which will be downloadable for free (individual participants will not be named).
Please do not bring instruments to this workshop.
Tuesday 12 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
SFX Make Up with Lorna- Jane Garside
Join arts practitioner Lorna-Jane Garside for this creative workshop for 10-16 year olds at your local library. Learn how to create your own cuts, bruises and gory special effects makeup looks! Participants will learn how to create the gory looks they've seen on stage and screen. You'll be making your own stage blood, creating latex prosthetics, and learning how to apply cuts and bruises. We'll build the weirdest and most creative story we can think of and design the special effects to go along with it!
Friday 15 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
Creative Bookmaking - make a diary in a day with Hazel Garrity
In a relaxed, supportive atmosphere, we will be making personalised journals using traditional bookbinding techniques and tools.
Follow step-by-step demonstrations and surprise yourself by learning new skills. You will make a carefully crafted journal from scratch choosing from a range of colourful papers and adding your own special details. It’s fun to include inserts, pull-outs, envelopes, flaps and recycled materials to reflect your personality and interests. You will be proud to take home your unique book and can continue to add more words and images in the months to come.
Risks
Use of adhesives - PVA approved for use in schools
Sharp tools (needles and awls) - Clear warnings and instructions given at start of workshop.
Tuesday 19 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
Graphic T-shirts with Sarah Nkugwa
Join printmaker and graphic designer Sarah Nkugwa for this free creative workshop for 10-16 year olds at Gainsborough Library, as part of The Blank Page Project! Learn how to use typography to create exciting graphic t-shirts to support big change in the world.
We will be exploring different ways of using Typography to design on trend graphic messages to be worn on a t-shirt. Participants will make their way through a series of experimental design ideas and learn how to use vinyl and the heat press safely to make one-of-a-kind t-shirts to take home.
Wednesday 20 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
Coding on Scratch with Phil Willis
Join software developer and robot creator Phil Willis for this free creative workshop for 10-16 year olds at Great Cornard Library, as part of The Blank Page Project! Learn how to use coding software to create your own computer game.
This workshop will guide you through the creation of your very own computer game. You will be introduced to programming concepts such as scratch and raspberry pi to design and create a computer game for you to play and share with your friends. No computing experience necessary, only a desire to learn.
Friday 22 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
Eco printmaking workshop with Holly Scholfield
Join artist and designer Holly Scholfield for this creative workshop for 10-16 year olds at your local library. Design and make your own beautiful dry point etching using environmentally friendly materials. This workshop will be a busy day of drawing, designing, and printing! Using recycled Tetrapak, we will explore the traditional printing technique of dry point. You will be guided through the whole process from start to finish, using etching tools, inks and a printing press. Participants will get to go home with their own unique prints.
Tuesday 26 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
Charlie's Community Song Factory with Charlie Law
Participants will write a song together in a group and record it in one day. The song will be professionally mixed and mastered and participants will receive an mp3 of the song. Charlie Law is a local singer-songwriter who has been featured on BBC Introducing and performed gigs with Ed Sheeran, Frank Turner and Turin Brakes.
Wednesday 27 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
Inspirational people portraits with Lily Hammond
Getting young people inspired. A session to discuss and consider icons and leaders in their relative industries. To encourage young people to believe they can do wonderful things, and to be inspired by wonderful people. Lily will lead the session offering guidance and assistance on creating the portraits and using Carbon paper for those who are less confident, there are options to tailor the workshop for all ages and abilities.
Friday 29 August 2025 09:45- 15:30
Exploring Adinkra – A West African-Inspired Print & Illustration Journey with Lily Hammond
Join artist Lily from Uwu Studio for an experimental and joyful print and illustration workshop inspired by the powerful visual language of Adinkra symbols and her recent journey to Nigeria. This creative session celebrates the bold colours, rhythmic patterns, and meaningful symbols of West Africa through hands-on making and playful exploration.
What are Adinkra symbols?
Adinkra symbols originate from the Akan people of Ghana and represent ideas, values, and philosophical concepts. Traditionally used in textiles, ceramics, and architecture, these visual motifs express everything from wisdom and unity to courage and transformation.
In this workshop, we will delve into the beauty and meaning behind these symbols, using them as inspiration to design our own unique artworks. We’ll explore vibrant colour palettes, create our own block prints using foam and card, and experiment with wax-resist techniques—a traditional method still widely practised across Nigeria as well as illustrative techniques and experimentation.
You'll leave the session having learned new techniques and created a bold collection of African-inspired prints and illustrations to take home.
send accessibility checklist
1:1 care
2:1 care
Qualified to administer medication
Epilepsy trained
Secure environment
Accessible toilet
Assist with personal care and toileting
Hoist and changing bench
Sensory or quiet spaces
Makaton trained
PECS trained
More information available on request
Contact the Mentor to discuss your specific needs regarding this list item.
Please note:
It is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the the measures provided above. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed.
About your mentors
Suffolk Community Libraries
Where I belong.
We’re the independent charity that runs Suffolk’s library service. We nurture children’s literacy, support vulnerable people and promote wellbeing across Suffolk.
Sarah Nkugwa
Artist | Educator
Hi I’m Sarah Nkugwa aka Pop Print Studio, I am a contemporary Printmaker, Graphic Designer and educator living and working in Suffolk, UK. My main focus is on traditional printmaking with a specialism in screen printing. My work is inspired by human connection, positivity and imperfection.
My visual language is bright and playful, remixing form and using brush strokes to create abstract compositions. I work spontaneously, responding to thoughts, sound and movement in real time. Every piece is unique; the unexpected elements of each reveal at the end of the process are a real highlight for me. An experimental, curious interpretation of the world around me informs my work. Embracing mistakes and flaws is central to my art, which encourages you to stand still and look. Every individual interprets my work in their own specific way as I hope you will too.
My multi-disciplinary practice spans across drawing, printmaking and collage, I also spend time working on freelance projects and teaching creative workshops.
Hazel Garrity
When your mentor provides a strapline it will go here
My chief enthusiasms have always been words, books and making things so bookbinding combines these elements perfectly. It's also accessible and fun. As a secondary school English teacher, I worked with young people to give them the confidence to be creative with language. Now I want to explore the possibilities offered by combining words with the craft of constructing books in different forms and expressing ideas in new ways.
As a member of the Society of Bookbinders, I have been lucky enough to attend workshops with some expert professionals in this area and, although I'm not an expert myself, I know how satisfying it can be to create something unique and personal, using simple materials with traditional tools and skills. Far from dry and dusty, this is a fascinating world offering endless possibilities for self-expression.
Charlie Law
Singer-Songwriter
Charlie Law is a storytelling songwriter from Suffolk, UK who sings about his adventures in camper vans, canal boats and starting a family.
His guitar playing is steeped in the thumb picking fingerstyle of old ragtime music, passed onto him by his Grandpa who didn’t have the strength to play, but knew how to do it. Charlie’s baritone tenor voice (the same as John Lennon) has a rich tone, with soft falsetto in the style of Jeff Buckley and a Paolo Nutini Rasp when the music bites.
More recently Charlie has been facilitating songwriting workshops in a variety of community settings.
May music fill up your heart,
Drink with me your flowing glass,
Sing with me for all that’s nice,
For joy in music is joy in life. - Charlie Law
Uwu Studio
Pattern print and colour lover
Lily is an illustrator working from her studio in rural Suffolk, having graduated with a first class honours in illustration.Her practice spans the creative sector from working on a commission for Black History Month for the BBC to working in an East London studio.
Lily has a real passion for colour and pattern her portfolio demonstrates a plethora of different subject matters, whilst staying true to her loves and passions in life. She works in a variety of media– predominantly digital art, markers and acrylic painting – and makes use of textured and layered techniques to create energetic, eyecatching creations.
Michelle Brace
Digital & mixed media artist
I describe my work as digital mixed media. I use all kinds of things as visual source material including moving image, natural materials, collage, mark making, text and photographic textures to build colourful visual compositions. I've recently been collaborating with dancers, musicians and other visual artists to make studio based work and work for live performance and projection.
I often work with communities producing and facilitating projects and have a current emphasis on developing my creative practice to support mental health and well-being.
Holly Scholfield
Experienced Artist specialising in print
I am a freelance artist, designer and teacher. My expertise lies in printmaking, drawing and textiles, with a particular interest in pattern, chaos, embellishment and costume. I love to draw in museums and the natural world to inspire new work.
I trained at Central St Martins in Fine Art and then completed an MA at NUA specialising in print and textiles. I regularly exhibits my work, have shown in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and illustrate for publications.
Dilly
Suffolk libraries information advisor
Hiyaa
I’m Dilly and I love animals, being creative, including sustainable creativity, when I’m not spending time interacting with animals or at gigs I can often be found either working or volunteering with young people, their enthusiasm, inquisitiveness and perspectives on the world they live in is a treasure to be part of and to learn from.
Grace Dersley
Relief Library & Information Advisor
A regular member of the team at Gainsborough Library, who loves to read, write and create. I used to work weekends and help run Girls Group in 2022, but now can often be found covering shifts on the weekdays and in school holidays. Radio and music are my other passions and I'm always trying to link them to my library work one way or another!
Georgia
Library and Information Advisor
Here to support the young people attending, and artists providing our Blank Page Project workshops. I look forward to seeing you all and having a fun time during our workshops
Mandy Grimwood
Passionate community library manager
I love working with the local community and being able to offer new, exciting opportunities for young people to improve their confidence, self-esteem and aspirations.
Phil Willis
Professional application developer
Professional application developer, robot maker, Coder Dojo mentor and Pi Wars judge.
Samantha Scott
Library and Information Advisor
.
Kim
Library and Information Advisor + Book Dragon
.
Learning aims
Aim 1
To try something new and explore creativityAim 2
To learn about what Suffolk Libraries can offerAim 3
To develop confidence in meeting and working with new peoplePricing information
Ticket namePriceInformation
Ticket namePaid non HAF child
Price£15
Information-
Ticket name Free HAF eligible
Price£0
Information-
LEARNER REFLECTIONS0 reflections
Where we'll be
Gainsborough Community Library, Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0RL
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Drinks
Snacks
Meals
Equipment
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Basic DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit
Smoke Detector
Please note
Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.
Cancellation Policy
Free bookings do not require refunds but as places are limited, please cancel if you cannot attend so that your place can be offered to someone else.
My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.
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