Summer 2026 at Dorset Scrapstore: Creativity, Community & Plenty of Fun!
- Aug 10
- 4 min read
Summer at Dorset Scrapstore has already been a busy one!
From creative workshops and our new monthly Chat ’n’ Craft sessions to taking our crafting activities out into the community, there has been lots happening at the Scrapstore over the past few months.
Whether you’re a regular visitor, a long-standing member or you’ve never been to see us before, here’s a little look at what we’ve been up to this summer - and what’s still to come.
Have you visited our new home yet?
If it’s been a while since your last visit, don’t forget that we’ve moved!
You can now find Dorset Scrapstore at:
Unit 23, Cortry Close Poole Dorset BH12 4BQ
We’re behind McDonald’s on Alder Road.
Our current opening hours are:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10am–4pm Sunday: 10am–2pm Monday: Closed
The Scrapstore is packed with donated and reclaimed materials waiting to be turned into something creative. From fabric and paper to card, buttons, beads and all sorts of unexpected treasures, you never quite know what you’ll discover.
Becoming a member gives you access to our ever-changing stock of affordable craft materials. Individual membership is currently just £6 per year.
A summer full of workshops
We’ve had some fantastic creative opportunities taking place this summer.
Back in June, local artist Iona joined us for our Pictures from Beach Finds workshop. Participants were able to turn treasures discovered through beachcombing into their own unique pieces of framed artwork. See her work on Instagram and Facebook.
We love workshops like this because they show exactly what Dorset Scrapstore is all about, taking materials that might otherwise be overlooked and giving them a completely new life.
Our workshops are designed for different ages and abilities, and materials and equipment are provided for workshop activities.
Introducing Chat ’n’ Craft
One of our exciting new additions this summer has been Chat ’n’ Craft, taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 11am–1pm.
The first session took place in June, when Bryony, one of our volunteers and a former Bristol Zoo employee, showed everyone how to make a sloth pencil topper, all while sharing plenty of fascinating sloth facts!
The sessions are all about getting together, making things and sharing ideas.
You can:
Bring along your own craft project
Try making something from Scrapstore materials
Learn a new skill
Share your own crafting knowledge
Or simply come along for a chat and some creative company
We’ve deliberately made Chat ’n’ Craft pay what you feel, because we want these sessions to be accessible to as many people as possible.
The July session saw us making Scrappy Dolls, while August brought Lavender Bags.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for future sessions.
Taking creativity out into the community
Dorset Scrapstore isn’t just about what happens inside the store. This summer we’ve been taking our creative activities out and about, helping people get crafty at some fantastic local events.
We supplied free crafting activities at events including the Upton House Food and Music Festival and have been heading to Kingston Lacy throughout the school holidays.
Our Kingston Lacy sessions have included making pull-along kites and stick puppets, with more crafting dates throughout August.
We’ll also be at the Poole Harbour Festival on 1st and 2nd August, and later in the year we’ll be returning to the Arts by the Sea Festival in Bournemouth on Saturday 26th September.
At Arts by the Sea, we’ll be providing FREE crafting at this FREE event, so come and find us in the huge marquee!
What have our members been making?
One of our favourite things about Dorset Scrapstore is seeing what happens to materials once they leave our shelves. Our members have been getting wonderfully creative.
Ann recently bought just half a metre of vinyl from the Scrapstore and transformed it into some beautiful trays.
An art student at Poole College used Scrapstore materials to create a Junk Couture outfit, which was later exhibited at the Dolphin Centre.
And B has been busy making everything from a World Book Day outfit and Mother’s Day gifts to travel pillows.
This is exactly why we love what we do. You might see a piece of fabric, some vinyl, card or an unusual collection of odds and ends, but our members see possibilities!
Have you made something using materials from Dorset Scrapstore?
We’d love to see it.
Send your photos to enquiries@dorsetscrapstore.org.uk and you could feature in a future newsletter or on our website.
Our workshop space is available to hire
Did you know that our workshop area is also available for hire?
The space can comfortably seat up to 16 people and is available in three-hour slots:
10am–1pm or 1pm–4pm
£30 per slot
Additional facilities are available, including a flipchart and hot drink-making facilities.
It could be a great option for creative groups, meetings, craft sessions or community activities.
If you’re interested in hiring the space, get in touch with us to find out more.
Why your Scrapstore membership matters
Dorset Scrapstore is a not-for-profit community hub built around a simple idea: creativity shouldn't cost the earth.
The materials available in the Scrapstore are donated so that they can be reused rather than ending up in landfill. Our members then turn those materials into artwork, costumes, educational resources, decorations, gifts, models and so much more.
It’s a brilliant combination of saving money, reducing waste and encouraging creativity.
So next time you’re looking for craft materials, why not see what you can find in the Scrapstore before buying something new?
Keep in touch
There’s always something happening at Dorset Scrapstore, so the best way to keep up with workshops, events and new activities is to check our website and social media.
You can also visit us at:
Dorset Scrapstore
Unit 23,
Cortry Close
Poole,
Dorset
BH12 4BQ
Phone: 07565 577094
Opening hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10am–4pm
Sunday: 10am–2pm
Monday: Closed
Visit dorsetscrapstore.org.uk to join, browse upcoming workshops and events, check opening times and find out more about what we do.
We hope to see you soon & we can’t wait to see what you create!
