GLASS FUSION CHRISTMAS WREATH with Katharine Wright, Leicestershire Craft Centre – Thursday 31st November 2024 15.15pm

60 minute workshop – cost £26.00

In this workshop you will learn how to make a fused glass Christmas Wreath design on a 10cm square base. Katharine will show you how to cut and apply the glass. At the end of the workshop your glass piece will be taken away, to enable it to be fired and then, posted back to you.

A small wooden stand for your glass will be available for purchase if you wish.

Please note: Firing is an uncontrollable process and very occasionally glass can crack in the kiln. We can’t accept any responsibility for firing mishaps, or for glass that is broken or lost in the mail.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for adults over 16 only.

Meet the Tutor

Katharine Wright

Owner of Leicestershire Craft Centre, Katharine has been crafting all her life. Her particular passions are dressmaking, patchwork and embroidery and passing her knowledge onto new sewists. She loves to try her hand at any other crafts though and enjoys glass fusion, silversmithing, knitting and crochet.

Katharine teaches at a variety of national Craft Events and appears as a Guest Demonstrator on Sewing Street TV. She also has her own range of sewing and dressmaking patterns called Top Stitch Makes.

MOSAIC CHRISTMAS BIRD with Anne Tyson – Thursday 31st October 2024 12.15pm

60 minute workshop – cost £18.00

Join Anne Tyson from Flowerpot Mosaics for a fun introduction to the world of mosaics. You will create a lovely Christmas bird decoration using pre-cut glass, mirror, ceramic and glitter tiles.

Tiles will be attached onto a wooden bird base using a clear set of instructions with Anne on hand to assist.

This workshop is a chance to relax and create a lovely mosaic to take home with you whilst learning about the wonderful art of mosaics.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for children aged 10 upwards when accompanied by an adult.

Meet the Tutor

Anne Tyson

Based in the West Midlands, Anne has been creating and teaching mosaics for 14 years. She is passionate about the mosaic art form and specialises in creating outdoor mosaics to brighten up our outdoor spaces. Anne’s aim is to spread her passion for mosaics and shatter the misconception that it is a difficult craft. 

INTRODUCTION TO BEAUTIFUL BATIK with Shree Desai – Thursday 31st October 2024 09.45am

2-hour workshop – cost £36.00

Ready to step into our time machine – which takes you back over 2000 years? This journey takes you through the incredible artisan technique of Batik, commonly used in the Far East. You will explore various tools and methods for building up multiple layers of hot wax and dyes on to cotton fabric.

The applied wax resists dyes and therefore allows the artisan to colour selectively by soaking the cloth in one colour, removing the wax with boiling water, and repeating if multiple colours are desired.

In this workshop you will:

• Stretch the cotton fabric on a wooden frame.

• Prepare the design on paper.

• Transfer the design on the fabric

• Choose two colours for the design and start applying wax for first colour.

• Dip the fabric in first dye.

• Dry the fabric and apply wax for second colour and dip it in dye-bath (if time allows).

• At home, you will remove the wax by washing it in boiling water or ironing between layers of paper.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable for children under 16 years, due to use of hot wax in this class.

Meet the Tutor

Shree Desai

Shree is a Textile Designer and Textile Art Workshop leader who is dedicated and passionate about teaching and connecting to the creative world. Shree’s background includes a Master’s degree in Textile Design from the National Institute of Design in India. Most recently, she has been conducting Textile art workshops around the UK and is inspired by teaching both children and adults and delivering excellent customer-focused workshops.

FESTIVE CARD-MAKING CALLIGRAPHY with  Vicky Daws, The Modern Calligraphy Co – Thursday 31st October 2024 14.15pm

60-minute workshop – cost £18.00

Get into the festive spirit by joining our sparkling Christmas calligraphy workshop! Learn how to use a nib to create stunning Christmas cards, with a special emphasis on fabulous metallics.

With plenty of cards, envelopes, and inspiration provided, you’ll walk away ready to create beautiful greeting cards to send to all your loved ones.

Perfect for beginners, this workshop is suitable for both right- and left-handers using a pointed nib.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for adults and children over 12 years, but they must be accompanied by an adult. 

Meet the Tutors

The Modern Calligraphy Co

The Modern Calligraphy Co, run by world-renowned calligraphic artist Kirsten Burke and Managing Director Jill Hembling, has been running for 25 years, spreading their passion for Modern Calligraphy across the UK. Dedicated to making calligraphy accessible to everyone, they run workshops all over the country, including from their HQ on the South Coast. 

SHIMMERING CALLIGRAPHY ARTWORK with Vicki Daws, The Modern Calligraphy Co – Thursday 31st October 2024 12.45pm

60-minute workshop – cost £18.00

Christmas Nib Artwork – If you’ve ever wanted to learn the art of creating beautiful calligraphy with colourful inks, this workshop is just for you.

You’ll discover the joy of this mindful and elegant craft, from loading the nib to blending shades.

Open to all skill levels and suitable for both right- and left-handers, book your spot now to explore creating festive messages, perfect for turning into personalised gifts for all your loved ones.

Advisory Note: This workshop is suitable for adults and children over 12 years, but they must be accompanied by an adult. 

Meet the Tutors

The Modern Calligraphy Co

The Modern Calligraphy Co, run by world-renowned calligraphic artist Kirsten Burke and Managing Director Jill Hembling, has been running for 25 years, spreading their passion for Modern Calligraphy across the UK. Dedicated to making calligraphy accessible to everyone, they run workshops all over the country, including from their HQ on the South Coast. 

FESTIVE BRUSH PEN CARD-MAKING CALLIGRAPHY with Vicky Daws, The Modern Calligraphy Co – Thursday 31st October 2024 11.15am

60-minute workshop – cost £18.00

Spark your creativity this Christmas with beautiful, handmade card designs to share with your friends. Discover how to use brush pens to craft vibrant and playful calligraphy. We’ll guide you through each step, from mastering letter formations to creating festive phrases that will make every card you send truly stand out. With a mix of cheerful colours, your Christmas cards will dazzle like never before!

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for adults and children over 12 years, but they must be accompanied by an adult. 

Meet the Tutors

The Modern Calligraphy Co

The Modern Calligraphy Co, run by world-renowned calligraphic artist Kirsten Burke and Managing Director Jill Hembling, has been running for 25 years, spreading their passion for Modern Calligraphy across the UK. Dedicated to making calligraphy accessible to everyone, they run workshops all over the country, including from their HQ on the South Coast. 

BRUSH PEN ARTWORK with Vicky Daws, The Modern Calligraphy Co – Thursday 31st October 2024 15.45pm

60-minute workshop – cost £18.00

This Christmas, share the joy with beautiful, handmade artworks for your friends! Join our fun and inspiring workshop, where you’ll learn the art of simple yet stunning calligraphy to decorate your home and create unique gifts for the holiday season.

With brush pens, you’ll discover the easiest way to design festive creations bursting with colour. We’ll guide you on how to blend tones seamlessly and add details that perfectly balance and enhance every piece.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for adults and children over 12 years, but they must be accompanied by an adult. 

Meet the Tutors

The Modern Calligraphy Co

The Modern Calligraphy Co, run by world-renowned calligraphic artist Kirsten Burke and Managing Director Jill Hembling, has been running for 25 years, spreading their passion for Modern Calligraphy across the UK. Dedicated to making calligraphy accessible to everyone, they run workshops all over the country, including from their HQ on the South Coast. 

BRUSH PEN ARTWORK with Vicky Daws, The Modern Calligraphy Co – Thursday 31st October 2024 09.45am

60-minute workshop – cost £18.00

This Christmas, share the joy with beautiful, handmade artworks for your friends! Join our fun and inspiring workshop, where you’ll learn the art of simple yet stunning calligraphy to decorate your home and create unique gifts for the holiday season.

With brush pens, you’ll discover the easiest way to design festive creations bursting with colour. We’ll guide you on how to blend tones seamlessly and add details that perfectly balance and enhance every piece.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for adults and children over 12 years, but they must be accompanied by an adult. 

Meet the Tutors

The Modern Calligraphy Co

The Modern Calligraphy Co, run by world-renowned calligraphic artist Kirsten Burke and Managing Director Jill Hembling, has been running for 25 years, spreading their passion for Modern Calligraphy across the UK. Dedicated to making calligraphy accessible to everyone, they run workshops all over the country, including from their HQ on the South Coast. 

FLORAL FUSION WALL HANGING with with Ruth Holmes, Dropped Stitch Artists – Thursday 31st October 2024 12.00pm

60-minute workshop – cost £18.00

Floral Fusion is a workshop where you’ll explore the enchanting world of recycled and natural materials to create a stunning hanging art piece.

Dive into the creative process of combining dried flowers, embroidery, and driftwood to craft a unique piece that blends sustainability with artistic expression.

Whether you’re a seasoned embroiderer or a sewing novice, this workshop offers a relaxing and rewarding experience, perfect for anyone passionate about textile art and eco-friendly crafting.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for all abilities from 10 years, but children under 16 with parental supervision only.

Meet the Tutor

Ruth Holmes, Dropped Stitch Artists

Ruth Holmes has been teaching since the early 1970s in schools, colleges, and various adult education venues.

SPARKLING WINTER TREE DORSET BUTTON BROOCH with Gini’s Dorset Buttons – Thursday 31st October 2024 15.00pm

60-minute workshop – cost £18.00

Join Gini, winner of Kirsty’s Handmade Christmas, and learn how to make the traditional craft of Dorset buttons with a twist. Create a sparkling winter tree brooch and hear all about the history of this 400-year old craft. 

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for ages 16+.

Meet the Tutor

Louise Armitage, aka ‘Gini’

Gini has been teaching and keeping the 400-year old traditional craft of Dorset Buttons alive for 33 years.

Originally taught by an old lady from Dorset, who’s family skill had been passed down through generations, and now had no one left to pass it on to. Gini made her a promise that she would teach other people and continue to pass on the skills. Gini has kept this promise and taught individuals and workshops all over the UK and around the world. Bringing the skill up to date with modern ideas and techniques she won Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas with her unique designs in 2020