Letzcraft is a new local hub where the people of Rutland can access a huge variety of craft workshops and connect with the local community around them.

Ursula, 55, and Cara, 38 are the duo who run this new creative hub. They met while working for the national charity POhWER. POhWER provides advocacy, information and advice services for those who otherwise may struggle to access such services.

The duo worked for POhWER for over twenty years between them and, in that time, realised that they didn't only share a passion for supporting the local community, but that they both adored arts and crafts.

Cara said: "Working with vulnerable people can be emotionally challenging, and crafting is such a wholesome way to take a break from that and to refresh."

On having her child, Cara left the charity, putting more time into her family and her hobbies. These hobbies involved glass fusing, which is now one of their most popular classes.

Cara and Ursula began running these glass fusing workshops in the area in 2018.

They explained: "We used to hire out the village hall in Langham but very quickly realised that we needed our own space. We were going to get a place at Ashwell just before the pandemic and then everything went into lockdown.

"We then found number 40 Melton Road – for the locals, that's above where Rutland Radio used to be – in May 2021 and opened in July."

Soon after, Ursula gave up her job, in December 2021. "It's make or break now." They laughed.

They have had a rollercoaster journey getting Letzcraft on its feet, but 2022 looks like it will be their year.

On top of running their own glass fusing workshops where attendees can make a variety of items, they also welcome local crafts people to run classes at their spacious venue. These classes usually host between 5 and 8 attendees, meaning that you get some fantastic one-to-one help, but that these classes are a great way to meet new people in friendly environment.

They currently have over 15 different workshops available, some of which are:

Willow weaving

Textile weaving

Felting

Sugar craft bouquet cake making

and much, much more…

Some of these are full day courses, while some last just over an hour, meaning that visitors can fit crafting in even with a busy schedule.

A full list of classes and workshops can be found on their website, where you can also book and plan your day.

Ursula and Cara meet all of the artists and teachers prior to workshops being held: "We think it's important to know that they share our ethos and passion for crafting. We know that people get a lot out of spending time being present and meeting like-minded people, so this is a critical part of what we do.

"We wanted to create a central hub where people can tap into all types of arts and crafts, but we still very much need local people to find us. Especially those not on social media. Our Christmas wreath making workshops were particularly popular, so we will be running some Easter wreath making classes in the run up to and during the Easter holidays."

Letzcraft can be contacted on 07739184932, via their email address [email protected], and through their contact us webpage.

They run dated workshops as well as private group sessions with the likes of u3a and Oakham's Women's Institute.

The pair have also been to run a session with Rainbows and Guides, and in March are going to Saxon Gardens to do a session for the residents.

Unwilling to completely step away from the charity work that brough them together, Ursula and Cara are also hoping to get involved with local charity Pepper's – A Safe Place. Assuming that they can secure funding from another local organisation, Arts for Rutland, the pair wish to run friendly, informal art and craft groups with Pepper's with the hope of helping people in need access activities to support wellbeing.

They can also provide mobile craft sessions for local groups or individuals, and would like to begin organising hen dos with a difference on the run up to the 2022 wedding season!

They said: "What's nice is that we have a good range that suits everyone, men, women, people different abilities. Every one of the activities on offer at Letzcraft is suitable for a beginner but can be improved and advanced.

"The general feedback is great. People love doing something for themselves. It's nice to come and switch off. We also get great feedback about our other artisans.

"It's a good endorsement that people keep coming back."

The pair aren't only keen to get more visitors to Letzcraft, but are also welcoming more local businesses and creatives to run an even wider variety of workshops for the local people. To enquire about this opportunity, perspective teachers can call Cara and Ursula on: 07739184932.

They concluded: "It's important that people take time off for themselves. It's a safe space with like-minded people to have something else. Something else to think about and do.

"We love what we do and we're proud of what we have achieved – now it's time for more people to hear about it and come on down."