Thread and Press CIC
A Community Interest Company
Primary Schools
We provide pupil workshops in creativity, cross-curricular projects and well-being in primary schools across Yorkshire and North and North East Lincolnshire. We are based in the East Riding of Yorkshire, where we have established ourselves as a successful provider of community art courses and holiday clubs. We provide creative activities that will help to promote a positive well-being and encourage positive mental health, using specialist techniques and equipment that schools may not normally have access to.
We have also developed a package of exciting cross-curricular projects that teach to the Art and Design curriculum and teach STEM and other national curriculum subjects using creativity. We believe that creativity is great way to ensure all learners are engaged in a wide range of subject areas.
We are experienced teachers and we formed Thread and Press with a mission to enable communities and educational establishments to access a wide range of art and design techniques and processes. We recently established ourselves as a Community Interest Company, allowing us to reinvest profits back into our community projects. We work closely with schools, colleges and educational groups to provide exciting, creative projects that will allow young people to enquire, learn and create. We have sessions for all key stages and can set or complement thematic investigations of your choice.
EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
Our EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 projects embrace the principles of helping to develop a child's understanding of the world, self-expression using art and design, develop use and understanding of art and design techniques, explore contextual examples and connect with areas of Mathematics, English, Science and Technology. We set and run projects that allow pupils to explore a wide range of media and techniques, using processes and equipment that may not usually be accessible to the majority of primary schools. We believe in using creativity as a tool to allow pupils to learn about the wider world. Whether it is a creative project about the life cycle of a butterfly or a project that allows pupils to illustrate ideas for their own story, we nurture creativity from a young age. Our projects can be developed to fit each key stage and adapted to suit your pupils.
Science and Creativity
Mother Nature's Trees
plant identification, block printing
Learn all about trees and the role they play in our lives. Pupils will make some fantastic block-printed designs from the patterns and shapes found on trees. Using safe-print, relief and intaglio methods, pupils can make beautiful tree patterns while learning how trees work. This projects connects beautifully to science skills and helps broaden understanding of our eco-system and how air quality and plant life are connected.
Seasonal Changes - Screen-printing Trees
SEASONAL CHANGE, DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN, COLOUR THEORY
Explore screen-printing and learn about evergreen and deciduous trees. Using heat-transfer methods, pupils will mix colours and learn about seasons, the life-cycle of trees and the science of colour theory to create beautiful seasonal backgrounds to print onto. Pupils will play 'match the tee' and identify deciduous and evergreen trees and make considered decisions as to which season background to print them onto to create beautiful printed fabrics whilst exploring and discussing seasonal changes in the life cycle of trees and plants.
Insect Hotel - Screen-printing
ANIMAL CLASSIFICATION, HABITAT
In this exciting project, learners will investigate, draw and create drawings of a wide range of insects. Our sessions will guide and teach learners about the main characteristics of insects. Drawings can be converted to screen ready for a printing session onto wood! Learners will print and create a series of beautiful wooden panels that can be used to create a magnificent insect hotel for your school garden and form a discussion about the role of insects in our eco-system.
Collagraph Materials - Natural and Manmade
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES, TEXTURE AND SURFACe, NATURAL AND MANMADE, COLLAGRAPH PRINTING
Pupils will use collagraph printing as a way to explore the properties of different materials. Using a selection of materials, learners will categorise materials by property, texture and whether they are natural or manmade. Developing a plan for a print design based on the intended use of the materials chosen, learners will create a collagraph relief print block and a series of prints that demonstrate understanding of surface and texture, natural and manmade. A superb sensory exploration session with creative and effective results.
Habitat Trays
HABITAT, textiles, 3D, craft
What is a habitat? Pupils will explore the meaning of habitat and consider the differing habitats of a range of animals. They will then create their own habitat in a tray and explore creative ways ot make their habitat, from fabric foliage, proggy-mat grass, felt soil and clay creatures! As they create and explore varied art and design making skills, they will identify and explain how each aspect is an important part of the animal's habitat.
Food Chain Garland
LIVING THINgs AND THEIR HABITATS, FOOD CHAIN, TEXTILES AND SEWING
What is the food chain and how does it work? Learners will explore examples of food chains and how they form part of the life cycle of various animals. Using stitching, applique, beading and embellishment, textiles, learners will create their own hanging, textile food chain garland.
Explore the Oceans - a Felt Project
LIVING THINGs AND THEIR HABITATS, FOOD CHAIN, FELT-MAKING
Explore the oceans in felt making and learn about some of the amazing sea creatures that live on our planet. Pupils can learn about some of the amazing underwater creatures that live in our oceans and try our fun quiz at the end of the session. After sketching ideas, pupils can create beautiful wet-felted designs featuring their sea-creatures. Once their felt is dry, use stitch to create detail, colour and pattern. A wonderful exploration of texture, pattern and colour whilst learning about the world around them and how they can contribute to the planet's future.
Animal Classification Patchwork
LIVING THINGs AND THEIR HABITATS, animal classification, sewing
Learners will explore different types of animals and how they are classified. Using patchwork and printing, learners can create their own classification tree to categorise animals by type. Whilst exploring traditional processes such as sewing, pupils can learn about types of animals and how they are grouped.
The Body
ANIMALS AND HUMANS, ANATOMY, SCREEN-PRINTING
How is the (animal or Human) Body Structured? Using a skeleton template, learning will identify bones and organs of the body and create their own drawings and artwork. Using screen-printing, learners can print images onto sheer fabrics and then sew the bones and organs in their positions. Sheer fabrics will allow learners to see how the organs fit inside the skeleton and how organs and bones can be positioned around or next to each other.
Wooden Birdhouses
HABITATS, ANIMALS AND HUMANS, DECOUPAGE AND 3d
Learn about British birds and make a beautiful, handmade birdhouse. This is a great opportunity to learn about nature and explore construction and building skills using simple, safe 'stringing' methods. Using wooden panels and creative decoupage, pupils can build a 3D birdhouse. With each bird-house, pupils will get a British bird-spotting tick sheet, along with knowledge and understanding about British birds and how we can help to protect their habitats.
Felt Solar System Mobile
earth and space, 3D and felt-making
Make a 3D felt solar system mobile. There is a universe of wonder to be explored as learners find out about the planets. Selecting and using coloured fleece, embelishments anc yarns, learners can demonstrate their understanding of the solar system and create their own 3D mini solar system mobile. Learners will explore how planets, the sun and the moon are positioned and discuss sizes, proportions and ratio.
Light and Shadows - Photograms
LIGHT AND SHADOWS, PHOTOGRAPHY
Pupils will explore light and shadow using photograms. They will look at shadow art and examples of the ways shadows can be created. Then they create their own shadow art to create exciting photogram artworks. A great way to discuss the science and beauty of shadows.
Stitched Circuits
ELECTRICITY, SEWING, TEXTILES
How can sewing and textile be used to explain electrical circuits? Learners will explore electricity and the principle of basic electrical circuits. Using threads, beads and stitching, learners will create their own teaching resource to use with their friends and family at home. Each resource will have moving switches and pupils can test each other on which components will work in each scenario. This can be developed to cover parallel as well as series circuits. A fantastic way to use creativity to engage in learning about electricity and its properties.
Fossil Fabric
ROCKS, relief printing, surface pattern
Pupils will make fantastic fossil prints by investigating examples of types of fossils and making their own clay fossils and using them to make embossed surface prints. Pupils will create a wonderful collection of fossil printed fabrics that they can annotate with their newly acquired knowledge.
Art, Design and Creativity
Drawing Skills
contextual references in art and design
We can teach learners of all ages how to draw. We show learners how to use tone, line, shape and form, as well as proportions and accuracy. We guide learners via a big-screen follow-along tutorial which can be tailored to all ages.
Picasso's Birds
contextual references in art and design, 3D craft
Explore the magical sculptures of Pablo Picasso. Use paste, bowls and containers and papier-mache to create some wonderful Picasso bird sculptures. Painted in Picasso's bold colours, these birds allow learners to explore their imaginations and develop their understanding of 3D making skills whilst also learning about the Cubist Art Movement.
Hundertwasser's Towers
contextual references in art and design, 3D architecture design, 3D construction skills
Learners will explore the decorative beauty of Hundertwasser's buildings to design their own colourful and majestic buildings. Using 3D folding assembly, learners will explore different folding and construction methods to build a magnificent 3D tower.
Woven Landscapes
surroundings and environment, landscapes, conextual references, weaving
Be inspired by landscape artists like David Hockney and land artists like Andy Goldsworthy to create a stunning woven landscape using a combination of found materials yarns, threads and recycled materials. Pupils are shown the process of weaving and how it has been used for centuries in many cultures. Using their own mini-loom, learners can create beautiful woven artworks that demonstrate their understanding of the landscapes around them and how landscapes are formed.
Sketchbooks and Journals
art and design contextual references, PERSONAL IDENTITY
How and why do artist create sketchbooks? Learners will explore how artist sketchbooks can record processes, meanings and feelings. Learners will look at exciting sketchbook examples and the work of a range of historical and contemporary artists and designers. They will create their own sketchbook journals made from recycled materials, print-making and collage, making a personal and useful book to use for their future artwork.
Culture, Customs and Creativity
Aboriginal prints
Culture and Customs, screen-printing
Learners will take inspiration from Aboriginal art and create some exciting dot-work screen-printed fabric. Learn about the Aboriginal culture and how they create their art.
Recycled Masks
Culture and Customs, 3D crafts
Learners will explore the cultural history of masks from different continents - their meanings and functions. This will provide opportunity to look at examples of different examples of cultural heritage. Pupils will use recycled materials to create their own masks which show their own character, culture or identity.
Indian Wood-block and Collagraph prints
culture and history, contextual references, block printing
Explore how wood-block prints have been used in Indian culture for generations to create amazing fabric designs. Pupils will create their own woodblock designs using a collagraph method and print repeat patterns for fabric that can be used for any textile project! A fantastic project which provides exciting outcomes that offer a multitude of uses.
The Bayeux Tapestry
culture and history, contextual references, EMBROIDERY
Learners will find out about the fascinating history of the Battle of Hastings. Exploring historical events learners will be introduced to the Bayeux Tapestry and will share ideas about the images and the story they tell. Pupils will create their own class Bayeux Tapestry using applique and embroidery to tell a story of the events of their lives.
English and Creativity
World Book Day Costumes
reading comprehension, characterisation, textiles and sewing
Learners will use textiles to guide them through a world of stories. Based on a book or books of your choice, learners will design and create clothing and costumes for their chosen book characters. They can make actual sized clothing or design for wooden dolls as miniature versions of the characters and create a sub-story all of their own.
Story-telling box
reading comprehension, understanding characters, events and plots, making visual associations
Learners will be shown how to make a magical story telling box. Each box is carefully decorated with imagery from their chosen own story using a combination of decoupage, printing and mosaics. Boxes are made and assembled using cut and self-assembly panels. The challenge is then to fill the box with objects and artefacts the evoke aspects, events and characters from the story. These can be opened and explained and provide a basis for story sharing activities.
The Cloak of a Many Stories
character analysis and motivations, fashion design, stitching and sewing
Can one cloak tell many stories? Learners will design and make a cloak that is embellished with the characters of wide variety of stories, drawn and stitched into a beautiful gown. Using computer software or hand-drawing, pupils can design a suitable cloak. Each section is then created as a pattern and panels given to learners to draw, stitch, applique and embellish with characters, objects, places and events from the stories of their choice. This can prompt discussion of what would happen if characters from different stories met, and how would they respond to each other? A great way to examine and encourage character perceptions and motivations.
Puppets and Puppet Show
story-telling and narrative, role playing, character visualisation, set design - textiles, sewing, 3D modelling, set design
Learners will create a set and puppets for a magnificent puppet show. They can perform to the rest of their class with a chosen story and characters. Learner will be shown how to make either hand puppets or marionette puppets that will help them demonstrate their reading comprehension and ability to explain roles and narrative.
Well-being, Health and Creativity
'My Teddy is a...' - a T-shirt Printing Project
self and identity, screen-printing
If your teddy had an alter-ego what would they be? Pupils share ideas about their teddies and what they would be in their secret life. Pupils draw images of their own teddies and create alter-egos! A fantastic opportunity to discuss occupations, aspirations, hobbies and interests, whilst promoting ambition and aspiration. Learners can explore ideas, dreams and ambitions, as well as visualising what different professions might look like. Learners can explore a magical creative world, then their ideas can be transformed onto a screen for screen printing! Pupils create screen-printed t-shirts with their teddy and alter-ego designs. Pupils absolutely love this session and it gives great results.
Metamorphosis
managing change and transition, summer transition for year 6 pupils
This fantastic project allows Year 6 pupils to discuss their feelings and ways to manage and adapt to the transition from Year 6 primary school to secondary school. Using the theme of Metamorphosis, pupils will explore the meaning and visual metaphors for their own upcoming transition in schools. Using screen-printing and other methods, pupils will create and develop their own artwork to the theme of Metamorphosis. Usually following in an end-of-term exhibition, pupils can invite families to share in their artwork. This project also offers the opportunity for pupils to ask family to get involved, inviting parents and family members to submit their own artwork in response to the theme. A wonderful project to unite and support Year 6 pupils in this time of change and uncertainty.
Arcimboldo and Healthy Eating
HEALTHY EATING, PORTRAITS, MONOPRINTING AND FABRIC COLLAGE
In this exciting project, learners will explore the work of Italian master Arcimboldo and his food-themed portraits. This will provide a fantastic opportunity for learners to discuss food groups and healthy eating. Pupils will discuss how maintaining a balance of food is good for our bodies and will categorise food into groups. Following this, they will plan a food portrait and create food portrait using monoprinting and fabric collage. A great way to discuss the impact of food on our mood and well-being.
Pricing
As experienced teachers ourselves, we know that time is precious. We also know how to help you to find exciting ways to cover the National Curriculum and to support the learning and wellbeing of your pupils. The sessions we provide will allow you to make the best of your resources and produce results that will help to boost department performance. Whether you are looking for a one-off advice session, a singular session or a block of sessions, we can help.
Our sessions are priced very reasonably and we ensure that we provide knowledge of techniques and processes that are sustainable in cost. Our prices start from £50 per hour for a one-to-one or CPD online session or in-person workshops can be booked by the half day from £150 or by the full day from £200. We offer discounts for multiple bookings with a small charge per head for materials (on agreement). We can provide regular sessions to suit you, and we offer a discount for multiple day bookings. We can work with smaller or larger groups, in-line with your requirements. As teachers used to working in a classroom, we are comfortable managing larger groups (although some sessions require smaller groups subject to health and safety requirements). All our staff have teaching qualifications, industrial experience and full Enhanced DBS with appropriate training.
For more information and a no-obligation chat, please contact us.