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

The Heat Is On

Defining the Anthropocene and looking at the effects that human activities are now having on our planet; and investigating the way forward to reverse the damage we are causing to protect our planet for future generations. Illustrated throughout with images from Brian’s travels to some of the world’s most fragile wilderness areas.“Human activity...

Coloured Pencils: Rust and Rustic

This is a course that will show you how to draw rusty and rustic still life and architectural features. Using photographs supplied by the tutor you will be shown how to draw old rusty metal features such as door locks, hinges and peeling paint and also how to draw parts of old wooden...

Coloured Pencils: Down on the Farm

This is a course that will show you how to draw farm animals with coloured pencils. Using photographs supplied by the tutor you will be shown how to shade, select and mix colours, how to achieve textures such as fur and feathers and how to use different surfaces. By the end of the...

A Fun Introduction to Origami

These days we are inundated with all manner of paper but most of us don’t realise how these humble sheets of paper could be transformed into something special, fun and entertaining. This course will show you not only basic skills, techniques and traditional models but also introduce a new aspect of the paper,...

Extended Clarinet Weekend

This new course is for clarinettists with at least 18 month’s experience.  Participants will receive individual support and advice as well as group tuition. Participants can expect to play with those of similar experience whilst benefitting from the skills and expertise of the tutor.  A varied library of music will be available for...

Extended Flute Weekend

This new course is for flautists with at least 18 month’s experience.  Participants will receive individual support and advice as well as group tuition. Participants can expect to play with those of similar experience whilst benefitting from the skills and expertise of the tutor.  A varied library of music will be available for...

Film Legends: Marlon Brando & Marilyn Monroe

On this course we shall trace the careers of two screen legends. Brando (1924-2004) progressed from “rebel” in the ’50’s (“A Streetcar named Desire”, “On the Waterfront”) to international acclaim with “The Godfather”. Monroe (1926-1962) moved from model, through bit-player to sex symbol in “Gentlemen prefer Blondes” and “Some like it Hot” and...

Spin Wool & Alpaca Yarn

Be inspired; Spin your own yarn for knitting weaving and crochet using fine wool, fleece and alpaca during a really satisfying and eco-friendly weekend. All wheels, fleece, fibre and equipment included and no previous experience necessary. Use traditional wheel, drop spindle or e-spinner and make at least one skein, probably more. Use a...

Weaving Summer School

Learn to weave on the latest folding rigid heddle looms from Ashford; for absolute beginners or those wishing to develop and explore advanced rigid heddle techniques such as second heddle. Complete at least two projects of choice from simple scarves to double weave hand bound books, throws, or cushions. Topics include: Design-sources of...

Creating Silver Jewellery

This is a practical course with regular teacher demonstrations to provide step by step instruction.A range of traditional skills will be used to create several unique pieces of jewellery using silver and other metals, also semi precious stones.  The teaching style is flexible, allowing for individual progress regardless of experience and ability.  Achievement...

Botanical Watercolour Painting for Beginners

Learning and developing the skills of botanical watercolour painting can be a joy for anyone who appreciates the beauty of plants. This weekend course is designed for beginners, to introduce you to the skills you will need to get started. Everyone will begin with the same subject and will be guided through each stage of...

Bobbin Lace: Bucks Point Weekend

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...

Traditional Bedfordshire Lace

Students will learn the next steps on their personal ladder of achievement wherever it is, from beginner to very experienced, giving them more confidence with which to tackle new work. Through discussion of previous work and assessments of each student’s needs, individual programmes of work for the day will be established and a pattern provided...

Bobbin Lace: Bucks Point Day Course

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 Day of Bedfordshire Lace

Students will learn the next steps on their personal ladder of achievement wherever it is, from beginner to very experienced, giving them more confidence with which to tackle new work. Through discussion of previous work and assessments of each student’s needs, individual programmes of work for the day will be established and a pattern provided...

Dao Yin and Tai Chi

Spend a day enjoying a variety of flowing Chinese exercises and leave feeling relaxed. This course is suitable for men and women, for beginners and those with experience of Dao Yin or Tai Chi. We will work on a variety of Dao Yin exercises, including some from the Baton set and a section of even-paced,...

Stumpwork – A Bug’s Eye View

Imagine lying in a flower meadow looking through the grasses and flowers at the insects and bugs that are crawling up the stems. Using embroidery stitches, padding and raising, free standing elements and wires, learn to make these fascinating creepy crawlies. You will be taught to use iridescent silk organza and needlelace for wings and...

Beadweaving: A Geometric Journey

Geometric Bead work is a fascinating technique and one that is actually fairly easy to learn. Students will be working with Japanese Delica cylinder beads which sit together perfectly creating a firm foundation. A working knowledge of basic peyote stitch would be an advantage for this technique. Help with colour combinations will be given. All...

Stumpwork – A Bug’s Eye View

Imagine lying in a flower meadow looking through the grasses and flowers at the insects and bugs that are crawling up the stems. Using embroidery stitches, padding and raising, free standing elements and wires, learn to make these fascinating creepy crawlies. You will be taught to use iridescent silk organza and needlelace for wings and...

The USA – Founding a Nation

Standard Weekend Price: See aboveFrom the first settlers that moved from Asia to North America to the European colonists who followed in the steps of Columbus and the Pilgrim Fathers, this is the story of successive generations – of Indians and of families from Europe – forging a life on the wilds of the New...

Two Elizabeths – A Tale Across two Centuries

Our world today is defined by politics, people and personalities. It was so in the Tudor period in a redefined country forged by Elizabeth I and populated with adventurers and a generation of explorers. We look at the England re-shaped by Elizabeth I more than 450 years ago and examine the way it was changed...

Vacancies on a course with a difference

Midweek Woodcarving Workshop

This two day woodcarving workshop is open to all experience levels. If you are a beginner you will introduced to woods and tools and be guided at your own pace through the stages of carving a simple relief project. Practiced carvers are equally welcome, with tuition on-hand, there will be the opportunity for you to...

Pyrography Workshop

The course wil be structured to allow the following areas to be covered: Introduction to the course; History of Pyrography; Demonstration of techniques and practicing a variety of basic techniques working on Leather, Veneer and making a Greeting Card. You will get to work with Getting to know the equipment and materials and produce small...

Creative Patchwork

Come to Knuston and create your own Patchwork! Whether you already know what to do or whether you need to start from scratch does not matter I can get you going. You will go home with knowledge and enthusiasm to carry on sewing!

Creative Patchwork

Come to Knuston and create your own Patchwork! Whether you already know what to do or whether you need to start from scratch does not matter I can get you going. You will go home with knowledge and enthusiasm to carry on sewing!

Sing A Sound of Music

A fun filled weekend singing the amazing songs from the musical The Sound of Music. No previous singing experience or the ability to read music is needed, just the willingness to join in and enjoy yourself. There will be structured vocal warm-ups and tips to achieve the best from your voice and all of the...

Chinese Brush Painting

This weekend course will study a number of subjects such as flower, bird, fruit, animal, fish or landscape, all taught in the traditional method of demonstration and practice. Learning will continue on Saturday evening with a presentation on painting or travel for example. This course is suitable for both beginners and the more advanced. New...

Canal Boat Art: Roses and Daisies

Canal Boat Art is the colourful decoration found on working narrow boats that travelled on the many canals that radiated out from the Midlands. It was the ‘Folk Art’ of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s that has now been adapted to suit contemporary boats found on our inland waterways. The traditional styles included Roses,...

Chinese Brush Painting

This midweek course will study a number of subjects such as flower, bird, fruit, animal, fish or landscape. Examples will be provided for use during the course, which will be taught in the traditional way of demonstration and practice. Learning will continue in the evening with a presentation on painting, culture or travel. This course...