Laser cutting and engraving is a CNC technology that allows an amazing range of high-quality 2D and 3D designs and products to be made quickly and easily. Using Inkscape, a free and open-source software program, you will learn how to create designs for cutting and engraving in wood, leather, acrylic, cardboard, and even glass. Laser cutters are increasingly being used by all kinds of businesses and individuals and becoming ever more available. This short course will teach you the basic skills necessary to turn your ideas into reality. We will start by doing some small guided projects in plywood or cardboard. You will learn how to draw shapes, paths, and text objects in inkscape, and how to control the laser cutting process by assigning colors to the different elements of the design. Once you have mastered the basics we will do some more complex tasks like tracing a bitmap, grouping paths, and manipulating curves, and then you can start working on your own projects. There are no formal entry requirements but you should have some basic computer and mouse skills. You may also want to download and get to know Inkscape before you come, but it is not essential.
Learn to hand engrave from a master engraver
Calling all artists! We're proud to announce that we're opening up a brand-new artist retreat, and we want YOU to be there. Our Artist Retreat is a week-long retreat that gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the art of your choice, from beginner to advanced. We'll give you expert tuition in the arts and crafts of your choice, so you can spend your week focused on learning and exploring your creativity. At Gifted Crafts, we believe that everyone is an artist. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, we promise you'll find something new to learn at our retreat. You'll be immersed in an unforgettable week of activities and hands-on learning in the arts and crafts of your choice—from pewter casting to bookbinding, from enamelling to printing, from drawing to felting, from painting to yarn craft. We've even got some surprises up our sleeves for artists who love photography and sketching. And don't forget about foiling, engraving, batik…We think you get the idea.
This two-day course will introduce you to different methods and techniques used within the metal industry, and you will come away with a finished product at the end (Example: ornamental garden flower, weather vane or a wall mounted coat rack).
Learn CNC and make an edge-lit LED sign!
Looking for a crafty way to spend a couple of days? Or maybe you're searching for a DIY workshop to treat someone special? Check out this woodworking course in Birmingham.
Advance your craft with our Intermediate On-Demand Pewter Casting Course, designed for those ready to refine their skills while enhancing their wellbeing. Led by an experienced tutor, this course delves into more intricate techniques and detailed designs, guiding you through the process of creating beautiful, handcrafted pewter pieces. With step-by-step video tutorials, you'll learn to cast more complex shapes and add fine details to your work, whether you're crafting jewellery, decorative items, or custom creations. Beyond mastering the art of pewter casting, you'll find the process both meditative and fulfilling, making this course a perfect blend of creativity and relaxation.
Find out how to laser cut and engrave with Gifted Crafts Co. We’ve been lasering for 12 years now and have the experience to show for it. We use both kit style laser engravers and professional CO2 laser cutters throughout our workshop, so you can try lots of materials and techniques in both 2D and 3D. Our one-to-one sessions are designed to help you get started on your own projects, even if you don’t know anything about lasering. We’ll teach you the software, cover what materials work best for different techniques, and give you ideas for things to try out at home or in your studio.
Calling all artists! We're proud to announce that we're opening up a brand-new artist retreat, and we want YOU to be there. Our Artist Retreat is a week-long retreat that gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the art of your choice, from beginner to advanced. We'll give you expert tuition in the arts and crafts of your choice, so you can spend your week focused on learning and exploring your creativity. At Gifted Crafts, we believe that everyone is an artist. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, we promise you'll find something new to learn at our retreat. You'll be immersed in an unforgettable week of activities and hands-on learning in the arts and crafts of your choice—from pewter casting to bookbinding, from enamelling to printing, from drawing to felting, from painting to yarn craft. We've even got some surprises up our sleeves for artists who love photography and sketching. And don't forget about foiling, engraving, batik…We think you get the idea.