CRAFT retailer Hobbycraft is hosting a special event in Salisbury to celebrate country music icon, Dolly Parton, who passed away this month, in fitting style.
As a tribute to the late legend, the firm has teamed up with Dolly’s Imagination Library charity for a special week of workshops across the country, with donations supporting children’s love of reading.
The company said in honour of Dolly’s love of rhinestones and commitment to children’s literacy, Hobbycraft had thrown its support behind her reading charity with “a joyful week of bedazzling that’s as unique as she was”.
In Salisbury, at the Dolphin Retail Park store, from 5pm to 6pm on Friday (September 25), people can bring an item from home and give it the Dolly treatment – and make it bedazzling.
“With guidance from a workshop host, you’ll learn how to customise your chosen item with colourful gems and dazzling embellishments. From bags and accessories to home décor and more, what you bedazzle is entirely up to you,” a spokesperson said.
“Whether you go for a subtle sprinkle of sparkle or embrace full-on gem-maxing, this workshop is all about getting creative, having fun and channelling a little fabulousness.
“Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, you’ll leave with a completely unique creation that’s guaranteed to shine.”
Dolly’s Imagination Library provides free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading and support early childhood development.
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Hobbycraft Big Bedazzle Workshops
The Big Bedazzle Workshops will take place in stores across the country, with one workshop per day between 9am and 5pm from Monday (September 21), and culminating on Give Like Dolly Day, Friday, September 25.
The workshops cost £6 per person, with £2.16 donated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, covering the cost of funding one book for a child in the UK.
Emma Pickworth, from Hobbycraft’s Workshop team, said: “The Big Bedazzle brings together two things we know our customers love – creativity and community – while helping us support the incredible work of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
“For one week, we’re inviting everyone to put on their Stetson, pull up their cowboy boots and channel their inner country star with in-store workshops. The bigger and flashier the better – just think, WWDD (What Would Dolly Do?).”
Clare Cook, fundraising and communications director at Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, added: “We’re thrilled that Hobbycraft is supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by bringing families and communities together for a week of creativity.
“Every donation will help us put more books into the hands of children and give more little ones the opportunity to discover the joy of reading. We hope everyone gets be-dazzling and, in true Dolly style, adds a little more sparkle to the world.”
Customers can book their place online, via the ClassBento page, with additional donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available to consumers in-store on September 25.
Dolly Parton inspired craft ideas
Hobbycraft has suggested the following bedazzling ideas, inspired by Dolly, to get started.
- WWDD? (What Would Dolly Do?) – Give an everyday item the ‘Dolly’ treatment. Think cowboy hats, handbags, and sunglasses or even a pair of socks
- Bedazzle a Dolly-inspired look – Take inspiration from her iconic stage style with rhinestone-heavy collars, cuffs, hems, and accessories
9 to 5, but make it sparkle – Transform a plain workwear piece into something that takes centre stage on the commute Jolene-worthy denim – Bedazzle a denim jacket, jeans or bag with a little extra country glam - GemMAXX – Go all-out with the biggest, sparkliest design possible. The more gems, the better
- Dolly-fy your accessories – Skincare, stationery, phone case, hats, hair accessories… anything goes!
Spread the sparkle – Bedazzle something to gift to someone else and pass on a little Dolly-inspired joy - What would Dolly wear? – Pick an iconic Dolly-inspired outfit and create your own craft version using gems, sequins, and embellishments
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