ART, crafts and nature combine in a new series of workshops run by double act, the Makers.

The duo, Holly Goldberg and Angela Szczypka, have been running events and workshops in schools for a couple of years, but when Angela moved to a smallholding in Thundersley, they realised they’d found a perfect fixed base.

With a series of workshops and craft classes for all ages, they’ve tied in the rural setting with new nature walks and craft classes, taking inspiration from the animals and surroundings.

Holly explains: “We set up a couple of years ago. We’ve both had previous experience, with jobs running arts and crafts parties and teaching in schools, so we thought we’d set up our own business.

“The past couple of years, we’ve just been working on a mobile basis, in schools and for the councils, doing events and things, but now we’ve managed to get premises that’s been really good, because now we can run them regularly.

“My business partner’s smallholding, just by Thundersley Common, is a really lovely setting.

“She has farm animals, goats and sheep and chickens a stuff, and we can mix up crafts and nature.

“We have a Saturday kids’ club day, when we do crafts, then we taken them for a nature walk and greet the animals, and teach them a little bit about them.”

Holly and Angela both have degrees in fine art and have taught children, including some with behavioural or learning disabilities. This is something they’re hoping to develop at their new premises as well.

Holly says: “We’ve both been crafters all our lives. We’ve been making things every day, and it’s just come from that, really.

“We wanted to be able to carry that on in a job. Because of our backgrounds in education, it just all went hand-in-hand with teaching and doing the things we wanted to do.”

As well as the kids’ classes, Holly and Angela started getting requests for adult classes, so are running midweek sessions just for adults keen to get into a new hobby and try their hand at something creative.

The Makers ensure the setting is friendly and comfortable, with tea, chats and a relaxed atmosphere, as well as plenty of creative inspiration and a variety of projects for their clients.

There are plenty of other specific classes, too, with a special toddler session, after-school kids’ clubs, classes for home-educated children, a Saturday art and nature club – soon to find a spot in the Makers’ garden – and school holiday workshops.

They are also offering adults “artynoon”, “crafternoon” and after-dinner craft sessions.

Crafts range from needle felting to getting messy with an Aboriginal painting. It’s all set against the backdrop of the newly-revamped Rayleigh View Nursery and Thundersley Common, with resident goats, chickens and guinea pigs on hand to provide inspiration.

The Makers can be found at 63a Kingsley Lane, Thundersley. For full details of their classes, call Holly on 07718739212, or visit the-makers.org