LeisureCourses.net – short courses & residential study breaks in great locations

*            Create your own pattern reference book *            Mark making, layering, collage and much more *            Explore pattern as a precursor to stitch *            Ideal for anyone who wants to develop their techniques Here is a weekend for anyone with a love of pattern and who enjoys creating their own using a range of pens, pencils and crayons, paper and paste to embellish basic shapes and to inspire stitch. During this course you will use a variety of coloured papers,…

Whether you are new to patchwork or have many years’ experience, here is an opportunity to expand your sewing skills and discover a wide range of techniques

Enjoy experimenting different ways of making marks and developing surfaces with mixed media.

Ruskin Lace is a form of lace which originated as a cottage industry in the Lake District and has its own distinctive style. It is worked on Linen fabric with linen thread, and uses a combination of drawn thread and cut linen work before geometric designs are created using needlepoint lace techniques. The course is suitable for both beginners, who can purchase a starter pack from the tutor (£10), or for those with more experience.

Choosing and discussing patterns together and individually; teaching and discussion of threads and techniques; looking at old and modern lace patterns; looking at lace, old and new; looking at photographs and photocopies of Thomas Lester lace and discussing how the designs and techniques can be translated for modern use; forming a personal progression programme for each student.  

Russian lace is a chain lace which has developed over many years. It gives the lacemaker the opportunity to play with colours and texture and even introduce beads into the lace. Taking part in the lace will help broaden participants conception of Russian lace and explore its potentials on an individual basis. The course will appeal to both the beginner and the experienced lacemaker alike.

For a change from the Beaded “Mini People”, we are going to create “FASIONISTAS” – beaded elegant ladies, with no apologies to any Divas (living or dead!). The process will be the same as the other beaded people, just slightly longer legs. There will be patterns for the dresses, petticoats, jackets, hats, shoes etc. (different from any of my earlier patterns). All abilities are welcome.  A knowledge of peyote, brick, herringbone, cubic right angle weave and netting stitches would be…

Come and share in a passion for patchwork and the enjoyment of creative sewing, learning new skills in both machine and hand sewing.  Enjoy a few days sewing for pleasure with like minded friends. The projects range from beginners to those already with skills. Just let me know by email what you would like to make. Bags, quilts, quillows, hangings etc. and I will provide the patterns and technical advice.

Come and share in a passion for patchwork and the enjoyment of creative sewing, learning new skills in both machine and hand sewing.  Enjoy a few days sewing for pleasure with like minded friends. The projects range from beginners to those already with skills. Just let me know by email what you would like to make. Bags, quilts, quillows, hangings etc. and I will provide the patterns and technical advice.  

If you love books here is a chance to give them new life by bringing at least 2 that are in need of some TLC. You will be learning some basic repair and restore techniques using modern materials but keeping as much of the original as is practical making it once again structurally sound. Cloth bindings will be easier to repair but leather bound books will take longer. You do not need any previous experience, just good hand skills. *There…

A weekend course with Sylvia Critcher to show you how to produce Trapunto, a 3-D quilting technique. Corded and stuffed quilting looks complicated, but it is very easy to do. This course is all hand work, and is suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced stitchers and quilters.

An intensive woodworking course suitable for confident beginners as well as those with a little (perhaps school day) experience.

Have you always wanted to make lace but are worried that it looks complicated? Are you a beginner wishing to continue to develop your skills? Are you already a lace maker but would like to continue with your work or start a new pattern? Help is at hand! This is the ideal course for you. Enjoy a few days developing your lacemaking skills and knowledge.  Beginners kit available to purchase from the tutor at a cost of £25.00.  

The students will be able to construct garments of their choice, to improve their clothes-making skills to a professional standard and to gain more confidence. The course will cover any adaptations and adjustments to commercial patterns if necessary. Emphasis will be on a good fit and professional finishes. (Your own machine will be required)

Have you always wanted to make lace but are worried that it looks complicated? Are you a beginner wishing to continue to develop your skills? Are you already a lace maker but would like to continue with your work or start a new pattern? Help is at hand! This is the ideal course for you. Enjoy a few days developing your lacemaking skills and knowledge.  Beginners kit available to purchase from the tutor at a cost of £25.00.

The students will be able to construct a wide range of garments of their choice, with style, good fit and professional finishes. The course will cover any adaptations or adjustments to commercial patterns and making toiles to ensure a perfect fit. The tutor will be available for advice on problems with unfinished garments. A visit to a local market is planned if students wish to buy fabrics under the tutor’s guidance. (Your own machine will be required)

Collage is a quick, versatile and easy way of creating and developing visual ideas. The work can stand for itself or become a springboard for a more sustained and ambitious piece of work. In this workshop you will be introduced to a variety of techniques and approaches before being let loose on your own individual projects. By the end of the week you will have made several stunning pieces to take home. Whether you regard yourself as an experienced artist…

This practical and enjoyable five day course will give you an opportunity to participate and learn from an expert ‘everything you ever wanted to know about furniture but were afraid to ask’. You will spend each day in the tutor’s own workshop in Wellington where specific problems will be overcome and techniques demonstrated. In addition, the important question, ‘Is it really worth repairing?’ will be addressed. The tutor will provide examples and demonstrations but please bring with you a small…

No woodworking skills are required to learn the intricate art of marquetry.  You will learn about veneers and how to cut and shape them to create simple motifs and will then progress to more complicated designs.   The course is designed for beginners and the fee includes materials.

Make a decorative book with a transfer dyed, pelmet vilene cover. The cover is embellished with additional pieces of printed pelmet vilene, hand colouring, sealed with acrylic wax and finished with hand or machine stitch. Pages will be made from wallpaper lining paper which will be coloured using Koh-I-Noor dye palette. Simple binding and fastening techniques will be explained and guidance given on how to fill the book.

Blackwork is a form of counted thread embroidery. It is worked on evenly woven fabric, using very simple straight and diagonal stitches to develop many spectacular patterns, often with a geometric theme. Despite the name, it is sometimes sewn in blue, green or red and highlighted in gold. This traditional hand embroidery is both attractive to look at and relaxing to sew. On this course you will be introduced to many beautiful stitches and patterns and you will discover just…

Have you always wanted to make lace but are worried that it looks complicated? Are you a beginner wishing to continue to develop your skills? Are you already a lace maker but would like to continue with your work or start a new pattern? Help is at hand! This is the ideal course for you. Enjoy a few days developing your lacemaking skills and knowledge.  Beginners kit available to purchase from the tutor at a cost of £25.00.

This course is aimed at intermediate level & above. Students can choose from three different flowers. A Rose:- for which you will need Peyote, brick & Square stitch skills. A Daffodil:- Brick, Herringbone & Square stitch skills needed. A Lily:- Peyote stitch skills needed. The Tutor will provide instruction sheets, demonstrations, and one to one tuition where needed.  Enjoy an array of flowers to grace your home, use as a button hole, or incorporate in a bridal bouquet.  

This course is suitable for those who already have a basic knowledge of parchment craft techniques, including tracing, embossing and simple perforating.   Participants will be able to choose from a selection of patterns for greetings cards, pictures or technique samplers. Although the emphasis will be on the use of grids to create both perforated and embossed lace designs, we will also be covering various colouring techniques.

Learn how to restore and repair antique furniture, reviving and caring for original patination and finishes. Cost of materials will be included in the course unless otherwise indicated.

This course is suitable for those who already have a basic knowledge of parchment craft techniques, including tracing, embossing and simple perforating.   Participants will be able to choose from a selection of patterns for greetings cards, pictures or technique samplers. Although the emphasis will be on the use of grids to create both perforated and embossed lace designs, we will also be covering various colouring techniques.

Enjoy a weekend learning the skills of a woodcarver and how to choose suitable wood for a project.

Learn and improve your calligraphy - decorative capitals and numbers, layout and composition. Depending on time and experience, you may select the projects you would like to make: Greeting cards; calendars; favourite quotes; pen marks to picture; combining illustration with text; pen-made borders; words from the heart. Play with masking/resist/scarffitto, graduated textures, metallic materials and collage. All levels are welcome.  This course may be continued with more depth and individual help by enrolling for the Sunday to Friday course code…

This course is suitable for those who already have a basic knowledge of parchment craft techniques, including tracing, embossing and simple perforating.   Participants will be able to choose from a selection of patterns for greetings cards, pictures or technique samplers. Although the emphasis will be on the use of grids to create both perforated and embossed lace designs, we will also be covering various colouring techniques.

Learn and improve your calligraphy - decorative capitals and numbers, layout and composition. Depending on time and experience, you may select the projects you would like to make: Greeting cards; calendars; favourite quotes; pen marks to picture; combining illustration with text; pen-made borders; words from the heart. Play with masking/resist/scarffitto, graduated textures, metallic materials and collage. All levels are welcome.  This course may be continued with more depth and individual help by enrolling for the Sunday to Friday course code…

Spend a wonderful day exploring the world of fairies and angels.  These little creatures are made from a combination of wire and beadweaving techniques, but no experience of wire is essential – its really very easy!  Watch them take on their own personalities whilst you work. They look great on the Christmas tree or hanging on a special persons parcel, the choice is yours. They are also really great for using up all your beady odds and ends! All materials…

Inspiration for this course comes from the beautiful costumes and books of Elizabeth I, where the emblem of the pansy and viola was widely used. Raised work techniques work extremely well for these lovely flowers, which come in a wealth of colour combinations. Try something new and learn how you can incorporate real flowers in your embroidery. This course is suitable for all abilities.

Have you ever wanted to master encasing a soft touch cabochon?  Then this is the course for you. The lily pad base is made using the netting technique, whilst the soft touch is encased with peyote stitch using size 11 Delica beads and crystals. These single elements can be made into bracelets, necklaces or a simple pair of earrings, the choice is yours!  All materials will be available to purchase from the tutor.

Be introduced to goldwork embroidery by making a delightful Christmas decoration. This course is ideal for beginners, but is open to all wishing to learn the basics behind this form of embroidery through a small set project. Students will work up a small section of each technique and will have learnt enough to complete the remaining part of the decoration at home. It is an excellent starting point and students could easily progress onto a longer course to increase their…

Goldwork is a stunning form of embroidery most often associated with ecclesiastical vestments. This course will introduce you to the main techniques involved. Students can either stitch pre-set designs such as dragonflies, ivy leaves, tile motifs or work on their own design ideas. All levels are welcome from total beginners to the more experienced. Everyone will work at their own pace and guidance will be given through explanations, demonstrations and individual tuition.

A two-day residential course on recycling textiles to create works of art in a quality hotel at Bristol. Your course starts with Friday dinner at 7 pm and runs through to Sunday afternoon tea, but you can check in from 3 pm and take advantage of the hotel’s facilities before you meet your fellow students. Fees include an en suite double room for single occupancy, tuition, use of course room, full board and refreshments, along with free wifi, and access…

Silk shading is also referred to as painting with the needle. It creates beautiful naturalistic effects, especially when depicting flowers and it gives the illusion of looking three dimensional. During the course the mysteries of this delightful form of stitchery will be explained and put into practice on a small floral design. The motif could later be enhanced with touches of goldwork embroidery. A choice of designs will be available or students could work upon their own projects.

This one day taster course is suitable for the complete beginner, or those who have some experience of woodcarving.  You will be introduced to tools and woods and learn some basic techniques with a simple relief design.  If you already enjoy this creative craft, come along and embark on your chosen project with hands-on tuition available when required.  The aim of the workshop is to impart practical carving skills in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. *Materials supplement of £5.00.

Tree houses have fascinated us for centuries and here is an opportunity to make one yourself albeit a pop-up model of one! We make a 180-degree pop-up on a base comprising over fifty separate pieces all interlocked into the one structure. All-comers welcome.

Have you always wanted to make lace but are worried that it looks complicated? Are you a beginner wishing to continue to develop your skills? Are you already a lace maker but would like to continue with your work or start a new pattern? Help is at hand! This is the ideal course for you. Enjoy a few days developing your lacemaking skills and knowledge.  Beginners kit available to purchase from the tutor at a cost of £25.00.

A weekend residential course on machine and hand embroidery in a three star hotel in Hertfordshire. Set in 55 rolling acres of countryside, Theobalds Park is just a few minutes from the M25 and 20 minutes by fast train from London Liverpool Street. Course fees single occupancy en suite bedroom with TV, free wifi and tea/coffee making facilities. Your course starts with supper on Friday evening and a brief introductory session, and runs through Saturday and Sunday to afternoon tea.…

Have you always wanted to make lace but are worried that it looks complicated? Are you a beginner wishing to continue to develop your skills? Are you already a lace maker but would like to continue with your work or start a new pattern? Help is at hand! This is the ideal course for you. Enjoy a few days developing your lacemaking skills and knowledge.  Beginners kit available to purchase from the tutor at a cost of £25.00.

During the weekend we will complete a 12 x 12 inch scrapbook (2 single page and 9 double page layouts). The layouts will be based on 6x4 inch photos, and these can be trimmed to required size on the day.  Although we are creating a whole scrapbook, the pages do not all have to be on the same theme. If you have any questions then please do email me. *Supplement of £30 will be payable to the tutor for the…

On this relaxing one day course, you will discover how to design and create a beautiful hard-backed book with your own piece of batik on the cover. *            create a unique piece of batik *            learn formal book binding *            use your batik as a cover for your book *            suitable for beginners and more experienced crafters You will begin by learning the art of Indonesian batik – hot wax resist painting on cloth – to create a piece of…

Silver clay is magical stuff. It is a mixture of tiny particles of pure silver mixed with a binder. *            work with silver clay and enamel *            create your own original jewellery *            embellish your work to make it unique to you *            ideal day course for all, whatever your skill level The clay binder enables you to mould the silver into the shapes and designs you want. Once the binder is burnt away – either by firing in a…

If the machine can do it, you can make it with a little know how Beginners and experienced welcome to make an article of your choice or simply experiment with a variety of sewing techniques.  Your machine can be an older basic type or a modern more advanced model. There will be a display of the Tutor’s projects to give you inspiration.  This includes bags, book covers, cards, coaster, jewellery, table runners, place mats and pictures.  

An introduction to paper marbling.

If the machine can do it, you can make it with a little know how Beginners and experienced welcome to make an article of your choice or simply experiment with a variety of sewing techniques.  Your machine can be an older basic type or a modern more advanced model. There will be a display of the Tutor’s projects to give you inspiration.  This includes bags, book covers, cards, coaster, jewellery, table runners, place mats and pictures.

Do you want to develop your skills with your sewing machine and learn how to ‘draw’ with the simple straight stitch?  Then this is your course!  You will start by stitching a design which Richard, your tutor, has prepared for you.  He will demonstrate every stage step-by-step.  This will give you the confidence and the understanding necessary to empower you to start and develop your own design for the rest of the course if time allows.  However, there is no…

This course offers the opportunity to learn the basics of upholstery, or develop those you already have and at the same time produce a useful piece of furniture in a fabric of your choice.  Beginning with the application of webbing and base hessian, then going through the stages of various filling materials, we finish off with calico and finally top cover fabric, which could be calico or embroidery. Teaching is by demonstration and explanation of the methods, which you can…

This course is an introduction to a variety of traditional silver jewellery making techniques, but is also suitable for those with some experience.  You will use the techniques to construct at least two wearable items, such as earrings, cufflinks, pendant and also a ring with a tube stone setting. The course will cover rolling texture, saw piercing, press forming, tube stone setting, various soldering techniques, shaping and polishing. *Materials Supplement of £25.00

For people who love textiles and want to expand into new areas.  Learn how  various fabrics and rag pulp can be recycled to make beautiful papers. The handmade papers will be filled with colourful threads, fibres, textures, and pieces of cloth; some  will be finished pieces of  artwork in their own right. Your papers will be suitable for further applications, hand/machine embroidery, book making, construction projects .This course is a must for people who thrive on the versatility of textiles.…

This course aims to bring together a group of like-minded students who enjoy crafting together.  They will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during their time together and produce a number of Christmas Crafts which are be kept or passed on to celebrate the season.

Parchment Craft Techniques

This course aims to bring together a group of like-minded students who enjoy crafting together.  They will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during their time together and produce a number of Christmas Crafts which are be kept or passed on to celebrate the season.

This course aims to bring together a group of like-minded students who enjoy crafting together.  They will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during their time together and produce a number of Christmas Crafts which are be kept or passed on to celebrate the season.

Blackwork Embroidery

Parchment Craft Techniques

Blackwork Embroidery

Improvers' linocut printmaking.

Joshua Wedgewood

Calligraphy for Christmas

Festive Beadwork

A weekend residential course making beautiful lace in the heart of the Midlands. Course feels include accommodation, teak and coffee making facilities, flat screen TV, all meals and refreshments, tuition, use of workroom and on-site facilities such as free wife. Hillscourt is close to the M5 and M42 motoways and near to Longbridge train station. Alison Winn’s bobbin lace making courses are ideal whether you are a beginner or experienced lace maker. Complete beginners can choose to make either a…

Are you terrified of drawing but have a secret longing to learn how to do it? Then this is the course for you. *         Secretly longing to draw? *         Not sure where to start? *         Discover how to truly SEE objects *         Monochrome and colour techniques Your tutor, Richard Box, will guide you through certain processes slowly, gently and step by step. If you follow his ‘recipes’, you will be amazed at what you will be able to draw. Because…

Please enquire for further details

Over this weekend you will discover how to create beaded bezels for cabochons, as well as bead-weaving and bead embroidery techniques to create a bracelet, brooch or pendant encrusted with a host of wonderful beads and crystals. Starting with an overview of bead embroidery, Sally will show you how to consider various aspects of design, and how to select colours and materials. You will then create a bezelled cabochon piece that you can use as a pendant, brooch or incorporate…

Here is a weekend course where you will have the opportunity to try out a wide range of different textile techniques, having fun with a variety of related products.

Japanese Embroidery

Bucks Lace

Japanese Embroidery

Halloween

An introduction to letterpress printing.

Simple quarter leather bookbinding.

Halloween

Lace 8

Discover the secrets of hand quilting in a weekend just north of London Here is your opportunity to develop your hand quilting expertise with one of the best tutors in the field.  On this weekend you will discover all the essential steps to produce beautiful hand quilting, including how to mark out a cushion-sized pattern using one of Barbara’s exclusive designs. Barbara will show you the correct way to baste layers together and begin stitching, and there will be lots…

Here is your opportunity to develop your hand quilting expertise with one of the best tutors in the field.  On this weekend you will discover all the essential steps to produce beautiful hand quilting, including how to mark out a cushion-sized pattern using one of Barbara’s exclusive designs. Barbara will show you the correct way to baste layers together and begin stitching, and there will be lots of information on what markers to use, various marking methods, battings, basting, and…

Please enquire for details

On this weekend course you will create your very own beautiful cockades. Made out of grosgrain or petersham ribbon or other narrow fabric, this nearly forgotten art form is a delightful way to produce distinctive adornments.

Polymer Clay Beads

Drawing inspiration from ideas surrounding the landscape (gardens, plants) or abstract interpretations (Sonia Delaunay’s Orphism art, Cubism) using found materials as a resource, you will explore direct approaches for creating colour and movement in cloth. A whole range of techniques will be covered such as transfer printing with plants and stencils, simple resists methods, stitch and layering. By exchanging ideas and collaborating with others on the course, you will develop your own creation in terms of new surfaces from found…

Please enquire for details

This is a practical course for all abilities of lacemakers from those who have a knowledge of only the basic stitches to those who wish to study advanced techniques in the British and European laces. Many of the continental laces are taught with the aid of a colour-coded diagram to help students continue their work at home. Time will be given to relating threads to patterns and finishing and mounting lace. A reduced fee is available for those wishing to…

Discover the sensational sewn craft of Soutache which integrates silken braid, cabouchons, beads and other decorations to create stunning wearable embellished pieces.

Purple Frost Necklace - Beads Day

Purple Frost Necklace - Beads Weekend

Bobbin Lace

If you have always wanted to draw and paint, but are not sure where to begin, or if you have started with pastels and want to go further, this is the course  for you. *            Apply the purity of pastels to your drawing *            Explore their richness and freshness *            Discover the best colour blending techniques *            Ideal for beginners and experienced alike Explore the charm and freshness of pastels, their purity of colour and their immediate response when applied…

Here is a weekend for anyone with a love of pattern and who enjoys creating their own using a range of pens, pencils and crayons, paper and paste to embellish basic shapes and to inspire stitch. During this course you will use a variety of coloured papers, to cut and tear simple shapes with added stitch marks with pens, pencils and crayons. We will incise, layer, combine patterns and add found objects to the surface of the work to develop…

Bobbin Lace Day

European Bobbin Lace

Bobbin Lace Day

European Bobbin Lace

Stumpwork: Beautiful Birds

Stumpwork: Beautiful Birds