3470 Arts courses

If you’re a beginner bag maker, this Retreat is perfect for you. A whole weekend to immerse yourself in fabrics, stabiliser, professional techniques and tips to boost your confidence and your skills. Hopefully, there’ll be a lot of chat and laughter too! **This retreat is a little different from many others in that making a bag isn’t the point of the weekend, although you will indeed make one. The focus is on learning new transferable techniques and skills that you will be able to use on so many bags you make in the future. We have our own ‘Retreat Suite’ of rooms, including a spacious, light and airy sewing room which is equipped with a display screen so everyone can easily see demonstrations from a working viewpoint. We also have our own bathroom and kitchen facilities. If you wish, you are free to continue work after dinner and until as late (or early!) as you like. You will need to bring your own sewing machine, fabric scissors and any other favourite sewing tools, but everything else is provided. Come and join us in the exclusive Facebook group Bag Makers Retreat at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bagmakersretreat/ for all the latest retreat info, chat, gossip and more, plus a chance to meet other like-minded folks.  If you have dietary requirements, please tell me before you book, so I can be sure we can meet your needs. All meal main courses are included in the retreat fee, as are Saturday and Sunday lunches and breakfasts. Starters, desserts and drinks with meals are not included but the meals are so huge you probably won’t want starters and desserts anyway!! Tea and coffee is available whenever you need, but you do have to make it yourself!  If you’d like to stay an extra night or two, maybe to arrive on Thursday or leave on Monday if you have a long drive, let me know and I’ll check availability with our host. If you’d prefer to travel by train, we are happy to ferry you to and from the station, just ask. Please aim to arrive no later than 2pm as we have a lot of pattern cutting and fabric choosing to get through on Friday! Friday The fun starts here as you arrive at your weekend home-from-home – a beautifully refurbished, 4-star 18th century coaching inn with all the comforts you would expect. You’ll have time to settle into your own delightfully comfortable en-suite room which has all the anticipated little luxuries, before an introductory get-together with me and your companions in the sewing room at 2pm. You’ll be given your own copy of the bag pattern, which is very beginner- and domestic machine-friendly but which will incorporate a lot of features and techniques that are also in much more complex designs, making this an excellent springboard to any bag you want to make. Then you can wallow in the plentiful stash of fabrics to choose from, including some of my exclusive feature panel prints which aren’t available anywhere else. All the materials, interfacing, stabiliser, threads and bag hardware you need are supplied. As soon as you’re ready, you can start preparing and cutting out your pattern and some of the bag pieces so we can hit the ground running in the morning. After a superbly-cooked and substantial evening meal at around 6pm or so, you are welcome to continue working in the sewing room or to simply relax and chat there before bed. Saturday After an excellent breakfast, we can really start work adding to and adapting your bag pattern. You’ll work at your own pace from around 9am with no pressure – I want your weekend to be fun and not stressful! We will walk through the techniques together and I will be there the whole time to answer questions and troubleshoot any tricky bits. You’ll also have the chance to try sewing with faux leather , if you haven’t already, and we’ll explore ways and techniques to use and apply rivets.  Refreshments are freely available all day and you can take a break whenever you wish. A light lunch (with homemade cake!!) is also provided and we’ll have a short break in the middle of the day. The rest of the day will be similar to Friday – sewing, dinner at 6ish and more sewing if you wish to before bed. Do feel free to have a walk or just sit outside for a breather if the weather is kind. Sunday How can it be Sunday already?? Breakfast over, we’ll get back to work. You will need to allow a few minutes to pack and check out of your room, as it has to be made ready for Monday’s guests. Apart from that, it’s uninterrupted sewing (with refreshments and lunch breaks!) until your bag is finished. We’ll be heading off for lunch at 12.30pm or so. We have the sewing room for the rest of the day. If you don’t quite get done, there’s absolutely no need to worry as you’ll easily be able to complete your bag at home. If you finish earlier feel free to head home whenever you’re ready. Amongst loads of other hints and tips, you’ll learn – Interfacings – what to use and not to use Using stabilisers – which is best and why How to create a zipped pocket the pro way Adding a recessed zipper main closure to almost any bag Installing hardware Incorporating a built-in key fob Installing a rectangular base Sewing the bag together and topstitching A sneaky way of getting your bag right-sides-out without ugly seams! An easy way to add a zipper pull without tools Working with different types of rivet machine Faux leather on a domestic machine You’ll have handouts on all the techniques to take home. And I hope you have a lot of fun and make new friends while you learn!!  I never abandon my students at the end of the course so if you get stuck on anything at home, you are welcome to give me a shout on Messenger and we’ll sort out your problem together. The not-so-small print Book your place using the simple booking system below – just click on your choice of dates and go from there. The full price is £395.00. The deposit of £60 is non-refundable if you cancel but can, however, be credited towards a future retreat booked within the next 6 months. It is completely refundable if I or the venue cancel. The booking page only shows the Friday, but the course is running until Sunday. The balance of £335.00 is payable by approx 6 weeks before the retreat date and payment instructions will be sent to you in good time. Cancellations 4 weeks or less before the retreat date can only be refunded if someone on the waiting list can come instead. *Don’t worry that your booking confirmation may be headed Unicorn Studios – it’s just the site that I’ve run my booking system from for years… it’s not a scam!! *

Are you ready to start a sketchbook? Do you want to be able to use it as a tool for your work and ideas? Do you dream of getting an interview or exam ready, but don't know where to begin? We've got the answer! Our Sketchbook Workshop will help you get started, develop your ideas and help you refine what you already do. We'll help you create a personalised action plan, provide a personalised sketchbook checklist and give you tons of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your sketchbook and upcoming opportunities.

Here in this Sketchbook Workshop, we believe that art should be fun and accessible to everyone. That's why we have a wide variety of materials and techniques to choose from, so you can find your own style and approach. Our workshops are centered around your interests and needs, so whether you want to learn new skills or gain inspiration for your next project, we'll help you find it. You can find inspiration in the studio or the beautiful countryside it sits in. You'll leave feeling confident to carry on at home

You've always wanted to try macramé, and now's your chance! We're offering a beginners' workshop where you'll learn a variety of knots and styles, and then you can choose from a range of macramé products to make. Starting with the basics and moving onto more complex knots and products. The workshop will be held at our studio in the beautiful Shropshire Hills. When you leave the workshop, you'll have beautiful macramé products that you'll be proud of—and more importantly, you'll be able to turn your new skills into a new hobby or craft business.

Theatre in Schools Scotland brings bold, inspiring, live theatre and dance productions into Scotland's primary schools and nurseries.  The year-round programme of touring performances offers schools and teachers the opportunity to present acclaimed shows, created especially for younger audiences, for pupils at school. Performances take place in the school hall or in classrooms and are available to book anywhere in Scotland. This year, Theatre in Schools Scotland is thrilled to welcome the return of Cloud Man and Going for Gold: Me and Linford Christie to the programme plus MESS made especially for ASN pupils and The Last Forecast, a brand new dance theatre performance. The new Theatre in Schools Scotland 2023 - 24 programme of performances for nursery, primary and ASN schools is now on sale and available to book. Please get in touch with Julian Almeida to book! tiss@imaginate.org.uk The standard cost is £500 + VAT per day, for 2x performances (for around 100 children each). The cost and structure will vary for productions like MESS (for ASN audiences). Get in touch for more details. BOOKING NOW MESS (Tenterhooks/Scottish Theatre Producers) is a bold, playful and emotionally engaging theatre performance made especially for young audiences with complex additional support needs, featuring comedy, surprise, celebration and mild peril! Touring Sep - Oct 2023. For ASN pupils THE LAST FORECAST (Bridie Gane/Catherine Wheels ) is a dance theatre production for younger audiences about Gail, a gecko-like creature who lives alone on an island. When a stranger arrives to set up home the forecast is for rising water levels, and soon there won’t be space for either of them. Touring Oct - Nov 2023. For P2 - P4 CLOUD MAN (Constellation Points/Scottish Theatre Producers) is a cleverly staged show with puppets, storytelling and lots of clouds. The show encourages a school audience to notice the beauty and wonder found in everyday life.Touring Oct - Nov 2023 & Jan - Feb 2024. For Nursery - P3 GOING FOR GOLD: ME AND LINFORD CHRISTIE (Victoria Beesley/Catherine Wheels) is a show about one girl’s journey to Olympic success. Inspired by Victoria Beesley’s childhood obsession with athletics this is a story about loving failure and dreaming big.Touring Jan - Mar 2024. For P5 - P7 pupils We can work with you to plan your visit, help you to choose a show, and answer any questions. If you are interested in making a booking for your school or would like more information about how we can work together please contact TISS@imaginate.org.ukTheatre in Schools Scotland is managed by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland  

This course is ideal for all, from beginners to confident makers. You will learn the basics of leather craft for accessories and be introduced to techniques including machine stitching on leather, hand finishing and hand cutting. You will also be working with the full spectrum of leather types from soft leathers and suedes to a hard sturdy veg tanned leather. This is a perfect introductory course to start your journey into leatherwork and bag making as you will experience the wide variety of tasks involved in the work. In order to complete your bag in a day we will use part pre-prepared components and the bag will be made from a ‘Hands of Tym’ pattern but do not fear there is still plenty of work for you to do. During the day you will be directed by your tutor Leathersmith and London College of Fashion Lecturer Georgie Tym to make one of the following bag - A fully lined ‘Turned Seam’ ‘T-Base’ mini Leather bucket bag with raw edge strap. The dimensions of the mini bucket bag are 185mm x 190mm x 110mm. It will be the same construction as the bag in the photos - please contact for more info or view online Parking available on the drive with easy access via the M40. Banbury train station is a 30 min walk. Trains run from both London Marylebone and Birmingham to Banbury in 50mins. Also well connected to Reading, Oxford, Leamington Spa to name a few. Maximum class size is 5 What's included in the price? There are no additional costs. All leather, hardware and other materials will be included. There will be a selection of leather and hardware colours for you to choose from.There will be lunch served at midday and tea/ coffee breaks throughout. Cancellation policy Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts About Georgie at Hands of Tym During training at Cordwainers, London College of Fashion in 2010 I learnt how to design, make and manufacture bags professionally. Following a varied career in Accessories design and development across many roles and international brands I set up Hands of Tym in 2016. The courses I offer are suitable for all, from experienced to total novice. Come along to learn something new, and design and make your own leather bag in a day.

If you’re the sort who finds satisfaction in keeping a kitchen ticking like clockwork, this CPD Certified Kitchen Porter Training Course is your ideal next move. It’s built for those who understand the vital role of kitchen porters in the hospitality world – from maintaining hygiene standards to supporting the overall flow of busy back-of-house operations. Whether you're new to the industry or brushing up your knowledge, this course offers the tools to sharpen your awareness of food safety, cleanliness protocols, and teamwork etiquette. Delivered entirely online, the training is structured for flexible learning without cutting corners on quality. You’ll explore modules covering cleaning schedules, safe waste disposal, storage principles, and working efficiently in a high-pressure kitchen environment. With a professional yet friendly tone, this course brings clarity to your responsibilities while keeping things straightforward – no fluff, just the essentials you need to stay sharp and on point in any kitchen setting. Key Features CPD Accredited FREE PDF + Hardcopy certificate Fully online, interactive course Self-paced learning and laptop, tablet and smartphone-friendly 24/7 Learning Assistance Discounts on bulk purchases Course Curriculum of Kitchen Porter Training Lesson 01 :Introduction to Kitchen Porter Lesson 02 :Tools and Equipment Lesson 03 :Dishwashing and Kitchen Maintenance Lesson 04 :Cleaning and Sanitation Lesson 05 :Kitchen Safety Lesson 06: Inventory Management Lesson 07:Introduction to HACCP Lesson 08:Principles of HACCP Learning Outcomes: Understand the pivotal role of a Kitchen Porter in culinary establishments. Identify and proficiently use various kitchen tools and equipment. Execute effective dishwashing techniques and maintain kitchen hygiene. Implement stringent cleaning and sanitation procedures in compliance with industry standards. Prioritize safety measures within a fast-paced kitchen environment. Master Inventory Management and grasp the principles of HACCP for optimal kitchen operation. Accreditation This course is CPD Quality Standards (CPD QS) accredited, providing you with up-to-date skills and knowledge and helping you to become more competent and effective in your chosen field. CPD 10 CPD hours / points Accredited by CPD Quality Standards Who is this course for? Individuals aspiring to kickstart their career in the culinary industry. Current kitchen staff seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge. Culinary enthusiasts eager to learn the intricacies of kitchen operations. Job seekers looking to bolster their employability in the hospitality sector. Professionals aiming to transition into the culinary field. Restaurant owners and managers keen on training their kitchen staff effectively. Career path Kitchen Porter Dishwasher Cleaning Staff in a Commercial Kitchen Inventory Clerk in a Restaurant Kitchen Assistant in a Catering Company HACCP Compliance Officer in a Food Establishment Certificates Digital certificate Digital certificate - Included Once you've successfully completed your course, you will immediately be sent a FREE digital certificate. Hard copy certificate Hard copy certificate - Included Also, you can have your FREE printed certificate delivered by post (shipping cost £3.99 in the UK). For all international addresses outside of the United Kingdom, the delivery fee for a hardcopy certificate will be only £10. Our certifications have no expiry dates, although we do recommend that you renew them every 12 months.

Learn how to make some enamelled copper jewellery.

 Come along and join in the festive spirit. In this workshop you will be making a luxury Xmas wreath, start by making a large  round base from freshly harvested willow you can then build your wreath using a combination of different greenery, dried oranges, lime, grapefruit, apple, star anise, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, fir cones, juniper, holly, ivy and much more. Your wreath will smell and look fabulous. Festive snacks and a glass of mulled wine  included.

This one day course is your chance to make the classic Adirondack chair, the chair is made in spruce softwood, which will be supplied.  The course will introduce some basic woodworking skills on mainly power tools, saws, routers etc. At the end of the day you will have a sanded chair, which you will not finish at the workshop, we will advise on finishes you can apply, due to the varying types and colours available. The chair can be transported in two pieces, and will take 5 minutes to set up at home. This is a chance to have a great day out making your own chair and learning some skills along the way!!! What's included in the price? wood, tea and coffee included. Cancellation policy Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts