Saltaire Makers' Space

It might not look like very much from the outside but this is Saltaire's latest creative endeavour: Saltaire Makers' Space. Housed underneath Saltaire Primary School, off Carlton Avenue, its warren of rooms now hosts a collective of different artists and craftspeople. They are using the studios to make and sell their own work and also to run workshops and taster events for those interested in a bit of crafting themselves. Currently, the studios are home to:
- Hello Crafter (offering a wide variety of workshops including card making, doll making, needle felting, knitting and crochet and the intriguing-sounding, presumably Scandi-inspired, hygge craft),
- Lil Rabbitfoot, who makes (and teaches) stained glass,
- All Things Vintage, who practise découpage, furniture upcycling and restoration, as well as selling vintage homewares.
Tucked away at the back was a calm space that is being kitted out for meditation and life coaching.

I popped in to their recent Open Studios Day and got chatting to some of those involved.  It's light and spacious and all seemed very positive and vibrant, with a really buzzy feel.

Saltaire has long been a hub for artists and creative types. Of course, there is the Saltaire Arts Trail, which takes place across the village every Spring.  There are already art studios above The Butterfly Rooms, The Hive community arts charity in Shipley, the workshops run by The Craft House gallery and Salts Pots, the pottery painting studio, to mention a few. This latest addition will further the local creative vibe and I hope they will prosper and bring enjoyment to a lot of people.