Freckle Creative – One Year On

Can you describe your business?  

I teach Textiles and Art to young people, one to one or small groups.  My sessions are bespoke to the individual, following and supporting their interests and needs. I host regular stitch and chat sessions (called Sewcials) and deliver craft sessions in the community. I also produce my own textile art, often focussed on gender or neurodivergence. 

How have you developed over the last 12 months since moving into Banks Mill?   

Since I’ve been in my studio, I’ve had the opportunity to experiment further on my creative practice.  I’ve been meeting fellow creatives, building relationships and becoming more familiar with local organisations/opportunities.   

Have you expanded the business or your services over the last 12 months?    

In the last year I’ve begun leading textile and craft workshops for adults at community groups and for families at Derby Museums.  Next month I’ll be teaching 3 sessions for adults at Pickford’s House as part of ‘Dracula returns to Derby’. 

 

What support/groups or networks have you engaged with in the last 12 months? 

I’ve led some embroidery and craft workshops for parents of children with SEND for The SEND Dynamic in Derby. I was at Assemble 24 last year at the Museum of Making, hosting a drop-in activity for families. Took part in Derby Speaks Up’s recent campaign about the need for early intervention in abusive relationships. Ran a craftivist activity at Internation Women’s Day event at M of Making, Derby this year. 

 

Have you received any funding/grants or awards in the last 12 months?   

• Artwork published in ‘Break the silence to end the violence’ – The starving artist/Young European Movement book, Nov 2024  
• Artwork in exhibition about disability at Level Centre, Derbyshire, Jul – Sept 2024  
• Artwork published in No Jobs in the Arts Zine #8 ‘Social Practice’, Feb 2024

 

What have you been working on recently?   

Currently I’m planning the final details for the sessions at Pickford’s House in April for Dracula Returns to Derby.  I’ve been commissioned to produce a stitched wall-hanging with adults, depicting Derby’s Grand Theatre for the World premiere of Dracula.  (to be exhibited in Summer 2025 Dracula Exhibition at Derby Museums). Delivering craft sessions for parents at The SEND Dynamic CIC, Derby. Developing an Arts Award course in Textiles, for young people aged 10+, aiming to start offering this during the Summer term.  I have opened a waiting list for people interested, please contact me to express your interest. 

How has being based at Banks Mill helped your business?   

Networking, building relationships with other creatives and business support. Having own studio away from home allows me to focus and be more productive. Clients enjoy coming to the studio and enjoy the creative atmosphere at BM. 

 

What are your plans for your business for the next 12 months?   

To develop further Arts Award courses in visual arts.   

 

What’s been your favourite thing about having a Studio at Banks Mill so far?  

The building itself is a lovely space to work from, also being able to mix with the creatives in the building.