Product Design Spotlight

Year 10 GCSE Product Design student, Gabriella L, was inspired to extend her design skills at Creative Maidstone, a community arts hub that supports and promotes local creative people. Gabriella has shared her experience of participating in a community workshop and the Light Up Maidstone parade:

 “Last month, I took part in a lantern-making workshop at Creative Maidstone. I love that they invite people of all ages to learn new techniques to make things, even if you don’t consider yourself an artist or designer.

The lantern-making workshop was in preparation for the annual Light Up Maidstone parade. I worked alongside a partner and we used willow sticks, secured with tape, to build the structure. We started by bending and shaping the willow sticks, then securing them into place to create a cloud-like shape. Once the frame was finished, we covered and decorated it with layers of tissue paper, smoothing it over the curves and watching it transform into 3D.

Seeing the lantern lit up for the first time was astonishing. The light glowed through the tissue, turning the cloud into something surreal. On Saturday 7th of February, on the night of the parade, I carried my lantern alongside many others. It was part of the Trinity Build, which includes a Sun and two clouds. Lots of families lined the route to watch the parade, phones were held high as everyone rushed to capture the moment. 

I will be returning to Creative Maidstone to do my work experience. I’m greatly looking forward to this and to attend many more workshops.”Find out more about what’s on at Creative Maidstone 👉 www.visitmaidstone.com/community-arts-hub/whats-on