GUEST POST: This is Your Crafternoon at Bilston Library - Jo Essen

Artist Jo Essen facilitated 4 workshops in Bilston at the latter end of 2025 supported by our Creative Communities strand of work. This is Your Crafternoon at Bilston Library was all about collaboration, co-creation and community. The workshops involved young people aged from 7-11 years and family drop-in sessions to help people make artwork to take away with them.

Here Jo takes us through each of the sessions…

The first session was zine making, creating their own book and including why they enjoy visiting the library. In the morning, we were based at the Community Stall in Bilston Market, informing visitors and stall holders about Activities at the Library.

The second session involved wool and friendship bracelets; a simple craft to pick up on the go and do at home. Many people were interested in this process and started a conversation around crochet, knitting and wool based activities. The Mayor also dropped in to see what we were up to.

The third session took us on a walking tour with artist Daniella Turbin. On a wet day in November just before the Christmas rush. We spotted many interesting artworks, sculptures and murals based on the coal industry of the area. We headed back to Bilston Library to make a sketchbook to map our route and collage what we had seen.

We named it ‘Bilston by the Sea’ and noticed the chip shops, Jazz venues and market stalls, a great asset to the community. I picked up useful materials from the market to support the workshop.  

For the final session, we tested out the Crafternoon pack, designed and developed over the workshops, to pick up anytime when someone is visiting the library. The bag was made with onion peel and soy milk. Each of the packs have three small bags with materials: A bracelet maker, sketchbook with collage images from the walk and a Finger Puppet to imagine and perform your own stories.

All activities are designed for a range of ages and abilities and to share with one another.