Craft courses in the UK

Willow basketmaking for beginners, West Dean College, near Chichester, May 12 – 14

This West Sussex college is internationally recognised for conservation and creative arts, and runs some fantastic short courses. On this one, you can master the basics weaves of willow baskets and gain practical experience of all processes as you make two simple round baskets. 

www.westdean.org.uk

Enamelling: An Introduction, Denman College, Marcham, Oxfordshire, April 18 – 20

Students can work on a range of small decorative items, such as brooches, pendants, small dishes and tiles. Denman, a Women’s Institute college, is extremely popular and course sell out quickly. If this one is booked up, take a look at the calendar to see what else is available. 

www.denman.org.uk

Candle making, Gatehouse Handmade Candles, Paddock Wood, Kent

Fancy making your own luxury candles? Gatehouse creates handmade candles using Sasol Wax and cotton wicks and a variety of different fragrance oils. A number of workshops are available where you can learn how to make a container candle from scratch with its own unique scent. 

www.gatehousecandles.co.uk

Learn to Crochet workshop, Bibelot, Leek, Staffordshire, April 22

Sisters Liz and Sophie started their own crafts business after studying fine art. As well as having a beautiful shop in Leek, the sisters run a range of workshops ranging from crochet, to knitting, sewing and needle felting. 

www.bibelot.co.uk

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Pottery courses, Aylesford School of Ceramics, Kent

A number of pottery workshops are throughout the year, from one-day pottery experiences, Raku days and week-long courses. On a one-day course you are shown how to use a potter’s wheel, make a thrown pot and learn how to decorate it before it is glazed and fired. 

www.aylesfordschoolofceramics.co.uk

Introduction to Weaving, The Handweavers Studio & Gallery, north London

One of a wide range of workshops throughout the year, covering weaving, spinning, dyeing, tapestry and other yarn and fibre crafts. The introductory weaving and spinning workships are ideal for beginners or those wanting to refresh their skills after a long break. 

www.handweavers.co.uk

Wood carving courses, Gerald Adams Wood Carving, Long Stratton, Norfolk

Students on Gerald Adams’ courses should gain a good understanding of the fundamentals of woodcarving techniques and practices from basic design work to surface treatment and finishing. There are limited spaces on his courses and a waiting list, but are worth waiting for expert advice and teaching. 

www.adamswoodcarving.co.uk

Tapestry weaving for beginners, Jane Binks, Mid Lothian

This day-long course organised by tapestry artist Jane Binks is open to complete beginners and those that would like to improve under the guidance of an experienced tutor.

www.craftcourses.com

Feltmaking, Rose Hatcher, Dorset

Rose Hatcher’s felt making courses, in a stunning chapel in Dorset, are suitable for complete beginnings and experienced felters. Participants are shown how to make a small picture in the morning, before moving on to bigger projects in the afternoon, from 3D flowers to a vase cover. Numbers are limited but courses run throughout the year. 

www.rosehatcher.co.uk

Leather Bag Making, Leather Courses Britain, Narbreth, Pembrokeshire

An extremely popular two-day course that teaches you how to make and traditionally hand sew your own leather tote, messenger or satchel bag with vegetable-tanned leather and waxed linen thread. 

www.leathercoursesbritain.com

Quilt As You Go Cathedral Windows, Little House of Patchwork, Runcton, West Sussex, February 13

This fun day focuses on using circles to creating a stunning cathedral window effect. A range of patchwork workshops is available at the Little House throughout the year, run by expert tutors. Learn how to make a quarter bag, try traditional Japanese hand embroidery technique of Sashiko stitching. 

www.thelittlehouseofpatchwork.co.uk

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