Fifteen of the most fabulous craft workshops in Wales - could this be the perfect creative Christmas gift? Treat yourself or a loved one to one of these memorable experiences and you'll have fun, make something and support Makers in Wales.
It's feeling festive at CraftCourses
To help you get into the Christmas mood and send you merrily on your way into the festive period, here are our top 15 creative experiences, which can be booked for yourself or given as a Christmas gift for a loved one, all located in wonderful Wales, where creativity is at the core and talent and imagination is in abundance. From soap making to throwing on the Potter's wheel, set your sights high and push your creative boundaries.
Enjoy a creative workshop making your very own and unique prints and cards.
"An amazing workshop. My daughter and I both designed and printed our own Christmas cards under the guidance of Diana. It was a lovely creative afternoon and we took home something we are really proud of."
Join the inspirational Yoka in learning the art of throwing on the Potter's wheel. You will happily make four to five pots during the half day. Two of the pots you make will be fired and glazed for free.
"I booked this course as a surprise for my sister and it did not disappoint!! Both myself and my sister were complete beginners but Yoka explained everything clearly and was so welcoming and friendly we soon got the hang of it. Would highly recommend this course- Its a great day out!"
Create a simple yet striking stick chair. Over this seven-day course, in a beautiful woodland workshop, you’ll be taken through the process of crafting a Welsh stick chair from log to finished piece. This is an intensive course, but is suitable to beginners with no prior knowledge of chair making.
"For more years than I care to remember, I have wanted to do a course like this, in an environment reminiscent of my childhood many years ago, using the basic tools of our forefathers."
Come along and enjoy a fun day making stained glass Christmas decorations for your tree and home, classes are for two people, perfect for a cosy Christmas get together.
"Fab day learning about how to make a stained glass window! Lots of laughs!"
Join Charlotte in this lovely workshop to make a pair of dungarees with lots of pockets. You will need to bring 2.5/3 metres of a pre washed medium weight fabric, cord or twill. You will take home your dungarees, pattern and instructions, so you can make more in all the colours.
"We chatted a LOT, laughed a LOT and I made the best pair of dungarees I'll ever own. The studio is like a crafters dream and although I am not particularly confident or competent with a sewing machine, Charlotte just patiently talked me through it and 4 hours later I left in all my pink stitched, denim glory."
A one or two day course aimed at total beginners or experienced metalworkers, children are welcome, above the age of six. The course covers an introduction to Mig Welding (Mig welding; a commonly used industrial process for assembling metal structures most people pick up the basics in a few minutes).
'Welding can be a simple process; one lady compared it to icing a cake. A perfect analogy.'
In a relaxed and friendly setting, enjoy 4 hours of fun, practical and informative learning making your own leather belt. You'll have the opportunity to personalise your belt with hand stamped detail, and you'll go home with a beautiful unique handmade item.
"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. The pace was gentle with time to undo misadventures. There was plenty of advice on hand throughout."
Join Liz for an introduction to the basics of screen printing on fabric using hand cut stencils. Each participant will design and cut stencils to produce a final print, or prints, that can stand as an artwork in itself or, at a later date, be incorporated into a wide variety of handmade craft projects.
"What a fabulous day. Booked for my sister's birthday and we both had such fun! I felt very out of my comfort zone at first but Liz was great and by the end of the day I felt very happy and proud of my achievement."
On this delightful course you will learn how to make soap using the traditional cold process method, which is fully hands on. You will learn how to make beautifully moisturising soaps using natural ingredients. You will also be using exotic butters and wonderfully nourishing oils, along with using natural botanicals and essential oils. There is no need for you to have had any experience in soap making, this course is designed so that by the end of the day you will be confident enough to make soap in your own home.
Wow what a workshop! Your chance to forge and haft your very own hand axe. There are few things more satisfying than thrusting a lump of steel in to the flames and letting the sparks fly under your hammer as you craft your very own hatchet. This is an excellent course for groups and does require team work to move the metal where you want it to go and by the end of the day, you have a fully working hand axe to take away with you.
This taster session is aimed at the absolute beginner who wants to experience woodturning for the first time, or, if they are already turning, to get help with a specific aspect of the craft and improve their skills. Les will take you through the art of wood turning going at your own pace and at the end of each session, every student will come away with a finished piece of work.
Wood turning
Lucy Copleston trained at the Royal College of Art and has made jewellery and taught the craft since 1975. Tuition is one-to-one so your learning is fast-tracked. Sessions are tailored to the requirements of each student and are flexible to accommodate your specific project. You are encouraged to be creative and original and develop your own design ideas but Lucy can also provide adaptable projects suitable for all levels so that you come away with a beautiful, original piece of jewellery.
Your wedding ring making journey starts with an informal meeting with Rose at the workshop before your workshop day to discuss what you would like to make. Together you and Rose will measure your finger sizes and work out how much gold/silver you will need based on what you choose to make. Gold/silver is on top of the workshop day price and varies a lot depending on the size shape and material you choose.
"My husband made my engagement ring and we then made our wedding rings together. This unique experience is a memory I will always treasure and am so grateful to Rose! I would always highly recommend."
A lovely way to spend a few hours designing and printing your own tea towel, pencil case or tote bag. Learn how to cut and print your own design onto lino/stamp and create unique and personal patterns on fabric. A beautiful Christmas gift for someone or as a treat just for you.
Lino printing tea towels
In this 1 day course you will learn the fascinating mark making technique of sgraffito. This involves applying black enamel over coloured bullseye glass and 'scratching out' a design to reveal the colours underneath.
"Brian is such a patient, inspirational teacher, with a wealth of experience and expertise. He has a gentle, fun way of imparting his knowledge and I have really enjoyed learning all the different skills involved"
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