Did you know that scrabble was invented in 1931 by an unemployed architect? It was quietly played by just the inventor and his friends until 1948, and now it’s the world’s best-selling word game. But when did you last play? We now have scrabble sets available to play in our Riverside Cafe. So whether you have a game with old friends, new friends or people you have only just met, this much loved game is sure to keep you captivated.

The NCCD Youth Forum are a group of young people who meet every Thursday to explore craft and design, take part in artist led workshops and be a voice for young people at the centre. Each season they plan an event to celebrate, promote and share their creative ideas inspired by the exhibitions at the NCCD. To get involved email us at learning@nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk or simply pop along to the next session. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook/com/pages/nccd-youth-forum

Join Jonathan Korejko for this 'pulp painting' workshop and learn how to make handmade papers from recycled materials. You will use stencils and biscuit cutters to create fantastic patterns, which are colourful, personal and unique.

Our annual event is back! Join us on Saturday 22 June for a celebration of all things textiles. Come along and take part in a range of make and take workshops and gallery activities led by contemporary designer/makers, community groups and the Framework Knitters Museum. You can also see a range of demonstrations from spinners, weavers, knitters and more! So, whatever your age, whether you’re an absolute beginner or accomplished knitter, crochet addict, felter or weaver pop along and see, experience, learn.

This popular session is led by professional storyteller Kirsty Mead, who combines storytelling, music, movement and making within her fun and interactive sessions. Each creative workshop will start with a story and end with every child having created something to take home and enjoy.

Join London based animator, illustrator and games designer Luke Whittaker and Graphic paper artist Sarah Bridgland for this unique and creative workshop. Working with Sarah you will learn how to create your own paper graphic leaves, which will then be animated using special effects software with Luke. The results from this workshop will be screened at the NCCD on Sunday 20 October as part of artsNK’s bi-annual festival ZYGOTE.

Join us as we open our 10th birthday show ‘Growing’ and celebrate a decade of The National Centre for Craft & Design. From 11am—4pm, Navigation Wharf will be full of artistic creativity offering lots of opportunity for everyone to see, take part, learn and experience and celebrate all that is craft and design.

Looking for a challenge? Enjoy the magic of basic pop up structures in this 3 hour workshop with paper artist and book sculptor Phiona Richards. Learn to make pop-up cards or start to put together a book! In this workshop you will learn multiple methods for making pop-ups that will surely impress your friends. All supplies will be provided but bring some old cards, photos, drawings, prints or other paper ephemera you want to use to further enhance and personalise your creations.

Are you a budding designer or maker? Are you filled with design ideas with nowhere to record them? If this sounds like you come along to this session and learn how to design and make your own sketchbooks, notebooks or diaries, perfect to record whatever you see, experience and learn. Personalise your sketchbook with a custom fabric cover and fastening using collage, stitch and appliqué.

Join digital artist Jason Wilsher-Mills in this popular workshop and develop your skills in design and new media.

Work with artist and designer Jasleen Kaur to design and make your own contemporary tools and contraptions inspired by objects from our Main Gallery exhibition Growing. Jasleen has exhibited nationally and internationally.

Learn how to work with different types of wire to create your own incredible sculptures. The workshop teaches you the basic techniques and then gives you time to create your own sculpture around the theme of Growing.

Join Milliner Emma Yeo for this exclusive one day workshop which will see you become a designer for the day. The workshop will begin with the opportunity to discuss and explore Emma’s past collections. Responding to a design brief you will use a variety of visual references to develop a bespoke design. This will then be transformed and constructed into your own sculptural paper headpiece. Emma Yeo is a rising star in the world of millinery. She combines cutting edge technology with sympathetic craftsmanship to create sculptural adornments that effortlessly evoke an organic aesthetic. The use of fine, laser-cut wood is Emma’s growing signature style. During June—September Emma is exhibiting in Growing where she has been recognised for demonstrating excellence and innovation throughout her practice.

Join media and sound artist Andy Penny and learn how to animate! You will create and make a short animation using objects, paper, moulding materials and high quality digital equipment. The day will involve play, experimentation and lots of imagination! A copy of your animation will be used in artsNK’s Zygote festival in October.

A watch, learn, make and play workshop with the Babbling Vagabonds, exploring the craft of shadow puppetry and story making. Learn all about shadow puppets, what they are, how they work and what they look like. Design and make your very own puppet before working on a story to bring your shadow puppet to life.

The NCCD Creative Careers event has been designed to provide you with practical information and advice regarding the range of careers available within the craft and design industry. You will hear stories and advice from recent graduates and emerging and established designer/makers working in a range of industries, as well as having the opportunity to take part in practical sessions to develop your own skills.