Join The Changing Faces of Diss Creative Workshops

DesignerMakers21, 21 St Nicholas St, Diss IP22 4LB

Everyone Welcome!

The Changing Faces of Diss is a new community-led film and exhibition project celebrating the people and memories of Diss. Moving House Films invites local residents to retrace their footsteps down memory lane and become active storytellers. In fun, collaborative workshops we’ll build homemade puppets, costumes and props inspired by local stories – all of which will appear in our final film and exhibition. This is your chance to bring Diss history to life through hands-on creativity and play.

All ages and abilities welcome: these free workshops are open to everyone! No experience is needed – just your imagination. Whether you’re a curious youngster or a lifelong maker, you’ll be guided by friendly artists in a relaxed, inclusive space. We supply all the materials, and you bring the ideas: expect paints, fabrics, cardboard and more as you create together.

Fish-Making Workshop

22 May 2025 11am-3pm 

Dive into the depths of the Diss Mere! In this Fish-Making Workshop with Marco Rayment and Sally Watson, you’ll create strange, imaginative fish for the film’s “Mere’s Mouth” scene. Using cardboard, yarn, paint and found objects to craft the mysterious creatures lurking beneath the water…

Elephant Workshop

30th & 31st May 11am-3pm 

Step into the colourful world of pantomime elephants! In this two-day Elephant Workshop with Marie Mallen and Jayne Stansfeld, we’ll build two life-size, panto-style elephant costumes for our “Fair Green” story. Help us cut, sew and paint as we transform wool, fabrics and recycled
materials into towering elephant puppets. This is a big project for the whole family – join in to sculpt, stitch and assemble, no matter your age or skill level.

Book at https://forms.gle/tutB3kVJCYyZ5Pxv8

Spaces are limited, so don’t delay – sign up via this google form to save your spot. Alternatively contact Moving House Films  on 07599178949 or movinghousefilms@gmail.com.

The workshops are free to attend: just bring your creativity and enthusiasm. Everyone’s invited to be part of the story.

Meet the Makers

• Sally Watson – A mixed-media artist specializing in painting and collage. Inspired by nature, Sally weaves together the organic shapes and vibrant colours of the countryside into her art. She’ll guide our fish-making with her love of texture, colour and wonder.
• Marie Mallen – A textile and dressmaking expert. Marie combines her love of vintage fabrics with classic sewing skills to upcycle old clothes into stunning garments. She’ll be on hand to help stitch and style the elephant costumes, sharing her eco-friendly craftsmanship.
• Jayne Stansfeld – A textile artist who works joyfully with yarn and fabric. Jayne spins and dyes her own threads and enjoys freeform crochet and knitting to build colourful, textured art. She’ll bring her fun, experimental style to the workshop – helping you weave, knit or crochet elements of the costumes and props.

The Changing Faces of Diss is a new project by Moving House Films, commissioned by Essex Cultural Diversity Project and supported by Arts Council England, in partnership with Diss Corn Hall, DesignerMakers21 and No 8 Market Place.