Welcome to The Valley!
Welcome to The Valley — a creative workshop space in Fishponds where children can get stuck in, make things and learn new skills.
From traditional crafts to new skills we’re still discovering ourselves, our workshops are all about curiosity, creativity and making something to be
proud of.
Meet Bea and Huw:
We’re the people behind The Valley, and we’re both happiest when we’re learning, making and getting stuck into something new.
Bea grew up in Spain and has lived in the UK since 2011. She has a serious curiosity for how things work and loves making just about anything — from tiny origami creations to full-scale houses. If there’s a new craft to try, she’s usually keen to have a go.
Huw is a Bristol local and an all-round maker, with a particular love for green woodwork. He’s happiest outdoors, whether he’s gardening, working with wood or getting competitive over a good game.
We thrive in sharing our skills and enthusiasm with children and supporting them in the process of creating their own unique masterpieces.
We are both trained Waldorf Teachers, have been working in education since 2014 andhave up-to-date DBS clearances and Paediatric First Aid training.
Why crafts?
Crafts are an amazing vehicle to boost confidence and creativity through self-expression. They require a certain level of concentration and patience and are a powerful medium to enhance motor skills and hand-eye coordination. We also become more resilient when faced with the different challenges posed by each craft: the accuracy in origami; the resistance in wood; the airiness in wool, etc.
And there’s also the social element. Crafts, particularly in small groups, present an amazing social opportunity in which the makers can create new connections and express themselves even when they don’t know anyone else in the group. The interactions are even richer when there is a wide range of ages. The craft itself can provide a safe space to be, share and thrive.
Reviews from our crafters and their families:
“We love Bea’s classes. I always know that my child will get to make something wonderful. She is so ambitious for the children and I know that he will feel safe and have lots of fun”.
-Becky-
“I enjoy Bea’s classes. Lots of fun crafts and arts and lovely teachers and lovely food especially the soup!”
-Freddie, 9-
“Bea is absolutely wonderful with the kids and Freddie always comes back really happy, inspired and proud of what he’s created and the new skills he’s learnt”.
-Kim-
“Bea is nice, helpful and kind. And I love going to her workshops because it’s a really fun cosy place where we get to go for walks in the woods, eat yummy food and make cool things, like a wooden train that had a person that bobbed up and down when it moved and also Origami and its never boring!”
-Isla 9-
“My daughter has been going to Bea’s workshops for several years now…
And I’m always amazed at the beautifully crafted things she makes, ranging from pretty advanced woodwork to intricate paper crafts and gorgeous needle felting. It’s such a nice environment for her to be in and she always comes out super content… Thank-you Bea 🙏🏻”
-Anja-