Story Makers was a free creative learning programme for children aged 3–7 and their families, designed to foster a love of reading through storytelling, art and shared creative experiences.
Developed as a reimagined book club for younger children, the project used children's literature as a starting point for hands-on making and imaginative exploration. Across four sessions, participants were invited to bring favourite books connected to a chosen theme, before taking part in group story readings and a range of creative activities inspired by the narratives they encountered.
Working across painting, collage, clay and mixed-media making, children explored characters, settings and ideas from stories through visual and tactile forms. The programme encouraged imagination, creativity and confidence, while supporting early literacy and communication skills through discussion, play and collaborative making.
Story Makers was designed to be intergenerational, with parents and carers invited to participate alongside their children or make use of Gather's café and garden spaces while remaining connected to the sessions. The project also created opportunities for parents to meet, share experiences and access ideas for creative activities to continue at home.
By combining reading, making and community, Story Makers offered an accessible and welcoming introduction to creative learning for young children and their families.
