ARTISTS, crafters and conservationists are opening up their homes as part of an exciting new project that 'toasts the domestic'.

Locals will have the chance to pick up new creative skills and find out how other people live as part of the Workshops in People's Homes project, which runs across Cumbria until Sunday, June 12.

The events have been organised by Abandon Normal Devices, producers of new cinema, digital culture and art.

Award-winning artist Joshua Sofaer is helping the people running the workshops to create their events. "We want to prove that kitchen tabletops and comfy armchairs are creative hubs," he said.

"As much social occasions as they are opportunities for training and sharing expertise, Workshops in People’s Homes toasts the domestic."

Gabrielle Jenks, director of Abandon Normal Devices, explained that the workshops are about "strengthening communities by encouraging people to share their unique skills, stories and experiences".

Among those taking part is professional photographer Colin Reynolds, of Kendal, revealing how to create beautiful, traditional blue cyan photographic prints, using items from his kitchen cupboard such as olive oil, washing-up liquid and salt.

Community artist Di Larfynn is inviting people to spend an evening at her off-grid home near Arnside and contemplate the topic of temporal existence, in a light-hearted way, over fire and food.

Visitors are asked to leave their cameras, mobile phone and watches at home for this technology-free event. Di's workshop is designed to question the modern-day need to document everything that happens in our lives, and to encourage people to reflect on nature as they make their own artwork in the landscape.

For craft enthusiasts who want to recycle, exchange or share ideas, Barbara Birch, from Ulverston, will be holding textile taster sessions, including a vintage pattern exchange.

Meanwhile, Ulverston conservationist Sue Thurley's workshop, The Holy Grain, includes dissecting, tasting and exploring the grasses of Cumbria.

Other workshops across Cumbria include building a human-size next from pieces of handmade felt, and visiting a crochet museum in a front room.

To find out more or to book a place visit www.andfestival.org.uk/event-type/wiph/