Arts & crafts

This course offers an exploration into the craft of junk journaling- a creative process that turns everyday items and discarded materials into beautiful, personalised journals. Junk journals are more than just notebooks; they are expressive, tactile creations that tell a story, preserve memories, and serve as a safe place for emotional expression. Alongside creating these unique journals the course will look into methods of collecting, organising and storing ephemera - the small pieces of paper, fabric or objects that make each journal personal and truly unique. On this course we will look at: The concept, history and purpose of junk journals. Where to find materials How to make embellishments for inclusion in our journals. Page layouts and focal point placement. No prior experience is necessary – just a love of creativity and a desire to learn new skills along with some basic paper-crafting supplies.

Welcome to our Measure Up- Introduction to Sewing Course! This course is designed for sewing enthusiasts of all levels who want to improve their numerical skills specifically for the art of sewing. Over the course, students will dive in-to fundamental numerical concepts essential for accurate and efficient sewing projects. Whether you are a beginner or experienced at sewing, this introduction to sewing Course promises to empower you with all the knowledge to raise your sewing projects to new levels, join us and unravel the world of numbers in sewing like never before!

"The courses are Specifically designed for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities – based in a partner-organisation day centre. (charity Adhar people This course is for learners with Mental Health Conditions from the South Asian Community. Learners are service users – at day service funded by Adult Social Care in Leicestershire and Loughborough area who offer education, advocacy and support to adults who have either been discharged or under review at the Mental Health Unit at Glenfield Hospital. Learners have low levels of self-confidence, co-occuring morbidities such as learning disabilities and depression. Learners tend to get stressed and anxious – this could be due to multiple factors such as side effects from medications taken, as a result of social isolation due to stigma associated with mental health issues and as a result of the condition(s) itself. Family members and team leaders have identified the positive impact of engaging in learning activities focussed on Art. The tutor incorporates breathing exercises to ensure learners are prepared at the start of each session to learn effectively and manage their stress. This course is part of a wider learning programme to develop their confidence for life and support their physical and mental health and wellbeing. "

This course is aimed at the people who already have some sewing and pattern cutting experience but find it difficult to follow instructions due to either language barrier or any other reason and need support.

This is a LLDD course and not advertised on the WEA website.

Dive deeper into the world of creative crafts with this practical craft course. Whether you want to learn how to make a career out of your creative skills or just enjoy studying art courses for relaxation, this course has something to offer you. Discover the calming benefits of creative courses and learn useful employability skills in this improver’s craft course. This course can help you access creative jobs. Creative courses help you develop skills in creative crafts. If you’re interested in creative work-from-home jobs, this course can help you develop key craft skills to get them.

The aim of this course is to enhance your mosaic making skills to a higher level. You will be learning from the ancients! Analysing and recreating elements of traditional masterpieces will help you understand the principles of cutting and laying used centuries ago. You will find that these techniques will be beneficial in your mosaic practice today. In addition, you will be encouraged to research contemporary styles of Andamento using less traditional materials and use your knowledge to create a unique design.

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.

Learners will work with the tutor to improve confidence in their ability to develop their artistic skills and creativity within oil painting. You will be developing the skills to create a detailed landscape painting; challenging yourself to try new and different subjects. You will learn using a range of different teaching and learning activities, to include watching and following step by step demonstrations, with one-to-one help and guidance from a friendly and encouraging tutor. You will learn in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment, working together with your fellow learners and the tutor. This course is suitable for a complete beginner but also for those wanting to improve their existing skills in painting. No prior knowledge is needed, just a desire to learn and begin your journey to develop your artistic skills.

This course will present an overview of painting and drawing in connection with inspiring examples in art history. It will help you learn classical techniques, and contemporary artists (such as David Hockney, Gerhard Richter or Anselm Kiefer). If you would like to have a fresh view of painting and drawing and learn how to achieve expressivity by carefully combining techniques, this course will offer you an overview and will inspire personal artworks of great subtlety and sensitivity. A variety of media will be explored, from acrylics to watercolour or pastels and more. You will need to bring your own art materials.