December 1, 2023
Text: Asta Jip Hofman Stentoft - Photo: Helle Bjerre Christensen
December is just around the corner, which means Hanne and Victoria are extra busy at the Pump Station's Christmas workshop. Every afternoon, the place is packed with children enjoying themselves and listening to Christmas music while making Christmas decorations, Christmas calendars and lots of Christmas presents. Here, Hanne, who runs the workshop, tells us about all the fun things children can make in her Christmas workshop.
When does your Christmas workshop open?
"It actually opened just after Halloween, and there are already a lot of kids coming here. There are those who usually come to Krea, and then there are also all the kids who don't usually come here, but who really want to make Christmas presents or a Christmas calendar."
How do we kids know what different things we can make in the Christmas workshop?
"We have some shelves in krea where we put all the things on the shelves that you can use to make Christmas gifts and decorations. It's everything from textiles, boxes, glass and cardboard to yarn, beads, canvases and felt. They can also see what they can make on some notice boards. We also have a lot of things we've made ourselves for inspiration."
Do you have to be creative to make things in Krea?
"No, you just have to want to. There's something for every child here. Some just want to do a tiny little thing that needs to be done quickly. Others come here every day and like to spend weeks making things."
What if you don't have that much time?
"We also have something for those who don't have much time. For example, they can burn a spoon, decorate a candle with posca ink or decorate a small box."
Can you also make decorations?
"Yes, you can. We've hung up a long string and decorated it with homemade Christmas decorations, which the children can of course also make."
Does it cost money to make gifts in the Christmas workshop?
"Some things cost money to make and some are free. But we try to keep the prices as low as possible so that everyone can participate. Most things only cost a tiny bit. A cool pearl bracelet, for example, costs 1 krona. And then there's recycling. Kids can paint the most beautiful paintings on cardboard instead of having to buy a canvas. So there's plenty of choice and something for everyone."
How do the children pay for the gifts they have made?
"When we buy materials for Krea, the children pay half of the purchase price. This is done by their parents paying money into an activity account. When the children have made something in Krea, they write what they have made in a folder. And then it's deducted from their activity account about 3-4 times a year."
1. You can sew elves and cones.
2. You can make coasters and candle holders out of mosaic.
3. You can make string art.
4. You can decorate/paint a wooden box.
5. You can paint and draw on mugs and bowls.
6. You can burn beautiful patterns on spoons, hangers and wooden boxes.
7. You can paint pictures with watercolour or acrylic paint.
8. You can make bracelets, earrings and necklaces.
9. You can sew shopping bags and pencil cases.
10. You can knit potholders or dishcloths.
11. You can tie key chains and make leather key chains.
12. You can sew toiletry bags from fabric or tarpaulins from DIY stores.
13. You can knit a bag.
14. you can embroider a trivet.
15. And of course, you can sew your own Santa hat.
There are lots and lots of other great things you can make in the Christmas workshop. And as Hanne says: "There's even more to come."