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A Storytelling Journey in Edinburgh: Tales Across Borders A transformative storytelling workshop celebrating heritage, identity, and healing through personal and ancestral narratives Why should you care about storytelling? Because stories shape us. They’re how we understand the world, make sense of our past, and imagine a different future. Yet so many of us carry around inherited stories that are heavy, outdated, or simply not ours — and we rarely get a chance to pause and ask: Whose story am I living? This FREE workshop — sponsored by Edinburgh Council as part of Edinburgh 900 — invites you to do just that. Through a mix of gentle guidance, hands-on exercises, and open sharing, we’ll explore: The different types of stories we tell (and hide) about ourselves How cultural, ancestral, and personal narratives shape our identity How to listen to the stories your body and intuition have been holding And how to reclaim your voice and reshape your narrative in empowering ways You’ll be guided through reflective prompts, embodied storytelling techniques, and creative exercises that help you reconnect with your authentic self. This is not a talk or lecture — it’s a space to experience storytelling in community. Meeting in the studio at 9.45 and then decide if the weather is fine to go to Saughton Park - please come to the studio to grab a mat (don't ask to meet in the park to avoid further back/forth emails, thx) We prioritize our international community in the area of Gorgie-Dalry-Saughton where our studio is based. By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending.
Dala Horse Wood Carving Day Workshop
By Alien Spoons
Learn to carve wood starting with this nice little project of a Dala horse. The basic shape has been formed using a bandsaw so you will add detail and learn about carving following the grain of the wood. You will learn safe wood carving techniques using the Mora 120 & 106 wood carving knives, or other Mora knives more suitable for children. Some of these safe carving techniques are the same as those used for carving a range of other treen such as spoons. This is a less strenuous carving project than making a spoon so is also ideal for beginners. We will also cover sharpening knives as this is key to safe carving. Other tools are also available to use and try out. What's included in the price? Tea, coffee and biscuits included. Two Dala horse blanks included, and others available to buy at discount prices. Training in a range of safe carving techniques used for this and other treen. Tools you will need to use during the day. Tools care and sharpening information. Tools available to buy. A PDF of knife grasps to remind you of safe carving techniques.
Two Day Wood Spoon Carving Workshop
By Alien Spoons
I've added this two day workshop because a one day workshop gives you the basics, but two days will allow you to develop your carving technique and use additional knife grasps. By embedding good technique into the way you carve, you will avoid injuries and additional regular stretching will help you to look after your body. You will leave with the knowledge and confidence to carve safely at home. You will have access to a range of different tools, starting with the axe to rough out spoon blanks - I have a good range of axes you can try from budget to the Gransfors large carving axe. Next using the Mora wood carving knives (105/106/120) to shape your blanks into spoons following traditional designs for optimising strength and utility. I also have a range of hook knives to try out. Using these traditional tools you will make a spoon from local and sustainable fresh cut green wood (usually willow/birch/alder or cherry) - starting with a log and leaving with a spoon. From the initial splitting of the log, trimming it down with an axe, to carving finer details and decorations with chip carving knives. This course is located close to central Edinburgh and is accessible by public transport. Depending on the weather it can be inside or outdoors in the wildlife garden. Courses can also be arranged to suit your availability! Please email to discuss your requirements, discounts are available for small groups or multiple days. Course numbers are usually limited to five or less; individual training courses can also be arranged. What's included in the price? Tea, coffee, light lunch of bread and soup and snacks. Professional training in the use of a range of traditional tools. Advice on tool care and sharpening. Fresh cut (green) wood for carving. Some tools available for sale at competitive rates.
One Day Wood Spoon Carving Workshop
By Alien Spoons
Alien spoons? Well, only because it is a memorable name and some of the knife grasps feel a bit alien to start with. You will soon get to grips with them and the focus of this workshop is learning to use safe and efficient carving techniques with hand tools - the axe, straight knives and hook knives... maybe also a drawknife on a shave horse. By following good technique you will avoid injuries and with regular stretching this will help you to look after your body as well as the tools. You should leave with the knowledge and confidence to carve safely at home. The tools are relatively cheap and easy to use in a small space. You will have access to a range of tools, but primarily use the Mora wood carving knives (106/120/164s) and be shown traditional designs for optimising strength and utility. Using these traditional tools you will make a spoon from local and sustainable fresh cut green wood - starting with a log and leaving with a spoon. From the initial splitting of the log with a froe or axe, trimming this down with an axe, and on to carving finer details and decorations with knives. Additional skills in building a shave horse and other green wood working can also be taught. This course is run from close to central Edinburgh and is accessible by public transport. Depending on the weather it can be inside or outdoors in the wildlife garden. Courses can also be arranged to suit your availability! Please get in touch to discuss your requirements, discounts are available for small groups or multiple days. Course numbers are usually limited to five or less; individual training courses can also be arranged. What's included in the price? Tea, coffee, light lunch of bread and soup and snacks - All vegan Professional training in the use of a range of traditional tools. Advice on tool care and sharpening. Fresh cut (green) wood for carving. Some tools available for sale at competitive rates. Summary of course information emailed to you after the workshop.
In this free and welcoming session, you’ll learn how to reduce stress and anxiety using one of the most powerful tools you already have: your breath. This practical class is designed to help you identify the signs of stress in your body and mind, and gently guide you toward restoring balance using simple, effective breathing techniques. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply in need of a moment of calm, you’ll leave with easy-to-use tools that can support your well-being anytime, anywhere. Through guided exercises and gentle breathwork, we’ll explore: How to recognise stress and anxiety patterns in your daily life Why the breath is such a powerful tool for emotional regulation A variety of simple breathing techniques to calm the nervous system How to use breath as a grounding practice in moments of overwhelm A short relaxation practice to integrate what you’ve learned No previous experience needed—just bring yourself, comfortable clothing, and a willingness to breathe. Come as you are. Leave feeling more grounded, peaceful, and connected to your inner calm. Open to all – everyone welcome. This FREE class is for Adults and is sponsored by Community Fund, Awards for All By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.
Discover powerful techniques to reconnect with your authentic self in this transformative Art workshop. Through guided meditation, mask painting , and reflective practices, you'll: Create and paint your own symbolic mask, exploring the personas you present to the world Release limiting beliefs and self-imposed rules that keep you in your comfort zone Learn the meditation for daily self-acceptance Practice grounding techniques to stay centered when facing challenges Explore the difference between "doing" and "being" in your daily life Drawing from ancient wisdom traditions and using symbolic tools like the hematite crystal for courage, this workshop offers both creative expression and practical self-care strategies you can immediately incorporate into your life. Leave with your personally crafted mask as a powerful reminder of your journey, renewed self-awareness, and concrete techniques to manage stress and honor your authentic self. All materials provided. No previous artistic experience necessary. Open to all – everyone welcome. This FREE class is for Adults and is sponsored by Community Fund, Awards for All By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.
