7th October 2021
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:
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):
April: 9, 10
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30
Price: £165 + £35 Material cost
Our Three-day intermediate workshop is geared towards those who have attended the beginners class or have some experience with fundamental understanding of basic techniques and looking to take their skills up a level.
The class will begin by jumping straight in to create a selection of items with various different technical skill requirements such as watch straps, a small handbag or classic bifold wallet. Fundamentals will be expanded on, and more advanced techniques will be taught such as skiving leather, installing gussets and making raised leather elements for these items.
You will be shown traditional methods and techniques which you will then use to make your own items and take them home.
All tools and materials to use during the workshop will be supplied.
You will have an option to purchase a full beginners kit to take home with you, along with some good quality leather and other supplies to get you started on your own (cost of £100).
Class Dates (Friday, Saturday, Sunday):
April: 22, 23, 24
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30
Price: £240 + £40 (materials)
We offer several different craft learning experiences for those aged 10 and above. While we focus on teaching traditional hand skills, we do so in a way to be enjoyable to the young students.
Our primary courses are the very popular ‘metal work’ (which is jewellery making but for some reason boys do not like it when it is called jewellery making!) But we also have a series of wood working classes such as wood working (making things), pyrography (burning pictures in wood) and wood carving. Most importantly, we try to work with each individual student to all of them to express themselves while learning a new skill.
Each child is allowed to work at their own pace to maximize their learning. This means that each student gets very individual guidance. As everyone knows creativity and the process of making things is very important to a child’s development. That is why we think our classes are so important. In the past the wood working class has made boxes, decorated with pyrography, a chess set and board. In the jewellery making … excuse me …metal working class students have made everything from a pencil holder to a ring with a stone – and everything in-between!
Class Dates (every Monday):
January: 10, 17, 24, 31
February: 7, 14, 28
March: 7, 14
Class Times: All classes start at 16:00 and end at 18:00
Price: £200 (Deposit: £100)
15th July 2021
Although students will focus on pieces that can be worn they will also look at how these techniques can be used Fine and Decorative Arts. They will follow a basic set outline and they will use these techniques to make items that they will be confident in using. However one goal is to encourage their creativity and if they wish, the design of a piece can be up to them to express their likes and style. Precious metal work and especially jewellery is for everyone, be you a maker, wearer, male or female and it is all about the design, as students follow this course and feel more confident with making pieces I will encourage them to create work that reflects them. However, another side of this will be to teach them the mastery of the techniques related to working with metals.
Students will begin by looking into the basic tools, workshop health and safety, at best practices for the use of equipment and workshop awareness. The first project will teach them about annealing metal, and which involves using a blowtorch, flux and safety pickle, hammering, forging, mark making and polishing. The end result will be a copper bangle.
Following this demonstration students will learn how to solder, to use a jeweller’s saw, how to turn silver wire into a simple ring, and how to make a stone or jewelled setting, for a ring, pendant or brooch. Then they will look at mixing metals and look at more advanced methods of joining them to make a key chain, badge or brooch. Other subjects covered will include:
Finally students will make a number of different items including more brooches, necklaces, etc. The last week will be open to allow them to explore their specific area of interest.
Class Dates (every Monday):
September: 6, 13, 20, 27
October: 4, 11, 18
November: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Class Times: All classes start at 16:00 and end at 18:00
Price: £200 (Deposit: £100)
Students learn traditional upholstery (not modern – foam) by working on their own prized objects.
In this exciting course, Kat will help students of all levels from complete novices to experienced upholsterers. All types of projects are possible everything from simple drop in seats to complex buttoning using only tradition techniques hair and stitched seats with webbing and springs.
We urge all students to send a picture of the object if this is your first class with the school at least 2 weeks before the start of the term for cost evaluation. As in all craft he skill and experience level of the student will guide what is an acceptable project.
All base materials can be supplied by the school (although a charge may apply at the end of the course – an estimate of the material costs can be provided once a photo of the piece is received). The top cover can also be ordered through the tutor (students will receive a 10% discount on fabric orders.)
Tools will be provided by the tutor for the duration of the class however if students do want to purchase tools, they, can order them through the tutor at a discount.
Please note that as precautionary measure we ask everyone to wear mask in the school.
Class Dates (every Monday):
September: 6, 13, 20, 27
October: 4, 11, 18
November: 1,8,15
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m.
Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)
Beginning 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.
Please note: no refunds will be given if canceled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.
Class Dates (every Tuesday):
September: 7, 14, 21, 28
October: 5, 12, 19
November: 2, 9, 16
Class Times: All classes start at 18:00 and end at 21:00
Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)
Class Dates (every Monday):
September: 6, 13, 20, 27
October: 4, 11, 18
November: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Class Times: All classes start at 16:00 and end at 18:00
Price: £200 (Deposit: £100)
This club is for advanced carvers who shares experience and work on their own piece.
Class Dates (every Tuesday):
September: 7, 14, 21, 28
October: 5, 12, 19
November: 2, 9, 16
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 13:30
Price:£10 per hour
Although students will focus on pieces that can be worn they will also look at how these techniques can be used Fine and Decorative Arts. They will follow a basic set outline and they will use these techniques to make items that they will be confident in using. However one goal is to encourage their creativity and if they wish, the design of a piece can be up to them to express their likes and style. Precious metal work and especially jewellery is for everyone, be you a maker, wearer, male or female and it is all about the design, as students follow this course and feel more confident with making pieces I will encourage them to create work that reflects them. However, another side of this will be to teach them the mastery of the techniques related to working with metals.
Students will begin by looking into the basic tools, workshop health and safety, at best practices for the use of equipment and workshop awareness. The first project will teach them about annealing metal, and which involves using a blowtorch, flux and safety pickle, hammering, forging, mark making and polishing. The end result will be a copper bangle.
Following this demonstration students will learn how to solder, to use a jeweller’s saw, how to turn silver wire into a simple ring, and how to make a stone or jewelled setting, for a ring, pendant or brooch. Then they will look at mixing metals and look at more advanced methods of joining them to make a key chain, badge or brooch. Other subjects covered will include:
Finally students will make a number of different items including more brooches, necklaces, etc. The last week will be open to allow them to explore their specific area of interest.
Class Dates (every OTHER Wednesday except during school holidays):
September: 8, 22
October: 6, 20
November: 3
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 16:30 p.m.
Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)
Please note: no refunds will be given if canceled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.
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 Phil has proven himself to meet their very high standards in the restoration of antiques.
Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)
Class Dates (every other Wednesday except during school holidays):
September: 15, 29
October: 13
November: 10, 24
Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30