Leaping Hare

03/09/2026

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

This year's Heritage Open Days theme is Everyday Histories, exploring working lives through the ages – including the skills, crafts and tools people have used to make things.

So, in the run-up to Thetford Open Studios, we've been asking our artists and makers a couple of questions:

What's your favourite tool to work with – and was a version of it used for the same purpose in the past?

First up is textile artist Annette Morgan, whose choice is silk screen printing.

Annette loves it because of its versatility – different techniques and stencils can be used to create designs on both paper and fabric.

And although today's equipment and materials may look rather different, the principle behind screen printing has a surprisingly long history. Early forms used stencils and mesh stretched over frames to transfer designs onto fabric – a process that developed over centuries into the screen printing we recognise today.

It's a lovely example of what Everyday Histories is all about: today's makers using skills and ideas with connections stretching back through generations.

We'll be sharing more Tools of the Trade over the next couple of weeks – and at Open Studios you'll be able to explore our Maker's Tool Board, connecting the tools our makers use today with their counterparts from the past.

Thetford Open Studios
📅 16–20 September
⏰ 11am–5pm
📍 NEW VENUE: Thetford Methodist Hall
🎟️ FREE – everyone welcome

Come & See How It's Made.

Heritage Open Days About Thetford Magazine

01/09/2026

It’s September – which means Thetford Open Studios is nearly here!

From Wed 16–Sun 20 September, Thetford Open Studios is back – and this year we're moving to a new, bigger and more accessible home at Thetford Methodist Hall.

The extra space means we can bring together even more local artists and makers, with more opportunities to see them at work, discover the skills behind what they do – and even have a go yourself.

Because Open Studios isn't just about seeing the finished pieces. It's about meeting the people who make them, seeing how things are made and celebrating the creativity that's right here on our doorstep.

Over the next couple of weeks we'll be introducing some of the makers joining us, sharing their stories and favourite tools, and giving you a taste of what you'll discover during five days of creativity.

Thetford Open Studios
📅 Wed 16 – Sun 20 September
⏰ 11am–5pm
📍 Thetford Methodist Hall
FREE – everyone welcome

Come & See How It's Made

Heritage Open Days About Thetford Magazine

18/08/2026

❤️ NEW MAKER ALERT! ❤️

We’re delighted to welcome another wonderful local maker to Leaping Hare — Jo Crane of Jo Crane Photo Artistry Jo Crane Photo Artistry 📷🎨

Jo creates beautiful and intriguing mixed-media artwork, combining photography with both analogue and digital techniques. Hand-painted elements and textures blended with photographs, digital collage and ephemera to create images that feel full of stories just waiting to be discovered.

Having created digital art for around 15 years, Jo is constantly learning and experimenting with new techniques. Her inspiration comes from nature, particularly the forest, as well as folklore, mythology and all things surreal and mysterious. 🌿✨

And when Jo says she notices the details, she really does! Apparently she’s awful company on a walk because she’s forever stopping to photograph the things the rest of us might wander straight past — peeling bark, rusty hinges, fallen leaves… 🍂

We think that eye for the overlooked and unusual shines through beautifully in her work.

Jo says she loves “losing myself in the process – of combining different elements to see what story they’re going to tell." And we love that every piece really does seem to have a story of its own.

Pop into Leaping Hare to discover Jo’s work for yourself — and join us in giving her a very warm welcome! ❤️

17/08/2026

Just a heads up that we're opening earlier tomorrow as we are closing early to attend a funeral.

14/08/2026

✨ NEW STOCK ALERT! ✨

We’ve had some lovely new pieces arrive in the shop this week from two of our talented makers — and they’re looking rather gorgeous! 💚

Becky from The Tulip House has brought us a fabulous new selection of her beautiful textile creations. Using raw edge appliqué and free motion embroidery, Becky creates wonderfully characterful pieces — just look at those cushions! 🐇🐦

And we’ve restocked the gorgeous natural cotton coiled rope baskets from Debbie Regent. Made using cotton sourced in the UK, they’re sturdy, practical and rather lovely to look at too. Perfect for storage, gifts or — as we keep thinking — filled with other Leaping Hare goodies to make a very special hamper! 🤗

Pop in and have a browse — there’s lots of lovely new stock appearing in the shop at the moment.

And keep an eye on our page… we have another brand-new maker to introduce to you tomorrow! 👀💚

05/08/2026

....we have a winner!

The readers of AboutThetfordMagazine have been voting and they have chosen "Snowy Thetford Town" by Neil James Garrod as their favourite to take pride of place on the front cover of next year's calendar. Neil also wins £100 cash prize.

The calendars are now in production and should be with us and on sale late September ❤️

01/08/2026

It's here...

The August edition of About Thetford has started arriving, and we're delighted to see the first glimpse of A Walk with Dave in print.

This very special painting by local artist Emily Chapman tells a story that means a great deal to many people in Thetford.

When you pick up a copy, we'd love to hear what you think - or read it online. aboutthetford.co.uk/digitsl-magazine/august-2026/

The limited edition print officially launches on Tuesday 4 August.



About Thetford Magazine

28/07/2026

Something rather special is arriving...

We've been working quietly behind the scenes on the next chapter of our collaboration with local artist Emily Chapman.

We can't wait to share it with you.

Coming 4th August.

28/07/2026

You have until close of play Friday to get your vote in... 🥰

Time is running out to pick your winner of the Thetford Calendar Competition 2027!

Email [email protected] with the number of your favourite photo by Friday, 31st July - you can see the photos below, in the middle of July's About Thetford, or on our website 👇

https://aboutthetford.co.uk/thetford-news/thetford-calendar-competition-choose-your-winner/

With Leaping Hare and Lawsons Estate Agents

28/07/2026

☀️ Fresh stock has arrived! ☀️

Great to catch up with Emily O'Connor | Stationery and Paper Goods and have a beautiful top-up of her gorgeous cards, notepads, bookmarks, gift wrap AND for the first time her stunning coasters!

Every design begins as an original gouache painting. Inspired by flowers, tea, cats and cake, Emily's creations are full of charm and made to bring a smile.

Pop in and discover your new favourite card....and don't forget to check out the gorgeous new coasters while you're here! 🌸☕🐱