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National Waterfront Museum promises a fun-filled festive weekend

Christmas will definitely arrive at the National Waterfront Museum this weekend (13 & 14 Nov) with a festive mix of crafts, cards and sparkly creations.

Keeping the children entertained will be Make a Snow Shaker (13 & 14 Nov at 11.30am, 2pm & 3.30pm), a free, hands-on, bookable workshop where those attending can put their creative skills to the test and turn an old jam jar into a sparkly winter scene.

For those aged over 16, there will be a chance to take part in a Christmas Card Printing Workshop (13 & 14 Nov at 1.30pm) led by Steph Mastoris, Head of the Museum. As part of the free workshop, you’ll discover the history surrounding the Christmas card as well as create your very own design.

Speaking about the workshop, Steph said: "Using a traditional Victorian nipping press, we’ll see just how printing was done before the age of computers and, as Christmas is on its way, we’ll be creating designs to help you get into the festive spirit. We even have some early rubber letter stamps to print that special Christmas message." This workshop is bookable, please contact (01792) 638950.

But, if contemporary art is more up your street, then book onto the Festive Enamelling Workshop (10.30am-4pm) which is running on both Sat 13 and Sun 14 Nov.

Enamelling is the colourful result of fusing powdered glasses to metal with high heat, forming a durable vitreous coating. For £12.50 per person, you’ll uncover this fascinating technique in a practical session led by artist Maggie Jones.

And on top of all this, why not come along at 2pm on Sun 14 Nov to listen to local band Baggyrinkle perform carols and merry shanty songs in the main hall.

Also, don’t forget, the Museum’s shop is full of festive gift ideas including designer jewellery, traditional Welsh preserves and chutneys, Welsh woollen rugs and blankets plus plenty of stocking fillers for children.

Looking forward to events planned this weekend, Events Officer Miranda Berry said: “This is just the start of the festive treats we’ve got planned this year. Over the next couple of weeks we’ve got a Festive Green Fayre (27 & 28 Nov), an Eco-Engineering practical session with TV presenter Dick Strawbridge (5 Dec) as well as a selection of seasonal lectures, talks and films. There’s no doubt that visitors will get into the Christmas spirit if they pay us a visit!”

For more details about the events, contact the Museum on (01792) 638950.

Make a Snow Shaker is free and bookable.

Christmas Card Printing Workshop is free and bookable

Festive Enamelling Workshop is £12.50 per person and bookable

Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales sites is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales.

• National Museum Cardiff

• St Fagans: National History Museum

• National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon

• Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon

• National Wool Museum, Dre-fach

• National Slate Museum, Llanberis

• National Waterfront Museum, Swansea