2711 Recreational courses

Cheese and wine are known as a classic combination, but when you examine a well-stocked dairy counter and then the shelves at a good wine shop, the obvious question that comes to mind is this: just which cheese with which wine? Now's the chance to engage in a couple of hours of research on the topic, as we match a range of delicious cheeses with some classic wines from around the globe. We'll also talk about food and wine matching more generally, and you'll pick up some really good tips to take away and practice at home. On the evening we will try six different cheese and wine combinations, some of them classics - goat's cheese with Sauvignon Blanc, mature Cheddar with a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, Stilton and port - but some less well-known. Have you ever tried cheese with sparkling wine, for example? So don your foodie hat, wet your wine whiskers and come along for an evening of fun and fromage!

Join Lucy, The Wild Cooke, in February for a short introduction session into the beautiful world of wild foods. Even in the depth of winter we can forage edibles and I'll show you some of the best of the season in the shadows of Ben Nevis.

A perfect follow-on course for those who have already completed an introductory darkroom printing course, or who have a reasonable level of B&W darkroom printing experience. Please bring B&W negatives (35mm or medium format) that relate to each other in some way (subject matter, tonal range, environment etc.) as we will be making a number of prints that can be read as a series. Please note: This course only covers the printing of images and participants should therefore bring previously processed negatives and if you have one, a printed contact sheet along to the session. All other materials (including a range of papers) will be provided. Class sizes are currently limited to 4 participants to enable social distancing throughout the course. Morning Presentation and analysis of what makes a successful series of photographs, and how the final print can be crafted to accentuate the photographer’s artistic intent Reading the negative and pre-visualising the print Re-cap of darkroom skills – including overview of single filter printing, test strips and making a work print Learning how to split-filter print Afternoon Making a printing plan Using fibre based paper Plenty of practical darkroom time to work on your images and gain confidence in the new skills and processes Finishing your prints   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).

A chance to finish your quilt - get your quilt sandwich done and binding sorted.

Learn to sketch the clouds and the sky using watercolour and pencil with the Cloud Appreciation Society.

Painting & 'glazing' means to add colour & patterns to your pottery. Kicking off with a practical demonstration, we will take you on a step-by-step journey of the fundamental ceramic techniques of glazing (surprisingly there are a few). Each step requires practice but you'll be hands-on in no time learning each step of the journey as we go. We have pre-made pots to choose from, inlcuding cups, bowls and planters.  With your newly learned skills, you'll have what it takes to paint pottery and you can collect your finished works a few weeks later. We'll discuss when you can collect at the end of the workshop. All you need to do now is start thinking about your favourite colours and designs!

Join Artist, Yoga and Nia Teacher Ruth Wheeler and other inspiring Women outdoors for a series of Summer Wellness Workshops and talks.

A one on one tuition session to learn quilting and patchwork.

Needle Felting Teddy £30 3 hour session    Learn to make a cute felt teddy. Choose from a variety of colours Or why not have a go at making a witch or a Father Christmas Included and equipment provided    ​

Explore quick ways of creating simple images on this lino printing taster workshop with local artist Suzanne Kemplay at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh City Centre