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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Art Practical: Drawing and Watercolour Techniques with Art History References: Spring Themes

This course will help you develop further watercolour techniques interrelated with drawing skills, and in connection with inspiring examples in art history. It will help you learn classical techniques in a subtle way, by relating them to examples by various masters of drawing and watercolour (such as Dürer, Turner or Cezanne) and contemporary artists (such as David Hockney or Anselm Kiefer). If you would like to have a fresh view of watercolour painting and drawing, and learn how to achieve expressivity by carefully combining techniques such as glazing, graded wash or cross-hatching, this course will offer you an overview and will inspire personal artworks of great subtlety and sensitivity It will also encourage you to create your own original artworks based on the techniques learned and it will bring a fresh perspective on known techniques and styles, if you have already practised them in your own paintings. You will need to bring your own materials, paints and paper along for this course. The tutor will let you know what to bring

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/01/2025 -
Wed 12/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reformed Church (New Ba
Corner of Somerset Road & Mowb
New Barnet
EN5 1RH
Tutor:
Emanuela-Alina Baloiu
Course code:
Q00017383
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £80.00

Textiles and Fashion: Machine Sewing For Improvers with Style

Many of us live in style. This course is specially designed for them. On this course you will not only learn to construct interesting projects but use them practically. While creating these lovely projects you can meet like-minded people in the group. This course will help you to concentrate and enjoy the moment while creating projects that are useful, creative and sustainable.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/01/2025 -
Wed 05/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kauser Nabeel
Course code:
Q00012300
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

Practical Art: Watercolours for Complete Beginners (Part 2)

Do you want to learn the basics of watercolours? Have you tried before and given up in frustration? Why not join this course for support and encouragement? Watercolour, simply put, is water mixed with pigment which is then applied to paper. But painting with watercolours is something entirely different. It can be complex, confusing, and fun at the same time. While not a medium to be controlled or manipulated, part of the very beauty of working with watercolours is learning to let go! Come and join us to find out more.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 16/01/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Deborah Crofts
Course code:
Q00017575
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Art Practical: Improvers Drawing and Painting - Portraits

Welcome to our comprehensive course on Drawing and Painting Portraits at Springbourne Library, where creativity meets skill development in a nurturing environment. This course is tailored for adults with some art skills and aims to unlock the artist within and provide a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all participants. This engaging course delves into the captivating world of portraiture. We will explore the fundamentals of drawing and painting portraits, offering a step-by-step journey from the initial sketch to the final brushstroke. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our program is designed to cater to all levels of experience.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 17/01/2025 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Springbourne Library Community Room (Bou
297A Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8BX
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00016821
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

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

Art Practical: Exploring Drawing and Painting - Portraits

Begin to develop your own artwork in this beginner friendly art class, by learning how to create portraits, by using a wide range of materials. It doesn't matter if you have never picked up a drawing pencil. This course is designed to build your confidence and skills in the art of drawing and painting portraits. All you need to bring is your favourite materials to the wonderful Springbourne Library and start expressing your inner artist. The sessions are run y experienced tutors, and they offer and safe and friendly space to be creative and develop your artistic skills and talents.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 17/01/2025 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Times:
1:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Springbourne Library Community Room (Bou
297A Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8BX
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00016823
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

Sewing into Business - Trafford

Discover the art of precision and creativity in our Sewing for Business Course. Dive into the fundamentals of machine sewing, mastering essential techniques and garment construction. From threading the needle to embellishing, you'll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to bring your design ideas to life. In parallel, embark on a beginner business journey, learning the basics of entrepreneurship for a sewing venture. Explore market trends, pricing strategies, and customer engagement to turn your passion into a profitable enterprise. Join us for a transformative learning experience that blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurial acumen, equipping you for success in the world of sewing and business.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 22/01/2025 -
Thu 15/05/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
28 sessions
Location:
St Johns Centre (Manchester)
St Johns Road
Old Trafford
Manchester
M16 7GX
Tutor:
Nasim Younis
Course code:
Q00016054
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Textiles and Fashion: Intermediate Dressmaking

Discover the wonderful world of the sewing with this sewing and dressmaking course. It will help you to develop your craft in textile and fashion and dressmaking. Whether you have studied sewing before or you are completely new to it, You will find value in this sewing course. Develop your skills to Improve the sewing, measuring and adjustment skills needed to make and finish garments, and improve your knowledge of fabrics. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your sewing journey today by registering for this course and discover where your sewing journey takes you!

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 27/01/2025 -
Mon 23/06/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
19 sessions
Location:
Gayton House (London)
Chiltern Road
London
E3 4BX
Tutor:
Mona Nashed
Course code:
Q00013012
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £219.45

Textiles and Fashion: Intermediate Soft Furnishing

Discover the wonderful world of the sewing with this sewing and dressmaking course. It will help you to develop your craft in textile and fashion. Whether you have studied sewing before or you are completely new to it, you will find value in this intermediate sewing course. On this course, you will develop your skills to learn the skills needed to make and finish cushions, curtains, duvet covers or other soft furnishing projects, and improve your knowledge of fabrics. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your sewing journey today by registering for this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 28/01/2025 -
Tue 17/06/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
21 sessions
Location:
Gayton House (London)
Chiltern Road
London
E3 4BX
Tutor:
Mona Nashed
Course code:
Q00013050
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £219.45

Textiles and Fashion: Advanced Sewing Projects

Discover the wonderful world of the sewing with this advanced sewing course. It will help you to develop your craft in textile and fashion. Whether you have studied sewing before or you are completely new to it, you will find value in this intermediate sewing course. On this course, you will develop your skills in advanced sewing. This course is aimed at confident sewing students. You will develop higher level sewing and textile skills and be able to choose, document and finish your own sewing projects to a professional level under supervision. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your sewing journey today by registering for this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 29/01/2025 -
Wed 11/06/2025
Times:
9:00am - 11:45am
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
Gayton House (London)
Chiltern Road
London
E3 4BX
Tutor:
Mona Nashed
Course code:
Q00013062
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £207.90

Art Appreciation: Artistic Communities

The reasons behind founding an artist community in the UK, from identifying some of their famous residents to the subject matter and art movements they are associated with. This course will cover the art communities in St Ives and Newlyn in England, Kirkcudbright and Cockburnspath in Scotland, Betws-y-Coed in Wales, Northern Ireland Muralist in Belfast and Londonderry, and ending with the Black Art Movement and the growth of online art communities.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 01/02/2025 -
Sat 15/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Redbridge Institute of Adult Education (
Gaysham Avenue
Gants Hill
Ilford
IG2 6TD
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00017560
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £60.00