My Creative Life

Using inspiration from the archives at the Dorset History Centre as part of the ‘My Creative Life project’,  the Arts Development Company has produced a series of videos inspiring you to get creative with a historic twist.

The Videos

Each video leads you through a different craft activity, providing a fun and creative way of learning new skills and a great opportunity to socialise in a group.

The videos are no more than 20 minutes long, require a minimum of simple resources and can be completed without any prior knowledge of the subject.

Watch the videos below to give the craft activities a go!

Make a Traditional Dorset Button

To make a traditional Dorset Button you will need: 1) A ring, anything from 1.5-4 inches across – this could be a wooden curtain ring, or you could even make one from sturdy cardboard, 2) Wool, 3) A thick, bluntish needle, like a darning needle, 4) Scissors

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Make your own handmade book

You will need 1) Sheets of paper – plain, patterned or a mixture, 2) Scissors, 3) Something sharp to make holes (e.g. a large needle or awl), 4) Thread, ribbon or string, 5) Sturdy needle

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Making a Green Man Plaque

You will need: 1) A portion of salt dough (recipe below; or modelling clay, or traditional clay) 2) Cutlery including a blunt knife and a fork 3) A small to medium sized plate 4) A piece of baking paper slightly larger than your plate 5) Water colour or poster paint and a brush. 

It is best to make the creations on a piece of baking paper so they can go straight into the microwave or oven.

Recipe for microwave salt dough:
Cup of plain flour
Half a cup of table salt
1/3 to 1/2 cup of water – add slowly in
a mixing bowl

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