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Our Workshops

At Midtown Makers Gift Shop, we offer a diverse range of craft workshops designed to inspire creativity and bring people together. From arts and crafts sessions to more specialised classes such as crocheting for beginners, sewing, wet felting, photography, and quilting, there's something for everyone. 

These workshops are tailored to help participants start or enhance a new skill or hobby, providing a supportive and friendly environment. Additionally, we host charity events where attendees can enjoy great company while contributing to meaningful causes. Our workshops are not only about learning but also about fostering community connections, sharing ideas, and enhancing wellbeing through creative expression and social engagement.

JOIN US - Book one of our workshops today

Crochet

Workshops

JOIN US... Amanda from Cabinet of Curious Crafts offers a variety of Crochet workshops, including beginners, next steps, and seasonal classes such as Christmas.

Next Workshop:

Crochet Your Own Snowman

Saturday 1st November 2025

10.30am-12.30pm

£30 

Art & About with Artist Jacque McNeill 

Saturday 8th November

10:00 to 12.00 

£25

Join local artist Jacqué McNeill for a relaxed outdoor sketch session, in some of the hidden places in Ballymena.

Suitable for all abilities you will capture in your own unique style some of the fascinating features in the town– whether that’s with pen and ink, pencils, watercolours, chalks or crayons – whatever you like to use. If this is your first time starter watercolours and boards to lean on are available. 

 

Please arrive 10 minutes early, wear suitable clothing and flat shoes as we may be be on grass and uneven surfaces. You may feel you want to bring a folding camping chair or anything that you usually use and can easily carry. If the weather is bad we will stay inside and Jacqué will demonstrate from photographs and we will paint and sketch sheltered together.

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Free Photo with Santa

Saturday 13th December 2025

10am - 4pm

Bring your little ones to meet Santa and have their photo taken for free at Midtown Makers.

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Wet Felt Small Bag Workshop.

Saturday 17th January 2026

10.30am-3.30pm

Price £55

Run by Shelley Steele of Felting Crazy - This small bag is ideal to carry just a phone and credit cards, useful for dog walking or and evening out. Also a great opportunity to learn some transferable felting skills.

All Materials provided except leather or faux leather over the shoulder strap which can be ordered through me at cost price or Amazon. Other ideas for alternative straps will be discussed and demonstrated.

A non refundable or transferable deposit of £10 to secure a place.

To book please leave a comment or email on

shelleysteele701@gmail.com

Christmas Storytelling by Bea's Fantasy World

4th November 2025

10.30-11.30am for up to 3 year olds.

2.30pm-3.30pm for 3-5 year olds.

£3 per session

Bring your little ones for story time and activities at Midtown Makers with Silvia from Bea's Fantasy World - Usborne Partner.

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Let's have fun together, message Silvia for details. See you there!

Fused Glass Jewellery Workshop

Saturday 8th November​

10.30am-1pm

cost: £50​

Join Wendy from Wendy's Glass House for a Fused Glass Jewellery Workshop.

Unleash your creativity and design your own unique pieces of jewellery using the fascinating technique of fused glass.Wendy will guide you through the process, from selecting vibrant glass pieces to creating beautiful pendants, earrings, and more.

Whether you're a beginner or have some experience with glass art, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to learn a new skill or simply enjoy a fun and creative day out. Don't miss this opportunity to make stunning jewellery pieces that you can proudly wear or give as thoughtful gifts to your loved ones!

Fused Glass Christmas Decorations Workshop

Saturday 8th November​

1.15pm-3.45pm

cost: £55​

Join Wendy from Wendy's Glass House for an afternoon Fused Glass Christmas Decoration Workshop.

Design and create up to 3 beautiful fused glass decorations. Play with colour and texture to craft unique festive pieces.

Whether you're a beginner or have some experience with glass art, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to learn a new skill or simply enjoy a fun and creative day out.

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Needle Felted Christmas Workshop

Needle Felting Snow Queen workshop

Saturday 13th December  10.30am-1.30pm.

£35pp

By popular demand we are having a snow queen workshop, places are limited, if you would like to secure a place contact Mary of Marydolls.

All materials are supplied, just bring along your imagination and spend a few hours enjoying the calming experience of needle felting.

Tea, coffee and plasters also supplied.

Email Mary: mb57@hotmail.co.uk

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Book Signing with Mary Forsythe 

Saturday 15th November 2025

10am - 12pm

Mary Forsythe, the writer behind 'Jennifer Dexter, the little black cow' will be in Midtown Makers to chat and sign copies of her new book.

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Christmas Table Arrangement Workshop

Thursday 4th December 2025

6.30pm - 8.30pm

Price £38.62

Come and join us for a fun festive faux flower evening workshop, where you will create a beautiful traditional style Christmas arrangement with Catriona from Crafty Treasures. 

All materials and refreshments are provided, and no experience is necessary, just bring yourself and your festive spirit. 

Book Workshop Space

Hire the Workshop Space

Midtown Makers Gift Shop offers the ideal location to book space for the delivery of creative workshops, tutorials, demonstrations and small functions.

Located in the prestigious Midtown Makers Gift Shop, this open plan facility includes tables, chairs, accessible toilet, free Wi-Fi and a welcoming relaxed environment accommodating up to 12 individuals.

Booking can be made on an hourly basis between 10.00am and 4pm Monday to Saturday excluding public and bank holidays.  Booking must be inclusive of your preparation time for set up and dismantling.

Hire the Rankin Room

As part of the Ballymena Business Centre family, the Rankin Room is situated in the Business Hub, above Midtown Makers Gift Shop in the heart of Ballymena Town Centre on Church Street. The Rankin Room offers a premier location for businesses seeking a versatile meeting space. 

The Rankin Room offers the ideal location to book space for the delivery of business and community workshops, tutorials, networking and small functions.

Located in the Business Hub, this open plan facility includes tables, chairs, Presentation TV, lift access, free Wi-Fi and a welcoming professional environment accommodating up to 20 individuals.

Booking can be made on an hourly basis between 10am and 4pm Monday to Saturday excluding public and bank holidays.  Booking must be inclusive of your prepration time for set up and dismantling.

Midtown Makers

GIFT SHOP

Midtown Makers Gift Shop    
​51 - 53 Church Street,
Ballymena

County Antrim

Northern Ireland. BT43 6DD


​T:  028 2568 9430

E: hello@midtownmakers.co.uk

Opening Hours:

Mon - Sat

10am to 4pm

Ballymena Visitor Information Hub is a collaboration between Ballymena Business Centre and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council located within our award-winning Midtown Makers Gift Shop

Midtown Makers Gift Shop

is a Ballymena Business Centre Limited regeneration project

© 2025 Ballymena Business Centre.

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Ballymena Business Centre is a NI Registered Charity 10147

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