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Stock the Tools. Pay the Makers. Keep Milford Creating.

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Milford Makes Inc

Milford Makes Inc empowers creativity through hands-on crafting workshops and inclusive community projects. We provide accessible spaces for all ages to learn new skills, fostering innovation and connection among neighbors.

Be among the first to explore the Milford Makes Creative Reuse Pop-Up before we open to the public for the weekend! Shop donated art and craft materials, fabric, yarn, paper and more while the selection is at its fullest. It&#39;s your chance to get&nbsp;first pick of the good stuff and get a sneak peek at our Mini Creative Reuse Center. Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door. Advance tickets are limited. Door admission will be available as space permits. Your ticket helps support Milford Makes and our work toward a&nbsp;Makerspace + Creative Reuse Center in Milford. Note: There is limited parking at the Firehouse Gallery. The best parking options are street parking on Naugatuck Avenue, Monroe Street, or a short walk away on East Broadway.

Creative Reuse Pop-Up Preview Night

Discover the joy of creating a bracelet that&#39;s as unique as you are! In this fun, beginner-friendly workshop, local artist Christianna Gozzi will guide you through designing a one-of-a-kind memory wire bracelet using a carefully curated bead soup&mdash;a colorful mix of vintage, reclaimed, and collected beads chosen to inspire creativity and personal expression. Choose from a warm or cool color palette, then arrange approximately 60 unique beads into a bracelet that reflects your own style. No two bracelets will be alike! <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1785440237/wysiwyg/mrjsxnxkcdfvsnaghkrv.jpg" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> No jewelry-making experience is necessary. Memory wire is easy to work with, all tools and materials are provided, and Christianna will guide you every step of the way. Your registration includes:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Materials to create one memory wire bracelet</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A curated bead soup featuring approximately 60 unique beads</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Choice of a warm or cool color palette</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Use of all tools during the workshop</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Step-by-step instruction from local artist Christianna Gozzi</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">One small coffee or tea from Walnut Beach Coffee House while you craft.</li></ul>Additional bead soup kits and Christianna&#39;s handcrafted jewelry will be available for purchase at the workshop. Whether you&#39;re looking for a relaxing creative afternoon, trying jewelry making for the first time, or simply love working with beautiful beads, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to create something truly personal. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Design Your Own Bead Soup Bracelet

Create a beautiful fabric art piece inspired by one of Milford&#39;s most iconic views&mdash;a sunrise over Charles Island as seen from Walnut Beach. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you&#39;ll learn the Japanese-inspired art of Kinusaiga, a no-sew technique that uses fabric tucked into a foam board to create a textured work of art. No sewing or artistic experience is needed! Your design will be pre-transferred onto an 8&quot; &times; 10&quot; foam board, so you can focus on selecting fabrics, creating your own unique color palette, and bringing the scene to life. While everyone will use the same Walnut Beach design, each finished piece will be one of a kind thanks to your personal fabric choices. We&#39;ll finish the artwork by wrapping coordinating fabric around the edges to create a clean, finished border, making your piece ready to display at home. All supplies are included, including:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Pre-cut 8&quot; &times; 10&quot; foam board with the design already prepared</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A curated selection of fabrics to choose from</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Use of all tools during the workshop</li></ul>Whether you&#39;re looking to try a new creative technique, spend a relaxing evening making art, or create a keepsake celebrating the Connecticut shoreline, this workshop is a fun and welcoming way to explore creativity. Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Location: Good Shepherd Church 680 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT Space is limited to 12 participants, and advance registration is required.

Charles Island Kinusaiga Workshop

Join us for a relaxed, creative evening of junk journaling, a collage-based art practice that transforms everyday materials into something meaningful. Using a mix of reclaimed papers like book pages, magazine clippings, scrapbook paper, vellum, fabric, and more, you&rsquo;ll create layered journal pages that are entirely your own. There&rsquo;s no right or wrong way to do it, just a chance to experiment, play, and enjoy the process. You&rsquo;re welcome to bring a photo or two, or small paper keepsakes like ticket stubs, brochures, or maps, to incorporate into your pages. Choose Your Experience- Full Workshop (includes sketchbook) &mdash; $14Includes a spiral-bound sketchbook plus access to all shared materials. - Bring Your Own Journal &mdash; $10Bring a journal you love and use our shared materials to create. Optional Add-OnTake the creativity home with you! A limited number of curated junk journaling &ldquo;mystery kits&rdquo; will be available for $8 each at the event. What to Expect- A welcoming, relaxed environment- A wide variety of unique and reused materials- A short demo to get you started- Plenty of time to create and experiment About the MaterialsThis workshop highlights creative reuse&mdash;many of the materials you&rsquo;ll use are reclaimed or repurposed, giving new life to items that might otherwise be discarded. Who It&rsquo;s ForTeens and adults. No experience needed. We&rsquo;re grateful to First United Church of Christ for generously hosting us.

Junk Journaling Workshop at First UCC

Give your well-loved clothing a creative new life! In this hands-on workshop,&nbsp;Robin Mazzola, Costume Shop Manager and Adjunct Professor of Theater at Wesleyan University, will guide you through techniques for&nbsp;strengthening, decorating, and restoring your garments or tote bags&nbsp;using visible mending. This workshop is a great way to embrace&nbsp;slow fashion and sustainability, helping you extend the life of your favorite items while learning practical textile skills. Open to both beginner and experienced crafters, you&rsquo;ll explore embroidery and patching techniques that make your repairs both functional and beautiful. What You&rsquo;ll Learn:<ul data-end="1066" data-start="851" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="946" data-section-id="idwecd" data-start="851" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">How to use needles, stitches, and patches to repair holes, worn areas, or threadbare spots.</li><li data-end="1020" data-section-id="1krz50m" data-start="947" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Techniques for creating&nbsp;decorative mends&nbsp;that enhance your items.</li><li data-end="1066" data-section-id="1cpazlg" data-start="1021" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Tips to continue visible mending at home.</li></ul>Materials &amp; Tools:<ul data-end="1519" data-start="1093" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1236" data-section-id="1iq93za" data-start="1093" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">All materials are supplied, including needles, fabric scraps, embroidery floss, embroidery hoops, scissors, pins, and fabric marking tools.</li><li data-end="1346" data-section-id="1njl9b4" data-start="1237" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Participants are welcome to bring their own scissors, needles, threads, and fabric scraps if they prefer.</li><li data-end="1434" data-section-id="xm1hyt" data-start="1347" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Helpful items for detailed work: a neck light, headlamp, or small magnifying light.</li><li data-end="1519" data-section-id="1awlyzz" data-start="1435" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Please bring at least&nbsp;one garment in need of repair&nbsp;to work on during class. The repair should be a hole, a small stain, or warn spot and not any major repairs like a broken zipper.</li></ul>Garment Guidelines:<ul data-end="1834" data-start="1547" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1608" data-section-id="76whha" data-start="1547" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Best results: natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen.</li><li data-end="1754" data-section-id="1bfnbvx" data-start="1609" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Synthetics or blends can work, but activewear or performance fabrics (like waterproof coats, spandex, or lycra leggings) are not recommended.</li><li data-end="1834" data-section-id="1iedul7" data-start="1755" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Questions about suitability? Email&nbsp;hello@milfordmakes.org&nbsp;before class.</li></ul>Attendance is capped at 14 participants for hands-on guidance. Bring your garment, your curiosity, and your creativity! Leave the workshop with revitalized items, new skills, and inspiration to continue mending at home. Cancellation PolicyWe understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us at least 7 days before the workshop for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the event may not be eligible for a refund, but you are welcome to transfer your spot to another person. In the unlikely event that Milford Makes needs to cancel or reschedule the workshop, all ticket holders will receive a full refund.

Visible Mending at First United Church of Christ

Join Milford Makes for a relaxed afternoon of creativity at Red Eye Coffee Co. in Milford! Join Milford Makes for a relaxed afternoon of creativity at Red Eye Coffee Co. in Milford! This free&nbsp;community workshop is open to anyone who would like to spend an afternoon making art, meeting fellow creatives, and trying something new. Participants will create a small collage piece while enjoying good company and a supportive, low-pressure environment. No artistic experience is necessary. Our first collage workshop filled all available spots and brought together makers of all ages and experience levels. We&#39;re excited to offer another opportunity to gather, create, and connect with the community. Date:&nbsp;Saturday, July 12, 2026Time: 2:00 PM &ndash; 3:30 PMLocation: Red Eye Coffee Co., Milford, CT This workshop is free to attend, but registration is required due to limited seating. This workshop is free to attend thanks to the generosity of Red Eye Coffee Co. If you&#39;re able, please consider purchasing a drink or snack during the event to support a local business that is helping make community creativity possible. Milford Makes is a nonprofit organization working to build a community makerspace in Milford through creative events, workshops, creative reuse initiatives, and shared learning opportunities. We&#39;ll also be accepting donations of clean, usable art and craft supplies to support future community programs, though donations are completely optional.

Small Collage Workshop at Red Eye Coffee Co.

Give your well-loved clothing a creative new life! In this hands-on workshop,&nbsp;Robin Mazzola, Costume Shop Manager and Adjunct Professor of Theater at Wesleyan University, will guide you through techniques for&nbsp;strengthening, decorating, and restoring your garments or tote bags&nbsp;using visible mending. This workshop is a great way to embrace&nbsp;slow fashion and sustainability, helping you extend the life of your favorite items while learning practical textile skills. Open to both beginner and experienced crafters, you&rsquo;ll explore embroidery and patching techniques that make your repairs both functional and beautiful. Your ticket also includes one free small coffee or tea from Walnut Beach Coffee House to enjoy while you create. What You&rsquo;ll Learn:<ul data-end="1066" data-start="851" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="946" data-section-id="idwecd" data-start="851" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">How to use needles, stitches, and patches to repair holes, worn areas, or threadbare spots.</li><li data-end="1020" data-section-id="1krz50m" data-start="947" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Techniques for creating&nbsp;decorative mends&nbsp;that enhance your items.</li><li data-end="1066" data-section-id="1cpazlg" data-start="1021" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Tips to continue visible mending at home.</li></ul>Materials &amp; Tools:<ul data-end="1519" data-start="1093" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1236" data-section-id="1iq93za" data-start="1093" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">All materials are supplied, including needles, fabric scraps, embroidery floss, embroidery hoops, scissors, pins, and fabric marking tools.</li><li data-end="1346" data-section-id="1njl9b4" data-start="1237" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Participants are welcome to bring their own scissors, needles, threads, and fabric scraps if they prefer.</li><li data-end="1434" data-section-id="xm1hyt" data-start="1347" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Helpful items for detailed work: a neck light, headlamp, or small magnifying light.</li><li data-end="1519" data-section-id="1awlyzz" data-start="1435" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Please bring at least&nbsp;one garment in need of repair&nbsp;to work on during class. The repair should be a hole, a small stain, or warn spot and not any major repairs like a broken zipper.</li></ul>Garment Guidelines:<ul data-end="1834" data-start="1547" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1608" data-section-id="76whha" data-start="1547" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Best results: natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen.</li><li data-end="1754" data-section-id="1bfnbvx" data-start="1609" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Synthetics or blends can work, but activewear or performance fabrics (like waterproof coats, spandex, or lycra leggings) are not recommended.</li><li data-end="1834" data-section-id="1iedul7" data-start="1755" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Questions about suitability? Email&nbsp;hello@milfordmakes.org&nbsp;before class.</li></ul>Attendance is capped at 14 participants for hands-on guidance. Bring your garment, your curiosity, and your creativity! Leave the workshop with revitalized items, new skills, and inspiration to continue mending at home. Cancellation PolicyWe understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us at least 7 days before the workshop for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the event may not be eligible for a refund, but you are welcome to transfer your spot to another person. In the unlikely event that Milford Makes needs to cancel or reschedule the workshop, all ticket holders will receive a full refund. We&rsquo;re grateful to Walnut Beach Coffee House for generously hosting us after hours. Additional drinks and treats will be available for purchase during the event.

Visible Mending at Walnut Beach Coffee House

Join us for a relaxed, creative evening of junk journaling, a collage-based art practice that transforms everyday materials into something meaningful. Using a mix of reclaimed papers like book pages, magazine clippings, scrapbook paper, vellum, fabric, and more, you&rsquo;ll create layered journal pages that are entirely your own. There&rsquo;s no right or wrong way to do it, just a chance to experiment, play, and enjoy the process. Your ticket also includes one free small coffee or tea from Walnut Beach Coffee House to enjoy while you create. You&rsquo;re welcome to bring a photo or two, or small paper keepsakes like ticket stubs, brochures, or maps, to incorporate into your pages. Choose Your Experience- Full Workshop (includes sketchbook) &mdash; $14Includes a spiral-bound sketchbook plus access to all shared materials. Includes one small coffee or tea. - Bring Your Own Journal &mdash; $10Bring a journal you love and use our shared materials to create. Includes one small coffee or tea. Optional Add-OnTake the creativity home with you!A limited number of curated junk journaling &ldquo;mystery kits&rdquo; will be available for $8 each at the event. What to Expect- A welcoming, relaxed environment- A wide variety of unique and reused materials- A short demo to get you started- Plenty of time to create and experiment About the MaterialsThis workshop highlights creative reuse&mdash;many of the materials you&rsquo;ll use are reclaimed or repurposed, giving new life to items that might otherwise be discarded. Who It&rsquo;s ForTeens and adults. No experience needed. We&rsquo;re grateful to Walnut Beach Coffee House for generously hosting us after hours. Additional drinks and treats will be available for purchase during the event.

Junk Journaling Workshop

Welcome to the Milford Makes Shop 🎨 Every purchase helps us offer hands-on crafting workshops and creative spaces where people of all ages can learn new skills and explore their ideas. Your order supports inclusive, accessible programs From community projects to low-cost outreach events, your shopping fuels materials, tools, and maker opportunities for neighbors who might not otherwise have them 🤝

Welcome to the Milford Makes Shop 🎨Every purchase helps us offer hands-on crafting workshops and creative spaces where people of all ages can learn new skills and explore their ideas.Your order supports inclusive, accessible programsFrom community projects to low-cost outreach events, your shopping fuels materials, tools, and maker opportunities for neighbors who might not otherwise have them 🤝

Milford Makes Shop

We did it&mdash;we hosted our first workshop.And it confirmed what we were hoping all along: Milford is ready for this. People showed up. They made things with their hands. They connected. It felt good in that &ldquo;we need more of this in our lives&rdquo; kind of way. Now we want to keep going&mdash;but we need a little help to make that happen. What we&rsquo;re raising money for:We&rsquo;re raising $2,500 to cover the essentials that keep workshops running and growing: - Tools &amp; supplies we don&rsquo;t have (yet):While we receive amazing donated materials, there are always gaps&mdash;things we need to run a full workshop.Think:<ul data-end="1302" data-start="1200" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1252" data-section-id="c5vlz8" data-start="1200" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Sewing scissors for our Visible Mending Workshop</li><li data-end="1272" data-section-id="1cee3in" data-start="1253" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Specialty tools</li><li data-end="1302" data-section-id="2vlyas" data-start="1273" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Basic consumable supplies (like glue sticks!)</li></ul>- Paying local artists &amp; teachers:This part really matters to us. Milford Makes isn&rsquo;t just about making&mdash;it&rsquo;s about supporting the people who teach and share their skills. Your donation helps us pay local creatives to lead workshops and bring their knowledge to the community. - Getting organized (the not-glamorous but necessary stuff):As we grow, we need simple infrastructure to make this sustainable:<ul data-end="1803" data-start="1739" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="1755" data-section-id="catwxz" data-start="1739" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Storage bins</li><li data-end="1775" data-section-id="75wdz8" data-start="1756" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Sorting systems</li><li data-end="1803" data-section-id="55sa3j" data-start="1776" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Workshop setup supplies</li></ul>Basically: the behind-the-scenes pieces that make everything run smoothly. Why this mattersWe&rsquo;re building something community-centered, creative, and accessible. A place where:<ul data-end="2136" data-start="1997" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="2029" data-section-id="1vsjtf0" data-start="1997" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">People can try something new</li><li data-end="2087" data-section-id="cdvm1r" data-start="2030" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Materials get a second life instead of going to waste</li><li data-end="2136" data-section-id="1a3gole" data-start="2088" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Creativity feels welcoming, not intimidating</li></ul>And honestly? That kind of space doesn&rsquo;t just happen&mdash;it&rsquo;s built piece by piece. 🎯 Our Goal: $2,500 Every dollar goes directly toward making workshops possible.And every contribution&mdash;big or small&mdash;helps keep this going. Ways to SupportYou can give at any level, but here&rsquo;s what your donation can do:<ul data-end="2765" data-start="2464" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="498" data-section-id="1i0c0ei" data-start="417" fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="box-sizing: inherit;">$15 &rarr; Helps cover essential supplies that keep workshops running smoothly</li><li data-end="578" data-section-id="1epy8hg" data-start="499" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">$25 &rarr; Contributes to the materials participants use to create and learn</li><li data-end="654" data-section-id="9bgls0" data-start="579" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">$50 &rarr; Supports the tools and shared resources used across workshops</li><li data-end="718" data-section-id="195h1ck" data-start="655" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">$100 &rarr; Helps us host a fully stocked, hands-on workshop</li><li data-end="784" data-section-id="1fapr02" data-start="719" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">$250 &rarr; Supports the artists and makers who lead and teach</li><li data-end="871" data-section-id="11aoj39" data-start="785" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">$500 &rarr; Helps us grow&mdash;expanding workshops and building a more sustainable setup</li></ul> ----------------------------------If you&rsquo;ve been following along, sharing posts, or cheering this on&mdash;thank you. That support matters more than you know. If you&rsquo;re able to donate, you&rsquo;re helping turn this from &ldquo;a great idea&rdquo; into something that truly lasts.Let&rsquo;s keep Milford creating. Want to support in another way (materials, space, teaching)? Reach out&mdash;we&rsquo;d love to connect.&nbsp;

We did it—we hosted our first workshop.And it confirmed what we were hoping all along: Milford is ready for this.People showed up. They made things with their hands. They connected. It felt good in that “we need more of this in our lives” kind of way.Now we want to keep going—but we need a little help to make that happen.What we’re raising money for:We’re raising $2,500 to cover the essentials that keep workshops running and growing:- Tools & supplies we don’t have (yet):While we receive amazing donated materials, there are always gaps—things we need to run a full workshop.Think:Sewing scissors for our Visible Mending WorkshopSpecialty toolsBasic consumable supplies (like glue sticks!)- Paying local artists & teachers:This part really matters to us. Milford Makes isn’t just about making—it’s about supporting the people who teach and share their skills. Your donation helps us pay local creatives to lead workshops and bring their knowledge to the community.- Getting organized (the not-glamorous but necessary stuff):As we grow, we need simple infrastructure to make this sustainable:Storage binsSorting systemsWorkshop setup suppliesBasically: the behind-the-scenes pieces that make everything run smoothly.Why this mattersWe’re building something community-centered, creative, and accessible.A place where:People can try something newMaterials get a second life instead of going to wasteCreativity feels welcoming, not intimidatingAnd honestly? That kind of space doesn’t just happen—it’s built piece by piece.🎯 Our Goal: $2,500Every dollar goes directly toward making workshops possible.And every contribution—big or small—helps keep this going.Ways to SupportYou can give at any level, but here’s what your donation can do:$15 → Helps cover essential supplies that keep workshops running smoothly$25 → Contributes to the materials participants use to create and learn$50 → Supports the tools and shared resources used across workshops$100 → Helps us host a fully stocked, hands-on workshop$250 → Supports the artists and makers who lead and teach$500 → Helps us grow—expanding workshops and building a more sustainable setup----------------------------------If you’ve been following along, sharing posts, or cheering this on—thank you. That support matters more than you know.If you’re able to donate, you’re helping turn this from “a great idea” into something that truly lasts.Let’s keep Milford creating.Want to support in another way (materials, space, teaching)? Reach out—we’d love to connect.

Create your own colorful paper bug using a variety of donated and reused materials! This free, hands-on workshop is part of the&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://milfordmakes.org/creative-reuse-pop-up-shop/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Milford Makes Creative Reuse Pop-Up</a>, where we&#39;re transforming the Firehouse Gallery into a Mini Creative Reuse Center + Makerspace for the weekend. This is a fun, beginner-friendly creative activity and a great way to experience creative reuse in action. Please note:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Registration is required. Space is limited to 15 children.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">This is not a drop-off activity. A parent or adult caregiver must remain with their child for the duration of the workshop.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Adults are welcome and encouraged to help younger children with cutting, gluing, and other parts of the project.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Please register each child who will be participating. Adults do not need to register.</li></ul>Come make a bug, make a friend, and make something wonderful from materials that might otherwise have been discarded!&nbsp; Because space is limited to 15 children, please register only if you are able to attend. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to another child. There is limited parking at the Firehouse Gallery. The best parking options are street parking on Naugatuck Avenue, Monroe Street, a short walk away on East Broadway.

Free Kids' Bug Collage Workshop

Start with a Milford Makes canvas tote and make it your own! In this relaxed, hands-on workshop, you&rsquo;ll have a variety of creative reuse materials and simple techniques to choose from. Add a patch, try some Sashiko-inspired stitching, add fabric scraps, bedazzle it with rhinestones, draw with fabric markers, or combine a few different ideas. Your workshop registration includes:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">One Milford Makes canvas tote ($15 retail value)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A curated selection of workshop embellishments and materials*</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Guidance and help from our volunteer facilitator</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A fun hour of making with other local creatives</li></ul>$20 per person or bring a friend for $35 Limited to 8 participants per session Choose Your Session: Embellish a Milford Makes Tote &mdash; 1:00 PMSaturday at 1:00 PM. Includes one Milford Makes tote and all materials. Choose from patches, stitching, fabric, rhinestones, markers, paint and more to create a one-of-a-kind tote. Embellish a Milford Makes Tote &mdash; 2:00 PMSaturday at 2:00 PM. Includes one Milford Makes tote and all materials. Choose from patches, stitching, fabric, rhinestones, markers, paint and more to create a one-of-a-kind tote. There is limited parking at the Firehouse Gallery. The best parking options are street parking on Naugatuck Avenue, Monroe Street, a short walk away on East Broadway. * Workshop materials are provided for use during your one-hour session and include a selection of items such as patches, fabric, embroidery floss, fabric markers, paint, rhinestones and Sashiko patterns. Some materials are available in limited quantities (for example, up to 3 patches and 1 Sashiko pattern per participant) so that everyone has an opportunity to choose from the assortment.

Embellish a Milford Makes Tote

Join Milford Makes for a beginner-friendly introduction to crochet during our Milford Makers Meetup at Red Eye Coffee Co.! Teens and adults will learn the fundamentals of crochet, including how to hold a hook and yarn, make a slip knot, and practice basic stitches.&nbsp; Each participant will receive a crochet hook, stitch marker, yarn, and printed, illustrated instructions to take home and continue practicing. The $3 registration fee covers all supplies. PARKING NOTE: The parking lot behind the building is restricted to tenants only after 7pm. Therefore, please use the parking available in the garage under the coffee house (entrance on River Street) and surrounding street parking.

Learn to Crochet

A full day of creativity, rest, and connection. When was the last time you created without rushing? Rested without guilt? Spent time with other makers without feeling like you had to produce something for anyone else? Cultivate &amp; Create is a thoughtfully curated one-day retreat designed to help you step away from productivity mode and reconnect with your creativity through making, nourishment, nature, and community. Whether you&#39;re a knitter, scrapbooker, quilter, sewist, crocheter, watercolor artist, journaler&mdash;or simply someone who longs to spend a day creating&mdash;you&#39;ll find a welcoming space to slow down, breathe, and enjoy making alongside other creative people. Your Retreat Experience Includes: NourishEnjoy delicious food throughout the day, thoughtfully prepared by Kitchen Melissa, including:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Light breakfast</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Catered buffet lunch</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Afternoon grazing table</li></ul>__________________________________________CreateSpend the day exploring creativity through a variety of experiences, including:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Meditative Creativity Workshop: SoulCollage&reg; &amp; Reflective Writing with Tammy Theis Satterlee</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Herbal Tea Ritual with Liz Garypie, featuring a guided tea tasting and the creation of your own Creative Clarity tea sachet to take home</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Dedicated Open Studio time to work on your own creative project in community with fellow makers</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A collaborative community art project</li></ul>Bring your current creative project&mdash;knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery, quilting, hand sewing, journaling, watercolor, writing, felting, coloring, or another portable craft&mdash;and enjoy uninterrupted time creating at your own pace. __________________________________________RestoreTake time to care for yourself through gentle, restorative experiences, including:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Gentle Chair Yoga for Makers with Kelly Warters of A Breath of Calm Yoga</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A meditative nature walk through the retreat grounds (weather permitting)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Quiet moments for rest and reflection</li></ul>Optional Add-On:&nbsp;Chair massages with Rose Napoli, PT, ASSC, Massage THP will be available for an additional $20 per session. __________________________________________ConnectThroughout the day you&#39;ll also enjoy:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A thoughtfully curated gift bag</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Raffle featuring donations from local businesses</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Meaningful conversations with fellow makers</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A peaceful retreat setting designed for creativity and connection</li></ul>__________________________________________A Day Created Just for YouThere is no pressure to finish a project, keep up with anyone else, or create something &quot;worthy.&quot; This day is about giving yourself permission to slow down, make something with your hands, reconnect with your creativity, and leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and restored. Attendance is intentionally limited to approximately 25 participants to create an intimate and welcoming retreat experience. __________________________________________Supporting Milford MakesCultivate &amp; Create is the inaugural fundraising retreat benefiting Milford Makes, a nonprofit organization working to build a Creative Reuse Center and Makerspace serving Milford and the surrounding communities.Your registration helps make this retreat possible while supporting future workshops, creative programming, and community art opportunities. Presenting SponsorWe are grateful to The Milford Bank, Presenting Sponsor of our inaugural Cultivate &amp; Create Retreat, for helping make this event possible. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1782995126/wysiwyg/ur0g3bwdgyo8dphmevr9.png" style="width: 317px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto 5px 0px; text-align: left; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 317px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto 5px 0px; text-align: left;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> Registration InformationRegistration closes October 1, 2026&nbsp;to allow time for meal planning, materials preparation, and retreat coordination. Because attendance is intentionally limited, registration may close earlier if all spaces are filled. Cancellation PolicyTo thoughtfully prepare meals, materials, and retreat experiences for each attendee, cancellations received by September 20, 2026 are eligible for a full refund. After September 20, registrations become non-refundable due to advance commitments for food, supplies, and retreat expenses. Registration transfers may be accommodated when feasible but cannot be guaranteed. Questions? Contact us at <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:hello@milfordmakes.org" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">hello@milfordmakes.org</a>.

Cultivate & Create: A Restorative Retreat for Makers

Join us for a relaxed, creative afternoon of junk journaling, a collage-based art practice that transforms everyday materials into something meaningful. Using a mix of reclaimed papers like book pages, magazine clippings, scrapbook paper, vellum, fabric, and more, you&rsquo;ll create layered journal pages that are entirely your own. There&rsquo;s no right or wrong way to do it, just a chance to experiment, play, and enjoy the process. You&rsquo;re welcome to bring a photo or two, or small paper keepsakes like ticket stubs, brochures, or maps, to incorporate into your pages. Choose Your Experience- Full Workshop (includes sketchbook) &mdash; $14Includes a spiral-bound sketchbook plus access to all shared materials. - Bring Your Own Journal &mdash; $10Bring a journal you love and use our shared materials to create. Optional Add-OnTake the creativity home with you! A limited number of curated junk journaling &ldquo;mystery kits&rdquo; will be available for $8 each at the event. What to Expect- A welcoming, relaxed environment- A wide variety of unique and reused materials- A short demo to get you started- Plenty of time to create and experiment About the MaterialsThis workshop highlights creative reuse&mdash;many of the materials you&rsquo;ll use are reclaimed or repurposed, giving new life to items that might otherwise be discarded. Who It&rsquo;s ForTeens and adults. No experience needed. We&rsquo;re grateful to Church of the Good Shepherd for generously hosting us.

Milford Makes Inc

Milford Makes Inc

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Free Kids' Bug Collage Workshop

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Embellish a Milford Makes Tote

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Learn to Crochet

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Cultivate & Create: A Restorative Retreat for Makers

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Junk Journaling Workshop at Good Shepherd

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