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

Students will make a comprehensive set of samples by hand and machine - covering the following methods - cathedral window - strip patchwork - curved blocks - and the quilt as you go method of construction.

Flower painting in winter brightens the cold - dull days. Experience the joy of mixing subtle pale colours of winter foliage - seed heads and flowers - or the intense touches of bright rich red berries and deep green leaves of Christmas plants. Become inspired to create a small - detailed painting that you can keep or perhaps send as seasonal gift or card to someone special.

The best of both worlds - a mosaic and a leaded stained glass panel in one! Your panel will measure approximately 25 x 25cm. Mosaic or

Discover simple patchwork techniques used to make attractive and sturdy bags. On this course we will be making a sturdy bag suitable for carrying files - shopping - craft work etc. The finished size will be 18

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 in the art of bobbin lacemaking? This is the ideal course for you.

This is a course aimed at introducing you to the techniques achievable with coloured pencils. Using photographs supplied by the tutor you will be shown techniques such as colour mixing - layering - blending and sketching.

A further introduction to all sorts of glass colours and textures. Make your own panel or mirror using traditional stained glass techniques - but this time with more concentration on design.

An introduction to four techniques for making rag rugs

Do you want to create one of your own designs and translate it into a picture using the combined techniques of fabric collage and both machine and hand embroidery? Then this is your course! Some experience using a darning foot is necessary.

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 Monet

Debbies famous tea cup seat mats - as featured in her book Rag Rugs Old into New - are really fun to make. Once youve made one you will want to make one for each chair in your kitchen! Chalk up your favourite tea cup design onto a hessian backcloth - and using recycled woollies and a rug hook - come and create a homely and colourful circular mat for your home. You will learn both traditional rag rug making…

A course for everyone with an overlocker. Master the dreaded threading and understand tension. Learn how different feet can be used in functional and decorative techniques.

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 some traditional techniques to finish your piece professionally.

Discover the world of goldwork embroidery and be introduced to a variety of techniques - either through set designs or by developing your own ideas.

Winter is beginning to lose its hold and spring cant be far away - bringing new growth and hope. This is the theme for this course. You will be painting spring flowers and birds - some defying the snow - and a simple landscape. This course is designed for both beginners and those with some experience. By the end of the course you will have completed at least two flower and bird compositions and a seasonal landscape - and have…

Spoil yourself. Have fun making a gorgeous bag - just for you - with pockets and compartments to suit your lifestyle - and decoration to reflect your personality.

Strip patchwork is a quick and easy technique to master - with great results - perfect for the patchwork novice.

Leatherwork is a fun - practical and creative medium. You will learn basic skills - including how to use the tools and hardware associated with it - and make personalised items to take away with you.

A class for all abilities where you will learn a variety of figure making techniques. Poppy is a vibrant girl who loves posing in her costume of red - green and black - symbolic of the traditional red poppy. Poppies also come in other colours - the choice is yours. So why not come and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere at the end of which you will take home your beautiful creation?

Elizabethans enjoyed wearing clothing - lavishly embroidered with stitchery in gold and silk - scattered with gold spangles (sequins) and characterised by scrolling golden stems enclosing flowers - leaves and insects. Learn to embroider a three-dimensional peapod and a sparkling butterfly in raised work. Enclose these within a curving scroll in goldwork embellished with beads and then - for fun - add a caterpillar or an insect of your choice.

What is an embellishing machine - you may ask? It is a machine that pierces and pushes wools - fabrics and threads through a base fabric to create your scene - landscape or design without using any sewing thread. Wonderful pictures can be created as more materials are added until you achieve your desired results. This is a course for those who want to try something new in textiles.

Use free machine embroidering on felt - silk and ribbon to create a personal key ring. All techniques will be clearly demonstrated and plenty of help is on hand - but some previous sewing machine experience is required. It is a great present idea. Once you

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.