A STOKE Heath open air museum is giving townsfolk the chance to have a go at something they have never tried before.

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings has launched new ‘Experience Days’ which offer people the chance to have a go at activities including producing art work, dying and blacksmithing.

Much of the inspiration for the activity days comes from the museum's historic buildings.

The Merchant’s House, the Museum’s first exhibit, was a dyers house where fabrics were transformed into beautiful coloured clothes.

A new workshop ‘Colours to Dye for’ provides an overview of dyeing and colour, and gives participants a hands-on experience of dyeing techniques.

Throughout the day visitors will produce unique pieces of hand-dyed fabric to take home.

The blacksmiths forge at Avoncroft provided the inspiration for blacksmithing courses, for beginners.

The courses were trialled over Christmas, and proved popular.

An ‘exploring drawing’ and ‘watercolour workshops’ has also been launched for all abilities, from novice to expert.

Participants are being tutored by professional local artists, and will use the museum as an inspiration to produce their own piece of artwork to take home with them.

Costs for the experience days start from £55 for museum members, £65 for non-members.

For more information and dates visit www.avoncroft.org.uk or contact the museum’s bookings officer, by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01527 831363.

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