As the winter mornings turn dark and chilly, staying indoors and feeling cut off can become all too easy. To help combat the seasonal slump, a new creative initiative in Bootle is offering local residents a warm, friendly reason to step outside, meet new people, and craft something special.
This November, Bootle-based community organisation The L20 Hub is teaming up with t10 by 8ight to deliver a series of free Sun Printing Christmas Crafts sessions. Hosted every Tuesday morning at Elim on Stanley Road, the gatherings invite adults from across Sefton to drop in, enjoy a hot drink, and learn the historic art of cyanotype printing.
Originating in the 1840s, sun printing is a light-sensitive photographic process. Participants place natural materials – such as leaves, feathers, and dried flowers – onto specially treated paper. Exposure to light transforms the paper into a deep Prussian blue, leaving crisp white silhouettes of the chosen objects underneath.
Beyond learning a new skill, the heart of the project lies in bringing the local community together.
“There’s something magical about lifting the leaves away and watching your print appear, but for us, the real magic is the people,” says Eloise Robinson, CEO and Founder of The L20 Hub.
“Strangers sit down at the table, and by the end of the morning they’re swapping ideas and laughing together. You’ll learn how to sun print and transfer your design onto a keepsake to take home, which makes a lovely handmade gift for Christmas. We’ll have other festive crafts to try as well, so there’s something for everyone.
“For us, these sessions are about more than crafting. We want to give people a relaxed space to try something new, build confidence and get to know their neighbours. Whether you’re a keen crafter or haven’t picked up a paintbrush since school, you’ll be very welcome.”
No previous experience is necessary, and all materials are provided free of charge. Attendees are simply advised to wear clothes they do not mind getting a little messy, as some materials can stain.
Event Details:
- When: Every Tuesday, 3rd November – 8th December, 10.30am – 12.00pm
- Where: Elim, 443 Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 5DN (opposite North Park and May Logan)
- Cost: FREE (all materials provided)
- Booking: Advance places can be booked online via www.bookwhen.com/l20community
