CraftCourses on News & Christmas-dos

 

Unlike traditional presents, experience-based gifts can offer moments that last a lifetime; fostering a special sense of community and adventure that comes from creating with others and learning a new skill. As our experiences are delivered by the largest community of art and crafts people in the UK, over 6,500 and new makers joining us every day, your gift supports local independent artists and craftspeople. 

Our CraftCourses’ Christmas-do on Friday really brought home the feeling of finding fulfilment and reward through craft and community, as we hosted our own workshop, and got stuck in creating papier-mâché lanterns, foxes and mushroom families in preparation for appearing live on GB News tomorrow - Christmas Day 2024. 

Many of the craft and art skills you’ll find on CraftCourses.com are quite rare, like glass blowing or axe-smithing; skills that have been handed down with care through generations. In an age where everything is rapidly shifting, it feels particularly grounding to immerse yourself in a creative studio or workshop, learn alongside experts & create something real.

Whether you’re looking to carve out a new career, or simply seeking to make for making sake, attending a workshop is rewarding, and fulfilling – truly a gift that keeps on giving.

So, along with the company of Ruba the resident dog, a roaring fire, & delicious food, we made a wonderful mess of the dining table. As our hands worked, we talked, laughed and reflected on what has been a relatively tough few months for us all.

We spent several hours realising our papier-mâché dreams, ones that we didn’t even know we had... and  left feeling lighter...and with unfinished craft projects due to the chatting...but that’s OK.

It's not surprising that connection & art eased a little of the heaviness of the last few months; I'm sure the same has been true throughout history. Creativity is fundamental to humanity... when homo sapiens first picked up tools, the beginnings of our civilisation formed, ultimately making us who we are today. Making stuff with our hands, heads and hearts is truly in our DNA. 

We can't control what the world decides to throw at us, but there is peace, joy & deep satisfaction to be found in making things, together. Community is special, it is essential, and it is the lynch pin of CraftCourses. 

CraftCourses is a clean and ethical B-Corp, with a mission to help craftspeople and makers thrive and earn a living. Up and down the country, you’ll find thousands of craftspeople and artists dedicated to all sorts of trades: the traditional, the innovative, the weird and wonderful. It’s these dedicated makers, and the unique experiences they offer, that have driven CraftCourses’ passion to get people making.

Since 2011, we have become the UK's largest art and craft experiences booking platform, and have connected hundreds of thousands of independent craftspeople, makers and artists with those looking to learn creative and practical skills. Our service is one that not only provides local businesses with more recognition and support for the brilliant work that they do, allows for fundamental creative and practical skills to be passed on. A UK-wide community of creators and enthusiasts, practicing craftsmanship and then passing it on.

Craft workshops are growing in popularity as people seek hands-on, creative experiences that foster connection and joy - two things we're all looking for in essence, perhaps now more than ever. After all, we have seen CraftCourses bookings increase by 28% since 2021.

Whether it’s a pottery class, a rocking horse carving masterclass, or a sourdough course, these longings and passions offer far more than just a chance to learn something new – they create shared moments of laughter, creativity, and community.

So, back to Christmas, and the glorious chaos of it all. This year, why not consider gifting your loved ones a creative experience. One that’ll allow them to try something new and spend a day, or even just a few hours, losing themselves in creativity.

Enjoying the incredible satisfaction of knowing ‘I made that’.

For the last minute shoppers among us, cutting it fine like the thrill-seekers you are, there is always the option of ordering an instant digital gift voucher. Give your friend or family member a choice of several thousand creative experiences: from the traditional blacksmithing experience, to a few hours on the potters wheel, all whilst avoiding the crowds & commerciality of our winter high street dash.

For some tips and tricks on creating beautiful artwork out of scraps and leftover wrapping paper, tune in tomorrow (Christmas day) at 13:45 GMT, where I will be there with our papier-mâché creations that we actually managed to finish back at work on the Monday after our Christmas-do!

"Nadolig Llawen" or Happy Christmas from the CraftCourses team here in North Pembrokeshire (Gôg Benfro) Wales, UK.

Wishing you all the warmest, most joyful festive break.



UPDATE. Here’s a snapshot of me ‘on the box’ on the Big Day. My kids were excited about it, and I was informed that I 'didn't even do anything embarrassing or anything’... Phew.