Designers & Makers

designers & makers

a creative kids’ club at commonroom

8 saturdays · 10:00–16:00 · 12 places · ages 7–14 · from €150 a month

One Saturday a month, children come to commonroom to build an imaginary world of their own. From October to June, they work with clay, print, paint and reclaimed materials. They might make creatures, houses, maps, tools, symbols or landscapes. Each session adds something new to their world. At the end of the year, all the worlds come together in an exhibition.

Designers & Makers grew out of our summer camp. For five days, a group of children invented their own worlds. They made creatures, buildings, maps and symbols. The ideas kept growing, and none of us wanted the project to end. So we created a longer version.

 

Designers & Makers brings together two things we care about: teaching real making skills, and helping children work like designers. They imagine something, make a plan, build it, see what works, change what does not, and try again.

Learning through making: every session is a making session because we believe confidence grows when children become good at something real. While they learn to build with clay, make a print or work with a new material, they are also learning patience, concentration, problem-solving and how to begin again when something breaks. We support children notice these skills while they work. This makes it easier for them to recognise what they are good at and use that confidence elsewhere. Four guest artists join us during the year, each introducing a different material or way of working. No previous experience is needed. We teach every technique from the beginning.

memberships

Both memberships run from October to June and include the end-of-year exhibition.

Designers & Makers Saturdays membership – €150 a month

includes: The eight Saturday sessions, all materials, glazes and firings, and participation in the exhibition.

Designers & Makers Studio membership – €220 a month

includes: everything in the Designers & Makers membership, plus access to the Monday open studio from 15:00 to 18:00 to work on the projects developed.

why once a month?

Six hours gives children enough time to make something properly. They can test an idea, take it apart when it does not work, and make it again.  The month between sessions also matters. Children have time to think about their projects, notice new ideas and decide what they want to make next. They often return with a clear plan. Because they continue with the same project throughout the year, they can see how their ideas and abilities develop.

Each child has their own shelf at commonroom, so work can stay safely in the studio between sessions. Nothing needs to be carried home half-finished.

monday open studio

Monday open studio is for children who do not want to wait until the next Saturday.

It is not a second class. It is time to continue the project they are already working on, at their own pace, with us nearby to offer help when they need it.

practical information

ages: 7–14

saturdays: Eight sessions from 17 October to 12 June

time: 10:00–16:00

group size: max 12 children

location: commonroom

membership: €150  or €220 a month

All materials, glazes, firings and the end-of-year exhibition are included.