Arts & crafts

Many people find it difficult to have some “me time” out of a busy life to spend time on a creative activity. This course will give you the opportunity to understand the benefits of indulging in a creative activity and how this can have a positive effect on your mental health and wellbeing. You will have the opportunity to learn the basic skills of a range of different crafts and share skills and knowledge with other crafters. Each session will allow you to try a different craft which may lead you to discover a craft which could become a new hobby for you to enjoy.

A lively thematic course that explores how selected modern and contemporary artists have employed, manipulated and pioneered the use of specific materials in the production of 3D artworks. Through a range of class discussions, activities and resources, each week we will focus on a specific material, looking at the diversity of ways that international artists have produced art using materials that will include: marble and stone; wood; bronze and metal; organic materials; fibres and textiles; and found objects. Artists featured on the course will include Louise Nevelson, Anselm Kiefer, George Baselitz, Mrinalini Mukherjee, Rachel Whiteread, Andy Goldsworthy and Jeffrey Gibson. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.

Build on your calligraphy skills with our Craft: Next Steps in Calligraphy: Italic - Unlocking Creativity course. Learn advanced italic lettering techniques and explore creative applications of italic script. Ideal for individuals with basic calligraphy experience looking to advance their skills.

Master the art of traditional calligraphy with our Craft: Advanced Traditional Calligraphy: Unlocking Creativity - Taking It on to the Next Level course. Learn advanced techniques in traditional scripts and apply them to creative projects. Ideal for individuals with basic calligraphy experience looking to refine their skills in traditional lettering.

Master the art of modern calligraphy with our Craft: Advanced Exploring Modern Calligraphy: Unlocking Creativity course. Learn advanced techniques in lettering, flourishes, and layout to create beautiful and expressive calligraphy pieces. Ideal for individuals with basic calligraphy experience looking to refine their skills.

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.

We will meet online weekly for 11 weeks, and the tutor will demonstrate each of the stitches that will be recorded for you to refer to between the sessions. There will also be handouts to use and plenty of inspiration through class discussion and links to websites and Pinterest, fostering a vibrant community of embroidery enthusiasts. This course will look at the different stitches and patterns used to create beautiful blackwork samples. These can then be turned into pictures or sewn into various projects. Blackwork is a historical embroidery technique using aida or evenweave cloth, and it is characterised by its use of black thread on a white or light-coloured background. Originating in Spain and popularised in England during the Tudor period, blackwork is known for its intricate geometric designs and floral motifs. Blackwork was traditionally used to embellish clothing, particularly cuffs and collars, and is noted for its delicate and sophisticated appearance. The technique often employs a backstitch or a Holbein stitch.You will learn how to create various blackwork patterns, mastering the use of different stitches to achieve stunning effects. Overall, this course aims to not only enhance your embroidery skills but also deepen your appreciation for blackwork.

Learn different types of sewing technique . This course will help to develop your craft in measure and marking and creating your own pattern. You will learn digital skills by creating poster and social media . Whether you have studied basic or intermediate sewing before, you will find value in this sewing course by making your own garment made to measure . By the end you will be sewing different types of necklines and garment on this course, you can use these skills to open your own business or work for organisation . Start your own sewing journey today by registering for this course.

In the third term, dive into the world of modern lettering, exploring styles such as Brush Lettering, Faux Calligraphy, and Hand Lettering. Learning to work with different tools including brush pens, markers, and digital tablets. Lessons will cover typography basics, layout design, and the creation of dynamic lettering compositions. Projects will include creating logos, posters, and social media graphics. Emphasis will be placed on developing your unique lettering style and understanding how to adapt your skills for various applications. The term will culminate in a project that combines calligraphy and modern lettering techniques. If you like stationery you will love calligraphy.

This class will teach you how to make a range of small projects: cushions, bags, zip purses, peg bag/tea cosy, hanging hearts or birds or you can choose patterns of your own. Weekly skills will also be covered including buttonholes, ways to insert zips, piping, darts and more. Basic knowledge of the sewing machine is needed.