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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.

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: 9, 16, 23, 30
October: 7, 14, 21
November: 4, 11, 18

Class Times: All classes start at 18:30 and end at 21:30

Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)

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

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 Friday except during school holidays):
September: 12, 26
October: 10, 31
November: 14

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Class Dates
October: 18, 19
November: 15, 16

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 17:00

See Missenden School of Creative Arts’ Website for prices and to register:

https://www.missendenschoolofcreativearts.co.uk/summerschool_2025.php

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):
September: 13 , 14

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Price: £165 + £35 Material cost

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 :

August: 2, 3 and 15, 16, 17

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

Class Dates
August: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 17:00

See Missenden School of Creative Arts’ Website for prices and to register:

https://www.missendenschoolofcreativearts.co.uk/summerschool_2025.php

In this special course both wood carving and restoration students are welcome.  While the full course is five days, current students can contact the school and request specific days to attend.  Obviously, subscribers to the full course will receive priority but if there is spacy you may come for a single day, a weekend, or some other reduced time period.  Following is a description of the individual components to the course. 

RESTORATION:  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.  Note this is a time restoration students can bring larger pieces as they can leave them at the workshop for the entire course period.

WOOD CARVING:   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.

Please note:  no refunds will be given if canceled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.

Class Dates:
August: 27-31 (Wednesday to Sunday)

Class Times: 9:30-16.30pm 

Costs: £295

Regular students can buy a minimum of 2 days for £120

deposit: £120

We start with an orientation of the workshop and the tools you will be working with over the next three days. Then we make jewellery! You will learn to make a silver ring by using many jewellery making techniques. These include, sawing, texturing, forming, filing and soldering.  Once happy with your ring, you will polish it, choosing a satin on mirror finish. You will then choose a gemstone or piece of seaglass to set on your ring.

You will then elevate your jewellery making skills by creating a bezel cup to set your stone. This is a time-consuming job but incredibly rewarding. You can choose to add a beaded detail to the setting. You will then solder the cup to your ring, repolish and start to set the stone. You can choose to blacken the setting for a final antique look.

Please bring glasses if needed for close-up work, an apron, your lunch and dress in comfy clothes and closed toe footwear.

Class Dates:
August: 22, 23, 24

Class Times: 10-3.30pm (5.5 hours, bring own lunch)

Costs:

£225pp (all materials are included)

deposit: £100

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