A Stone woman who first started her creative business around 15 years ago is bringing her love of printmaking and embroidery to local workshops, with two festive sessions planned in the run-up to Christmas.
Beth Powell runs Yellowfred Creative from her garden studio on Oulton Road, offering workshops where people can try different crafts, learn new skills and take home something they’ve made themselves.
Although the workshops are a relatively recent addition to her activities in Stone, the business has a much longer history, with a name inspired by two things close to Beth’s heart.
Yellow is her favourite colour, while Fred was her grandfather, whose enthusiasm for making things had a lasting influence on her.
Beth said
“He was one of those people who genuinely believed anything was possible. Whether he decided to build a stone bridge in his garden or make 16 tapestries for his dining room chairs, he’d set his mind to it, learn the skills he needed and find a way to make it happen.
“That attitude has always stayed with me, and I think it reflects what Yellowfred Creative is all about: giving things a go, learning new skills and discovering what you’re capable of making, even if you’ve never tried it before.”
Bringing Yellowfred to Stone
Beth originally started Yellowfred Creative while living in Manchester, selling her embroidery work at markets and running beginner workshops at a local art café.
During the Covid lockdowns, she began exploring lino printing and screen printing, finding that creative activities also helped support her own mental wellbeing.
She moved to Stone with her family around five years ago and continued selling her work, including at the town’s farmers’ market.
However, after the arrival of her second son, her creative work took a back seat.
Towards the end of last year, Beth realised how much she missed running workshops and invited a few friends to try a lino printing session.
She said
“Seeing their reactions as they lifted their first prints was wonderful and really spurred me on!”
The experience encouraged her to begin offering workshops more regularly. Since then, she has hosted seven sessions, including a team-building afternoon for a group from Keele University and a T-shirt printing workshop at a local school.
Most take place in her garden studio on Oulton Road, although she has also used the Frank Jordan Centre when more space has been needed.
Beth’s workshops are designed particularly for beginners, with all tools, materials and refreshments provided. Sessions usually follow a seasonal theme, although participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas.
She explained
“I want people to leave feeling proud of what they’ve created, and maybe a little surprised at just how good it is! Hopefully, they’ll leave feeling more confident and inspired than when they walked in.”
Prices start from £35 per person.
Christmas workshops planned
Beth has two festive workshops coming up, with opportunities to make handmade Christmas decorations.
The first is a Christmas lino printing workshop on Saturday 28 November, running from 1pm to 4pm and costing £35 per person.
A Christmas embroidery workshop follows on Sunday 6 December, from 1pm to 5pm, costing £45 per person.
Both workshops will take place in Stone, although the venues have yet to be confirmed.
Beth is also offering festive lino printing sessions for businesses looking for an alternative Christmas team activity, accommodating groups of up to ten people. Prices start from £35 per person, with evening and weekend sessions available.
More workshops in the pipeline
Alongside further lino printing and embroidery sessions, Beth is planning to introduce collage workshops.
She would also like to offer creative activities for occasions such as hen parties, baby showers and groups of friends.
Her longer-term ambition is to open a dedicated creative space in Stone, with room for workshops and a selection of arts and crafts supplies.
Beth described that ambition as
“The longer-term dream would be to open a dedicated creative space in Stone, welcoming people from across the wider Staffordshire area and offering a range of arts and crafts supplies alongside workshops. That’s still a bit of a pipe dream for now, but I’m excited to see how far I can take Yellowfred and build on the momentum I’ve started to create.”
Anyone interested in booking a workshop or finding out more can email yellowfredcreative@outlook.com, visit Yellowfred Creative on Facebook or find Beth on Instagram at @yellowfredcreative.
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