Class Schedule
We currently offer weekend classes for Wood Carving, Stained Glass and Jewellery Making, weekday classes in Restoration and Upholstry and evening classes in Wood Carving (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and Wood Working (Mondays and Wednesdays).
All of those classes cost £275, with a £100 deposit and the remaining of the tuition due on the first day of class. Payments can be made in cash, cheques or debit cards. Tools are supplied for all courses, materials will be charged separately for Upholstery, Wood Working, Jewellery Making and Furniture Restoration. We also host clubs in Wood Carving and Chair Seat Caning/Rushing.
We are planning on classes in French Upholstery, Traditional Finishes, Colouring Techniques, Using Machines in Wood Carving, and Seat Caning and Rushing. Please write and we will keep you informed of the future classes. Also, watch this space!!!!
Weekend Classes
Furniture Restoration Saturday with Ernest Riall – Autumn 2025
Every OTHER Friday from 9:30 to 16:30 (except during school holidays) - 6 September to 29 November
In this course, Ernest will help students of all levels from complete novices to experienced restorers. All types of projects are possible (We do suggest you send a picture of the object if this is your first class with the school). All materials can be provided by the school (although a charge may apply). Ernest will carefully walk the student through every step of the entire process of restoring their selected project. Imagine the great feeling one gets from developing the hand skills needed to turn a warn piece of furniture into a thing of beauty.
With over 15 years experience running a very successful restoration business, Ernest is active with ICON (International Conservation) and he has a PhD centered around 18th Century English and French Furniture. This means that Ernest has proven himself to meet their very high standards in the restoration of antiques.
Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)
Class Dates (every other Saturday except during school holidays):
September: 6
October: 11
November: 1, 15, 29
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30
Book Now - From £100.00Introduction to leatherworking (November)
November 8-9 (Saturday & Sunday) from 9:30 to 16:30
Leather is one of the most amazing materials to work with.
Our Two-day introduction workshop is aimed at beginners interested in gaining a good basic understanding of the leather working skills & techniques used in making a variety of small leather goods.
Over the two days, you’ll be making 2 or 3 items, such a card holder, key-rings and a belt or a coin purse, (specific items can be chosen on the day.) These will show you the different skills and techniques required for leather working.
During the course, you will cover the following:
- Different types of leathers and its uses
- Tanneries and suppliers
- Understanding the process of making leather goods
- Intro to pattern making.
- Cutting – Dyeing – Stitching and finishing the leather
- Beveling – Creasing – Burnishing and other skills
- Leather after care
- General Q/A
You will be shown traditional methods and techniques which you will then use to make your own items and take them home. The skills and techniques learnt will help jump start your leather working journey, in addition to all tools and materials to use during the workshop along with course notes and information including recommended reading and a list of suppliers, with an opportunity to purchase a full beginners kit to take home with you (contain everything what need to get started, fixed cost of £100).
Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
November: 8 , 9
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30
Price: £165 + £35 Material cost
Book Now - From £200.00Leather working – Introduction to bag making (September)
September 27-28 (2 days) from 9:30 to 16:30
Join to a three-days course and learn how to saddle stitch (hand stitch) a small leather bag and meet fellow enthusiasts.
Saddle stitch is a traditional way of hand-sewing leather. Executed properly it is beautiful to see. During this course, you will saddle stitch and make a simple small, and unlined cross-body bag, similar to the one in the photo. The bag will be small to enable us to complete most of it within two days. The course is aimed at beginners and those with more experience are also welcome.
During the course, you will learn some simple leatherwork techniques that can easily be applied to other projects. Don’t panic if saddle stitch does not agree with you – other stitches are available.
We introduce you to leather and to the saddle stitch technique. You will have the opportunity to practice saddle stitch before starting your project.
- The types of leather available and the tanning process
- What to look for when purchasing leather
- The anatomy of a bag and basic design principles.
- Handmade versus the high street.
- How to create simple patterns for bags, considering the thickness of the leather.
- How to prepare your leather for hand sewing
- How to transfer your design.
- How to cut your leather and check your pattern.
- How to insert your hardware (poppers, eyelets, and buckles)
- How to finish your design after your stitching is completed.
- You will receive a set of course notes to accompany the course.
There will be a choice of designs available. We will have time to make some small adjustments to the pattern, mostly in terms of the hardware choices, as the focus of the two days is stitching and making the bag. There won’t be time to design and make your own bag on this course.
The materials are included in the course fee. By the end of the weekend, you will leave with your finished bag, knowing how you can apply your new knowledge to your designs in the future.
Do you need to bring anything?
- Just bring yourself.
- Wear old clothes and proper shoes that cover your toes as we will be working with tools.
- If you feel the cold it may be worth bringing an extra layer or two.
Price: £360 (Materials included) – Deposit: £100
Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
September: 27, 28
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30
Book Now - From £100.00Leatherworking: Glove making – Autumn 2025
October 24-26 (Friday to Sunday)
Have you ever wanted a pair of soft leather gloves that fitted your hands in your favourite colour? There is nothing quite like experiencing the feel of a pair of bespoke gloves on your hands, knowing that you made them? Do you want to learn the techniques to make them for someone else and see their reaction as they put the gloves on? Do you want to meet fellow enthusiasts?
This is a four day course to show you the techniques of drafting a glove pattern to fit your hands and constructing an unlined pair of gloves. We will look at the following areas:
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Gloving leathers – types, styles and suppliers.
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Glove anatomy and pattern pieces.
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Linings – will be discussed, though the gloves on this course are unlined.
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How to measure your hands.
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Drafting and adapting your pattern.
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Transferring the design to leather and cutting out your pattern pieces.
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Hand sewing techniques. The gloves will be hand stitched and you will be able to sample the stitches beforehand to see which one you prefer.
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Construction techniques – how to put everything together without the fingers stretching or twisting.
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Adding points.
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Adding decoration – how and when to add decoration (we won’t have time on the course).
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You will also receive a set of course notes.
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We will cover all areas of construction so you know how to assemble and finish the gloves at home. Depending on your stitching speed you may find you don’t complete everything in class.
The course is aimed at beginners and those with more experience are welcome. We will be drafting a pattern to fit your hands. You will leave with the knowledge of how to sew and finish your gloves, equipped to make more in the future. Please note we may not have enough time to finish both gloves in the four days – you will have stitched nearly everything for one hand that you will repeat for the second hand.
Elizabeth will supply the leather and equipment for the day. These are all included in the price of the course. This includes the leather for a mock-up glove and the posh leather for your gloves, needles, and threads. We will be using lamb nappa for your gloves.
Do you need to bring anything?
-
Just bring yourself.
-
Wear old clothes and proper shoes that cover your toes as we will be working with tools.
-
If you feel the cold it may be worth bringing an extra layer or two.
Do you need to bring anything?
- Just bring yourself.
- Wear old clothes and proper shoes that cover your toes as we will be working with tools.
- If you feel the cold it may be worth bringing an extra layer or two.
Price: Glove Making £360 (Materials included)
Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
October: 24, 25, 26
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30
Book Now - From £100.00Stained Glass – Autumn 2025
Every OTHER Sunday from 9:30 to 16:30 (except during school holidays) - 21 September to 23 November
The idea of making pictures with coloured glass, balanced with shapes and rhythm has fascinated generations. This course will introduce students to this amazing craft. Students learn the handling of tools and materials. Developing confidence from straight lines to curves on coloured glass. Projects will introduce the students to the basic techniques such as to score (cut) glass safely, copperfoil and traditional leadwork. This is a hands on practical course, with aspects of design and soldering. As with the Applique technique the students will be able to develop their own design once they have mastered the basics. No previous experience in either art or stained glass is needed for this introduction – just a sense of play and adventure!
Advanced students are also welcome. Lilly will guide and facilitate the creative direction that they want to pursue.
Class dates:
September: 21
October: 5, 12
November: 2, 23
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30
Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)
Students are also expected to pay a material cost of approximately £25
Wood Carving Saturday – Autumn 2025
Usually every other Saturday from 9:39 to 16:30 - 4 October to 13 December
Beginner students will learn the craft of Wood Carving using traditional tools through a couple of challenging exercises, talks and demonstrations. Those new to Wood Carving will learn all the basics and will develop the basic skills to successfully carve objects in wood. They will develop an understanding of wood, how to use the basic tools, then how to conceptualise a final Wood Carving goal and how to reach that goal. More advanced students will continue to improve their skills by carving more advanced pieces with careful guidance from the tutor.
Class Dates (every OTHER Saturday except during school holidays):
October: 4, 18
November: 22
December: 6,13
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30
Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)
Please note: no refunds will be given if canceled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.
Book Now - From £100.00