The art of crafts is being celebrated during Makers' Month at Norwich's The Forum. Arts correspondent Emma Knights looks at 10 highlights from the festival.
The wonderful world of arts and crafts is taking centre stage at Norwich's The Forum over the next few weeks.
Makers' Month is back for a third year and has once again transformed the city venue into a colourful collage of all things creative.
And whether you are new to the world of arts and crafts or an experienced knitter, weaver or embroiderer, there is lots to discover including an array of exhibitions and workshops.
Below are 10 highlights of the festival which runs until April 7.
1. Woman's Hour Craft Prize Exhibition
From a bespoke bicycle to futuristic glass figures to handwoven willow structures, an intriguing mix of work is on show in the Woman's Hour Craft Prize exhibition in The Forum's Gallery throughout Makers' Month.
The exhibition - which was previously on show at London's Victoria and Albert Museum - features the 12 finalists of the competition celebrating the 70th anniversary of BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour. Phoebe Cummings won the prize with her unique work Triumph of the Immaterial which saw her create an elaborate unfired clay arrangement of plants and flowers that has in turn been sculpted by a fountain of water.
2. Meet the alpacas
The residents of Burnt Fen Alpacas, near Horning, have become some of the stars of Makers' Month in previous years, and they will be making a special visit to the festival on Saturday, March 24. Visitors will be able to meet these curious creatures and also find out more about how their fleece is woven and spun.
3. Explore the magical world of the Enchanted Wood
An incredible woodland world full of knitted and crocheted wizards, unicorns, trolls and fairies has been created by Gorleston-based Louise Hamilton Knit and Yarn Group.
Throughout Makers' Month people are invited to marvel at the amazing efforts of these talented knitting and crochet enthusiasts and also be inspired to create someting of their own to add to this work in progress which is raising funds for the Louise Hamilton Trust.
4. Meet the Queen (albeit a knitted sculpture of Her Majesty)
An impressive knitted sculpture of the Queen on her Coronation Day in 1953 is one of the centrepieces of Makers' Month. It has been created by Cawston-based Petal and Purl knitters and crocheters. Members of the Petal and Purl team will also be at Makers' Month from March 19 to 25 when people will be able to join them in making flowers, bunting and food from knitted squares.
5. Tour the world through embroidery
More than 2,000 individually embroidered postcards inspired by places around the world are on display throughout Makers' Month.
They were created by members of the Embroiderers' Guild nationwide as part of the Nations of the World project to mark the London Olympics.
Members of the Embroiderers' Guild will be at The Forum from April 3 to 7 offering demonstrations, creative advice and free activities for all abilities.
6. Be entertained by the knitted animation series Nudinits
Nudinits is series of a stop-motion animations full of hand-knitted characters and inspired by Carry On films. The films will be screened throughout the festival. Nudinits creator Sarah Simi will also be giving a talk on March 24 at 1pm. Tickets £5 (£3 concessions).
7. Try your hand as a stonemason
The master craftsmen from the Norwich-based Guild of St Stephen and St George will be demonstrating the ancient art of stone masonry at The Forum on April 1 and 2. People will be able to find out more about the guild and also have a go at using their tools.
8. Listen to a talk by The Great British Sewing Bee judge Esme Young
Esme Young, a judge on BBC Two's The Great British Sewing Bee, will be giving a talk about her experiences on the television show and her career in the world of costume design. The talk is on March 17 at 1pm. Tickets £8 (£5 concessions).
9. Get tips to improve your cake decorating skills
Cake decorating enthusiasts will be able to take their skills to a new level with the help of the Norwich Sugarcraft Association from the British Sugarcraft Guild. The association will be offering plenty of inspiration for Easter cakes and more on March 16 and 17.
10. Try your hand at Saori weaving
Saori weaving originated in Japan and is a colourful freestyle artform with no rules or pattern. Saori Shed, based in Diss, will be giving taster sessions at The Forum on March 31 and April 1. Each session costs £10 per person.
Makers' Month runs until April 7. For more information about all the exhibits and workshops, visit www.theforumnorwich.co.uk/makersmonth
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here