Improve your arts & craft skills, or learn some new ones

We’ve got the best modern arts and crafts classes that you can do online or in person at one of our learning venues across England and Scotland. It's never been easier to try your hand at something a little different and discover a new talent.

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Our arts and crafts workshops are perfect if you’re looking to get creative and hands on.

Show your creativity

Take centre stage with one of our performing arts courses, or indulge your photography passion and strike a pose with tips and techniques on how to capture that perfect shot.  

Develop the skills and get crafty with some jewellery making, with no previous experience required. With courses in textiles and sewing, as well as the arts, we really do have something for everyone, and everyone is welcome too.  

Small focused groups

The combination of small class sizes and guidance from expert tutors means that taking part in one of our arts and crafts courses is the perfect place for you to develop your talent, learn a new skill, or start that hobby you’ve always wanted to try.

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Care 2: Make a 'fiddle blanket'

This course is for carers, former carers and the cared for, join me to create a “fiddle” blanket for a loved one, possibly with Dementia, who finds it hard to keep their hands still. A fiddle blanket can be used to make a loved one feel calmer. We will share ideas so that you can make changes after the session.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/07/2024 -
Wed 10/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Catherine Wilcock
Course code:
Q00011050
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Art Practical: Art and About: Sketching on the Southbank, Thames River & Bridges (July)

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! If you fancied yourself as an urban sketcher but never had the confidence to work outside alone, join these sociable sessions to capture an aspect or view of London’s River Thames and Bridges by the vibrant Southbank. Whilst drawing on location, we will be using dry materials, pen/ink alongside watercolour for line and wash sketches and work with two sizes of sketchbook (A5 and A4/3). Toilets and Meeting Point will be at Topolski Studio where you will also have the chance to view the artist’s work after the session, guided by Topolski’s grandson. This will be 2 Wednesday sessions, July 10th and 24th at 2pm to 5.30pm. The sessions will be 3 hours with a half hour break.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/07/2024 -
Wed 24/07/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 5:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: Topolski Studio
Topolski Studios SBC
Access Road
Arch 158
Hungerford Arches, Belvedere Rd,
London
SE1 8XU
Tutor:
Debra Collis
Course code:
Q00015131
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £35.00

Art Practical: Art Practical: Portraiture Drawing

To introduce students to the art of portraiture drawing in a relaxed and supportive environment. Following on from Portraiture Painting Q00014043, this course takes students further into the basics of sketching and then drawing faces to gain a good likeness. It provides step by step instructions on positioning the features, the use of light and shade as well as drawing techniques such as pencil and charcoal. The course is suitable for both beginners as well as experienced students. The course will provide you with an understanding of the methods, materials and concepts required to create both ‘correctly’ and expressively drawn portraits.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/07/2024 -
Wed 17/07/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Frank Ferrie
Course code:
Q00016293
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Craft: Seasonal Painting & Drawing

Learners on this course will explore the unique characteristics of the season and learn how to capture their essence on canvas and paper. Through guided instruction, in class sessions, demonstrations and outdoor sketching - (weather permitting), learners will develop their skills in observation, composition, colour theory and brushwork and drawing skills. You will learn how to use a variety of materials to enable you create art pieces.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/07/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
11:00am - 2:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Glebe Methodist Church (Washington)
Fatfield Road
Glebe
Washington
NE38 7DE
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00014955
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.80

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Textiles and Fashion: Beginners Crochet Workshop - Getting to Grips with Crochet

Join our 3-hour Beginner's Crochet Workshop and embark on a creative journey into the world of crochet. This hands-on class is perfect for those with little to no experience in crochet. You'll start with an introduction to essential materials, including various yarns and hooks, and then learn foundational stitches such as the chain stitch, double crochet, and single crochet. Our expert tutor will guide you through basic crochet techniques, ensuring you gain the confidence to start your own projects. By the end of the workshop, you'll have the skills to create simple crochet items and a solid foundation for further exploration. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/07/2024 -
Thu 11/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Warwick Community Group
9 Pinewood Place
Knottingley
WF11 0QH
Tutor:
Victoria Bould
Course code:
Q00017685
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Art Practical: Paint an Expressive Landscape with Acrylic

Unlock the vibrant world of acrylic painting in our one-day workshop, "Paint an Expressive Landscape with Acrylic," held at the Springbourne Library. This immersive course is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, providing a comprehensive introduction to the techniques and principles of landscape painting using acrylics. During this enriching day, you will delve into the expressive potential of acrylics, learning to capture the essence and mood of a landscape through colour, texture, and composition. Guided by an experienced artist instructor, you will explore various painting techniques, from bold brushwork to subtle blending, to create dynamic and evocative landscapes.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/07/2024 -
Fri 12/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Springbourne Library Community Room (Bou
297A Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8BX
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00015414
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £23.10

Art Practical: Portraiture Drawing

To introduce students to the art of portraiture drawing in a relaxed and supportive environment. Following on from Portraiture Painting Q00014044, this course takes students further into the basics of sketching and then drawing faces to gain a good likeness. It provides step by step instructions on positioning the features, the use of light and shade as well as drawing techniques such as pencil and charcoal. The course is suitable for both beginners as well as experienced students. The course will provide you with an understanding of the methods, materials and concepts required to create both ‘correctly’ and expressively drawn portraits.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/07/2024 -
Fri 19/07/2024
Times:
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Frank Ferrie
Course code:
Q00016294
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Art Practical: Creative Painting: Drawing Workshop

To introduce students to the art of drawing in a relaxed and supportive environment. Following on from Creative Painting Q00014040, this course takes students further into the basics of sketching and then drawing to produce convincing and vivid images. It provides step by step instructions on positioning the use of line, light and shade and proportion as well as drawing techniques such as pencil and charcoal. The course is suitable for both beginners as well as experienced students. The course will provide you with an understanding of the methods, materials and concepts required to create both ‘correctly’ and expressively drawn pictures.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/07/2024 -
Mon 22/07/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
John Pounds Centre (Portsmouth)
23 Pounds Gate
Queen Street
Portsmouth
PO1 3HN
Tutor:
Frank Ferrie
Course code:
Q00016292
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

Creativity for Calm

Are you looking for a relaxing hobby to help you unwind? Creating moments of calm in the day is essential for our emotional well-being and mental health. Step into the world of mindful crafts with this course and enjoy art for relaxation. This creativity course allows you to explore your art and craft skills to find practices that soothe you. Whether you enjoy drawing, painting, origami, or craft-making, art courses can help you find a relaxing hobby.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/07/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Seetec Pluss Poole
Poole
BH12 1ED
Tutor:
Dulcie Allan
Course code:
Q00013989
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Art Practical: Learn to Paint an Abstract Landscape

Learning about Abstract Landscape Art is a fascinating and rewarding topic; it tracks an evolving story looking at different ages, from 19th Century innovators such as JMW Turner, through to Impressionism, Cubism, Futurism and Modernism in general, right up to the 21st Century. This course will also introduce you to some lesser- known female artists who have been formerly neglected by the art establishment. Inspired by these examples, shown at the beginning of each lesson in an interactive visual presentation, we will develop skills in a range of drawing and painting media, including drawing inks, chalk and oil pastels, watercolour, acrylic, collage and mixed media. This course is for complete beginners and those looking to improve their skills and develop their own style. Please note that this is a 3-session course running on: Wed 17/07/2024, Wed 24/07/2024, and Wed 31/07/2024.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 17/07/2024 -
Wed 31/07/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00014699
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.65