A Day of Creativity, Connection & Nature at Dunham Massey

We were delighted to be invited to Dunham Massey as part of their Interactive Wellness Week, where we hosted a free, family-friendly creative workshop inviting children to make their very own colourful fish puppets on sticks.

Set within the beautiful surroundings of Dunham Massey, the workshop was all about slowing down, getting creative and enjoying time together — creating a space where children could explore their imaginations while parents and grown-ups had the opportunity to connect, join in and enjoy the experience too.

Making creativity accessible to everyone

At Flowstate, we believe creativity is for everyone. It doesn't need to be complicated, expensive or require previous experience — sometimes all you need is a piece of paper, some colourful materials and the freedom to make something completely your own.

The children were encouraged to design their fish however they wanted, using bright colours, patterns, shiny materials, textures, googly eyes and recycled craft pieces. No two fish were the same, and that was exactly the point.

Some became beautifully decorated fish puppets, while others evolved into wonderfully imaginative underwater creatures. The finished creations were full of personality, colour and individuality.

Creativity for children — connection for adults

Family activities can create those lovely moments where everyone gets involved. While the children were busy designing and making, parents and carers could sit alongside them, chat, help with their creations or simply enjoy watching their imaginations unfold.

It was lovely to see different generations sharing the same creative space — children proudly showing off their finished puppets, adults getting involved with the making, and families taking a little time away from the usual pace of everyday life.

Connecting back to nature

There was something particularly special about creating fish and underwater-inspired artwork in such a beautiful natural setting.

Dunham Massey provided the perfect backdrop for an activity inspired by the natural world, encouraging families to look around, explore their surroundings and think about the wildlife and environment around them.

Creative experiences like this can be a simple way of reconnecting with nature — especially for children. Making something with our hands, noticing textures and colours, and spending time outdoors can help us slow down and become more present in our surroundings.

Connecting with history

Being surrounded by such a historic setting also created an opportunity to bring together creativity, nature and heritage.

Workshops don't have to be separate from the places around us. They can become a way of experiencing them differently — allowing children and adults alike to engage with a historic environment through play, imagination and making.

There was something wonderful about seeing brightly coloured handmade fish and puppets filling the space, bringing a playful, contemporary energy into such a beautiful historic setting.

A little bit of Flowstate

For us, this workshop captured so much of what Flowstate is about: creating welcoming spaces where people can pause, connect, make something and simply enjoy being present.

We loved seeing the children take ownership of their creations and watching families come together around the tables. Most importantly, the workshop was free and accessible, allowing families to enjoy a creative experience together without cost being a barrier.

From simple materials came so much colour, imagination and joy.

Thank you to Dunham Massey for inviting us to be part of Interactive Wellness Week. We loved bringing a little Flowstate creativity into such a special setting — and seeing so many brilliant fish swimming their way through the day.