London to Sheffield, Bradford to Blackburn: Inspiring Future Makers

As the holidays begin, we’re reflecting on a brilliant summer term filled with creativity, discovery and hands-on making. From London to Sheffield, Bradford to Blackburn, QEST has been travelling the country to spark interest in craft and inspire future careers. From primary students to the UK’s largest creative graduate show, we were inspired by the passion, skill and ingenious thinking from so many young makers across the country.

National Saturday Club Summer Show, London

Over 2,300 young people across the country have been spending Saturday mornings at their local university, college or museum discovering subjects they love through the National Saturday Club. To celebrate and culminate the year, the annual Summer Show returned to Somerset House in July. The exhibition was an inspirational showcase of the ideas, creativity and innovation of the nation’s next generation across eight subject strands.

“I’ve used new materials I’d never tried before”
– Craft&Making Club Member

We’re proud to partner with the NSC on the Craft&Making Clubs, with support from Howdens. Across the 12 Clubs, members gained an understanding of why it’s important to retain traditional craft skills, and how new technologies, techniques and materials are evolving these traditions, ensuring they remain relevant in the modern world.

Crafty Careers Fair, Sheffield

At Kelham Island Museum, over 80 young people came together for the Crafty Careers Fair to explore how creativity can become a career. With workshops, talks and demonstrations from makers, businesses and educators, the event sparked ideas and new ambitions. Contributors included Mandeep Mann, Laura Hunter, Chris Polin, John Smedley, the Landmark Trust, Wentworth Pewter and CK Crafthouse, along with representatives from local college and university courses. The fair showcased the wide range of craft-based professions available and how you can turn creativity into a career.

“I found out that there is funding out there and options to train and work hands-on,” said one attendee. Another shared, “It’s been good to meet people with non-traditional career paths and talk to them about how they got their jobs.” QEST Grandey’s Place Emerging Maker Laura Hunter, who ran a workshop, said, “It was very special to experience the young people’s reactions to the possibilities of what they could do as a career or even just experiencing the craft for the first time.”

National Festival of Making, Blackburn

At Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, over 2,500 visitors joined for two days of family-friendly workshops as part of the National Festival of Making, where there were over 100 things to do!

On Saturday, QEST Alumni Jackie Stephens introduced people to wool and weaving, creating miniature blankets for sheep and llamas. On Sunday, QEST Crown Paints Scholar Alice Cunningham led clay workshops inspired by the museum’s collections.

The museum also showcased work by the National Saturday Club, including textiles, ceramics and photography. With generous support from Crown Paints, the weekend was a joyful celebration of community, creativity and making.

^{Image Credit Sam Frost}

New Designers, London

At the UK’s leading graduate design show, QEST partnered with Heritage Crafts and the Society of Designer Craftsmen for a panel discussion focused on sustainability in craft at New Designers.

Speakers Ana Del Rio (QEST Youth Board member), Allister Malcolm and Sharon Kearley joined QEST’s Katherine Dunleavy to explore how makers can practically enhance sustainability in their craft practice. The session covered practical, scalable strategies for advancing sustainability — from material innovation and waste reduction to adapting traditional methods for contemporary contexts. A guided tour followed, spotlighting graduate projects that offered extraordinary examples of sustainable craft in action.

Primary School Careers Fair, London

At Ark Academy, 160 pupils from four primary schools met makers for the first time and explored the world of craft careers. QEST alumni Michele Oberdeik, Monty Lewis, Jacky Oliver and Rasha Obaid were joined by supporters from Paye, the London Scribes and Homo Faber Fellow Chihiro Shigemitsu to introduce the children to crafts including glassblowing, calligraphy, stone carving and bookbinding. This event was part of Making the Future, in partnership with Education and Employers.

“Thank you ever so much for the event. It was really lovely to meet the professionals!” said one teacher. “One of our children has decided they no longer want to be a YouTuber but a stone carver.”

Breakfast in Bradford

In Bradford, QEST Ambassador Razwan Ul-Haq hosted a breakfast event celebrating the city’s role as UK City of Culture. Guests gathered in Centenary Square, visited the City of Culture HQ, a local mosque and the Industrial Museum. The morning offered a chance for Alumni to connect, explore the city’s cultural landmarks and reflect on the role of craft in community life. Although this event wasn’t focused on young people, it was a great reminder of how strong creative communities can help build the foundations that inspire future makers.

Craft Your Future

If you or someone you know is curious about a future in craft, head to our Craft Your Future page. You’ll find real stories, practical resources and ideas to help you take your next steps.

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