Crafternoons

Crafternoons run every Friday at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, from 12pm to 4pm. It's a free, drop-in social session for teens, young adults and adults who finish work or university early on a Friday, so you can just turn up when you fancy it without booking ahead.

The idea is simple: you get a few hours to try out a new craft or art technique, or to keep working on skills you've already got, in a calm social setting. The activities change, but they usually fall into a few familiar lines: sketching museum objects, making decorations, or picking up a new printing technique. It's as much about the company as the making, with plenty of room to chat while you work.

Because it's held inside the museum, the sessions often tie in with a gallery or show currently on display, so there's always time to wander around and see the collections before or after you've spent your afternoon crafting. If you're coming in for the first time, it's worth keeping in mind that the exact space inside the museum can shift depending on what the activity is that day, so just ask the staff when you arrive.

It's a free, drop-in session every Friday from 12pm to 4pm at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and there's no booking required.