2787 Recreational courses

The WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits (formerly known as the Foundation Certificate) is intended to establish the basic skills and product knowledge required in the service and retail of spirits; it is ideal for preparing a person for their first job in hospitality or retail.

An amazing art holiday with cultural visits, food tasting, drawing en plein air... and a complete course to discover the secrets of oil painting.

Create a set of three personalised, calligraphy Christmas baubles with local artist Panna Chauhan on this private class at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh City Centre.

Stone Carving made a return to the Phoenix last year when we welcomed Mark Stonestreet to come teach us the joys of creating free-standing abstract sculpture. It was an absolutely fantastic course! This year Mark is coming back for more and this time we’re giving the students more stone to create with and more time – 5 days to be precise! The dusty nature of stone means that we will be working under a marquee set within the studio’s beautiful meadow – what better way to spend your summer – especially when none of us can go abroad? Outside of a global pandemic, Mark spends half the year creating sculpture in the South Downs and the other half in Mamallapuram in India – a village of over 200 stone carving workshops. His life is in stone and I liked him the instant we met. He is everything you would expect a stone carver to be – sturdy, weathered (meant in the nicest possible way, I promise Mark!) with a warm, no-nonsense personality that immediately puts you at ease. Our students are in safe hands working with him and I cannot wait to see what they will achieve this year! 23/08/2021 - 27/08/2021 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Location: The Phoenix Studio This fun course includes: Informal, relaxed & attentive guidance for every student, provided by Mark Stonestreet Step-by-step demonstrations covering… How to work with the tools and stone safely, How to create an abstract design that will look good and have structural integrity, How to transfer your design to the stone and carve into it efficiently to create the basic shape, How to add detail and refine the carved form, How to finish and present the form (looking at finishes, treatment, and mounting). This course is for you if: You want to realise drawings and 2D designs into 3D or have an introduction to visualizing your ideas in 3D You want to explore your creativity but lack the confidence to do so on your own You want to learn how to work safely and competently in stone You want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a fun, creative environment Suitable for? Anyone, but please note that you will be using a chisel and mallet throughout the three days and this will take it’s toll on your arms and body. We generally limit the age to 16 years old+ though exceptions can be made where appropriate. Please contact James Orts and ask. What is included in the price? Five full days tuition (10 am-4.30 pm) Materials, including a piece of Portland stone (approximately 55cm x 25cm x 22cm), safety gear, and the tools you will need for when on the course You could consider making a simple printed course handout outlining the technique’s main principles and useful links/suppliers – Totally your choice though! Tea, coffee, biscuits/cakes Use of a beautiful, purpose-built art studio with all the equipment & materials you will need Beautiful countryside setting Pre-course prep It would be useful to gather, sketch out or think about what abstract shapes you are drawn to. Mark will be able to provide ideas as well and advise you on which of your ideas may work best so having some ideas to work from would be useful. You will be working outdoors so come prepared for the forecasted weather and all students must work in sturdy shoes. You will be sent an automated email on booking which prompts you towards documents that help you prepare for your time here. If this does not happen then please email James before the course.   Beyond The Course Having completed a Phoenix Studio course many of our students choose to explore the medium further. They may come on another weekend course, start coming to our Phoenix Art Club Sessions or our Creative Monday Sessions, or carry on independently at home. We are more than happy to help and advise you in taking those first creative steps! Need accommodation? If you are travelling from further afield and would like to stay in the area for your visit then have a look at our recommend B&Bs and hotels. Click here for the list.

A hands on, comprehensive wedding flower arranging workshops for beginners, DIY Brides or for those wishing to create beautiful wedding flowers for both the bridal ceremony and reception in fresh flowers, dried flowers or artificial flowers.

Learn the fundamentals of throwing on the wheel at this relaxing pottery class in London. Return to glaze your own pots and take home your ceramics. Plus Bring a friend for free.

1-2-1 Tuition ‘Learn something new and master your craft’Pattern cutting, making, design and business consultancy for Bags and Accessories Join us in the Hands of Tym Workshop, Oxfordshire (UK) for a day of learning and making. Learn directly from Leathersmith and London College of Fashion Lecturer, Georgie Tym. Who is 1-2-1 tuition for?1-2-1 tuition is ideal for those who want a tailor made session. An excellent choice if you’re looking to make a bag, pattern cutting, discuss your ideas or bag designs, or to engage in consultancy for your business. What to expect No matter your leather crafting dreams or goals, 1-2-1 tuition has you covered. Time: Sessions run from 10am - 4pm. There will be a light lunch served at midday and tea/ coffee breaks throughout. Location: Sessions can be run online or from the Workshop of Hands Of Tym in Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9DH. Parking: Parking is available on the drive with easy access via the M40. Transport: Banbury train station is a 30 min walk. Trains run from both London Marylebone and Birmingham to Banbury in 50 minutes. We’re also well connected to Reading, Oxford, and Leamington Spa. What's included in the price? Materials are an ADDITIONAL cost. This includes all the leather, hardware and other materials required. There will be a selection of leather and hardware colours for you to choose from on the day or you may bring your own to use. 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.

Make this beautiful sunhat from English rush. Rush is soft on your hands to work with and has a multitude of different shades of green, brown and yellow making your hat very individual. During the day you will learn how the rush is grown, harvested and processed. No experience necessary, refreshments provided please bring your own lunch.

Make this beautiful sunhat from English rush. Rush is soft on your hands to work with and has a multitude of different shades of green, brown and yellow making your hat very individual. During the day you will learn how the rush is grown, harvested and processed. No experience necessary, refreshments provided please bring your own lunch.

Make an amazing 5' tall living willow sculpture for your garden from freshly cut live willow. Your sculpture will continue to grow for years, simple maintence retains the size and shape whilst providing new deep red withies for you to cut and weave with each year. You will learn some basic weaving techniques and learn about how the willow is grown and processed. No experience necessary, bring a light weight pair of gardening gloves  Plant pot and compost supplied. Refreshments are included.