Meet the Team - Stuart
Stuart is the lead Listen and Connect Facilitator, he joined Designs in Mind in February 2020, just a couple of weeks before we went into lockdown. During the Pandemic Stuart spent a lot of time on Zoom taking part and hosting groups for members to feel connected. He is part of the New referrals Team and is the first contact when people are referred to Designs in Mind. Stuart is also a talented musician and facilitates a singing group in the studio on a Monday afternoon for m
Drawing with Thread - Embroidery Workshops
Over the past few months Members have been producing some lovely images through drawing and collage workshops. This week we have started new workshops focused on embroidery, using the images from the previous workshop, turning them into simple line drawings and then embroidering the design onto fabric. We have been using basic stitches such as running, seed, satin and back stitch to mark make with the thread with some beautiful results, taking our work in interesting directio
Meet the Team - Lauren
Lauren started at Designs in Mind in 2019 on a 5 week work placement as part of her University course, she loved it so much she stayed as an Artist Volunteer. In 2021 Lauren took on 2 new roles as Artist Facilitator and Retail Coordinator. If you buy something from the shop it is usually Lauren that will package and send it. She has developed links with online retailers and you can now find a selection of our products via The Big Issue, Social Supermarket and Ebay for Change
Meet the Team - Ruth
Ruth has been Joint CEO since September 2020, she is also Company Secretary. She has 5 plus years of Designs in Mind experience as a director before taking the CEO role. Ruth's favourite Designs in Mind product is the crossover apron we used to sell in the Jolt shop (look out for new ones coming soon), closely followed by the Make-Up bags which are available from the website Shop. You never see Ruth without a pair of her signature earrings. Posted By Maddy Moore, Good Egg Tea
Focus Groups - Spoon Carving
Over time, we have had conversations with Members to understand what new making techniques people would like to learn. One common theme was to learn a skill in wood carving. We arranged for Dave Humphreys to come to the studio to teach Members the basics in whittling across 4 weeks. In the sessions we learnt to cut and carve a coffee scoop from a solid piece of wood such as Ash and Walnut. The experience was mindful, enjoyable and challenging. So much so that it left people
Meet the Team - Jo
Jo is the founder of Designs in Mind. She is currently a Director, joint Chairperson and Artist Volunteer. She also the Chair of the Executive committee and SAG (Special Advisory Group). Since starting Designs in Mind over 25 years ago, which was then called the project group, Jo's role has changed tremendously, as the organisation has grown so has the team. Allowing Jo to do what she loves and work closely with members on different projects. Jo's favourite project is ceram
Studio Photo shoot - Behind the scenes
We have recently had a professional photographer in the studio to take some updated pictures of our members and products for the website. I took part in this and all involved had great fun, stepping way out of the comfort zone was so empowering and by the end members were strutting their stuff showing off new products. New Products available from the website soon Posted by Maddy Moore, Good Egg Team and Member
