Arts & crafts

If you fancied yourself as an urban sketcher but never had the confidence to work outside alone, join one of these sociable morning or afternoon 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 Studios by the side of the Southbank main riverpath.

On this Machine sewing course learn the wide range of sewing techniques require for dress making and other sewing projects. Make projects for yourself or for your family and increase your understanding in the world of machine stitching. While learning new techniques you can also meet likeminded people in the group. This course will help you to concentrate and enjoy moment while creating projects that are useful, creative, and sustainable. Explore this rewarding skill which can not only adopted as a hobby but can lead to sewing business to earn money.

The course will present painting and drawing techniques in connection with art history references. Different media (such as acrylics, pastels or watercolours) will be explored in a fluid way, natural to the way an artist usually chooses to explore different subjects and themes. Ways of combining techniques through mixed-media will also be explored, and the course will emphasize the importance of choosing the right technique and materials for the desired subject and different ideas needed to be expressed. The course will present different artworks in connection with colour theory or compositional principles. A thematic discussion of artworks from art history as well as from contemporary art will help illustrate different ideas of composition or art theory. The course aims to empower students to understand the visual language of various artists and artistic movements, to understand the ideas that generated them and to help them start discovering a personal artistic style. By the end of the course students will start to create personal, original artworks and will learn to choose the medium that best suits their unique artistic expression.

This 5-week course delves into the works of five local artists, featuring James Dodds; Aline Gowen; Ian Hay; Wyndham Lloyd; and Michael Middleton. Each week explores key art concepts including, colour and composition through samples of their work. You will engage in group discussions, take notes, and recall information. By the end of the course, you will be able to notice significant local artists, describe their artistic methods, spot similarities and differences among local artists, deconstruct essential components of artworks, and select a preferred piece based on personal opinion.

Facing an empty page in your junk or art journal can be a daunting prospect, would you like to learn some creative techniques for filling those pages? Join me and together we can unlock some of the secrets of creating beautiful, thoughtful and fulfilling journal pages with creativity and meaning. This course is designed for those new to journaling, who don’t quite know where to start and more experienced enthusiasts looking to overcome ‘blank page syndrome’ and bring their journals, notebooks, altered books and memory albums to life. During the 10 weeks of this course we will explore techniques such as: • Layering and mixed media • Creating Interactive ephemera pieces • Mark making • Using stamps and stencils. Whether you want to document memories, express emotions or simply play with artistic techniques, this course will provide inspiration along with practical guidance to bring your creativity to life.

This is a great way to start the week if you like doing exercise, dancing and having fun. Keep fit and exercise with a fun and feelgood hour of music and movement and relaxation. Work at your own pace and level. Each session you will work on: - breathing exercises - simple stretching (to get warmed up & alert) - easy aerobic sequences - basic CONTEMPORARY MODERN dance moves (to incorporate into an uplifting song)

This 16-hour adult education sewing course focuses on the art of upcycling and mending clothing, blending creativity with sustainability. Over 8 two-hour sessions, students will gain confidence in both hand and machine sewing techniques. The course covers how to take measurements from existing garments to create custom patterns, alongside a variety of visible and invisible mending methods. Learn practical skills such as sashiko stitching, embroidery, patching, and darning while breathing new life into old clothes. Ideal for beginners and those with basic sewing knowledge, this course encourages mindful making, self-expression, and a more sustainable relationship with fashion.

This course will explore recycling and upcycling.

This course is for carers, those who have cared, and the cared for. This creative craft course is ideal if you want to feel calm while developing your creativity skills. Try your hand at mindful sewing. Learn the basic skills and techniques to produce your own pieces, and explore the tools and materials needed. Take inspiration from other creators. Find ways to use art for relaxation, whether you prefer to make it or observe it.

This online single session short course has been designed for carers, former carers and those who are being cared for. Take a bit of time out of your day, to learn a simple new skill in a fun and relaxed environment. The session will take you through some simple handmade book making techniques and requires minimal materials that you will mostly have to hand in a domestic environment. Learning new skills helps to boost creativity, problem solving and reduce stress levels, and one of these short courses is ideal to help increase these skills.