Welcome to Craftopia

Craftopia C.I.C welcomes you to a space where creativity flourishes, and connections are made. Join us in our mission to uplift spirits and nurture wellbeing through art and community.

Explore

Services

Paper Mates
3 British pounds
Book Now
Make and Mingle
3 British pounds
Book Now
Textiles with Gina
3 British pounds
Book Now
Creative Calm
3 British pounds
Book Now
Folk Art Friends
3 British pounds
Book Now

Craftopia's Creative Journey

Our Story

Craftopia C.I.C, nestled in Atherton Town Hall, is dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing through artistic expression and social engagement. Our diverse initiatives cater to different demographics, fostering a welcoming and therapeutic environment for all.

At Craftopia, we believe in the power of creativity to heal and connect individuals. Our goal is to provide a safe space for art exploration and personal growth, offering creative education for the young and therapeutic sessions for those in need.

Learn More

🎨 Jaxs’ Folk Art Group returns for 2026! 🎨

After our Christmas break, Jaxs’ Folk Art group is back for 2026, running every Friday at Craftopia 💛

✨ New time: 10:00–12:00
✨ What you’ll be learning: Folk art techniques such as canal art, dotty art, and more
✨ What to expect:
You’ll practice techniques and work on lovely projects together in a relaxed, friendly group setting.

Perfect for anyone who enjoys learning creatively at a gentle pace with refreshments available on site ☕🎨

📍 Craftopia CIC, Atherton Town Hall

Message us or use the link below to book your place ✨

https://www.craftopiacic.com/booking-calendar/folk-art-friends?referral=service_list_widget

We’re back open from Tuesday 💛
Here’s what’s on this week at Craftopia.

https://www.craftopiacic.com/bookings

Do you ever feel a bit lonely sometimes?
Or maybe just a bit disconnected… like you’re craving company but don’t quite know where to start?

Creative Connections is a relaxed, welcoming space for adults who want to feel less alone but without pressure, expectations, or awkward small talk. You don’t need to be “good at art”. You don’t need to know anyone already. You can just come as you are.

We create together, chat if we want to, sit quietly if we don’t, and slowly build connections in a way that feels safe and natural.

If this sounds like something your heart’s been quietly asking for, you’re very welcome here 💛

Send us a message for more information or pop in and see us at Atherton Town Hall 😊

✨ Creative Calm with Sammie ✨

Creative Calm is a small, quieter creative group designed for people who find busy or noisy spaces overwhelming or who simply feel more comfortable creating in a calm, predictable environment.

This session is especially well suited to neurodivergent adults, people who experience anxiety, sensory overload, or social fatigue but no diagnosis or label is needed. If smaller groups and a slower pace help you feel more at ease then this group is for you.

Next week’s activity will be stained-glass style glass painting with Sammie, using simple techniques to create something beautiful at your own pace. There’s no pressure to talk, no expectation to perform just gentle creativity in a relaxed, supportive space.

Come along, take a breath, and enjoy some creative calm 💛

Message us for more information or use the link below to book your place…

https://www.craftopiacic.com/booking-calendar/creative-calm?referral=service_list_widget

✨ January Textiles with Gina ✨

This month, Gina’s textiles group will be working on a creative project making their own needle-felted tote bags.

Participants will learn how to needle felt their own design onto fabric, exploring colour and texture at a relaxed pace. Over the sessions, you’ll then be supported to use the sewing machines to turn your felted artwork into a finished tote bag to take home and use.

Beginners are very welcome.
No previous experience with felting or sewing is needed — everything is explained step by step, with plenty of support throughout.

This project is designed to develop over multiple sessions, allowing time to enjoy the process and build skills gradually, rather than rushing to finish in one go 💛
A calm, friendly space to create, learn, and connect.

Send us a message for more information or use the link below to book a place 😊

https://www.craftopiacic.com/booking-calendar/textiles-with-gina?referral=service_list_widget

💛 This is why Creative Connections exists 💛

Last year, we worked with Ground Up to create this video, sharing the voices and experiences of people who are part of the Craftopia community.

As we prepare to launch Creative Connections, it felt important to share this again and to reflect on the importance of creativity, connection, and having spaces where people can come together.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the video and trusted us with their stories, and to GroundUp for capturing them with such care 💛

✨ We’re grateful to have recently received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support the launch of Creative Connections and enable us to reach and support more people through this work ✨

#nationallotteryfunded #community #creativity #connection #craftopia
#ageuk ageuk tnlcommunityfund

✨ Kicking the new year off with some exciting news… ✨

We’re so proud to share that Craftopia is now a registered Arts Award centre 🎉

This means we’ll soon be launching Creative Futures… A new programme designed to support young people through creativity, confidence-building, and recognised arts-based qualifications.

Creative Futures is all about:
🎨 Exploring creativity in a supportive, inclusive space
🌱 Building confidence and self-expression
✨ Recognising skills and achievements in a meaningful way

We’re busy behind the scenes planning sessions, shaping the programme, and getting everything ready…
more details coming very soon 👀

Watch this space – 2026 is already shaping up to be something special 💛

Happy New Year guys. We hope your year is filled with love, light and creativity. 👩🏼‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨

Love, the Craftopia team. Xxx

Ending the year feeling incredibly grateful 💛

Thank you to our community for an amazing year of creativity, connection, and support. We couldn’t do this without you.

Here’s to an even better 2026 ✨

#happynewyear #gratefull #blessed❤️ #creativity #craftopia #2026

✨ Make & Mingle is back for 2026! ✨

We’re kicking off the new year with our first Make & Mingle of the year on Tuesday 6th January, and we’d love you to join us 💛

This session we’ll be making beaded charms – perfect for keys, bags, or as a little handmade gift – led by Danielle, who’ll guide you step by step. No experience needed at all!

🧶 What to expect:
• A relaxed, welcoming space
• A guided craft activity
• Time to chat, connect, and unwind
• All materials provided

📅 Tuesday 6th January
⏰ 12–2pm
📍 Craftopia

Make & Mingle is all about creativity, community, and good company, come along, meet new people, and start the year gently and creatively ✨

👉 Book using the link below or if you are already a member just leave us a message or a comment to let us know you are attending and we will book you on :)

https://www.craftopiacic.com/booking-calendar/make-and-mingle?referral=service_list_widget

✨ We’re Excited to Welcome You Back! ✨

After being closed over Christmas and the New Year, we’re really excited to welcome you back fromTuesday 6th with our regular weekly creative sessions at Craftopia 💛
Whether you’re looking to relax, connect, or enjoy some creative time in a supportive space, there’s something for everyone.

🟡 Please note:
👉 We are closed this Monday (5th)
👉 Our Monday sessions will start the following week, on Monday 12th

⸻

🧵 Tuesday | 12:00–2:00pm
Make & Mingle – Social Craft Group
£3 • Beaded charms with Danielle
🔗 Book here: https://www.craftopiacic.com/booking-calendar/make-and-mingle?referral=service_list_widget

⸻

🧶 Wednesday | 10:30am–12:00pm
Knitting & Crochet Coffee Morning
Bring your own project or work on group projects
☕ FREE drop-in – no booking needed

🧵 Wednesday | 12:30–2:30pm
Textiles Club with Gina
Sewing, embroidery & needle felting- £3
🔗 Book here: https://www.craftopiacic.com/booking-calendar/textiles-with-gina?referral=service_list_widget

⸻

🌿 Thursday | 12:30–2:30pm
Creative Calm
A smaller, quieter session suitable for neurodivergent adults and those who benefit from a calmer space- £3 • Glass painting with Sammie
🔗 Book here: https://www.craftopiacic.com/booking-calendar/creative-calm?referral=service_list_widget

⸻

🎨 Friday | 10:00am–12:00pm
Folk Art with Jaxs
Learn painting techniques such as canal art and dotty art-£3
🔗 Book here: https://www.craftopiacic.com/booking-calendar/folk-art-friends?referral=service_list_widget

🖌️ Friday | 12:15–2:15pm
Mindful Art Session with Danielle
🌱 FREE drop-in – no booking needed

If you have any questions or need help choosing a session, just drop us a message 💛
We can’t wait to see you all back at Craftopia ✨

From us all here at Craftopia, we’d like to wish you a very merry Christmas. ✨💖🎄

And a huge thank you to everyone for making this year as wonderful as possible. We can’t wait to see you all on the 6th January 2026 for Make & Mingle.

Have a lovely rest of your Christmas break. Lots of love, the Craftopia team. Xxx

✨ Creative Connections – A Place to Belong, Every Weekday ✨
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund 💛

We’re really proud to be launching our Creative Connections programme. A weekday creative programme starting in January, designed for people who feel socially isolated or lonely and would benefit from a safe, welcoming place to connect with others through creativity.

Loneliness can affect anyone, at any age. Whether it’s following the loss of a loved one, retirement, health challenges, neurodivergence, anxiety, or simply feeling disconnected. You are not alone, and you are welcome here.

💛 How Creative Connections works…
Creative Connections is a membership-style programme. Once registered, members can access any of our five Creative Connections groups, running every weekday.

Each session asks for a £3 donation, which helps cover craft supplies and keeps the sessions running sustainably, especially during gaps in funding.
No one will ever be excluded if they’re unable to donate.

Members also get access to our Community Connections Meal Deal for just £5, which includes: A sandwich or toastie, cake and a drink ☕️

Our weekly groups include:

🎨 Paper Mates- A relaxed social scrapbooking & junk journal group.

🧵 Make & Mingle- A friendly, tutor-led social craft group with a different craft each week

🧶 Welcoming Wednesdays- A full day of textile crafts. Morning – knitting & crochet. Afternoon – guided textile projects

🌿 Creative Calm- A smaller, quieter group.

🖌️ Folk Art Friends- A gentle social painting group

📩 How to join
To register as a Creative Connections member, simply send us a message to book onto a session.
We’ll sign you up at your first session (Our existing group regulars are already registered).

If you’re looking for connection, creativity, and a place where you can simply be yourself Creative Connections is here for you.

📍Craftopia C.I.C, Atherton town hall, Bolton Road, Atherton
📅 Groups run every weekday, starting in January

Please share as you never know who might need to see this 💛

We’re ready to welcome you in 2026 to our new calligraphy course at Craftopia CIC. ✨✨✨

Learn the art of modern calligraphy, in an expert led environment. We will cover all of the essentials, from basic strokes and letterforms. To beautifully finished pieces. You will receive guidance and feedback to help strengthen your lettering and keep improving.🖋️🖋️🖋️

You’ll receive your very own calligraphy kit, you’ll have access to hands on practice sheets, quality materials, and a tutor with 7 years experience. 🎁🎁🎁

So why not come down on the 22nd January 2026, 10:30am to 12:00pm at the Craftopia cafe inside Atherton Town Hall. You won’t want to miss this. 🥰

Booking is essential. To book your place, message our page. Tickets for the course are £30 total.💖

Sammie xox

Our LAST schedule before we break up for Christmas. 🧑🏼‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨

Comment below and let us know if you’re coming? 💖

Sammie x

✨✨✨ OUR CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS. ✨✨✨

Just a reminder to everyone that we’re CLOSED from the 19th December. And we’ll be back OPEN on the 6th January.

And from everyone at Craftopia CIC, HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY! 💖💖💖💖💖

Sammie x

❄️✨ SNOWGLOBES ✨❄️

Who enjoyed the session on Tuesday? We certainly did. 💖 And look at the incredible creations everyone made.

Thank you for coming guys.

Love, Sammie x

❄️❄️❄️ Our Christmas party is FULLY BOOKED! ❄️❄️❄️

Thank you to everyone for all of your support this year. It’s been magical.

If you’re booked onto the party, please remember your £3 secret Santa present instead of your usual £3 donation to us.

We can’t wait to see you all. 💖💖💖

Sammie x

👩🏼‍🎨🧑🏼‍🎨Our weekly timetable. 👩🏼‍🎨🧑🏼‍🎨

Who’s coming? Comment below to book. ✨✨✨

We can’t wait to see you there! 💖

Sammie. Xox

❄️❄️ Our Make and Mingle group next week will be making snow globes with Sammie. ❄️❄️

Who’s coming? Comment below to book. 💖

Sammie x

We’re on our way to The Brick // thebrickwigan to donate some gorgeous hats, scarfs, gloves, mittens and more. 🧶🧶🧶

We’d just like to say a huge thank you to our Crochet the Day Away group. For crafting their hearts out to get these ready for the colder months. 💖

What a lovely thing to do. Thanks ladies!! ✨✨✨

Sammie. X

Who’s coming to Space to Create today? ✨✨✨ We have a change of plans. ✨✨✨ Instead of felt ornaments, we’re going to be practicing some brush lettering techniques. On cards and tags. 🎅🏻🎄👩🏼‍🎨

Can’t wait to see you there!

Sammie xox

📢 Session Update – Jax’s Folk Art Workshop

Hi everyone,
Unfortunately, Jax’s Folk Art session is cancelled this afternoon due to sickness. 💛

If you were planning to come along, you’re still very welcome to pop in! You can choose any item from our shelves to paint, and we’ll get the supplies out for you so you can enjoy a creative session but please note there will be no tutor today.

Thanks for your understanding, and we hope Jax feels better soon. 💐
— Craftopia CIC 🎨✨

👩🏼‍🎨🧑🏼‍🎨 G O N K S 🧑🏼‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨

This afternoon was all about making the cutest gonks. Have a look at what our members made today. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Next week is Christmas decorations with Gina. Who’s coming? Comment below if you are. 🎄✨💖

Sammie xox

✨👩🏼‍🎨 S P A C E T O C R E A T E 👩🏼‍🎨✨

For the next few weeks, we’re doing Christmas crafts.

Check out the following below:

27/11 - Needle felted snowmen
04/12 - Felt ornaments
11/12 - Ceramic decorations
18/12 - Christmas plates and mugs

Every Thursday - 12:30 till 14:30
Atherton Town Hall 💖

Sammie x

✨✨✨ THIS WEEK ✨✨✨

You’re in for a treat guys. Danielle will be running our Tuesday Make & Mingle session making Christmas gonks. As well as the Space to Create session where she’ll be doing some needle felting. 🎅🏻🎄

You’ll also have Gina on Wednesday as usual, for Crochet the Day Away. 🧶🧶🧶And Jax for folk art Friday! 👩🏼‍🎨

We can’t wait to see you all. 💖

Sammie x

🎄🎅🏻 MA KE & M I N G L E 🎅🏻🎄

Who’s coming along to our Tuesday session? For the next few weeks we have some festive treats for you. So why not come down and join in? You won’t regret it. 💖

25/11 - Christmas gonks with Danielle
02/12 - Christmas decorations with Gina
09/12 - Snow globes with Sammie

And to finish off we have our Christmas party on the 16th December. ✨✨✨

Tuesdays, 12:00 till 14:00 💖

We had a brilliant afternoon getting in the festive spirit and making Christmas wreaths at our make and mingle session yesterday ❤️

Next week we will be making Christmas Gonks 😊

Book your place using the link below…

https://www.craftopiacic.com/booking-calendar/make-and-mingle?referral=service_list_widget&skipPreferencesModal=true

Tuesday’s Make and Mingle this week is Christmas lanterns with Sammie. Who’s coming along?🎄✨💖

✨✨✨ WEEKLY SESSIONS ✨✨✨

Every Sunday, we’ll post an updated timetable. ⏰ Each day will have what’s on that week.

Please like, share & follow for updates. We can’t wait to see you all this week coming. 💖

Sammie x

✨💖 Space to Create - Christmas edition 💖✨

Here are the following workshops we’ll be putting on this Christmas season. 🎄🎄🎄

13/11 - Sock snowmen
20/11 - Christmas cards & tags
27/11 - Needle felting
04/12 - Felt ornaments
11/12 - Painted ornaments
18/12 - Christmas plates and mugs

So why not come on down and try it out for yourself? You won’t be disappointed. 🥰🥰

Sammie x

🎄 MAKE & MINGLE CHRISTMAS EDITION 🎄
12pm to 2pm ✨✨✨

Starting next week, we have 6 weeks of Christmas crafts every Tuesday & Thursday. We have the following activities for you all to look forward to this November and December:

11/11 - Christmas lanterns with Sammie
18/11 - Wreath making with Gina
25/11 - Gonks with Danielle
02/12 - Christmas decorations with Gina
09/12 - Snow globes with Sammie

And to finish off, we have our Christmas party on the 16th December 2025. 🎅🏻🧑🏻‍🎄✨

Comment below to let us know if you’re coming! We can’t wait to celebrate with you all season long. 💖

Sammie. X

This Wednesday we visited these lovely ladies at Westfield community group centre for an afternoon of jewellery making 🥰

✨ Make & Mingle Notice ✨

Just a quick reminder for tomorrow’s session!
We won’t have access to the upstairs room due to an event, so we’ll be getting creative in the café instead.

Because space is limited, tomorrow will be strictly booking only.
We still have a few spots left please message us to secure your place!

🎨 Activity: Painting Ceramic Pumpkins with Jaxs

Can’t wait to see you there! 🎃

🎨💀 Special Event Alert! 💀🎨
Just Illustrate will be hosting a Day of the Dead Sip & Splatter at Craftopia CIC this Halloween (Friday 31st October)!

Join us for a creative evening of Day of the Dead–themed painting, complete with pizza and a non-alcoholic drink from the Craftopia café. No experience needed just come along, relax, and get creative!

📍 Atherton Town Hall, Bolton Road, Atherton, M46 9JQ

✨ Book your spot now and celebrate Halloween the colourful way!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1761940002979?aff=oddtdtcreator

✨ We’re so proud to share this video we had created to show the heart of what we do at Craftopia CIC – a safe, creative space where people can connect, relax, and support their wellbeing through creativity. 🎨💜

This video highlights the amazing work that has been made possible thanks to funding we recieved from The National Lottery Community Fund – we’re so grateful for their support in helping us grow and continue our mission. 🙌

A huge thank you to everyone who makes Craftopia what it is – our wonderful community, tutors, volunteers, and participants. And a special shoutout to our regulars who kindly took part in the interviews – your voices bring this story to life. 💜

Finally, thank you to GroundUp for helping us capture the true spirit of Craftopia in this amazing film. 🌟

Me and Gina had such a fab night at the Festival of Hope at feastatthemills🌟💜
It was such an inspirational evening surrounded by so many amazing people. Huge thanks to EPiC HOPE CIC and Rebuild With Hope Wigan for the invite – we loved being part of it! 🙌✨

🎃 Join Us for a Spooktacular Afternoon! 🍂

Autumn & Halloween Doormat Painting + Afternoon Tea with Sammie

🖌️ Get creative and design your own festive doormat to welcome the season in style!
☕ Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea while crafting in a cozy, friendly atmosphere.
📅 Date: 18th October 2025
📍 Location: Craftopia CIC, Atherton
🎟️ Tickets: Limited spots available – book now!
👉 Reserve your place here: https://www.craftopiacic.com/event-details/autumn-halloween-doormat-painting-and-afternoon-tea-with-sammie
✨ Perfect for a fun day out with friends or family. Don’t miss this creative seasonal treat!
#HalloweenCrafts #SpookySeason #AthertonEvents #AutumnVibes #DIYDecor #HalloweenFun #CraftopiaCIC #AfternoonTeaAndCrafts #CreativeHalloween #PumpkinSeason

🎉 We’re thrilled to announce that Jax is back with a festive favourite: the Christmas Duck Decorating Workshop! 🎄🦆

Join us on Saturday 8th November, 11:00 – 14:00 at Atherton Town Hall, where you’ll get to decorate your very own wooden duck in a Christmas theme — think cosy hats, scarves, paint, sparkle and all the festive fun. Your duck will make a lovely seasonal decoration or a one-of-a-kind handmade gift. ✨

Details:
• Workshop price: £25 (duck + all materials included)
• Optional Afternoon Tea: + £10 — enjoy cakes, sandwiches & hot drinks in our café after your crafting session.
• No experience needed — just bring your creativity and festive spirit!

Spaces are limited — grab your tickets now and get ready to sparkle, craft and celebrate! 🎨✨

📌 https://www.craftopiacic.com/event-details/christmas-duck-decorating-workshop

We’re back open as normal today 🎉
Can’t wait to see you all for Make & Mingle today with Sammie 💜✨

A lovely craft activity, good company and our café open as always – see you soon! ☕🎨

🍂✨ Date Change Update! ✨🍂

Our Autumn Door Mats & Afternoon Tea Painting Session will now be run by Sammie on Friday 18th October at 11am! 🖌️☕

Come along for a cosy, creative morning where you’ll design your very own autumn-inspired doormat, followed by a delicious afternoon tea. Perfect for adding a warm seasonal touch to your home.

📅 New Date: 18th October
⏰ Time: 11am
🎟️ Book your tickets now using the link below – spaces are limited!

https://www.craftopiacic.com/event-details/autumn-halloween-doormat-painting-and-afternoon-tea-with-sammie

🍁 Don’t miss out on this autumn treat!

We had so much fun last night making quirky Halloween ducks and powertex spell books with The Artful Crafter -GB

And we are very lucky that she has a date free in November to come back for Christmas themed ducks 😊

Watch this space for the next quirky duck workshop 🧑‍🎄🎄

🌟 We’re honoured to share some exciting news! 🌟

Craftopia CIC has been nominated for a Hope Award 2025 at the upcoming Festival of Hope! 💜

These awards celebrate resilience, compassion and the inspiring work happening across our community. To be recognised in this way means so much to us, and we’re incredibly grateful for the nomination.

A huge thank you to everyone who supports our work from our amazing team to the wonderful people who join our sessions. This nomination is for all of us 💕

We can’t wait to celebrate in October! 🥂

#FestivalOfHope #HopeAwards2025 #Community #CraftopiaCIC #CreativityForWellbeing

Autumn vibes + afternoon tea 🍂☕
Join us this Saturday at 11:00 for a cosy wreath-making session and a delicious tea spread. Limited seats—book now!

https://www.craftopiacic.com/event-details/autumn-wreaths-and-afternoon-tea

✨ Book today and get £5 off with code AUTUMN5 ✨

#AutumnWreath #AfternoonTea #AutumnVibes #SeasonalDecor #CosyAutumn #CraftingJoy #HandmadeWithLove

📢 Important Notice 🌸

Craftopia Café will be closed from Tuesday 30th September to Friday 3rd October as some of our team are on holiday and we’re a little short-staffed.

We’ll reopen as normal the following week, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for coffee, cake & creativity! ☕🍰🎨

Thank you so much for your understanding 💕

— The Craftopia Team

🎃✨ THIS FRIDAY – Hocus Pocus Halloween Workshop! ✨🎃

📅 Friday 26 Sept | 🕕 6pm | 📍 Atherton Town Hall

Unleash your inner witch or wizard with our double Halloween workshop!
🪄 Make your own Sanderson Sisters’ Spell Book with Powertex
🦆 Or create quirky Hocus Pocus Ducks
👉 Do one or both — it’s your choice!

👥 Adult workshop — but older kids/teens are welcome with an adult.

🎟️ Limited seats left – book now before they vanish!
👉 https://www.craftopiacic.com/event-details/hocus-pocus-halloween-double-workshop-cast-your-creative-spell

What a fab day we had yesterday!

We had the pleasure of hosting Ella’s 9th Birthday party 🥳

The girls did pottery painting and jewellery making followed by afternoon tea and pass the parcel ❤️

Happy Birthday Ella and thank you for letting us host your party 🎉

✨ Today’s Space to Create Session was full of variety! ✨

We had card making, canvas painting, tote bag decorating, and jewellery making happening all at once — with everyone enjoying delicious lunch from our café along the way ☕💖

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Our Artistic Offerings

Crafted with Care

Explore our range of artistic programs designed to promote mental wellness and creativity. From social connection to tailored therapeutic art sessions, we have something for everyone.

Creative Connections

Social groups to connect with others through creativity.

Creative Wellbeing

Improving mental health and wellbeing through creativity.

Creative Futures

Fostering Young Talent through our Arts award programme

Get Involved

Welcome to Craftopia

Services

Paper Mates

Make and Mingle

Textiles with Gina

Creative Calm

Folk Art Friends

Craftopia's Creative Journey

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