ONE Launceston business owner is offering a unique way to keep local children and their families busy, while boosting their creativity during school closures over the next few weeks. 

Following the announcement by Prime Minister that all schools in the UK were to close from Friday, March 20 for the foreseeable future, Jeanette Neale — the owner of Launceston craft workshop Red Cow — is offering craft kits for families in the Launceston area in order to keep children busy while also encouraging creativity and imagination as the country continues to make difficult decisions and take new measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus. 

Like many other independent businesses, Jeanette has made the decision to close the workshop for birthday parties and crafting activities because of the need to reduce large gatherings and implement social distancing. 

But behind closed doors, she has been busier than ever, creating kits to keep adults and children alike busy and to brighten up their homes in these dark days. 

The kits are being advertised via Facebook and people can message Jeanette through her page to book the kits. They are then dropped off or posted to people’s doors, meaning no face-to-face contact is needed and people can continue to rely on the safety of their own homes. 

Jeanette said: “As recent studies have shown practical activities such as crafting and art can help to reduce depression in both adults and children, we are keen to help promote mental wellbeing and feel that crafting is one way to do this, so we will be producing kits for all abilities.” 

Jeanette believes one way of getting through the dark and uncertain days ahead is coming together as a community to support those who need it. She said: “I think we all have to do what we can to help each other and sending a smile with a small craft project which is then gifted onto someone else is like a thread of happiness being sewn.”

Jeanette is aiming to make the kits as accessible as possible and to provide ‘excellent value for money’. The craft activities will be small projects, some suitable for children and some for adults. 

She added: “Never think that you aren’t good enough at art. I was told as a child I would never be any good and perhaps I am not an amazing artist, but I get huge joy from crafting and helping others craft. If you enjoy craft or enjoy seeing your children enjoying it, you are there already.”

To order a Red Cow craft kit from Jeanette, message her Facebook page, ‘Red Cow’. 

As part of the Post’s commitment to helping our readers and community during the Coronavirus outbreak, we have asked Jeanette to suggest some different ideas for crafts to keep everyone busy. 

Jeanette writes: “I would like to say thank you to the Post for asking me to come up with some crafty ideas. I know all of you with children at home will be receiving excellent support from your own schools but sometimes it’s really nice to do some crafty things together as well. 

“Why not make your craft count, as you could even make to gift? Send something gorgeous to that loved one or older neighbour who is self-isolating — it’s guaranteed to raise a smile in these tricky times.

“Use what you have — it doesn’t matter whether it’s top quality paint or the finest of paper, it’s the love and fun that goes into making a creation to make it special.” 

Twig Trees by Jeanette Neale

“These are one of my favourite things in my home and workshop which I make with my adult and child crafters!” 

- Gather some twigs from the garden or hedgerow and tie tightly to form a twig bouquet. Then simply put in a milk bottle or the smallest necked jam jar you have.

- Make your own decorations to hang on the tree — recently crafters at Red Cow have been making chicks and bunnies to give the trees a nice spring theme. The workshop kits have wool felt but you can use what you have, any fabric or card can be used.

- Cut out a simple bird or bunny shape, then either sew around and stuff or colour in and decorate with glitter, feathers and paint, and hang with thread from the twigs. If you don’t have any stuffing at home you can use an old pillow or fibre cushion and you will only need a little for each bird or bunny.

If anyone would like full instructions, templates or help, contact Jeanette via the Red Cow Facebook page or visit www.redcow.co.uk.