Christmas Tree Scenes

Learn to make beautifully folded origami Christmas trees and create festive scenes in balsa cheese boxes. Learn how to construct these gorgeously intricate folded trees and then mount them in balsa wood boxes to create charming festive tableaus. These look delightful hung on a wall, or on a sheltered or internal door in place of a wreath.They are a bit bigger than your average tree decoration but look lovely on the top in place of a star or an angel. You can continue with your festive folding skills at home to make Christmas card toppers, gift tags or decorations, or holiday bunting.

• Price: £20 for up to ten people (four min)

• Who it’s for: Ages 12+

• Length: 2 hours

Lara Armitage

I am director At Birkhill House CIC. My vision when my husband and I bought the Birkhill Estate was to create an offering that would encapsulate my experience and love for crafting, animals and the outdoors. My approach to craft incorporates natural materials, including the fibre and feathers of our gorgeous residents, alongside upcycled and reclaimed items. Origami is one of my passions and I always have paper near to hand. My workshop space hosts overflowing bowls of cranes awaiting flight, files full of maps and old music sheets yearning to be rediscovered and objects in need of new lives. I am partial to upcycled crafts, using things that would otherwise go to waste. I enjoy teaching children and have spent many years running workshops designed for kids. Having made my start in costume design during my English Literature degree at the University of Edinburgh in the 1990s, I still fly a flag for theatrical/dramatic presentation and look to use things in unique ways.