Material Whirl

About Material Whirl

Join designer and DIY expert Kelly Bryden in *Material Whirl*—the ultimate creative challenge series. Each week, Kelly welcomes a new guest and spins a roulette wheel to reveal **three surprise materials**. Their mission? Craft something amazing using only those unexpected items. From hot glue triumphs to glitter-filled chaos, no two episodes are the same. If you love bold ideas, spontaneous creativity, and a touch of crafty chaos, this show is for you. New episodes every week. Grab your glue gun and get ready to whirl. 🎲✨

Publisher

Kelly Bryden

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jan 2026

Latest episode

15 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Apr 2026

   Episode 6: Interactive everything

   In today's episode of Material Whirl, host Kelly Bryden is joined by Polina Belenchuk, a London-based collage artist, illustrator, and creative educator who champions bold self-expression over perfectionism. Polina graduated with a BA in Graphic and Media Design from the University of the Arts London and has since built her creative career with a specialty in vibrant collage portraits. She runs regular workshops in the UK designed to offer judgment-free spaces where participants can process emotions and express themselves freely. Together, Kelly and Polina take on this week's DIY challenge using three surprise materials and share the full creative process behind their finished projects. Polina opens up about her journey from graphic design offices to live painting at DJ sets, battling imposter syndrome, and how collage became the medium that finally felt like home. She talks through the challenges of working with unfamiliar materials, why first attempts are never meant to be perfect, and how she plans to keep building on her project. Kelly shares how she completely ditched her original idea after finding unexpected inspiration, brought in an additional material to hold everything together, and ended up making something deeply personal that she'll continue working on long after the episode. Throughout the episode, Kelly and Polina discuss: Pivoting completely from your first idea when something better clicks Working with materials that are all embellishments and no structure Why your first attempt is never meant to be the final version Imposter syndrome and the courage it takes to share creative work Finding your niche while still craving creative variety The dream of a dedicated creative space (and the reality of a kitchen table) By the end of this episode, you'll feel encouraged to ditch your first idea if a better one comes along, embrace the messiness of trying something new, and start a project even if you know it won't be finished in one sitting. Want to join the challenge? Try creating something with this week's materials and share your project by tagging @MaterialWhirlPodcast or using #MaterialWhirl. Follow Polina on Instagram at @belenchuk to see her collage portraits, workshops, and creative projects. This episode — and Material Whirl as a whole — was brought to life using Google tools, including filming on the Google Pixel 9 Pro, planning and prep with Google Gemini, and production notes on a Google Pixel Tablet.

2. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Episode 5: The one material that stumped us both

   In today's episode of Material Whirl, host Kelly Bryden is joined by Kavitha, a sustainable maker who teaches sewing, mending, and upcycling as a form of mindfulness and activism. Kavitha runs Isifiso Clothing, offering workshops for all ages where she helps people reconnect with hands-on skills that have quietly disappeared from everyday life. She's been sewing since she was 12 after hustling her way into a dressmaking class that didn't take kids, and she hasn't stopped since. Together, Kelly and Kavitha take on this week's DIY challenge using three surprise materials and share the full creative process behind their finished projects. Kavitha opens up about rescuing fabric from landfill, harvesting usable components from old garments, and why she believes knowing how to maintain your clothes is a basic life skill. She talks through the problem-solving behind her project, from working out sewing maths to navigating a material she'd never used before. Kelly shares her own process of upcycling something she already owned, testing out an unfamiliar technique on scrap fabric first, and learning that practice really does matter when you're working with specialist materials. Throughout the episode, Kelly and Kavitha discuss: Using rescued and upcycled materials to create something new Why one of the materials stumped them both and how they worked around it The lost art of sewing and mending as a life skill Practicing on scraps before committing to your final piece Crafting as a mindful, slow practice for stress and anxiety The fine line between being a crafter and being a hoarder By the end of this episode, you'll be inspired to look at what you already own with fresh eyes, rescue something from the back of your wardrobe, and make something with purpose. Want to join the challenge? Try creating something with this week's materials and share your project by tagging @MaterialWhirlPodcast or using #MaterialWhirl. Follow @isifisoclothing to learn more about Kavitha's sewing workshops and sustainable making mission. This episode — and Material Whirl as a whole — was brought to life using Google tools, including filming on the Google Pixel 9 Pro, planning and prep with Google Gemini, and production notes on a Google Pixel Tablet.

3. 

   12 Mar 2026

   Episode 4: Made from Memory

   In today's episode of Material Whirl, host Kelly Bryden sits down with Elena, a London-based creative with a background in media and advertising, a love of fiction writing, and a lifelong passion for sewing and making things by hand. Together, Kelly and Elena take on this week's DIY challenge using three surprise materials and share the full creative process behind their finished projects. Elena opens up about growing up crafting with her mum, returning to creative hobbies that shaped her childhood, and why upcycling materials from her own wardrobe made her project feel deeply personal. She talks about the mindfulness of working with her hands, embracing imperfection, and how satisfying it feels to actually finish something. Kelly shares how her project took on a life of its own — pivoting mid-process when one of the materials became more than just a tool. She reflects on working to a deadline, making something meaningful for a new chapter in her life, and learning to let go of the "polished" vision when the real version turns out even better. Throughout the episode, Kelly and Elena discuss: Upcycling personal items into something brand new When a material surprises you and changes the whole direction The joy (and frustration) of unpicking mistakes and starting again Why deadlines can actually help you finish a creative project Making functional, personal items instead of chasing perfection This episode — and Material Whirl as a whole — was brought to life using Google tools, including filming on the Google Pixel 9 Pro, planning and prep with Google Gemini, and production notes on a Google Pixel Tablet. By the end of this episode, you'll feel inspired to dig through your wardrobe, repurpose something old, and make something that actually means something to you. Want to join the challenge? Try creating something with this week's materials and share your project by tagging @MaterialWhirlPodcast or using #MaterialWhirl. Follow @elenajoannides on Instagram and @elenasaphojo on TikTok to follow Elena's creative journey.

4. 

   26 Feb 2026

   Episode Three : Trusting the Pivot

   In today’s episode of Material Whirl, creativity takes an unexpected turn. Host Kelly Bryden is joined by DIY enthusiast Milda (@mildamakes) for another spin of the wheel. Together, they take on a crafting challenge using three surprise materials — pushing past unfamiliar tools, structural mishaps, and mid-project breakdowns. Milda steps outside her comfort zone and uses a materials she had never worked with before. She shares the realities of crafting with unfamiliar supplies, the trial-and-error process of building structure, and how one color decision completely transformed her project. Kelly pivots from home decor to fashion, upcycling something in her wardrobe into a bold, maximalist statement piece. She reflects on hiding certain materials creatively, trusting experimentation, and knowing when to simplify rather than overcomplicate. Throughout the episode, Kelly and Milda discuss: Working with materials you’ve never used before Structural problem-solving in DIY projects When to pivot instead of forcing an idea How color choices can elevate a design Avoiding perfectionism and embracing iteration The difference between renovation DIY and creative crafting They also dive into creative tools like AI-assisted pattern drafting, upcycling fashion, and how spray paint, structure, and strategic edits can save a project. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel encouraged to experiment, pivot when needed, and keep crafting — even when things feel wonky at first. Want to join the challenge? Try creating something with this week’s materials and share your project by tagging @MaterialWhirlPodcast or using #MaterialWhirl. Follow @mildamakes for more sewing, DIY, and creative inspiration. This episode — and Material Whirl as a whole — was brought to life using Google tools, filmed on a Google Pixel 9 Pro, with notes on a Google Pixel Tablet, and creative planning support from Google Suite and Gemini.

5. 

   12 Feb 2026

   Episode 2: Letting the Materials Lead

   In today’s episode of Material Whirl, Kelly is joined by Ciara Adams, co-founder of Cici Studios, a London-based creative workshop series offering painting and ceramics experiences for all skill levels. Together, they take on a DIY challenge using three surprise materials and talk about their creative process. Ciara shares what it’s like to let materials dictate the outcome instead of starting with a finished idea. She opens up about iteration, scrapping first attempts, and learning to adapt when a project doesn’t turn out as expected. The conversation dives into how creativity actually works behind the scenes — messy, nonlinear, and full of problem-solving. Kelly also walks through her own project and reflects on using everyday and upcycled materials, hiding mistakes creatively, and designing something meaningful rather than perfect. Throughout the episode, Kelly and Ciara discuss: What happens when you start a DIY without knowing the final result Letting go of perfection and embracing iteration Using unexpected materials in unconventional ways Making functional, personal projects instead of “Pinterest-perfect” ones Why creativity often works better when you trust the process By the end of this episode, you’ll feel encouraged to experiment, pivot, and make something — even when the plan changes halfway through. Want to join the challenge? Try creating something with this week’s materials and share your project by tagging @MaterialWhirlPodcast or using #MaterialWhirl. Follow @cicistudios_ to learn more about Ciara and Imogen’s creative workshops in London and Manchester. This episode — and Material Whirl as a whole — was brought to life using Google tools, including filming on the Google Pixel 9 Pro, planning and prep with Google Gemini, and production notes on a Google Pixel Tablet.

6. 

   29 Jan 2026

   Episode 1 : From Panic to Play

   In today’s episode of Material Whirl, you’ll see what happens when creativity meets constraint. Host Kelly Bryden is joined by baker, food blogger, and crafter Ella of Alpine Ella for the very first spin of the wheel. Together, they take on a creative challenge using three surprise materials. Ella shares her creative process from initial panic to final reveal, walking through how she transformed these unexpected materials into something unique. Along the way, she opens up about crafting through fear, working with physically demanding materials, and making design decisions that actually fit your personal style — not just what looks good online. Kelly also reveals her own project and reflects on experimentation, iteration, and letting go of perfection. Throughout the episode, Kelly and Ella talk candidly about: How to approach a DIY project when the materials feel intimidating Why the first idea isn’t always the right one Making projects you actually want to live with in your home The physical realities of crafting How stepping away — and coming back — can completely change how you see your work By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away inspired to experiment, slow down, and make something — even if it doesn’t turn out exactly as planned. Want to join the challenge? Try making something with broken dishes, glitter, and aluminum, and share your project by tagging @MaterialWhirlPodcast or using #MaterialWhirl. . A Huge thank you to Ella for joining this weeks episode. Follow her at @alpineella for cozy baking recipes and creative inspiration. . This episode — and Material Whirl as a whole — was brought to life using Google tools, including the Google Pixel phone for recording, Google Gemini for planning and creative support, and a Google tablet for notes and production.

7. 

   15 Jan 2026

   Welcome to Material Whirl

   Material Whirl is a creative challenge podcast about creativity, crafting, DIY, art, and making with unexpected materials. Hosted by designer Kelly Bryden, each episode features a surprise materials challenge where three materials are revealed and transformed into something entirely new. Joined by artists, designers, and creative guests, Material Whirl explores hands-on creativity, experimentation, upcycling, and the joy of the creative process. This podcast is for makers, crafters, artists, designers, and anyone interested in DIY projects, material exploration, sustainable creativity, and creative inspiration. Episodes cover topics like mixed-media art, textile design, upcycling, craft challenges, and creative problem-solving. Follow us for video clips on Instagram: @MaterialWhirlPodcast Watch full episodes on YouTube: @MaterialWhirlPodcast Email materialwhirlpodcast@gmail.com to suggest a guest or collaborate.

Contact Material Whirl

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.