Workshops & Activities 2026
Paper Flower Making – Peony Workshop
Join local paper artist Olivia for a relaxed, hands-on workshop creating a beautiful crepe paper peony inspired by the soft pink Raspberry Sundae variety. Learn how to shape crepe paper petals for realism, build the flower’s fluffy centre and elegant bowl shape, and paint petals to capture a delicate pink fade. Olivia will guide you step-by-step with examples and hands-on support throughout.
Suitable for beginners with some crafting experience. You’ll take home a handmade peony and techniques to continue making paper flowers. All materials provided.
Advanced booking essential as spaces are limited.
Salts Diner will be open during the workshop to place orders for hot and cold drinks but please note these are not included in the workshop booking.
A Creative Pause with Mireille Botros
Take a pause from the pace of the Saltaire Arts Trail and settle into a calm, focused moment of creativity.
This gently guided session invites you to slow down and reconnect with your creativity through painting and collage. Working with colour, words, and imagery, you’ll create a personal piece that reflects something meaningful to you.
Designed for adults of all experience levels, this is a space to explore freely and work at your own pace.
All materials provided.
£25 per person. Spaces are limited to 6 participants.
Book here via Mireille’s website
Art for the Soul – The Art Club
The Art Club is a curated cultural platform for people who value depth and knowledge and aspire to become the most evolved versions of themselves. The Club brings together culture, philosophy, innovation, and wellbeing in an intimate setting designed for meaningful exchange. Welcome to “Art for the Soul”, the inaugural event of The Art Club, launching the initiative with two world-class speakers — Rachel Newsome and Mark Vernon.
TICKETS:
Full ticket details and online booking here via Saltaire Art School
Regular Ticket £34.99 (early bird £29.99)
VIP Ticket £60 (early bird £50)
Please note there is a supplementary £3 entry fee for Victoria Hall, owing to the concurrent Makers Fair, which you are warmly invited to explore.
Papercut Lantern Workshop
Learn the basics of papercutting and make a lantern to take away!
Join Laura from L & S Crafts for a fun, informative workshop learning how to make a papercut lantern.
During the session we will teach you how to use a knife to cut safely and effectively, explain how different papers behave and share all of our best tips. After a bit of practice, you will be able to apply your new skills to one of our nature-themed templates, or if you’re the creative type, even design you own. Finish assembling your lantern with a choice of plain or coloured vellum and leave with a beautiful illuminated centrepiece for your home.
This workshop is perfect for beginners to papercutting. All equipment and materials will be provided including a set of fairy lights to illuminate your creation and a box to take it home.
Wool Stories
10am - 5pm
FREE drop in activity
Alongside their exhibition Wool Stories, students from Bradford School of Art (Bradford College) will be sharing their knowledge of wool.
Come and learn how to make a tactile wool charm or talisman to take away.
This activity is suitable for all ages and experiences.
Live Painting with Luke Thompson
11am - 4pm
FREE drop in event
Luke Thompson will be live painting inside and outside at Saltaire United Reformed Church where he will also exhibit a small selection of his original oil paintings.
Luke Thompson (b. 1993, Leeds) is a representational oil painter based in Settle, North Yorkshire. After pursuing a music career up until the age of 24, Luke changed paths and rediscovered his love for drawing and painting. He began to teach himself through studying the academic and traditional methods of working directly from life. Delving further into this passion, he travelled to Florence to study under the alumni of the Florence Academy of Art, where he gained an insight into the techniques and practice of the painters of the past. Following his studies, Luke set up his studio and is now working professionally taking regular commissions, tutoring, and participating in exhibitions. He has been selected for exhibitions at city galleries including Leeds Art Gallery, The Ferens, and The Great Yorkshire Show, and tutors regularly at various institutions including Harewood House and Craven Arts.
Colouring and Collage Making with art-K
11am - 4pm
FREE drop in activity
Join art-K teachers outside Saltaire Makers Fair at Victoria Hall for a day of colouring and insect themed collage making for all ages.
art-K is an award-winning network of art studios offering creative classes, workshops, and parties for children, teens, and adults across the UK. Our small, friendly studios help students build confidence and artistic skill through a structured art curriculum developed by artists and educators. Find your nearest art-K studio to learn more, see class timetables, prices, and booking options.
art-K recently opened a new studio in Saltaire offering a range of classes, workshops and experiences for children, young people and adults.
Willow Workshop with Diane Buckley/Fiddlesticks
10am - 4pm
FREE drop in activity
Create your own small willow sculptures, bird feeders and hanging baskets to take away.