WEA courses

Join us for a creative Card Making course at Parkstone Connect, a vibrant day centre dedicated to adults with learning difficulties. Our welcoming environment fosters creativity and fun. Participants will explore a variety of card-making techniques, including stamping, embossing, and die-cutting, to craft beautiful, personalized cards. Led by experienced tutors, the course provides all materials and offers step-by-step guidance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the process and create stunning cards to share with loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, our supportive community is here to help you unleash your artistic potential.

This course is tailored for beginner to intermediate artists looking to develop their skills with charcoal. Participants will learn various techniques for using charcoal in their artwork, including shading, blending, and creating textures. Through guided exercises and projects, students will explore the expressive potential of charcoal, enhancing their ability to create dynamic and compelling drawings. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of completed charcoal drawings that demonstrate their growth and understanding of the medium. This course offers a supportive and encouraging environment for artists to explore the dynamic possibilities of charcoal, fostering both technical skill development and creative expression.

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.

Explore the art of calligraphy, no artistic background required. Join us to try your hand at creating elegant lettering. This course offers a solid grounding in various aspects of this craft, catering to beginners and enthusiasts alike. Work with readily available equipment and employ simple yet effective techniques. The primary goal is to provide you with a foundational understanding of calligraphy, emphasising accessibility and ease of learning. Starting with the elegant Roman capitals this course will cover some of the classic styles. Great for left and right handers. If you like stationery you will love calligraphy.

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.

This Pre-Entry English: Preparing for IELTS (Writing) course is designed to equip you with the essential tools and techniques to excel in the writing section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Whether you're aiming for a band score of 6.0 or higher, our experienced instructors will guide you through a structured program that focuses on developing your academic writing abilities and exam-taking strategies. Course Benefits: Gain a thorough understanding of the IELTS writing format and assessment criteria. Master the essential grammar, vocabulary, and writing styles needed for the exam. Develop strong writing skills in both Task 1 (descriptive writing) and Task 2 (argumentative writing). Learn effective strategies for planning, organizing, and composing clear and concise essays. Practice writing under timed conditions to build confidence and improve test-taking speed. Receive personalized feedback from qualified instructors to refine your writing skills."

To Create, design and make a range of pottery items using hand building techniques, with earthenware clay and glazes. Build on skills using techniques of pinching, coiling, press moulding, slab construction and tile making. Explore and use different methods of applying surface decoration to enhance the visual qualities of pottery work. Use sketch books to support the development of ideas. Work in a relaxed and supported environment. Create with clay and discover the feeling of wellbeing it can provide. If ceramics is your passion, experience and share the excitement of the pottery process from raw clay to the fired kiln.

To create, design and make a range of pottery items using hand building techniques, with earthenware clay and glazes. Build on skills using techniques of pinching, coiling, press moulding, slab construction and tile making. Explore and use different methods of applying surface decoration to enhance the visual qualities of pottery work. Use sketch books to support the development of ideas. Work in a relaxed and supported environment. Create with clay and discover the feeling of wellbeing it can provide. If ceramics is your passion, experience and share the excitement of the pottery process from raw clay to the fired kiln.

Would you like to experiment with textiles and sewing but are not sure where to start? This online course is a great introduction to gaining more confidence in creating your own pieces of textile work with fabric and basic stitching. The course is suitable for beginners and improvers who would like to dip into creative textiles and uses simple stitching to add texture and details. You will have the opportunity to come up with your own ideas and create a textile picture with tutor guidance using the techniques you will be learning throughout the sessions; each learner will have a unique composition at the of the course.

Discover the wonderful world of the sewing with this follow on course from Multiply ‘Measure up Sewing’. This Beginners Dressmaking course will help you to develop your craft in textile and fashion and dressmaking. Whether you have studied sewing before or 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! This is only for those living in Southampton.