The Blood Bag Project / 2012-Present
The Blood Bag Project is a craft project that aims to raise awareness of the rare blood condition Diamond Blackfan Anaemia. Leigh's 11 year old niece, Chloe, suffers from DBA, which means that her bone marrow does not create new red blood cells, causing her to become severely anaemic very quickly. There are thought to be around 125 sufferers in the UK and only 700 worldwide.
As a result, Chloe has had blood transfusions every 3-4 weeks since birth, receiving her first two whilst still in the womb. Chloe was the youngest person in the UK to have a port fitted in her chest, after her veins collapsed from being over used.
The Blood Bag Project was set up to encourage people to donate blood, Chloe's main source of medical treatment. Leigh is unable to give blood herself and understands she's not alone. This project is for those who want to help the blood cause by donating in another way. It calls upon crafters and makers globally to get involved. Over 700 bags have been created so far, with submissions from Switzerland, Russia, Australia, the USA, Spain and all over the UK.
In May 2021, Chloe underwent a successful bone marrow transplant and is now recovering in isolation at home until 2022.
Blue Plaques of Intangible Experiences / 2019
www.blueplaquesofintangibleexperiences.com
‘Blue Plaques of Intangible Experiences’ worked with groups of people to support them to produce their own creative stitch-based work. Three groups from two different community centres in inner city Bradford took part in the workshops with a professional textile artist Leigh Bowser to develop their own work in response to positive and often intangible aspects of neighbourliness experienced in their local community.
www.blueplaquesofintangibleexperiences.com
‘Blue Plaques of Intangible Experiences’ worked with groups of people to support them to produce their own creative stitch-based work. Three groups from two different community centres in inner city Bradford took part in the workshops with a professional textile artist Leigh Bowser to develop their own work in response to positive and often intangible aspects of neighbourliness experienced in their local community.
'Summer School' and 'Makers & Shakers' workshops for children aged 8-16, with community focus in Meanwood. Creating a variety of crafts including positive message banners, felt foods and interactive light up textiles using conductive threads. As well as free workshops, the summer school provided free hot meals for the children in a bid to alleviate food poverty during school holidays.
Planning and delivering a range of weekly textile and ceramic based workshops for adults with support needs and disabilities. A focus on person centred learning, independence and skill development. Documenting outcomes and following procedure to create a safe and nurturing work environment for all service users. Session activities included: Sewing, weaving, knitting, collage, painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery making, photography and mixed media.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Creativities closed in March 2020 and is yet to reopen.
As well as workshops, Leigh is a freehand machine embroiderer specialising in animal portraiture.
Leigh is currently working on her portfolio of children's illustrations using both textile based imagery and paper cutting techniques.
