Since 2016 we’ve been passionate about providing a creative hub for Blairgowrie and the surrounding area.
Living in and around Blairgowrie has many benefits, like access to fresh air and beautiful scenery. However, there are drawbacks, too.
Social isolation in rural areas is a growing problem across Scotland. We want to offer a place where those struggling with stress, loneliness, or low mood can meet friendly faces and socialise over creative pursuits.
Crafts have been proven to ease anxiety, depression, loneliness and even dementia.
The repetition of craft activities creates a meditative, quiet atmosphere while the required focus provides a distraction from life’s stresses. Mindfulness plays a key role in reducing stress, coping with negative thoughts, and regulating feelings of upset or loneliness. Plus, people gain confidence by learning new skills and completing projects.
Craft groups can bring a community together. Having a knit and a natter with like-minded souls is a positive way to start your day and helps you feel connected to the wider community.
We’re also passionate about keeping our crafts eco-friendly.
At Nest all our workshops, craft kits, and creative activities use materials diverted from landfill that have donated to us. We believe that reducing waste and making the most of what we have helps our community thrive.
A thrifty, creative mindset saves money and helps you become more self-reliant.
This in turn puts less pressure on the community if we use what we have and pull resources. The Repair Café, for example, visit Nest every month to mend household items that would otherwise be thrown in the bin.
And we’re all aware that reusing and recycling will improve the health of our wonderful planet Earth.
We are an Official Stockist of Frenchic® Paint, eco-friendly, pet-friendly and certified for use on children's furniture and toys (EN17:3).
If you’re new to crafts, try one of our workshops. We make everything from dreamcatchers to handmade Christmas cards. You’ll learn new creative skills that keep your hands busy while slowing down racing thoughts. All materials are provided from our Remnants shop—a treasure trove of supplies for the keenest crafter.
If a workshop ignites a hidden passion for crafts, why not join our crafters’ social, Crafty Café, held every Monday morning or the Woolly Makers group every Wednesday afternoon? We can’t think of anything more relaxing than a cuppa, crafting, and a blether with like-minded folk.
We also believe in promoting the wealth of creative talent in the Blairgowrie area. If you’re a local maker, why not showcase your crafts in our Gift Shop? You’d be surprised at how you can turn a hobby into a small creative business once your work is out in the world.
For local groups we offer outreach workshops and craft kits. If it’s space that you need you can hire our Craft room that is ideal for group projects, or to run. your own craft events and classes!
Nest run various craft events throughout the year—and we’re also partial to a bit of community craftivism!
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Nest is run by a volunteer board of Directors, Tracie Dick, Kelly McIntyre, Elise Fleming, Lesley Howkins and Brenda Peek plus 23 fantastic volunteers who keep our shop areas stocked and tidy, make up craft kits and have a welcoming smile for all our visitors.
Our door is open for everyone. Be it to attend workshops, make for the community, browse our craft remnant shop, buy a handmade gift, donate materials for reuse or just to have a look around and a wee blether. Just pop in and say hello!
If you can support our Social Enterprise for a couple of hours a week or more, that would make a big difference to us.
Don't be shy, we would love to welcome you to the Nest family!
