Design Museum Academy Children's Workshop
Design Camp for ages 7 to 10: Turn Plastic into Fabric
In this hands-on workshop, children will learn how to transform everyday plastic bags into fusible eco-friendly fabric that can be used for all kinds of creative projects.
Priority for members.
What to expect
This workshop will introduce creative ways of reusing plastic. When a plastic bag is discarded, it often ends up in landfills or waterways and can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. This session invites children to reflect on materials and learn how we can turn discarded plastic into something useful.
Led by design studio Crafterscoolclub, children will explore the possibilities of sustainable design and upcycling, and learn about designers and artists who work creatively with plastic to revalue and repurpose it.
They will learn how to transform ordinary plastic bags and soft plastics into fusible fabrics with techniques they can replicate at home. They will then explore the creative potential of this durable upcycled plastic, and how it can be used to make functional items such as bags and pouches, as well as accessories, wall art and more.
Whether they are new to crafting or experienced makers, they will leave with both a new skill and a unique handmade piece to take home.
What will they learn?
- Basics of sustainable design and its possibilities.
- Plastic fusing technique.
- How to combine different plastics and patterns to create a unique fabric.
- Creative uses for upcycled plastic fabric.
Please note:
- This workshop is suitable for children aged 7-10. All participants must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. You can find additional information in the sections below.
- Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. - All equipment, materials and light refreshments will be provided, but participants will need to bring a packed lunch.
- This event is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access throughout the museum.
Photo: Matthew Kaltenborn
Photo: Crafterscoolclub
Photo: Crafterscoolclub
Additional information
- All participants must be dropped off and picked up by a parent, carer or responsible adult. A member of our team will greet you on arrival and sign participants in.
- We ask all bookers to provide an emergency contact name and number. Please ensure this person is available for the duration of the session.
- The workshop content is tailored to a specific age group. Participants outside the advertised age range may find the session less accessible or engaging.
- If there’s anything we can do to support your child’s participation, whether around mobility, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation or anything else, you’re welcome to let us know at checkout. Sharing access needs is entirely optional and helps us prepare the session in the most inclusive way.
- This session has capacity for up to 20 participants, led by one or two facilitators, with a typical adult-to-child ratio of 1:10.
- If your child receives additional support in their education setting, you are welcome to bring a supporting adult with them at no extra cost. Please note that we are not able to provide one-to-one support ourselves.
- If you have any questions or want to discuss specific access requirements, please get in touch with the team at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org.
Testimonials from previous workshops
“I got to create my own pouches!”
“I like that there were lots of options for it.”
“I enjoyed making new friends, being creative and seeing the exhibition.”
Facilitator
Crafterscoolclub
Led by designer Frankie Critchfield, design studio Crafterscoolclub builds creative confidence through design, making, and play. They encourage thinking creatively and responsibly about materials and help people see waste as a valuable resource. Through art, craft and scientific processes, they transform everyday materials and unused objects into unique items. Through workshops and design principles, they aim to foster a community of designers, crafters, and makers shaping a more sustainable future.
Book online
Booking information
Child: £78
Child (Early bird): £71
Members*: £63
- Early bird tickets are available until 3 weeks before the event.
Check the Design Museum Academy refunds and cancellations policy.
*Information on Design Camp tickets for Members:
• Membership Plus and Family members
The member’s discount applies to up to 3 Child or Young person’s tickets.
• Access, Student, Individual, and Members & Guest members
The member’s discount applies to 1 Child or Young person’s ticket only.
• Requests for Carer tickets for Design Camps: Please email DMAcademy@designmuseum.org in advance if your child needs additional support.
Booking information for Members:
Please note that we have a new booking system. All Members must now log in to the ticketing platform to book tickets for upcoming events. How to book:
Click 'Book now’, and this will take you to our new booking platform
You will be prompted to log in or create an account to complete your booking. Please use the email address registered with your Membership to access Members' discounts and exclusive Members' events
Choose an event from the drop-down list
Select the desired tickets, dates and sessions and add them to the cart
Follow the instructions for checkout and payment
You will automatically receive an order confirmation email with the details of your booking, along with a PDF with your ticket
Members don’t need to book tickets for exhibitions and can continue to present their Digital Membership Cards to access exhibitions
If you have any issues, please contact the team at membership@designmuseum.org.
For non-members ticketing enquiries, please contact bookings@designmuseum.org.
What's On
Background image: Matthew Kaltenborn for the Design Museum