PEOPLE who are introverted, shy or highly sensitive are invited to join a Cornwall-wide project to create 1,000 handmade hearts for a large art installation this summer.

More than 800 hearts have already been made by people across the Duchy for the Quiet Hearts project, to be shown at HushFest throughout July.

Two free heart-maker gatherings are being held at Camborne’s Create Contemporary Crafts Hub on Saturdays May 16 and 23 from 11am to 1pm. The events offer a gentle, shared space for people to create a textile heart in their own time and way.

Each heart is made using materials like wool, felt or fabric scraps. There is no set pattern or expectation of experience, and participants can take part at their own pace.

Led by Quiet Connections CIC, Quiet Hearts is designed to celebrate those who feel more at ease in quieter spaces. The project grew from an idea by "quieteer” Sue Rowe, who began by making heart-shaped pom-poms during weekly meet-ups in Camborne.

"Becoming part of Quiet Connections opened something in me beyond crafting,” said Sue. “The creativity that existed in me seems to have been amplified and now has much deeper meaning. It has been truly joyous."

Quiet Connections was founded in 2017 by Hayley Stanton, who said: "For those of us who are quieter, our fullest selves often remain below the surface. Quiet Hearts is inspired by the moments where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves in a place where quieter ways of being are valued. These hearts reflect the depth and variety within our community".

People can also take part by making hearts at home and posting them by Friday, June 5 to Create Contemporary Crafts Hub at Donald Thomas Centre, Chapel Street, Camborne, TR14 8EF. The final installation will be a central part of HushFest from Saturday, July 4.