What is Making Place about?

Making Place is a community of makers and collaborators, based near Cirencester (Southwest England). 
Making Place brings people together to get back into our hands, to make what's needed.
​
It might be bread, or a garden or a song.
It could be a flag, or a story or a parade.
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Making Place means slowing down, taking time, recharging, connecting.
Making Place means thinking about what we need and how we can make it.
Making Place means making our place better, together.

Our Values

Everyone is Creative: We're born creative.  It never goes away, but it might be hiding.
Everyone is Welcome: If you share our vision come and join in - let us know how to make that easy.
Everything is Connected: Slow down, pay attention, make with good intention.  Your health, your place and your planet will thank you for it. 

Where has it come from?

We are too busy. We are too tired. We feel alone.
In this depleted state, we default to wasting time and resources - harming ourselves and our planet.
​
​The Making Place hypothesis is simple:
If neighbours come together in creative action, good things will happen for people and for the planet.

Pay it forward

We are interested in how our work can have a benefit beyond financial exchange. 
So, when you contribute money, by buying or donating goods or services, the exchange has a much bigger impact:

• Local makers are respected for their skills, time and effort
• You are choosing recycled, reused, repurposed, homegrown/handmade products & services which are better for the planet
• You are investing in a community of collaborators seeking to make the world a better place through their creative interventions.

If you like what we stand for, you can Buy us a Coffee by clicking the button. Thanks for your support!

Who are we?

Making Place was created by Jay Haigh, a Creative Catalyst / Wife 'n' Mum / Baker / Maker / Producer / Arts Manager / Pickler (many other labels apply). 

Through Covid conversations & beyond, Jay met many incredibly talented 'quiet makers' hidden away across her local community.  Recognising that some of our most sticky problems need creative problem solving, Jay wanted to mobilise this wonderful creative taskforce, and build energy & potential for locally sourced ideas that everyone can contribute to and benefit from.   

She rallied a small team of founding creative collaborators, who started the Makers & Menders in 2022 in Stratton, Cirencester.

A big shout out to our Founder Collaborators: Lisa, Ali, Amie, Kellie, Marieke, Dave, Vic, Jo, Alix and Hayley (who also designed our glorious logos).

News and Reviews

Makers & Menders : our experiences

"Makers and Menders sessions are a positive thing on my calendar which I look forward to. I like to think of these people as my "tribe". Having something to look forward to and plan for is good for my mental health and wellbeing."

"Great informal and buzzy atmosphere; such kind and patient people helping me as a complete novice in anything crafty!"

"Helped my anxiety & confidence."

"I feel super proud of myself, getting outside my comfort zone."

"Being in a space where I could listen, observe and ask for advice from fellow M&Ms was incredibly valuable and helped me to slow down and think, with wise advice for the project I brought along with me."

"I adore this wonderful group of #makersandmenders. Every time we meet they remind me of the power of creativity and community. They bring their skills, bravery, generosity, authenticity and care into the room and share with abundance."

Press 

​Stratton Flaggery BBC News
Stratton Flaggery Wilts & Glos Standard

​Keep your eyes peeled for Save our Socks continuing in 2026 too...

The Making Place Irregular Newsletter written by Jay, arrives sporadically in your inbox.
​See our blog to get a flavour of what you'll get if you sign up.
It has been said - "What an inspiring newsletter!"

MADE HERE: WITH EVERYONE IN MIND

​Making Place is for anyone who wants to 'get into their hands'.
We believe that slowing down and making time to make is
​good for everyone.
We run safe and welcoming sessions and sell our creations.
We advocate the use of recycled, local & sustainable materials wherever possible.
What we earn supports local micro businesses and generates resources which are reinvested
to ​make our activities accessible and our place better.