169 Recreational courses in London

Join Wildside London in the creative studio at West 16th for a Christmas Wreath workshop on Thursday 12th December at 7pm.  Kick off the festive season by learning to create a gorgeous wreath with an array of seasonal florals. Our workshops are fun, immersive and relaxed and we provide all the materials and instruction to enable you to design and build a fabulous wreath. The evening provides an opportunity to plan a creative Christmas get together that will put you right into the Christmas spirit. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served alongside the wreath making tutorial, or book a table in the restaurant for dinner before and make a night it it.

Join us for an afternoon in our studio to explore the joys of resin art seascapes.

Barista Skills teaches the essential practical skills needed behind the espresso bar, such as how to set your grinder, make espresso, foam and texture milk for cappuccinos, and create latte art, as well as an exploration of health and safety issues, customer service protocols, and basic business practices. The Barista Skills Foundation course allows learners to gain an introductory understanding of the coffee itself and foundational skills required to set a grinder, make espressos, foam and texture milk and latte art techniques per SCA quality standards while implementing health and safety practices and customer service. Practical learning objectives and activities prepare the learner to conduct key foundational tasks of a barista. A written exam tests theoretical knowledge based on Foundation course learning objectives.

This course is not suitable for total beginners. To attend this course, you must already have some experience with industrial machines and be able to operate and set up a walking foot independently, or have attended our MODULE 3 – INDUSTRIAL MACHINE TRAINING. Summary of topics covered in the class: – Principles of pattern making for bags – Analysis of the main bag constructions – Pattern making and development for three-dimensional shapes By the end of the tuition, you will have: – Learnt how to develop patterns for simple three-dimensional shapes featuring gussets – Applied the concept of seam, folding, and trimming allowances when drafting patterns – Created finished patterns of various constructions for you to keep – Worked with a variety of tools for pattern making All materials are included, there are no additional costs. Find all modules here: https://the-london-leather-workshop.cademy.co.uk/

This fashion design 2-DAY course for beginners and intermediates is a group class aimed to support aspiring designers or designers in need of guidance in the realisation of a viable and realistic collection of bags and/or accessories.This course enables you to understand essential skills required to become a fashion bag designer ans well as guiding you through the steps necessary for designing, developing, prototyping and manufacturing your collection.   WHY THIS IS NOT THE USUAL ‘ACCESSORY DESIGN’ COURSEThis course is designed by a team of designers, prototype makers and handbag manufacturers.It is both a theoretical and practical course which will teach you what the industry requires from designers in order to be able to understand and correctly translate their ideas into finished products.This course is focused on giving you an overview on the complexity and extensiveness of the process that designing a collection of handbags requires.The course will assist you in understanding the prerequisites before and during the design of your styles. This knowledge will enable you to circumvent a lengthy, costly, and occasionally frustrating process when it comes time to prototype and manufacture your collection.   WHY WE CREATED A FASHION DESIGN COURSEAfter years of experience in designing and developing collections for our customers, we realised that there was a substantial lack of clear information available about what designing a collection of handbags and fashion accessories truly requires and how it is achieved.We created this course with the aim of helping the new generation of designers, as well as designers which are still struggling, in developing their ideas and empower them to clearly and correctly communicate them to whoever is going to prototype their collection.We essentially have created this tuition based on the needs and problems of our customers, hoping to promote and facilitate creatives in the realisation of their projects.   WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?This course is designed for aspiring designers and professionals seeking expert advice from the industry. It caters to those in need of guidance to optimise their design process or understand the nuances of working as a fashion accessory designer.No previous experience is required.   WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT?The designing classes cover various topics, including: - Preliminary considerations before designingUnderstanding the concept and use of a moodboard - Overview of researching crucial aspects like target audience, market placement, pricing strategy, etc - Overview on leather and hardware and their impact on costImportance of construction and finishing optionsAnatomy of a handbag, including lining and reinforcements - Understanding how to structure a collection with a collection planPlanning a balanced collection of fashion accessories - Differences and purposes of illustrations vs technical drawingsSketching techniques, including drawing in perspective and technical drawings - Product development for a specific design - Understanding what technical information the prototype maker requires - Overview of the prototyping processOverview of manufacturing options and processes for your collection HOW WILL THE ABOVE BE TAUGHT:The class will take place in person at our London studio and the lesson will alternate between theoretical lessons and practical exercises.   INCLUDED IN THE COURSE:You will also receive access to a collection of handouts providing relevant information, useful resources and support in continuing your designing process independently.The handouts will contain: – A glossary containing essential key words related to the topic of the lesson – An illustrated glossary containing information about type of bags and bags’ features – An illustrated guide on common hardware used in bags and accessories – Documents about leather types, finishings, tanning processes – Information about perspective and guides to be used as reference to develop your drawings – A list of recommended suppliers for both leather and fittings (physically in London and online) – A glossary containing information about leather types and characteristics WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS? You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions.   ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS? IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO BRING?Materials to exercise with are included.Feel free to bring a notepad, if you would like to take some notes, we will provide the rest. HOW LONG IS THIS TUITION?:This tuition will require up to 14 hours to complete.We aim to provide customised and high-quality tuition services and by only allowing max 6 students at a time, we are able to focus on each person needs and interests. As every student has a different level of ability and previous experience, this course might lead some students to complete the core aspects of the lesson in a shorter time frame than others. Students who complete the course early will be welcome to stay and use the studio facilities to exercise on the topics of the lesson.

The Beginners Woodworking Workshop is a one day course where you will learn to make a bread board in just a few hours!

UNDERSTAND TO TO WORK WITH AND MANIPULATE LEATHER TO CONSTRUCT REFINED LEATHER GOODS This is the second module of a series designed to provide thorough, professional training in leatherworking and accessory making. Each module has been carefully designed to equip individuals with key skills for starting a career in this sector, broadening their industry knowledge, or embarking on their own journey with solid foundational skills. During this lesson, you will learn how to manipulate leather to create specific shapes, constructions, and finishing types. You will work with different kinds of leather, tools, and reinforcements to achieve specific volumes, shapes, and structures. You will gain an understanding of the technical aspects of finishing edges, such as folding, burnishing, inking, creasing, and more. This module covers some of the most challenging aspects of working with leather and provides you with a strong foundation for making informed choices in developing your projects. You will also receive valuable handouts, curated lists of leather and tool suppliers for ongoing reference, and create personalised samples for your own reference. Summary of topics covered in the class: – Leather manipulation techniques based on various leather types and tanning – Bags and accessory finishing choices based on construction types – Leather structure creation using a variety of tools, reinforcements, stabilisers, and stiffeners – Leather edging: inking, burnishing, folding, tucking, creasing By the end of the tuition, you will have: – Gained the ability to identify the best construction, manipulation, and edging techniques for a specific project – Learned to recognise which tools and techniques to use based on the specific leather type – Understood the pros and cons of each edging technique and been able to choose the most suitable one for your project – Created a catalogue of samples to take home – Developed confidence in utilising a wide range of specific tools for leatherworking – Acquired an understanding of working with diverse leather types and thicknesses, with the ability to source and select appropriate tools for the specific material you intend to use Included in the course: You will receive useful paper handouts containing: – A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), with descriptions and usage instructions – A list of recommended suppliers for leather and fittings, both in London and online – A glossary of leather types and characteristics Find all modules here: https://the-london-leather-workshop.cademy.co.uk/

This course is not suitable for total beginners. To attend this course, you must already have some experience with industrial machines and be able to operate and set up a walking foot independently, or have attended our MODULE 3 – INDUSTRIAL MACHINE TRAINING. Summary of topics covered in the class: – Pattern making, pattern development and pattern vocabulary – Leather preparation, pattern placement, and leather marking – Leather cutting, gluing, and reinforcing – Patterns development, assembling and making for different card holder constructions By the end of the tuition, you will have: – Developed your understanding of pattern drafting and pattern development – Understood the concept of seam, folding, and trimming allowances when drafting patterns – Created some finished patterns, constructed and completed up to 3 finished card holders (depending on your personal abilities the quantity might change) – Learned how to use your patterns to correctly cut your material, minimising waste and using the best parts of a hide/skin – Worked with a variety of tools for pattern making and leatherworking, as well as various types of leather – Developed essential leather craft skills such as preparation, marking, finishing, cutting, and more – Obtained a basic understanding of the differences and best uses of reinforcements, stiffeners and stabilisers Included in the course: You will receive useful paper handouts containing: – A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), with descriptions and usage instructions – A list of recommended suppliers for leather and fittings, both in London and online – A glossary containing pattern making terms and general guidelines for pattern drafting All materials are included, there are no additional costs. Find all modules here: https://the-london-leather-workshop.cademy.co.uk/

Learn all the essentials of how to make luxurious, fragrant soaps, for home, gifts to wow your friends and family, or as an aspiring entrepreneur.

LEATHER CRAFT AND LEATHER SEWING TECHNIQUES: WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? This is a theoretical and practical introductory group tuition during which you will be taught common, essential leather crafting and sewing techniques and understand how working with leather differs from working with vegan leather or fabric.You will be taught how to correctly use hand tools, how to sew leather by hand and understand the most common finishing and construction techniques used in bag and accessory making. You will learn about different types of leather and understand how to select the correct type of material(s) for your project. You will receive an overview of the technical aspects of working with leather and constructing bags and accessories such as inking, burninshing, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, skiving, debossing and more.You will learn how to saddle stitch, select the appropriate tools for this sewing technique, and produce your own samples of work to take home with you.You will receive relevant, useful and informative handouts as well as lists of leather and tool suppliers. At the end of the lesson, you will have the choice to create a simple hand-sewn leather item, such as a simple purse or card holder, to take home with you, or to practice more techniques.This is a professional course delivered by a prototype maker and manufacturer, with the aim of providing an overview and hands-on experience on more common leather working practices. At the end of the tuition you will have: – Gained an understanding of leather types, tanning methods, leather characteristics and the best uses for specific projects. – Gained confidence in using specific tools for preparing, marking, finishing, cutting leather and fastening fittings. – Understood and practiced leather craft techniques such as inking, beveling and burnishing techniques – Understood what it means to work with different leather types and thicknesses and have the ability to source and select the correct tools and materials for your projects. – Understood how to manipulate leather using tools, reinforcement, stabilisers and stiffeners in crucial areas of bags and accessories. – Gained confidence in sewing by hand and obtained the skills to realise some simple leather items independently. WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT?Below is a list of topics covered during the classes: LEATHER, VEGAN LEATHER AND HAND TOOLS: – Understanding leather: overviews on types of leather, tanning, finishings and best use– Vegan leathers: an overview on different types and features – Understanding how to choose the right materials for your project and the appropriate tools for those materials – Leather preparing, pattern placement and marking on leather – Cutting complex shapes using a variety of tools – Using leather punches – Understanding the use of skiving, beveling and creasing – Finishing leather edges: painting vs burnishing – Using various leather glues and tapes – Understand the use of reinforcements, fusings and stabilisers to back leather – Prototyping and manufacturing leather goods: mentions of different working methods, machines and tools HAND SEWING: – To understand the different options, characteristics, and proper application of the tools used in saddle stitching – To learn the basics of saddle stitching leather and understood the different the tools and materials used in the technique CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: – To create a small, simple hand stitched leather item to take home with you INCLUDED IN THE COURSE: You will be provided with useful digital and paper handouts which contain:– A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), including a description of what they are and how they are used– A list of recommended suppliers for both leather and fittings (physically in London and online)– A glossary containing essential key words related to the topic of the lesson– A glossary containing information about leather types and characteristics WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?This course is suitable for total beginners, beginners with some experience and intermediate.You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions.   ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS? IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO BRING?Materials are included.Feel free to bring a notepad, if you would like to take some notes, we will provide the rest. HOW LONG IS THIS TUITION?:This tuition will require up to 12 hours to complete. We aim to provide customised and high quality tuition services and by only allowing up to 6 students at a time, we are able to focus on each person needs and interests.As every student has a different level of ability and previous experience, this course might lead some students to complete the core aspects of the lesson in a shorter time frame than others.Students who complete the course early will be welcome to stay and use the studio facilities to exercise on the topics of the lesson.