Leeds artists group launch unique crafts project with recycled household items to combat loneliness

The PET Shop Project is a series of tutorial videos and live online workshops aiming to improve accessibility for people stuck indoors during the coronavirus crisis.

By creating both subtitles and audio descriptions for people with visual and hearing impairments, the artists hope to help everyone access arts and crafts - even if they might never

have used a pair of scissors before.

Named after PET plastic, the project also promotes sustainability in the arts, by using readily available recycled household items as the basis of their creations.

Project leader and artist Rachel Rea said: “We knew this was something we wanted to tackle after hearing about how hard the lockdown was for people who were already isolated.

“The idea was simple- we just combined our love of home crafts with our environmental ethos, and made sure that everyone could take part regardless of their situation.”

The arts collective behind the project, named Immortal Bloom, are passionate about reducing the environmental impact of their craft, but are just as keen to keep the arts entertaining and

interesting.

Immortal Bloom artist Stef Jo said: “Each of the workshops would be great fun for anyone to try, and an easy introduction to crafts and sustainability at home.

“The environment is a serious subject, but it’s also important to have fun learning about it, and while doing our bit to keep it going.”

The group are equally keen to keep everybody in mind, such as disabled communities, or those having to self-isolate, and are determined to make sure everyone can join in.

Artist and puppeteer Anzir Boodoo said:“I’ve run a number of craft workshops and the waste they can generate is astounding, so it’s been great to develop workshops which minimise that.

“When we think in circular terms, we can be more aware of both where our materials come from, and where they will end up once we’re finished with them.”

The series has received praise from participants, activists, and academics alike, and has worked closely with the Leeds Disabled People’s Organisation (LDPO).

Dr. Mostafa Attia, LDPO chair and disability researcher with visual impairment, said: “As a blind person myself I struggle to find ways to be creative, since using these tools

can be so hard for me.

“The team has tried their best to communicate interactively with visually impaired people and other participants using various accessible ways and accommodations to deliver the

workshop content.”

Peadar O’Dea, a visually impaired man, said: “I took part in a workshop about an accessible way to reuse recyclable material and create stuff from it - having people guide me through it really built my confidence up, and I had a good day that day.”

The video series is live now on YouTube, with audio descriptions available, and talks through creating miniature greenhouses, biodegradable plant pots, and plastic puppets - as well as

teaching some basic sewing and crafty tricks along the way.

The project is now live, but would very much benefit from further funding. A GoFundMe page was set up, and is still available here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/petshop-accessible-workshops