123 Courses in Edinburgh

Tutor: Joseph Wilson During this 4-week course, we will use conventional black and white analogue materials in conjunction with non-conventional techniques to create images that stradle ordinary photographic representation and alternative vision. We will deviate from standard darkroom production through the practical exploration of a range of techniques such as Sabattier printing, bas relief printing, cameraless photography, and various methods for pushing and pulling film. These otherworldly techniques – many of which have been the basis for contemporary digital manipulation tools – offer abundant possibility for alternative photographic vision, where emphasis is placed on the transformative potential of darkroom work. This course would be the perfect follow up from our Intro to B&W or Colour Darkroom courses. All materials including photographic film and paper will be provided during this course. However, participants are encouraged to bring along some of their own black and white negatives. Camera know-how and prior darkroom experience are required for this course. Course Outline Week 1: Pushing and Pulling Film We will begin by considering non-conventional ways in which we can rate and process our films, and the various effects of doing so. Presentation and discussion on the uses of these techniques by artists. Shooting 5×4 film at various ISO ratings Using adjustments in time, temperature, dilution, and agitation to Push & Pull the film. Week 2: Possibilities in Print This week we will create prints from our negatives using alternative techniques. Review results in negatives and make contact prints. Sabattier effect printing Multiple exposure printing Bas Relief Printing Week 3: Cameraless Photography We will explore the possibilities of directly exposing through objects and ‘resists’ onto photographic paper. We will cover: Photograms Chemigrams Week 4: Lith Printing An introduction to Lith printing and the possibilities it affords us. A presentation on the history and uses of Lith printing Lith Printing from our negatives Combining non-conventional printing techniques with lith.   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout. Stills uses ILFORD PHOTO chemicals on this course that can potentially pose a risk to pregnant and breast feeding women and asthmatics. We take every care to ensure good working practices and adequate ventilation in our darkrooms. If you feel you may be adversely affected, please visit the Health and Safety section of Ilford’s website for further information. General Guidance Notes for Pregnant and Breast Feeding Women and Asthmatics: From a risk assessment standpoint, provided all necessary control measures (such as good working practices, adequate ventilation, and the use of appropriate PPE) are in place then pregnant and breastfeeding women should be able to continue to work safely with photochemical products.Inhalation is the main route by which fumes and gases enter the body, making good ventilation a high priority. Exposure to irritant chemicals that would not affect most people may provoke an asthma attack in a person who already has asthma. For example, low levels of the gas sulphur dioxide can be produced by some ILFORD PHOTO processes. Most individuals would be unaffected but asthmatics may suffer adverse affects. ILFORD PHOTO products include no known human carcinogens, and no substances to which phrase R46 (May cause heritable genetic damage) or R64 (May cause harm to breastfed babies) applies. Most ILFORD PHOTO developers use hydroquinone, and their classification therefore includes R40 (Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect) and R68 (Possible risk of irreversible effects). Some ILFORD PHOTO chemicals use boric acid or borates. These substances are classified as toxic for reproduction. As a result, the classification of some of the powder developers includes R60 (May impair fertility) and R61 (May cause harm to the unborn child).

Make your own mosaic mandela using slate with Mossy Mosaic hosted by The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh

Learn how to screen print your own luxury Christmas gift wrap on beginner workshop run by local artist and printmaker Lou Davis and hosted by The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh City Centre

Private soap making class run by The Scottish Soapworks at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh City Centre

Guided design and manufacture of a plant pot from birch plywood, using Fusion 360 and a CNC machine.

Learn to carve wood starting with this nice little project of a Dala horse. The basic shape has been formed using a bandsaw so you will add detail and learn about carving following the grain of the wood. You will learn safe wood carving techniques using the Mora 120 & 106 wood carving knives, or other Mora knives more suitable for children. Some of these safe carving techniques are the same as those used for carving a range of other treen such as spoons. This is a less strenuous carving project than making a spoon so is also ideal for beginners. We will also cover sharpening knives as this is key to safe carving. Other tools are also available to use and try out. What's included in the price? Tea, coffee and biscuits included. Two Dala horse blanks included, and others available to buy at discount prices. Training in a range of safe carving techniques used for this and other treen. Tools you will need to use during the day. Tools care and sharpening information. Tools available to buy. A PDF of knife grasps to remind you of safe carving techniques.

Get together with friends and family and learn the art of building a beautiful hand-tied bouquet of the best seasonal flowers. Mix a gorgeous selection of flowers, fillers and foliage using the 'spiralling' technique used by the pros to make your bouquet and gain lots of flower hacks, tips and tricks along the way. We finish by tying, wrapping and presenting and you'll leave with your floral creation to enjoy at home and the ability to do it all again.

My beginner's sewing course will teach you the basics, from operating a sewing machine to mastering essential stitches. You'll work on simple projects, gaining hands-on experience and confidence. With personalized 1-to-1 instruction, you'll quickly develop the skills to bring your creative ideas to life. Join me and start your sewing journey today!

Woodcarving courses

This course will introduce you to the beautiful world of colour analogue photography. Taking as a starting point the work of contemporary photographic artists working with colour, we will discuss and explore theory as well as developing core skills essential for the capture and printing of your own colour images. You will learn how to correctly expose colour negative film and learn more about the characteristics of different types of film and the effects that they can have on an image. Within Stills’ darkrooms you will learn how to process your colour film by hand and print high quality analogue C-Type prints. Day 1 Morning: Colour Theory, Inspiration and Refresher for SLR Camera Controls During the morning we will be looking at contemporary photographers and artists that have used colour to inform their practice in specific ways. We will look at the ways in which colour revolutionized the artworld and vernacular photography. We will also look at basic colour theory, exploring which colours compliment each other and why. We will also refresh basic camera controls, load cameras and head out to the streets to shoot a roll of film. Afternoon: Colour Film Processing During this session, you will learn how to hand process your colour film. We will discuss the loading of the tank and the preparation of the machine to ensure correct processing temperature. We will look at different film types, why you may want to use them and the range of effects that can be produced. Day 2 Morning: Introducing the Colour Darkroom and Contact Sheets You will be introduced to Stills colour darkooms and become familiarised with the range of equipment you will be using. You will be taught how to set up your darkroom for printing, how the colour print processor works and how to print a contact sheet for viewing your negatives. Afternoon: Printing In the afternoon you will be expected to make a series of final C-Type prints. You will be shown techniques to improve your printing skills and produce the images you desire. This last session will allow you time to print with some one-to-one attention. We will discuss some printing techniques to help you get the most from your negatives. We will also have time at the end of the day to look back on all the work produced over the course and discuss it in relation to theory we learnt at the beginning. By the end of the course you will have: Learned more about colour theory and have a knowledge of contemporary artists working with colour photography Learned to process your own colour film Experimented with a variety of specialised darkroom printing techniques Printed contact sheets and a collection of colour photographs Feel confident in a colour darkroom using specialist equipment   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.