people of all ages have been making squares all summer as part of a Community Art project co-ordinated by Haslemere Museum and artist in residence Diana Burch.

The project draws inspiration from the museum’s diverse European Peasant Arts Collection to create a collective mixed mosaic of contemporary craftwork which will all be displayed at the museum in September.

Craft sessions have included a clay workshop run by sculptor Jan Hite and on Thursdays the museum has held drop-in family events where people can do their bit making squares.

Education officer Kay Topping said: “What has been especially wonderful is seeing whole families and the different generations all making squares.

“Even Deputy Mayor Malcolm Carter was persuaded to contribute, despite his protestations that he wasn’t ‘at all arty’.”

The sessions have been led by artist in residence, Diana Burch and funded by a grant from the Ernest Cook Trust.

Diana said: “The European Peasant Arts Collection at the museum contains beautifully decorated household objects and intricately embroidered textiles, which shows visitors how much craft was valued in days gone by.

“A gift would not be bought from a shop, but worked on by hand for many hours and made special by the time and attention given to its making.

“These gifts of skill and care were treasured and passed on, telling a story of a special event and the relationship between the maker and the recipient.

“Few of us are lucky enough to receive such personal presents from skilled craftspeople these days, but the tradition does go on - I cannot be the only parent who has kept cards and home-made gifts that were made by my little children as mementoes which are so special due to the care of creating and the connection of giving.”

Visitors contribute to the project by making six-inch crafted squares decorated out of anything and everything - from bits of fabric, oddments of wool and thread, through to offcuts of wood and recycling of plastics, broken jewellery and so on.

Diana added: “The aim of this project is to apply some of those fundamental values to the present day.

“The endless, free supply of material in today’s world is considered waste and the central theme to the Community Craft Mosaic project is that we create something unique and special using offcuts, spares and re-purposed, recycled materials.”

There are still lots of opportunities to make squares including another adult ’Crafty Get Together’ on Wednesday, August 31, (7-9.30pm). Entry £12 includes a glass of wine. Pre-book by calling (01428) 642112.

Kay added: “The first evening proved very successful with a lovely relaxed atmosphere and people making squares and chatting over a glass of wine, and raising funds for the museum at the same time!”

All the decorative squares will be brought together for the final piece - The Big Community Craft Mosaic, which will be displayed in museum from September 6 – October 1 when entry will be free.