This article has been written & submitted by Gabby from Island CraftWorks. Thank you Gabby!
Island CraftWorks offers welcoming, beginner-friendly creative experiences and uses craft to strengthen community connections. Inspired by Ryde Carnival’s Spot the Difference competition and the Ryde Art Trail, I wondered whether a community art trail could encourage people to explore Ryde and support independent businesses.
I applied for the CAN YOU HEAR US? micro-grant before Island CraftWorks became a CIC. Funding felt intimidating, but the team made the process approachable. Receiving the grant shortly before launching the CIC gave me a meaningful project and momentum during those first three months.
Across the first four free paper-flower workshops, 34 local people took part, representing a broad mix of ages, abilities and creative experience. The workshop hosted by Pickle & Dill reached its full capacity of 15 participants. The flowers were displayed in participating Ryde businesses, making everyone’s contribution visible across the town.
The grant also developed my skills. I learned how to communicate with businesses, work with volunteers, gather participation information and feedback, and develop new ideas. I taught myself to create Google Forms and QR codes, organise information in Google Sheets, and build an evidence system in Google Drive.
When QR codes proved difficult for some people to access, I began developing a more inclusive paper trail booklet instead. The experience taught me to listen, adapt and find practical solutions when the original plan needed to change.
The participation forms, feedback processes and systems I developed are now being used across other Island CraftWorks projects and funding applications. The trail has given me evidence of what works, stronger community relationships and the confidence to keep moving forward.
Throughout the project, the Creative Lives and Creative Island teams behind CAN YOU HEAR US? have been incredibly supportive, approachable and helpful. I have felt genuinely welcomed, looked after and nurtured—not simply funded. Their enthusiasm helped me feel part of a wider creative community and kept me encouraged and excited while navigating unfamiliar territory.
The Ryde Flower Trail has been a launch pad for Island CraftWorks. I am now gathering evidence and applying for further funding to expand the trail, involve more businesses and volunteers, and give more people the opportunity to take part. I very much hope this is only the beginning of my work with Creative Lives and Creative Island.
To follow the Ryde Flower Trail or get involved with Island CraftWorks, visit www.islandcraftworks.co.uk or find Island CraftWorks on Facebook.
