About Make + Meld
We believe that learning to make things also teaches children about products and their roles as consumers.
Founded by two local mums with backgrounds in Industrial Design, Art and Environmental Science, the philosophy behind Make&Meld is about providing kids with opportunities for learning across disciplines – melding creative arts and design with principles of science, engineering and maths – all within a fun and relaxed environment where kids get to learn by doing.
With so much focus on high-tech computer-based learning, our approach is to get back to basics using mainly low-tech hand tools and sustainable materials.
Helen Bankes
Helen comes from a Sustainability and Education background and has a Bachelor of Environmental Science. Helen loves working with young people and is passionate about instilling the importance of sustainability, creativity, and self-belief with future generations.
Emily Higgins
Emily brings a Bachelor of Industrial Design, along with many years of Arts and Crafts experience to Make&Meld. Additionally, she has experience in cabinetmaking, project management, and interior design. Emily has a real passion for designing and making cool things.
We aim to…
get kids off screens, encourage physical activity, and equip them with valuable practical skills. We are dedicated to fostering the development of both fine and gross motor skills while offering engaging opportunities for hands-on learning. Through our activities, we aim to enhance concentration, instill an appreciation for effort-based rewards, and nurture a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, we strive to reignite imagination, inspire creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, and ultimately build self-confidence in every child we reach.
We believe that…
learning to make things also teaches children about products and their roles as consumers. Learning about different materials gives kids an insight into where things come from and their impact on the environment. Kids realise that they can make and fix their own things rather than purchasing more and more stuff.
Most of all we love the look of pride and confidence on kids’ faces as they gain a new skill, put their ideas into action, work hard to complete their projects and say “I made this myself!”.
Benefits for kids involved in our program
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Design thinking
Make&Meld's workshops introduce kids to the design-thinking approach giving them skills to problem solve and to come up with creative and innovative ideas and to bring those ideas to life. Using a creative lens for approaching problems, participants will design and create innovative, sustainable and user-friendly products or artworks that they can take home and use to make their life, or the life of others, more enjoyable.
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Holistic Learning
The engaging and innovative workshops provide a great opportunity for kids to build on cross-curricular holistic learning and to develop skills such as critical thinking, creativity and collaboration while having fun in a supportive environment.
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Steam
Make&Meld's creative design workshops link art and creative thinking with principles of science, technology, engineering and maths. They make learning fun and provide opportunities to use knowledge and skills in ways that are practical, hands-on and applicable to the real world.
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Sustainability
With a focus on environmentally responsible use of materials and inquiry into the environmental and social cost of resources, workshops aim to cultivate environmental ethics and explore waste reduction and other environmental issues through the arts.
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Creativity
Make&Meld's workshops inspire participants to tap into their creativity, to play and to develop hands-on creative design and making skills.
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Engagement
When participating in our programs kids tend to get completely engaged, get into the flow and live in the present moment.