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July 2016
The complete Andrea Palladio: architecture, life and legacy
How did a humble miller's son in 16th-century Italy become the most influential architect in the world? If you are interested in architecture then this introduction to Andrea Palladio's life and work is for you. We will examine the buildings Palladio produced in his lifetime, and you will discover how his architecture gained a global audience. No previous knowledge of architecture is required.
Find out more »Eminent Edwardians
This course will consider the lives and achievements of some of the principal figures of Edward VII's reign - including the King himself. As the title suggests, a Lytton Strachey-type biographical approach to the understanding of the period will be our starting point, but the course will go beyond this to discuss groups such as the plutocrats, the 'souls' and the newly-emergent leaders of Labour.
Find out more »Relax with Circle Dance and Pilates
This course provides participants with an understanding of the fundamentals of Matwork Pilates, focusing on individual postural alignment, lengthening through the spine and pelvis whilst challenging you in a safe caring environment. We dance a mix of traditional and modern Circle Dances that embrace the many different moods, energies and rhythms that are experienced through this diverse medium. Dancing and Pilates will develop throughout the weekend and finish with a stimulating, inspiring taster of Pilates and a celebration of Dance
Find out more »Ukulele Summer School: Pick up a Uke and Play
Aimed at total beginners, this fun and light-hearted course will have you playing the ukulele (uke!) in no time at all. Starting with the absolute basics, you will learn how to play through a variety of different sessions, some led by the tutor, others in small break-out groups. By the end of the course you will be able to play a variety of chords and songs as part of our own mini orchestra! Please note that participants must bring their own ukulele…
Find out more »Shimmering Silk Painting Secrets
Silk has a magical, shimmering quality, which together with the richness and vibrancy of colour can be transformed into something really special and unique. You do not have to be an accomplished artist to produce something quite spectacular. This course will introduce you to the absorbing process of painting on silk, and is suitable for complete beginners. With just basic techniques you will create a beautiful silk scarf, which you can wear to the admiration of all your friends and…
Find out more »German Language – Intermediate
Do you have a fair knowledge of German and want to practice and improve your language skills? Then come and join me for a weekend of fun! In a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere we will undertake a variety of activities working individually, in pairs, groups or all together. We will use texts, images and videos to provide conversation material about the country, its people, its rich culture and current affairs.
Find out more »Frome Festival
Welcome to the 15th Frome Festival. Once again we are delighted to present a programme packed with events to appeal across all age ranges and a multitude of tastes. The Frome Festival is a community festival in the true meaning of the term.
Find out more »Beekeeping Experience Day
This course is for people who would like to know about keeping honey bees and to decide if beekeeping would be a suitable intention. Beekeepers within their first two years of keeping honey bees may also find this day beneficial. This may be an opportunity to broaden your beekeeping skills as many aspects of beekeeping will be covered.
Find out more »Getting started with genetics
This one-day course will introduce participants to the fascinating world of genetics; from the basics of how genes code for proteins to the role that modern sequencing methods can play in personalised medicine. This course is a good taster session for those interested in taking the Certificate in Genetics.
Find out more »The building stones of Cambridge
In the first part of this course you will learn how rocks are formed and how the different processes involved produce rocks with widely different appearances and properties. This variety makes different rocks suitable for different aspects of building construction. During the second part we will we a walk around Cambridge city centre looking at all the different uses of stone.
Find out more »Margery Allingham: exploring ‘Margeland’
A look at the career of this classic mystery writer, whose novels have been re-issued recently. In this course we will examine together her early adventure thrillers, her serious - but often comic - detective novels and her later studies of crime such as The Tiger in the Smokeand Hide My Eyes. Learn the secrets of this 'entertainer with a deep concern for morality'.
Find out more »Traditional Wooden Boat Building
Get insight into and practical experience of the construction and repair of traditional clinker and carvel craft. Learn tool sharpening, scarfing, fitting planks, riveting and steaming. The theory of set-up and lining-off planks is also covered. If time permits, you will fit rubbing strips and knees.
Find out more »The Georgians
The Hanoverian succession of the British monarchy heralded a period of great political, economic, social and cultural change. Over the reign of five monarchs, and despite ultimately losing the American colonies, Britain expanded and consolidated its global reach through economic and military power. In addition, the Georgian period established an enduring sensibility in architecture, music, the visual arts which has not left us. The weekend will explore a myriad of themes that will paint a vivid picture of this most…
Find out more »Mosaics Summer School Part 1
This course enables anyone interested in Mosaic Decoration a chance to explore and learn many aspects of this craft. My love of colour, texture and the art form, gives me a chance to help students to find their own natural creativity. *A supplement of £38 for materials, according to usage is payable to the Tutor.
Find out more »The Making of England: Alfred the Great & The House of Wessex
From the reign of King Egbert in the early ninth century, Wessex slowly emerged as the dominant kingdom in Anglo-Saxon England. Egbert’s direct descendant, Alfred the Great, saved Wessex from Viking attack and invasion and through far-sighted reforms provided his descendants with a foundation from which England would be unified. With reference to sources of the period, we will look at the achievements of the House of Wessex and the society and culture of Anglo-Saxon England which emerged. The course…
Find out more »Mozart In Vienna – Trouble & Triumph
Mozart arrived in Vienna having walked out of Salzburg and with the disapproval of his father, which turned out to be a risk both professionally and personally. Yet during the years 1781-1791 he composed some of his most innovative and inspired music. His three da Ponte operas as well as the Magic Flute appeared, as did his last five symphonies, his six quartets dedicated to Haydn and his last string quintets. Most of his piano concerti date from the Viennese…
Find out more »The Language of Drawing
From the caves at Lascaux to the plans for the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, so much human endeavour begins with drawing. As children, when we pick up a crayon and draw, we discover a liberating and potent way to describe the world around us. Drawing is our first language with which we communicate our fantasies, our loves and fears, but over the years, something happens to persuade most of us that it is no longer of any value and…
Find out more »Migration – Where did West Country People Go? The Untold Story
A chance to look at the untold story of migration from the West Country all over the world. Early Migration in the 1600s to the New World, the rush for land in America during the 1800s, new life in Australia and New Zealand and not forgetting movement to other parts of the United Kingdom. Ideal for people with a general interest in local history and history in general, putting migration from the West Country up there with the exodus of…
Find out more »Let’s Paint with Drama Like Van Gogh in Mixed Media
A great day to create a mixed media painting inspired by Van Gogh’s colour and light. Come and be creative and original. You could collage using coloured, textured and printed papers, use ink, pastel, acrylic, watercolour or gouache etc. The composition, colour choices and tonal balance of your painting are of great importance and you will be guided on this by the tutor.
Find out more »Othello & Otello
An opportunity to explore in detail Othello (Otello), one of the most famous of all dramas. We will discuss both Shakespeare’s play and Verdi’s opera, with illustrations on DVD with large screen. Bartley Lodge is a splendid Grade II listed country house hotel set in the heart of the New Forest, in eight acres of grounds. The facilities are well appointed and versatile, including 40 en-suite bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool. The Grand Baronial Hall will be the location for our meetings. Terry Barfoot…
Find out more »An Historical Perspective on Elementary Mathematics
This course will look at some historical developments in Number, Algebra and Geometry, especially topics encountered in school. This will involve exploring some other number systems, explaining the purpose and use of algebra and discovering some important results in geometry. There will be opportunities, but no compulsion, to ‘play’ with the ideas and try some mathematical investigating. All-comers welcome and No tests!
Find out more »The Life and Times of Handel
There is a lot more to Handel than his justly celebrated oratorio Messiah or The Water Music. This short course will examine his life, time and achievement. Lavishly illustrated with images, music and anecdotes, we will explore the whole range of his output and demonstrate his complete mastery and genius. Importantly, we will see that life as a jobbing composer was not as secure or assured as we might assume from his present-day reputation. The business of music-making in Georgian…
Find out more »Mosaics Summer School Part 2
This course enables anyone interested in Mosaic Decoration a chance to explore and learn many aspects of this craft. My love of colour, texture and the art form, gives me a chance to help students to find their own natural creativity. *A supplement of £38 for materials, according to usage is payable to the Tutor.
Find out more »Let’s Paint Italy (Including Venice) in Watercolour
We’re painting Italy but there’s no need to leave the country! Using photographs the tutor will lead you through two main projects which include some simple perspective and colour mixing. The tutor will demonstrate how to paint using the layering method and also wet into wet. Ways of improving picture composition will be shown. If you have your own Italian photographs that you would like to paint from then please do bring them. One day will end with a Knuston…
Find out more »At the Edge of History
History is said to have begun with Herodotus, who along with Homer and Hesiod gave the Classical world its past. But archaeology has revealed earlier civilisations, among them the first historians: the Hittites. This day investigates the legacy of this Late Bronze Age people, their culture and their writings. Annals, letters, treaties and prayers will be looked at along with the people who wrote them.
Find out more »A Beginners Guide to Model Railways
Do you visit model railway shows and wonder how people who build those wonderful models do it? Phil Parker has been writing and exhibiting model railways for over two decades and will take you on a whistle-stop tour of the process of building a layout. Along the way you'll get hands on with some of the important techniques you'll need for your model. All-comers welcome.
Find out more »Art of the Healing Voice
Explore the voice's ability to heal and express your innermost being through toning, chant and singing.
Find out more »Fertility: A Holistic Approach
A weekend of talks, workshops, acupressure, meditation and practical advice to illuminate the holistic approach to fertility
Find out more »Extinctions: crises in the history of life
A wide-ranging introduction to extinction and its place in the history of life. Did a meteorite really kill off the dinosaurs? Whatever happened to groups such as trilobites, ammonites and mammoths? Is survival simply a matter of chance? This course gives an up-to-date review of extinction controversies, with a field trip to collect fossils of extinct species. No previous geological knowledge is required.
Find out more »20th and 21st-century literature: looking forward, looking back
Sometimes our ways of understanding the past, history, and our pressing decisions lead to contradictory interpretations and dangerous results. Byatt's Gothic Possession (1990) explores the parallel and intertwined lives of poets and researchers a century apart, revealing obsessions, hidden secrets and much about the sources of literature in personal lives. Margaret Atwood's most recent, lively and disruptive collection of short stories, Stone Mattress (2014), revisits and reimagines different histories, while The Children Act (2015) by Ian McEwan conducts a tale…
Find out more »The Renaissance garden in Britain: nature produces better fruit if cultivated
Italian Renaissance design and intricacies arrived in Britain via France and the Low Countries, manifesting a revolutionary attitude to the 'taming' of nature. We compare Tudor England with Stuart Scotland. We explore gardens as settings for collections of antique sculpture, courtly dalliance, philosophical discussion, meditation, theatre, allegorical and moral instruction, horticultural encyclopaedias and centres for botanical and medical research.
Find out more »Intermediate French: La France et ses terroirs
This course has been designed to give people with a fair comprehension of the language (even though they might lack fluency and confidence at speaking it) an insight into French culture and way of life. In the process they will not only learn more about France and its traditions, but will see their confidence and communication skills improve. The linguistic level required is Intermediate; that is a level within A2-B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Find out more »Learn to read ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs
The ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script is beautiful and intriguing. This course will help you begin to learn how to read hieroglyphs, or give you the opportunity to practice or widen your skills. You will learn about the language behind the script and will very quickly begin to read real objects from museums and ancient sites. The course is in workshop format with students working through material chosen to suit their level of experience. The tutor is on hand to give…
Find out more »Introduction to Classical Greek
This course is intended for complete beginners who wish to gain some understanding of Classical Greek language and culture. It will introduce the Greek alphabet and pronunciation, and explore the influence of the Greeks on our language and all aspects of European culture: literature, art, philosophy, politics, sport and science.
Find out more »Basic Chinese taster
This course will be taught in the context of contemporary and ancient Chinese culture. Led by the course tutor, you will focus on written and spoken Chinese, with lots of participation, a combination of traditional culture and digital media, and some creative contributions. Flexible to students’ abilities, the course will engage you in learning Chinese by reading, speaking, writing, singing, exercises and presentation.
Find out more »Massenet’s Cendrillon [Festi’Val de Musique Valois] (Cinderella)
Combine your love of singing with a holiday in Provence this July. Come and join our chorus for Massenet's beautiful opera Cendrillon
Find out more »Bobbin Lacemaking – British and European
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.
Find out more »Industrial Heritage Around Dillington & Dorset
This year’s course contrasts the Dillington area with Purbeck in Dorset. Together with lectures, there are two field visits, locally to the Fleet Air Arm Museum’s reserve collection, Ilchester bridges, Dawe’s twine works and the Ham Hill quarries. We stray into distant Purbeck where ball clay workings, tramways, railways and limekilns survive within spectacular scenery. No previous knowledge needed and all-comers welcome but please note there will be some walking over rough and uneven ground during our visits.
Find out more »Madrigals and Motets
Sing some of the most exquisite examples of vocal music chamber music ever written.
Find out more »Modern Wooden Boat Building
Shape and fit glued clinker and cold moulded planks, practice strip planking and stitch and tape boat building. Learn the basics of scarfing (lengthening planking timbers) and lamination of timber components. Understand the theory of modern methods for setting up building moulds, backbone arrangements and lining-off planks.
Find out more »Sculptural Needle Felting – Country Hares & Foxes
Love wool? Then you'll love needle felting! Fibre artist, Carla Taylor of The Mousehole Woolery will guide you step by step through the basic techniques of needle felting to create your own unique country hare or fox out of beautiful wool, ready for you to take home or if you can part with them to give someone as a special gift! A fun, creative and inspiring day! All-comers welcome.
Find out more »Religion in Roman Britain
Tolerant Roman attitudes to religion ensured that native shrines and practices survived, and often flourished, in Roman Britain. Much of our knowledge of native deities comes from Roman inscriptions; to these can be added the eastern ‘Mystery religions’, closed sects with notions of salvation. This day course will look at the range of evidence, both archaeological and literary, for Romano–British religion. All-comers welcome.
Find out more »Making a Stained Glass Panel
Create your own stained glass panel using the traditional craft of combining coloured glass with lead; small numbers, demonstrations and practical help throughout – no experience needed but also suitable for ‘improvers’. Learn how to handle and cut glass safely, to design, 'lead up' and solder a panel about A4 size. All glass and equipment will be provided by the tutor during the course at an additional cost of approximately £20.
Find out more »Learn How to Create Impressionist Paintings Part 1
The Impressionists created a particular way of working that was a reaction to traditional painting techniques. The course explores various techniques through a series of exercises; building images with brushstrokes, the use of colour and creating more with less; to help any artist progress their own painting style. We will discuss the characteristics of Impressionist Paintings and how particular artists like Monet and Cézanne used them to create their own style.
Find out more »Beadwork Jewellery Summer School Part 1
Spend a relaxing few days creating beautiful and intricate pieces of jewellery in many styles for both everyday and special occasion wear which are constructed using beadwork techniques which require predominantly only seed beads, needles and thread to work. Choose from a wide range of pieces which includes necklaces, pendants, lariats, bracelets, earrings and rings in a range of different stitches, and work at your own pace on projects of your choice with lots of individual attention. Materials available to…
Find out more »The History of Classical Music in London
Over the centuries London developed into a major centre for musical culture, drawing into it composers and performers from every branch of the arts. This course will follow the story of our amazing capital city from the years of the middle-ages through to the twentieth century. On the way we will look at some of the major buildings and institutions which helped to build London’s musical heritage – Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral et al. as well as the wonderful…
Find out more »Elgar: The Enigma
Entirely self-taught as a composer, though with youthful aspirations to a career as a violin virtuoso, Elgar was always sensitive about his lack of education, in common with some other composers. It led to strange, sometimes boorish behaviour on occasions, and the Enigma Variations may indeed have been a retreat into the comfortable world of his 'friends pictured within' as the dedication tells us. This day will be an examination of his extraordinary achievement together with hark-backs to earlier years…
Find out more »“No Man is an Island Entire & Complete of Itself…”(John Donne)
Mass migrations have taken place across the world since recorded history began: initially people were seeking land to settle in but in modern history, by those fleeing persecution and violence, searching for safety and freedom. This course will explore the complex causes of these great migrations and the impact on the countries who offer them hospitality. There are economical and psychological consequences as well as an enrichment of our own society. Discussion of the issues will be an important part…
Find out more »Wildlife & Natural History Painting in Gouache
This course is designed for beginners and upwards and will teach you how to make a true representation of a wildlife subject whilst not requiring any high level of drawing skill. From source material provided, or from your own pictures, we will use the medium of gouache - an opaque watercolour that is ideal for this subject – to create wonderful lifelike pictures. Demonstrations and individual help will be the foundation of this course which is open to all levels…
Find out more »Storytellers & Muscians Workshop “We Are All Tellers of Story & Makers of Music
This one day workshop, led by storyteller Michael Loader and musician Martin Solomon, is for anyone who wishes to learn about storytelling for the first time or for those who want to take their storytelling and musicianship into new places. For musicians this will be a day for you to play and accompany words - to find ways of augmenting story with melody and atmosphere. Don't forget to bring your instruments and you won't be expected to read music. For…
Find out more »Beadwork Jewellery Summer School Part 2
Spend a relaxing few days creating beautiful and intricate pieces of jewellery in many styles for both everyday and special occasion wear which are constructed using beadwork techniques which require predominantly only seed beads, needles and thread to work. Choose from a wide range of pieces which includes necklaces, pendants, lariats, bracelets, earrings and rings in a range of different stitches, and work at your own pace on projects of your choice with lots of individual attention. Materials available to…
Find out more »Learn How to Create Impressionist Paintings Part 2
The Impressionists created a particular way of working that was a reaction to traditional painting techniques. The course explores various techniques through a series of exercises; building images with brushstrokes, the use of colour and creating more with less; to help any artist progress their own painting style. We will discuss the characteristics of Impressionist Paintings and how particular artists like Monet and Cézanne used them to create their own style.
Find out more »Sculptural Needle Felting – Country Hares & Foxes
Love wool? Then you'll love needle felting! Fibre artist, Carla Taylor of The Mousehole Woolery will guide you step by step through the basic techniques of needle felting to create your own unique country hare or fox out of beautiful wool, ready for you to take home or if you can part with them to give someone as a special gift! A fun, creative and inspiring day! All-comers welcome.
Find out more »Creative Arts Summer School
Come to Hawkwood in high summer and try your hand at a range of creative crafts, writing, drawing, sculpture, textiles and painting within the beautiful surroundings of Hawkwood. Create your own schedule and mix and match the courses to suit your needs. Some are residential weekends, some are one-day courses. Full Courses List: Raku Pottery: 15 - 17 July Nia Dance: 22 July Woodcarving Taster Day: 22 July Summer Painting Weekend: 22 - 24 July Drawing in Charcoal and Graphite:…
Find out more »Create a Singing Bowl Summer School
Generations of smiths and coppersmiths have dedicated their work to the search for the one perfect all-transcending sound. Under Ton’s friendly, professional supervision you will learn the technique of forging to create your own singing bowl. The rhythm of metal work, the heat of the forge and the alchemical process of shaping your own instrument in an outdoor studio offers a unique combination of physical and spiritual engagement. The only residential course in the UK with singing bowls. single £640;…
Find out more »Create a Singing Bowl
Learn the techniques of forging to create your own singing bowl.
Find out more »Raku Pottery Weekend
Enjoy learning more about glazing, decoration and various firing methods to make Raku Pottery.
Find out more »Summer Rest-ival
Make space for rest and renewal with mindfulness, writing, meditation, painting and more!
Find out more »Japanese Embroidery
Use traditional methods and techniques to produce stunning works of art as you learn about Japanese culture.
Find out more »Embroidery Summer School: The River Bank
The river bank is a wonderful subject for embroidery with all the textures and colours of the flowers, animals (Ratty, Mole, Badger and of course Mr Toad come to mind) birds, insects and water side plants. During this course, by the showing of samples, and through detailed demonstrations, instruction and discussion, both as a group and individually, students will learn many different ways to make a river bank or an individual element.
Find out more »Wooden Boat Restoration
A five day melting pot of traditional and more modern techniques. Practical activities include tool sharpening, timber preparation, scarfing, gluing, removal and re-fitting of clinker planking, riveting and steam bending. Time permitting you will also refit internal components such as thwarts, risers and knees. Courses are suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced boat builders wishing to add or hone a particular skill. Well behaved dogs are welcome too. For more information please contact us. We are always happy to discuss which course is right for you. Please contact Janine Cashin on 01297 445545 or email office@boatbuildingacademy.com.
Find out more »By George’ – The Whirlwind Musical Life of George Gershwin
Raised on the overcrowded Lower East Side of New York, young George Gershwin had a life on the streets as roller-skating champion and often skipped school for secret piano lessons from an aunt. Working his way into ‘Tin Pan Alley’ as a song plugger, he had his own first hit at the age of 21 with the song Swanee. He went on to write hundreds of songs for stage and film as well as orchestral pieces and his magnum opus…
Find out more »Creative Writing Workshop
During this workshop we will look at some narrative techniques employed in creative writing and use writing exercises to source ideas and to further explore our creativity. All kinds of writing will be shared in a friendly group setting. Your tutor will be available to read work and offer advice for progression and there will be time for individual writing too. Beginners and more experienced writers welcome.
Find out more »Watercolour Adventure
Taking water as our theme we will embark on a voyage of discovery exploring techniques to capture the watery depths of the oceans, rockpools, ponds or rivers and the colourful flora and fauna living within. This course will be most suitable for those who wish to develop their watercolour paintings and try new experimental techniques such as the use of gesso to create texture and the addition of threads and handmade papers into a painting, as well as the use…
Find out more »Ukulele Workshop – Beyond Beginners
Got a Ukulele? Know a few chords? Perhaps you've been on a beginner’s workshop or have been quietly teaching yourself at home? Or maybe that uke has been gathering dust in the corner? This workshop is ideal for anyone who already owns a ukulele and can strum a few chords. During the workshop you will learn more chords, practice chord transitions, be introduced to different strumming techniques and begin to build a repertoire of songs. In a friendly and supportive…
Find out more »The Art of Paul Cézanne
Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) is one of the most influential artists in the history of twentieth-century painting, inspiring generations of modern artists with his unique method of building form with colour and his analytical approach to nature. Both Matisse and Picasso are said to have remarked that Cézanne "is the father of us all." All-comers welcome.
Find out more »Boxed Cushions for Chairs, Sofas & Garden Furniture
Enjoy a productive day learning the professional skills to recover or make boxed cushions. Create an original design in the fabric of your own choice. Areas covered will include, cutting out, cutting bias binding, covering piping cord and zip insertion methods. 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 bring with you.
Find out more »Mediation and Mindfulness
A one day course designed for beginners, and for anyone wanting to refresh their own practice. We will look at how traditional meditation is now ‘mainstream’, formulated as Mindfulness by Jon Kabat Zinn et.al., and used therapeutically in the NHS, schools, prisons, etc. We will have short periods of silent practice with different meditation supports, starting with the breath. A perfect introduction for those dealing with change or stress, or the simply curious. There will be chairs to sit on…
Find out more »Music Making
This inspiring course is for orchestral players of approx. Grade 3 -7. With chamber-music, orchestras, wind and string groups, concerts, technique classes, workshops, discussions on various aspects of musical performance and an opportunity to meet and play with others of similar standard and interest.
Find out more »Woodcarving Taster Day
Learn all the basics about wood and how to work it to create effects with different tools and techniques.
Find out more »Nia Dance
A fun and invogorating blend of dance, healing and martial arts to make the body smile.
Find out more »Shintaido
Based on traditional Japanese martial arts with emphasis on self development and artistic expression, suitable for all.
Find out more »Summer Painting Weekend
Explore your creativity and connect with the atmosphere of summer in this enjoyable painting weekend.
Find out more »Bobbin Lace: Bucks Point
The course covers all the techniques for this type of lace and is suitable for those who are new to Bucks Point as well as for those who are experienced in making this beautiful type of lace. During the weekend you could start a new project or work on / complete an on-going one, learn a new ground, or how to re-draft or design your next project. Geometric and floral techniques are included. Students benefit from individual tuition and group…
Find out more »Bedfordshire Lace Summer School Part 1
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.
Find out more »Contemporary Wire Bobbin Lace
An introduction to working with 0.5mm wire. Begin by making samples, which could be made up into bracelets, while learning how to use and adapt simple bobbin lace techniques to suit working with wire. Then choose the scale of project you want to do next. It could be one of Ann’s, or you could design, plan and begin to create something of your own. You could continue by booking course J719, which follows directly on, from Sun – Tues.
Find out more »The Beauty of Russian Lace
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 course will help broaden participant’s 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.
Find out more »Drawing in Charcoal and Graphite
Learn how to work on a larger scale with fluid movement, using the media of charcoal and graphite.
Find out more »Dancing Dillington
Classes take place in the morning so there is plenty of time to practice your moves before you hit the dance floor each evening. There will also be the chance to dress up for a special dinner, after which you can sit back, relax and be dazzled as James and Leila take to the floor to entertain you with their stunning showcase. As well as social dancing there will also be time to enjoy some optional activities during the day…
Find out more »Contemporary Wire Bobbin Lace
An introduction to/ continuing working with 0.5mm wire. Follow on from course J552 or: Begin by making samples, which could be made up into bracelets, while learning how to use and adapt simple bobbin lace techniques to suit working with wire. Then choose the scale of project you want to do next. It could be one of Ann’s, or you could design, plan and begin to create something of your own.
Find out more »Milanese Lace
This is a course to learn or add to your knowledge of this popular and versatile lace. You will be able to work a traditional design or experiment with colour and a variety of threads. Perhaps create an exciting piece to be worn as “jewellery” It will also be an opportunity to continue with an ongoing project or design a piece of your own so bring along any ideas you may have.
Find out more »Bedfordshire Lace Summer School Part 2
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.
Find out more »Bobbin Lace: Bucks Point
The course covers all the techniques for this type of lace and is suitable for those who are new to Bucks Point as well as for those who are experienced in making this beautiful type of lace. During the weekend you could start a new project or work on / complete an on-going one, learn a new ground, or how to re-draft or design your next project. Geometric and floral techniques are included. Students benefit from individual tuition and group…
Find out more »GRP Repairs
This four day course starts with basic information about working safely with polyester based glass reinforced plastic (aka GRP) and understanding the functions of components (e.g. resin, catalyst and pigments)
Find out more »Silver Wire Jewellery
Learn techniques to make different items of jewellery to take away with you.
Find out more »Zentangle
This meditative drawing method creates abstract art by drawing and shading simple patterns in a creative, relaxing style.
Find out more »How to Get your Book Published
For anyone who has ever wanted to have their work published, this informative day reveals various insider publishing knowledge.
Find out more »Crewelwork Embroidery
Crewel work is a very old, traditional and historically important technique, which can also be used very successfully in a modern design. If you are a newcomer to embroidery and would like to learn some of the lovely hand stitches available, crewel work is the ideal technique with which to begin, as it employs a wide variety of stitches which can also be used in other forms of embroidery techniques. These include stem, chain, satin, long and short, and laid…
Find out more »Fabric Printing with Flowers
Transfer colour from flowers and other plants into beautiful patterns to make your own silk scarf.
Find out more »How to Write a Story
This enlivening day will stimulate your imagination and help you tease out a story from the everyday material around us.
Find out more »Fun with Calligraphy
Be guided through simple projects to get you started with the beautiful art of Calligraphy.
Find out more »Song Writing
Bring your ideas and creativity to create your own song in a supportive group.
Find out more »Sketching: Ink and Watercolour
A relaxed day of demonstration led exercises will help to develop your confidence sketching on location.
Find out more »Bead Needle Weaving
Spend a relaxing weekend making beautiful beaded jewellery with just beads and thread 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…
Find out more »Creating a pattern reference book
* 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,…
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