The project, Quiet Hearts: A Portrait of Our Inner Worlds, will bring together 1,000 individually made hearts as part of HushFest, Cornwall’s first festival of quietness, opening on Saturday 4th July 2026. HushFest is proud to be supported by FEAST, a programme that makes great art happen across Cornwall by bringing communities together through shared creative experiences.

Led by Quiet Connections CIC, the installation is growing gradually through weekly Meet Ups and contributions made at home. Each heart is made in someone’s own time, in their own way, using materials such as wool, felt, crochet or fabric. There is no set pattern, and no expectation of experience.

Quiet Hearts has grown from what happens at Quiet Connections Meet Ups, where there is no pressure to contribute in a particular way and people take part at their own pace.

Hayley Stanton, founder of Quiet Connections, said: "For those of us who are quieter, our fullest selves often remain below the surface because the world does not always provide the safety or space for them to emerge. Quiet Hearts is inspired by the moments at our Meet Ups where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves in a place where quieter ways of being are seen as deeply valuable. There’s more colour, more creativity, more expression than some people might expect. Each heart is made in someone’s own unique way. Together, they are a beautiful reflection of the depth and richness that we see within our community.”

The project began with an idea from Sue Rowe, a quieteer (a term used for community members who identify as introverted, shy or a highly sensitive person) from Camborne, who started making heart-shaped pom poms during Meet Ups and invited others to join in.

Sue Rowe said: "I am overwhelmed and amazed at how my seed of an idea has grown and evolved. Becoming part of Quiet Connections has opened something in me beyond crafting. The creativity that existed in me before seems to have been amplified and now has much deeper meaning. It has been truly joyous!"

Around 300 hearts have already been created by people attending Meet Ups in Camborne, Redruth, Liskeard, Falmouth, Helston, Wadebridge, Penzance and Truro, with many using scraps of materials they already had to hand.

Taking part

People are welcome to take part in a way that feels comfortable for them. This might mean joining a small, gentle gathering, or making something quietly at home.

A special Quiet Heart-Makers Gathering hosted by Sue will take place at Create Contemporary Crafts Hub, Donald Thomas Centre, Chapel Street, Camborne, on Saturday 23rd May 2026 from 11am to 1pm. The session is free to attend. You’re welcome to create quietly or chat if you want to. Simple heart-making kits will be available, along with some yarn and gentle guidance for anyone who would like to try a crochet pattern, and you’re invited to bring your own materials too.

For those who prefer to take part from home, hearts can be made over time and posted in.

Quiet Connections
Create Contemporary Crafts Hub
Donald Thomas Centre
Chapel Street
Camborne
TR14 8EF

Hearts by post are welcomed until Friday 5th June 2026.

Participants are free to choose their own materials, colours and approach. Each piece will be added to the installation as part of the whole.

Quiet Hearts has grown from Quiet Connections’ community and our celebration of quieter people. Others are welcome to take part in the same spirit, making something in their own time, without pressure.

Further details, including simple crochet patterns and how to join a gathering, are available at: quietconnections.co.uk/quiet-hearts

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