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

This introduction is aimed at absolute beginners and people who have a limited knowledge of stained glass work. You will make your own stained glass panel - which you will be able to take home with you at the end of the course.

A Skinny Quilt is one with many uses. It can be laid across the bottom of a bed in fabric to coordinate with a room`s decor. It looks good as a table runner - especially in Christmas fabric - or simply as a wall hanging. It has the great advantage in taking less fabric than usual. They make a great gift and whether you are an experienced quilter or just a beginner it will open a door to new ideas.

Have you ever looked at structures in garden centre and thought I am sure I could make one of those if I only had the willow? Well now is your chance. On this informative and enjoyable one-day course you will be introduced to different sizes and varieties of willow - learn how it is grown and harvested and prepared for weaving. Using simple tools and some basic weaving techniques you can expect to make a wigwam - a fan shaped…

This is a hands-on course where you will learn how to build a living willow dome for your garden

Use watercolours to produce paintings in this delicate but expressive medium. A class for beginners and those with a little experience. Fun and enjoyment form an important aspect of the course.

This is a really exciting and creative form of Jewellery making using Silver Clay which can be shaped like clay - but when fired is transformed into stunning Fine silver Jewellery. Youll also learn how to wire and add Freshwater Pearls to your piece. You can expect to make 1 or 2 pendants or charms for a bracelet - and a pair of earrings - (or similar) at a total cost of

If you have mastered the basics of modular knitting - this course will lead you onto experiment with other methods and shapes. Borders - shaping and fasteners will all be covered.

A round top bowler bag was the traditionally shaped bag much used by ten pin bowling lovers in America. The bowling bag has a long zip across the top that finishes approximately four inches from the bottom enabling the ball easily lifted out. In more recent years it had become a popular shape with a large number of bag manufacturers.

Always fancied having a go at patchworking but not known where to start? This is the perfect opportunity to have a go under the expert eye of Christine Green. Perfect for beginners although some experience with a sewing machine would be helpful but not essential.

This improvers course will recap the basic stitches that underpin all crochet work - as well colour changing - increasing and decreasing - working in the round - creating a lacy border - and reading more complex crochet patterns. You will also have a go at textured stitches and colour work through fans - chevrons - bobbles - puffs - popcorns and waffles.

This course will provide you with an in depth insight in to the world of hat making. We will use traditional millinery techniques to create modern felt cloches that are suitable for both a trip into town or an elegant winter wedding. We will also cover many different trimming techniques including working with sinamay fabric and felting flowers with merino wool.

This is a course that will introduce you to sketching winter scenes. You will be shown how to draw and sketch with black ink pen and how to combine this with painting with a watercolour wash.

Dorset and singleton buttons are two ancient British thrift crafts. Originally - they were made on a disc cut from the horn of Dorset sheep - which was covered with needle-worked thread. Singleton buttons can be made from pretty fabrics and use up little scraps effectively. Cheap as chips to make and incredibly beautiful - once you start you can

Applying melted wax to silk is a lovely way to design patterns - be they pictorial or abstract - and great fun for those who don

An opportunity to design and create a beautiful piece of Blackwork using very simple stitches and only one colour of thread to produce a stunning tonal piece of embroidery.

Venturing into 3D in stone is not an impossible task - when you have a highly experienced tutor used to working with both absolute beginners and experienced artists.

Come and learn how to paint a winter landscape.

An opportunity to learn three different techniques and make at least three brooches.

Paper cutting is THE craft of the moment - seen everywhere on posters - book jackets and crockery. And now you can master the basics of this highly rewarding - low cost craft and amaze your friends.

Using a loom for bead weaving is like having an extra hand to hold on to your work! This course will cover how to create lovely woven bracelets and pendants using seed beads - but with the added texture of yarns. The key technique of how to finish a woven piece will also be covered - along with how to add decorative edging and clasps.

Learn the art of needle felting and make three dimensional characters from your favourite storybooks. Design the clothing and accessories that will enhance the miniature figures and give them the special features that make them recognisable. You can make the characters from your favourite book or invent your own.

Do you love the look and feel of Turquoise - Moonstone and Rose Quartz? Add the lustre of freshwater pearls and you have an amazing combination. You will learn lots of traditional jewellery making techniques with a contemporary twist so you can incorporate a range of semi-precious stones with freshwater pearls into pendants - necklaces - bracelets and earrings. You will design and create several beautiful pieces of jewellery. This is a fun and relaxing course with plenty of time…

Working with coloured fleece fibres that will be laid out over a template - you will learn felting techniques to create a beautiful seamless item - which you can decorate with pre-felts and other fibres. Also learn to make straps - flowers and felted beads to add as decoration to your work.

This is embroidery brought right up to date - combining traditional stitches with simple appliqu

A relaxing course creating a unique picture using silk ribbons and embroidery threads to create a beautiful poppy field. Using photos and ribbon embroidery samples for inspiration - as well as tutor demonstrations - it will be wonderful to see various scenes come to life. A course for beginners and the experienced embroiderer alike.

Enjoy the pleasure of painting spring flowers that sing with colour. Learn to mix fresh translucent colour - perfect the ability to create good washes - grasp the skills of wet-and-wet - painting subtle background colours and other interesting techniques - which will form part of the painting process. Your individual paintings can be carefully observed - drawn and painted or experimental and exciting. Demonstration and individual guidance will be given to all students. Suitable for all levels.

Have you been on a silk painting course at Denman before? Or do you have some knowledge of the technique used in this wonderful craft? Try this follow on course and extend your skills repertoire.

Come and be inspired by the flowers and colours of spring and enjoy making floral designs for your home. Lets shake of the winter blues and enjoy the emerging spring flowers.

Building upon the skills and techniques learnt during Watercolours for Beginners - students will extend their expertise by creating mood - atmosphere and depth in their paintings.

Come to Denman and be inspired by a weekend of workshops covering a whole range of topics such as singing - crochet - sewing and watercolours. This is the perfect opportunity to experience a selection of taster classes in the stunning environs of Denman - with its beautiful Georgian manor house and seventeen acres of grounds. You

On this course you will make some lovely pieces of silk paper - do a little free machine embroidery on them and turn them into stunning cards. Samples will be shown and techniques clearly demonstrated allowing everyone to make their own personalised creations. Suitable for complete beginners on a sewing machine.

Design and create a stunning embroidered sampler that incorporates lots of things that are special to you.

If you have attended Beading for Beginners and Beyond at Denman - or elsewhere - and would like to learn more techniques and stitches - attending this course will extend your knowledge.

Make your own unique desirable recycled creations. Give new life to an old favourite piece of clothing that would other wise be discarded. Reworking an old design can make it a new contemporary favourite. Shorten - lengthen - make bigger - smaller - embellish or completely redesign a garment or outfit. Let your imagination go and have fun while learning all the techniques to redesign your whole wardrobe.

Quilled designs inspired by spring flowers and colours will be the theme of this course. Designs will suitable for those with some knowledge of the craft. So come and roll - pinch - crimp and shape strips of paper into beautiful unique designs.

An enjoyable residential course where you will discover simple basket making techniques while you create unique willow creatures using different colours of willow.

This course covers traditional jewellery techniques such as saw piercing - soldering and polishing to enable you to produce beautiful finished pieces of jewellery.

This course aims to give students the opportunity to combine the traditional techniques of hand embroidery and beadwork and to encourage students to experiment with new techniques and develop individual ideas.

An enjoyable Day School where you will discover simple basket making techniques while you create unique willow creatures using different colours of willow.

A relaxing course creating beautiful Fuchsias! Fuchsias come in a great range of colours and sizes - from the small common red and purple flower to the beautiful cream and pale pink blooms that look just like a ballerina

During this course you will be guided in the process of making your own beautiful wedding bouquet using the little known fabric sinamay. The tutor for this course is a professional milliner. Sinamay is a beautiful hand woven natural fibre that lends itself perfectly to flower making and is ideal for making a wedding bouquet that will become a treasured keepsake.

This Workshop involves working from the unclothed/nude figure which often seems a daunting prospect for both advanced artists as well as beginners. Some experience in drawing would be an advantage and a receptivity to many of the ideas underpinning the teaching of this subject would be an advantage on this Course - since Figurative Art Making expects much certainty in the way it is represented. This is an exciting and interactive workshop using a superb professional Model - delivered with…

A real opportunity to learn the hows and whys of watercolour painting! We will tackle colour and textures. Plenty of demonstrations - personal care and attention.

This exciting course is designed to start an interest in making beautiful - personal cards. There is something very special about receiving a card created just for you and there are simple techniques to personalise and embellish cards that make them totally unique to the creator. There will be unusual embellishments to make with copper and foils to give a little touch of bling!

Create some cut outs to celebrate Easter. Bunnies - eggs and flowers make for perfect papercutting images. Do bring along your own inspirational pictures to get your creative juices going!

Come and enjoy silk painting and choose to make a picture or cushion cover - or even a scarf using luminous silk dyes. Its easier than you think!

Come and enjoy a new and stimulating approach to floral design. New ideas - techniques and skills will be explored in a friendly and fun environment.

An introduction to stained glass of all sorts of colours and textures. Make your own stained glass panel or mirror using traditional stained glass techniques.

Modular knitting is an addictive method of creating knitted fabric. The course will introduce knitters to the delights of knitting single and multiple freeform modules. All with no sewing up!

Learn some techniques from an English 17th century form of raised and padded embroidery. Bring your embroidery to life with a 21st century design using the cottage garden as your inspiration. All levels of experience are welcome.

A wardrobe classic - smart or casual - make a classic top in a natural fabric - personalized with your choice of contrast for the applique. The sleeveless or T shape top has a simple construction which you can personalize with your choice of applique at the neck - sleeve or bottom edge. The patterns and the main fabric will be provided by the tutor. Scraps of silk and cotton suitable for the applique will be available for your use…

During this two day course you will learn how to make a block, then a pattern, followed by making up the skirt on day two. A very useful course for students who would like to learn how to make a pattern to fit themselves in order to create their own designs which will fit correctly. All-comers welcome but please note you will need basic sewing knowledge, including the ability to use your own sewing machine, which you will need to…

Create the feel of the Carnival with Carmen, a colourful, fun cloth doll. Learn contemporary cloth doll making techniques to create this bright, bold, fun character and add frills and fruit to complete this exuberant character doll.

Spend an enjoyable weekend making a beautiful piece of art in the vibrant medium of stained glass using ‘Tiffany’ copper foiling.

Felt is the first fabric produced by humans and dates back to at least 700 BC. During this complete introduction to hand made felt we will explore both wet and dry techniques to produce flat felt, felt purses and scarves and 3D figures and embellishments using colourful Merino wool

Time for you to explore old and new techniques, broaden your experience, develop new ideas and have time to play! You will manipulate fabrics, threads and beads to produce contemporary lace fabrics. These will be embedded in silk fibres, stitched and moulded to create sumptuous vessels.

Taking the sea and shore as inspiration, stretch your creative imagination and develop ideas through experimental exploration into dynamic personal textile pieces.

Learn Richard's method of integrating fabric collage with both machine and hand stitching. After you have gained confidence by working through a 'learning pack' under guidance you will start your designs using same techinque but in your own way.

Have great fun constructing small freeform textured crochet patches and individual elements - these can then be sewn to a base fabric to start making your own unique wall hanging, or use them to decorate a small bag.

A weekend residential course in the heart of the East Anglian countryside.

Ferret will show you how to prepare a pattern from your own photographs, but you will be supplied a pattern to get you started right away. You will learn how a computer programme can help you produce a pattern, and how stitching holds your pieces together, quilts your quilt and adds detail all at the same time

Create a contemporary flower design in an afternoon with Angela Swallow. This afternoon is a step by step guide for beginners / intermediate arrangers and is held in a small and friendly environment.

You will cover a selection of basic leather working skills using traditional tools as well as working with Oak Bark tanned Bridle Butt hides from the tannery in Colyton. You will hand cut the straps for your belt, edge, bevel, dye and burnish it. As well as riveting, skiving and fitting.

This unique binding is for the display of text or images such as prints, photos or 2-D samples. Its basis is a concertina made with separate components that can be added, removed or substituted. The result is a stylish and very functional book.

Learn to manipulate wires to create links and chains in order to make simple pieces of jewellery. The skills and techniques that are taught do not need burners or chemicals, so you will be able to continue them at home. It is important to have reasonable dexterity and good eyesight, or glasses! All tools will be provided by the tutor, but do bring any tools, beads or even broken bead jewellery that you have.

Polymer clay is a material that can be shaped and cured in a domestic oven and is available in lots of delicious colours. This course provides a taster for creating your own bespoke jewellery, or elements that can be incorporated with your own personal mixed media projects.

Over this weekend you will explore the journey from mark making and printing through creating a design for a stitched panel in relief to dimensional stitching.

Learn three basic French Beading techniques and make roses, stephanotis and gypsophila. The course discusses different ways to use your flowers: assembling bouquets, corsages, table decorations and arrangements for your home. This is suitable for all levels, whether you are new to this style of beadwork or developing your skills.

Have you ever thought you might like to try hand spinning your own yarn? Or maybe you have tried it and would like to refresh your skills. This one day course can offer you something in either case! Working with spindles and with wheels, we will look at the basics of spinning, some fibre preparation, and how to tackle wool, silk and maybe some other fibres. We will supply all of these, enough spindles for all participants, and we will have a few wheels available for the class to use.

Start off the festive season with a treat for yourself and some friends, and make some lovely presents too! Start a new hobby or refresh your skills with wreaths, angels and other merry designs. All materials provided. Just bring yourself (and perhaps an apron).

This two day course will be an introduction to working with willow. Students will learn all the basic techniques required to make a traditional basket.

Total beginners and experienced bobbin lace makers are all welcome on this very friendly course. You will have the choice of making unique Christmas cards or decorations, or working on your own projects during this festive course.

Get ready for your Christmas celebrations. Prepare all your decorations, including a door wreath ready for the festivities. New ideas and inspiration for new and repeat learners, and an opportunity to cover a wide range of skills in a relaxed workshop environment.

With the Winter Solstice fast approaching and the nights drawing in, we’ll be looking at the theme of containing and holding light through the use of porcelain and its translucent qualities. We’ll be taking these insights and using them to hand build lanterns and tealight holders.

A weekend residential course on a wide range of patchwork techniques - with Liza Jones at Belstead Brook Hotel, Ipswich

This fun and friendly weekend workshop will give you the techniques required to complete a selection of decorative pieces with a festive theme, as well as giving ideas for gifts for friends and family.

Experience hand forging sterling silver using hammers to make a silver spoon – a special gift or a family heirloom.

This popular, practical course provides invaluable hints, tips and skills to interest and inspire all levels of jewellery maker. You will practice techniques such as soldering, forging, stone setting and polishing, going home with completed items of jewellery. The teaching style is flexible, allowing for individual progress regardless of ability. Participants should bring work clothes and an apron.

Mosaic is an absorbing (and addictive!) craft. Create your own mosaic panel working from a selection of glass, ceramic and china pieces. You will learn to design, to cut and shape the tesserae and how to finish and grout your piece. Bring your own design ideas or be guided by Erica. All levels of experience are welcome.

Using traditional stained glass materials, tools and techniques, we will produce a unique stained glass window, so whatever your skill level, this open course is a great chance to learn this art form, make new friends and find that creative spark.

This course is the ideal opportunity for students to develop new ideas and to try out traditional kiln painting techniques, or work on a larger project if combined with course E317 15-17 January 2014.

This course with Janet Cronin is designed for everyone regardless of whether they have done Japanese Embroidery before or not.

Wheels, wool and alpaca fibre are provided, so no previous experience or equipment is necessary. This is a relaxing and informal course led by two inspirational tutors, for beginners or spinners who want to become more accomplished and creative.

Explore four different bead-weaving techniques for beading around cabochons of all shapes and sizes and adding an embroidered embellishment.

Discover how to create a work of art in a weekend in the heart of the Suffolk countryside - a course tutored by Annette Morgan organised by Anglia Leisure Learning.

This course with Sarah Jarrett-Kerr is intended for all levels from the complete beginner to the more experienced.

There are so many exciting materials and new approaches to painting these days. This course will give artists an opportunity to experiment, meddle and create pieces of work using a variety of media in different ways.

Spend the weekend designing and constructing a beautiful handmade puppet with Kathy Kelly.

A glorious weekend of jewellery making - learn to knot, wind wire and wrap beads, finish necklaces, and make earrings - all with techniques that you can continue at home without the need for lots of tools or heat and chemicals.