A community built by makers, for makers. No membership fees, no hierarchy, just shared curiosity and mutual support.
Likhaee began in early 2019 when a group of six friends in Birmingham realised they were all making things alone in their spare rooms. They started meeting on weekday evenings to work alongside each other, nothing formal, just company and the occasional borrowed tool.
Word spread through local Facebook groups. Within three months, the gatherings had outgrown someone's dining table, and the group secured a shared studio space in Digbeth. Today, Likhaee has over 400 active members across the West Midlands, with satellite groups in Manchester and Leeds.
Crafting shouldn't require expensive equipment or formal training. We share tools, materials and knowledge freely. Our skill swaps are always free to attend, and the open studio operates on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Our membership spans every age, background and experience level. We actively seek out craft traditions from around the world and celebrate the cultural richness that different making practices bring to our community.
Reuse, repair, repurpose. We encourage members to work with reclaimed materials wherever possible and run regular workshops on mending, upcycling and reducing waste in creative practice.
Our main studio is a converted warehouse unit in Birmingham's Digbeth creative quarter. It's kitted out with shared equipment including a laser cutter, screen printing press, overlocker, industrial sewing machines, and a well-stocked ceramics corner with a kiln.
Members can book bench time through our online system, or simply drop in during open hours. The space is wheelchair accessible, has a kitchen for tea breaks (essential), and we keep it warm even in January.
There's no formal membership process. Turn up to an open studio day or skill swap, introduce yourself, and you're in. If you'd like to be added to our mailing list for event announcements, drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll keep you posted.
If you're a maker with a skill to share, we're always looking for people to lead sessions. Previous experience teaching isn't necessary, enthusiasm and patience are what matter.