So, you’re feeling inspired to learn a new craft? Maybe you watched Blown Away on Netflix and fancy trying your hand at glass blowing? Would love to try Calligraphy and design your own Christmas cards this year? Want to reduce your consumption of fast fashion and learn how to make your own clothes? Or maybe you saw someone on social media showing off their new hand-made soaps and fancy having a go yourself?
Whatever your reason for wanting to learn a new craft, you’re in the right place. It may be tempting to rush out, buy all the kit and do a quick search on the internet for some handy hints but we genuinely believe that starting off with a workshop in your chosen craft will give you a great foundation for a lifelong hobby and will get you off to a great start.
Here are six reasons why we think you should get started with a craft course:
1. You’ll receive expert guidance
Trying to learn a new craft by yourself can sometimes be tricky.
Living in the digital age, we’re incredibly lucky to have access to lots of resources via the internet and social media. Last year 70% of YouTube users watched a video to learn how to do something. And 300 million of us use Pinterest each month for inspiration on crafts such as baking, sewing, candle making and jewellery design.
But sometimes you might feel like you need an extra bit of help, especially when starting out learning a new craft.
Research completed by The Creative Industries shows that over 60% of makers have a first or second degree in craft, art or design.
So, if you attend a craft workshop you’ll be learning from an expert. Your tutor will have years of experience which you can tap into and you’ll be given plenty of tips, tricks and guidance.
2. You can ask questions
When you’re on a craft course, you can ask questions at any point during your workshop. If you get stuck, don’t understand a technique or want to learn more about the subject, your tutor will be happy to help and provide any extra support you need.
You can ask your tutor to go back over a technique or process, so you fully understand what you’re being taught. Similarly, you might want your tutor to cast their expert eye over your work to make sure it’s ok.
3. You can learn at your own pace
We all learn in different ways and at different paces. If you’re attending a workshop, your tutor will be able to tailor the course to suit you and the other attendees. If you need some one-to-one guidance; no problem. If you need to go back over a technique again; that’s fine.
You won’t be left feeling overwhelmed and rushed. Our tutors want you to enjoy your workshop and get maximum benefit from it.
4. Make Time for Yourself
Investing time and money on yourself is so important and the ultimate in self-care. Leave the kids at home, forget about work and ignore the housework! Spending a few hours getting your craft on will leave you feeling relaxed and with a great big smile on your face – we promise!
There are big health benefits from crafting too – read this blog post to find out more.
5. Escape Technology
It can sometimes feel like we’re constantly on call. With a regularly beeping mobile phone alerting us to new emails, social media updates and messages that need to be responded to, it can all be a little overwhelming at times and leave us feeling frazzled.
Booking onto a craft workshop gives you the perfect excuse to escape technology and spend a few hours engaged in learning a new skill.
Using your hands to make something, rather than being on a mobile phone or other electronic device, can be very therapeutic. This article from Psychology Today says that:
“Research has shown that hand activity from knitting to woodworking to growing vegetables or chopping them are useful for decreasing stress, relieving anxiety, and modifying depression.”
6. You’ll have fun!
Our tutors love running workshops so put a lot of effort into making sure you enjoy yourself.
Spending a few hours away from ‘everyday’ life and doing something for yourself is always going to be fun. You’ll be spending time with like-minded people, making new friends, learning new skills and making something you feel proud of.
You might feel inspired to follow up your workshop with a more advanced course. You might feel inspired to start a new hobby or even begin a new career.
Whatever you get from doing one of our workshops, we’re sure you’ll have lots of fun in the process.
Need more convincing? Just check out some of our recent workshop reviews:
“I received a voucher for this course for my 20th birthday because I have a fascination for pottery but no experience at all. It's one of the best presents I've ever had; the day was so wonderful, and on top of learning so much about the skills and techniques in throwing a pot, I got to take home 4 bowls and 3 jugs with me which can actually be used! Matthew is really lovely and a great teacher. I definitely recommend this course and really want to go back myself!”
Potters wheel throwing for beginners
“I was bought a voucher for my 50th birthday to do a craft course and I didn’t know what to do, as I don’t think I am that creative. I chose Coralie’s mosaics due to the location of the course and based on previous good comments. I was not disappointed. I attended a full day initially and have continued to attend evening sessions too and I am now thinking about my second piece... I would thoroughly recommend Coralie as a teacher and mosaic as a hobby it’s very therapeutic and rewarding.”
Coralie Turpin mosaic making, 1 day course, Sheffield
Read more student reviews here >
And find a workshop near you now! Or buy a gift voucher for a loved one...with thousands of creative experiences to choose from it is the ideal gift.
