Come and have a go at Throwing on a Potter's Wheel!

We're holding a throwing session on 12th August for you to have a go, under the expert guidance of Ellie.

Book a space, and you can spend 10-15 minutes having a go at centreing your clay and throwing a mug, beaker or vase - it's not as easy as it looks!

If you do make something you would like firing, there will be a £10 charge for Ellie to do so.

Limited spaces, so don't miss out!

Glass fusing is fun, therapeutic and addictive. In this relaxing workshop you will make some lovely glass artwork, that will last a lifetime. 

On this taster workshop we will make a 10cm square picture . We will show you how to cut the glass and give you lots of ideas for designs.

All materials and tools are included. Your glass will be taken away to be fired and returned to the Craft Centre for collection in a few days. 

In this session you will make a pendant and earrings using dichroic glass. 

You will be shown how to cut your glass and given design ideas. Your piece will be taken away for firing and returned to the Craft Centre for collection afterwards.

Join Jane on this fantastic half-day course.

Try your hand at this increasingly popular style of Modern Calligraphy. Ideal for all those personal touches to your hand crafted cards and gifts, or generate your own unique design.

The course includes a nib holder, nib, practice lines, letters and paper. Other items to help you flourish at calligraphy will be available on the day.

We have 2 sessions running - Morning 10-12.30 and Afternoon 1-3.30. UPGRADE to a full day for £68 - call to book this Upgrade.

Our printing taster is suitable for all the family - try block, lino and monotype printing techniques in this session.

Join Charlotte on her one and a half hour, Precious Metal Silver Clay Jewellery Making Taster Workshop, and learn the fundamentals of creating your own beautiful solid silver jewellery.

This workshop is aimed at those with no little or no experience of working with Silver Clay. After this workshop you will have the basic skills to be able to create your own designs in the comfort of your own home.

Precious Metal Silver clay is made up of very fine particles of recycled pure silver, water and a non toxic binder. When your piece is fired, the binder burns away, leaving you with solid fine silver. The process is truly magical. Art Clay fine (99.9%) silver will be used during this workshop.

Guided by your instructor you’ll make one solid silver charm. You will have access to a selection of different textures, and shapes, to create a wonderful, unique piece of jewellery.

You will learn the process of making jewellery with silver clay from start to finish. You’ll learn how to handle, roll, shape and texture it, before drying and refining. You’ll then be shown how your jewellery is kiln fired and finish the session with polishing your charm. Your charm will be ready to take home with you on the day!

Come and try one of our affordable crafty taster sessions - they have proved very popular this year.

No experience is necessary for our quick and easy taster sessions, join us for an hour of friendly chit-chat while you craft, for just £10!

Monday 27th November - Christmas Stitching

Learn how to use cork fabric in this quick taster class.

You'll cut out and sew a cute cork and fabric pouch with ribbon and button fastening.

Have you always wanted to paint with Watercolours? Has it been years since you've done it? Have you dabbled during lockdown, but feel like you need some guidance? Then this is the course for you! Suitable for complete beginners.

Our fantastic art tutor, Kay Carpenter, takes you right back to basics teaching you all the techniques you need to handle watercolours, and begin painting pictures from the very first class! You'll be amazed at what you learn, and how you progress over the 5 week course.

All materials are included in the price of the course, and there is the opportunity to learn more and progress with further courses if you enjoy working with watercolours.

If you've completed our first Beginners Watercolour 5 week block, this is a follow-on course to build on and expand your techniques. 

Kay will help you hone your skills with a variety of subject matter, still life, landscapes and more as you continue your artistic journey.

All materials are included in the price of the course.

Please Note: This is a 5 week course starting 25th October, 1st Nov, 7th Nov, 15th Nov, 29th Nov. There is NO class on 22nd Nov.

A four week course, which is a great opportunity to improve on your drawing skills and to try out different materials, such as pencil, pen and charcoal. A variety of subjects are covered, over the 4 weeks which may include still life, portraits and landscapes. Learn more about line, shading, sketching and perspective.

The course is suitable for beginners, and those who already enjoy drawing but would like a little
more practice. If you have attended this course before you are welcome to come again, just let us
know when you book.

In this workshop, join Caroline to create a set of seasonal postcards using pen and watercolour. Etegami (picture postcards from Japan) are a snapshot of a moment, a chance to relax, draw and paint and capture an item close to you, in your everyday life. Add a special message, poem, quote, bible verse or even recipe to annotate your work. Send to a friend or loved one, or keep as artwork for your home.

Templates will be provided to aid your creativity or feel free to bring along items or photographs from home, that you would love to draw and paint.

All materials are provided as well as plentiful tea and coffee while working. Come and meet new friends and enjoy learning from experienced, creative people.

 Do you want to practice and improve your watercolour technique? Join like-minded people in our friendly studio and learn to refine and develop your skills with our fantastic local artist and tutor, Kay Carpenter. You'll paint a variety of subject matter using different techniques over the weeks. All materials are included in the cost of the course.

Use the simple technique of paper collage to create a stunning piece of artwork. 
Katharine will show you how to choose papers and work with colour and pattern to create a bird picture. You don't need to be able to draw or be artistic - this is art for everyone!

If you have ever wondered how a design is put onto a silk scarf, then this is the workshop for you!

Spend a peaceful day learning how to place a design on silk, how to create a clear outline of your design and how to apply paint to the silk. You will create a beautiful piece of art work to take home and perhaps even wear as a scarf.

All materials and equipment are provided. 

Learn to stone set and make a chunky claw gemstone ring. 

A range of semi-precious cabochons will be provided for you to choose from to make your ring and extras will be available for sale too.

Learn how to measure your stone for setting, saw, file and solder as well as set the stone.

his three hour workshop will give you an introduction into jewellery making using the fabulous material of Precious Metal (Silver) Clay.

Silver Clay is made up of very fine particles of pure silver, water and a non toxic binder. When your piece if fired, the binder burns away, leaving you with solid fine silver. It's a magical process!

Guided by Charlotte, you'll learn the basics of working with silver clay, how to handle it, roll, shape and texture it before drying and refining, then onto torch firing, polishing and finally learning how to patina.

You will create one, solid fine silver pendant and it will be ready to take home with you on the day.

All materials are included in the price of the course and is suitable for those who are new to working with silver clay.

Join us on our one day beginners workshop to learn the fundamentals of creating your own beautiful solid silver jewellery. 

Silver clay is made up of very fine particles of pure siver, water and a non toxic binder. When your piece if fired, the binder burns away, leaving you with solid fine silver. The process is truly magical.

Charlotte with teach you how to make two textured pendants and a pair of earrings from solid fine silver. You will learn the process of making jewellery with silver clay from start to finish. The first part of the day focuses upon how to handle, roll, shape and texture it, before drying and refining. The second part of the day will focus upon torch firing, polishing and learning how to patina. 

All materials are included in the price of the course and is suitable for those who are new to working with silver clay.

Join us on our three hour, Polymer Clay Twisted Bead Workshop, and learn the fundamentals of creating your own beautiful Polymer Clay jewellery.
Guided by your instructor you’ll make enough twisted beads to make one necklace or two bracelets. You'll learn how to condition, roll, shape, extrude and refine the clay before curing, then refining some more, before adding your beads onto stretchy transparent cord and make into a neckace or two bracelets - ready to wear upon leaving the workshop.
Image is an example of what you could achieve on the day, but you can make any colour you desire.
The workshop cost of £45 includes the polymer clay, use of tools and necklace / bracelet cord.

Join us on our three hour, Polymer Clay Earring Workshop, and learn the fundamentals of creating your own beautiful Polymer Clay jewellery.
Guided by your instructor you’ll make approximately two pairs of earrings. You'll use Polymer clay combined with your choice of gold, copper or silver leaf to make your earrings. You'll learn how to condition, roll, shape / cut (there will be various colours of Polymer Clay available on the day, and lots of wonderful cutters, in various shapes to choose from) and refine the clay before curing, then refining some more, before completing with earring findings - ready to wear upon leaving the workshop.
(If you'd like your earrings sealed / glazed, this'll be done following the workshop and your finished earrings posted out to you. A charge of £3 postage will be applied for this)
Image is an example of what you could achieve on the day, but you can make any shape or colour you desire.
*Please note that the earrings will be dangly in style, even if they are on stud type fittings*
The workshop cost of £65 includes the polymer clay for your two pairs of earrings, gold, copper or silver leaf, use of tools and a stainless steel jump rings / earring wires.

A wonderful NEW four week evening course to develop your silver metal clay skills. 

Full course content coming soon...

A new course teaching you all the techniques to make a silver spinner ring. You will learn to cut, texture and solder the base ring, and make a contrasting spinning ring on top.

A great day to make a silver stacking rings set. You will make 3 rings that stack together, one with a simple accent on top such as a heart. You'll learn to saw, file and solder and make rings to the correct size.

A fabulous introduction to the art of Silversmithing. This full day course will teach you all the basic techniques of cutting, etching, texturing and soldering and you will design and make your own metal charm or pendant. Our informative tutors will give you loads of information on how to carry on this fascinating hobby. 

You will be given an inch square piece of silver as well as unlimited brass and copper. More silver can be purchased on the day.

If you have attended our silversmithing workshops before, you are welcome to come on this workshop and work on your own projects or learn new skills. Please just let us know in advance if you are a returning student.

All materials and tools are provided on the day - all you need to bring is an idea of a simple pendant design to make - our tutors will guide you through the rest!

"Just want to say a massive thank you for such a wonderful day today in harborough on our silversmithing day. You are lovely tutors & made the day such fun!" Emma

Our popular silversmithing course runs as an evening course over 5 sessions, so you get even more time to create beautiful jewellery! You will be shown how to work with silver, and get to try a variety of techniques including cutting, etching, filing, soldering and engraving. Complete beginners will start by making a silver pendant. Those who have attended one of our day courses or evening courses before can move on to making rings and earrings. More advanced students can have tuition in stone setting.

The course price includes two pieces of silver and unlimited brass and copper. More silver can be purchased from our tutors if required.

If you have ever wondered about the difference between patchwork and quilts, or how quilts are made and fancied having a go, then this introductory course is for you! We will take you through each step of patchwork and quilt making. You will learn how to cut squares of fabric with a rotary cutter, how to fit and sew them together to make a patchwork top (and how important an iron is in quilt making!). You will then add wadding and backing fabric to your patchwork top, and use a sewing machine to learn some basic quilting. You will then finish your mini quilt with a border. 

All materials, equipment and sewing machines are provided for your use as well as plentiful tea and coffee.

Our friendly and fun patchwork group meets every Wednesday afternoon in 10 week blocks.
All abilities are welcome as you can work on your own quilting project, at your own pace with tuition and guidance from Katharine. Projects that have been completed in the past include Bargello, Scrappy, Medallion, Applique and Art Quilts as well as traditional pieced quilts and wall hangings. We are always happy to advise and assist on quilt patterns and fabric choices. Indeed, members of this group get 10% off all fabrics for the duration of the course.

 
What’s Included: Use of our sewing machines and tools, thread, tea/coffee.

What to Bring: Your patchwork project.

Are you ready for 2 days of stupendous sewing fun?! Choose a quilt pattern from Living in Loveliness' wonderful range; learn to cut and piece the block and practice your quilting technique with fantastic tuition from Kerrie.

Day 1: Arrive from 9.30, ready to start sewing at 10am. Sew until 4pm with a break for a light lunch. Check into the hotel and have a rest and change before joining the group for a meal out in Market Harborough (and cocktails afterwards if you wish)!

Day 2: The Craft Centre will be open from 9am for pastries, coffee and tea. Sewing proper begins from 10am, again with a break for lunch. Finish by 4pm to beat the traffic home.

What's Included: Pattern, tuition, use of sewing machines and tools, meals, 1 night's accommodation in Travelodge (central to Market Harborough). Please note: extra days of accommodation can be arranged, or no accommodation if you live locally. 

What's Not Included: Alcoholic Drinks, Fabric

THE FULL PRICE OF THE 2 DAY RETREAT IS £375.

Book your space below with a £50 deposit and we will be in touch to get all the necessary information and organise a payment plan with you.

A weekly patchwork course, aimed at Beginners, where we work together on the same quilt, learning techniques and skills as we go.

Our New Year project will be The Harrison Quilt, taught by its designer, Hannah Harrison.

You will need 12 Fat Quarters and 3/4m of solid fabric for the top of the quilt, plus wadding and backing fabric. Any materials purchased from our shop for the quilt will receive 10% off.

Learn the technique of applique and create a design on a cushion cover.

All materials are included.

Caroline has designed a beautiful traditional Japanese sashiko project based on their famous cherry blossom to stitch in this workshop. 

Come and learn how to stitch sashiko in our relaxed and friendly class and you will make a fabric piece that you can use as a furoshiki wrapping cloth, napkin or table decoration.

     All photos (c) Caroline Barley

We are delighted to be offering a 2 Day Bag Retreat Workshop this Autumn!

Spend 2 days immersed in sewing at the Craft Centre as you make the Noodlehead Making Backpack under Hannah's expert tuition.  

The Backpack is a sturdy bag with internal and external pockets, grab handles and adjustable shoulder straps.

What is included in the price?

All tuition and your bag pattern.
Use of our sewing machines, tools and facilities for 2 days.
Lunch is included on both days as well as plentiful tea, coffee and biscuits.

What is not included?

Your fabric, interfacings and hardware required for the bag. 
However. we will offer you a choice of full kits or hardware kits only at a discounted price; or you can bring your own supplies.
Overnight accommodation. If you would like to stay overnight in Market Harborough, do please contact us and we can assist you with your hotel booking.

A three week course for anyone who wants to learn to sew! We'll complete a project a week, developing and building your skills as you go.

You don't need your own sewing machine as we have 8 modern Brother machines, but you can bring your own if you want to get to grips with it a little more.

All materials are included in the price of the course. You'll learn how to set up your machine, pin, cut out and construct projects learning a host of new skills along the way.

In the Craft Centre we can build a snowman, with multicoloured buttons for his eyes! Add a Free Motion hat and raw edge applique to Mr Snowman until he starts to come to life!

Join us to make a Christmas inspired Snowman or Gonk and hone your free motion quilting skills, whilst having a fun day of sewing chat.

The cost of the day includes tuition, pattern, the use of all our sewing machines and tools so you don't need to lug your equipment along, plentiful tea & coffee and a light lunch (pastry tart & salads plus fruit and cake platter).

It does not include materials, but you will be provided with a materials list in advance so you can bring from your stash, or you can purchase from our shop on the day with a 10% discount.

What better chance to spend the day with not one, but two Sewing Street Guest Demonstrators, because Katharine will be there too, making the tea, threading up the sewing machines and chit-chatting. Have a fabulous fun-filled day!

*please note this retreat will only run with a minimum of 6 attendees.

A three week patchwork course where we will make a Christmas themed decorative project using pieced patchwork and quilting techniques.

All materials are provided for this class.

A general sewing session for any ability - just bring along your project and we'll help you out.

Mums can enjoy a couple of hours escape from the children; teenagers are welcome to attend too.

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN PROJECT WITH YOU.

Back by popular demand, some of Hannah's favourite bag makes - perfect for those of you new to bag-making, or if you missed it first time around!

The cost of the course includes tuition and pattern. 

We will offer you the choice of a full kit which includes fabric, interfacings and hardware at a 10% discount on the full price if bought separately OR an interfacings/hardware kit only and you provide your own outer fabric. Or you can opt to bring all your own materials. If you purchase our kit, then we will cut out your pieces ready to sew.

Friday 26th Jan 2024 - Hannah's Popular Tweed Bag 

Fridy 8th March 2024 - Compass Bag by Noodlehead Patterns (photo below)

Hannah's found lots of lovely projects for you to come and learn to make! There's lots of different skills to try - patchwork, quilting, applique and more - it's a great way to learn something new with these quick and easy makes.

Our next make is a cute pencil case that fastens on to your notebook.

What a great way to start the New Year learning all the tips and tricks of free motion and making Living in Loveliness’ Happy Heart Cushion. Kerrie will be joining us again for a day of learning, sewing, chat and fun.

The cost of the day includes tuition, pattern, the use of all our sewing machines and tools so you don't need to lug your equipment along, plentiful tea & coffee and a light lunch. It doesn’t include fabric, but you will be sent a materials list and the option of purchasing fabric from us.

 For those who have never used a machine before, or have not done so for a long time – come and learn the basics to give you the confidence to get going. You will learn to wind your bobbin, thread your machine, and then use your machine to make a simple lined tote bag. All materials are included in the cost of the workshop.

We have eight lovely modern Brother sewing machines for you to learn on, but if you have a sewing machine at home that you wish to get to grips with, please bring it with you for this class and we will show you how get started. Please also bring the instruction manual as each machine is different and understanding how to use your instruction manual really helps when you are sewing solo!

Thinking of buying a sewing machine? We have a range of Brother Sewing Machines in store for you to try. Click here to find out more.

Learn how to make a keepsake memory bear - a one-of-a-kind teddy bear made from clothes or fabric that is of sentimental value, or has special memories.

The price of the course includes a pattern supplied by Memory Bear Expert, Sandi Millichip-Massocchi as well as the fleece, interfacing and stuffing required.

You are welcome to bring fabric of your choice to make the bear from, but we would recommend that you use scrap fabrics for your first bear, and save your most sentimental pieces for a second bear when you have learnt the techniques.

A short four week patchwork course helping you to use up all your fabric bits and pieces in a fabulous stashbusting project! 

Bring any fabric pieces of your choice and join in making our project!

We are so delighted that Caroline is joining us regularly in 2024 to tutor our hand stitching workshops on an almost bi-monthly basis!

In this workshop, join Caroline to create a traditional hitomezashi sashiko-embellished pin cushion. Use new fabric and embroidery thread combined with a vintage wooden pot, sustainably sourced especially for the class. Each will be unique! Have fun with seasonal or traditional colour combinations and patterns. Learn a little about Japanese culture, seasonal influences and hear about Caroline's experiences of living in Japan and learning from skilled craftspeople. 

We can offer you a hour's 1:1 session to help you get started with your sewing machine, overlocker or if you're stuck on a project and need some extra help.

Think you need more time? Call us on 01858 466692 to discuss your requirements.

In this workshop, you will learn how to make a fabric make-up bag with a clasp fastening.

This is a lovely project that is perfect for those who have never made a bag before. You will have great fun rifling through our extensive collection of fabric to choose two designs for the outside of the bag, and a third design for the bag lining. You will learn how to sew the bag on a sewing machine, how to give structure to the bag and how to attach a clasp fastening. 

All material choices, wadding, the clasp fastening and the pattern pieces are included in the price. You will leave with a finished, beautifully-made make-up bag.

This is a great introduction to working with leather using just a domestic sewing machine. 

In this workshop, you will learn about the quirks and joys of working with leather and will make a fabulous tote bag with grab handles and an interior pocket. You will be taught how to use a sewing machine to sew leather effectively and move on to using top stitiching on the interior pocket. You will  also learn how to attach handles to the bag using rivets.

We provide all the materials needed and have eight wonderful Brother sewing machines to work on. This workshop is ideal for those who have some sewing experience.

Join Katharine for an immersive dressmaking experience - bring your choice of pattern and fabric and get all the expert help you need on measuring, fitting, techniques and working with different fabrics. Plus lunch, tea & coffee and lots of chat and laughter along the way.

What's included in the price? Tuition, use of our sewing machines, overlockers and faciities for 2 days. Lunch, tea, coffee and biscuits. 10% discount on anything in the shop.

Overnight accommodation can be included for you - please get in touch and we can book it for you.

Bring your own dressmaking project, and we will guide you through the process of cutting out, fitting and sewing.

This class is suitable for all levels. If you are a beginner, we are happy to advise you on suitable patterns and fabrics to start with. If you've made lots before, then choose some more challenging garments or trickier fabrics, and we'll help you build up your skills.

Bring your own pattern and fabric and embark on a dressmaking project in this lovely, relaxed class with full tuition. This course is suitable for all levels from complete beginner to those looking to work with trickier fabrics and techniques.

We sell patterns and fabric at the Craft Centre and we are always happy to advise you on suitable projects and fabrics to choose. Just pop in and have a chat with Katharine or Hannah.

Suitable for all levels.

Please Note: This course is currently full and has a waiting list - please contact us to register your interest.

Join us on all three of our Pattern Cutting Workshops - Trouser, Bodice and Sleeve and get a 10% discount across the workshops. Small groups and personalised fitting from Katharine means you can learn a huge amount about the shape of your body, and the alterations you need to do to make perfectly fitting garments.

We have two great hotels very close to the Craft Centre, where accommodation can be booked if you are coming from further afield:

The Three Swans Hotel & Restaurant - Market Harborough, Leicestershire

Travelodge | Market Harborough hotel - Market Harborough hotels

Feel free to contact us if you have any queries about coming to the area. Alternatively if you prefer to do single days of this course, you can book them separately.

This one day course will show you how to use your own measurements to draw a fitted bodice block. This will then be used to make a toile, which we will further fit and you will be shown how to transfer changes back onto your pattern.

This course is suitable for those with existing sewing knowledge who want to understand more about their own body shape and made-to-measure dressmaking.

Why not add on the Sleeve Block the following day?

If you have completed our bodice block pattern cutting course, come and learn how to draft the sleeve to go with it.

You will need to bring your bodice block with you, or attend the bodice block course on the previous day to be able to do this course. Once completed, you will know how to draft a sleeve for any garment using a few simple measurements!

Recommended for experienced sewers.

Do you struggle to find well-fitting trousers on the high street? Then this is the course for you! 

Using your own measurements, we will draw a trouser block pattern - flat-fronted with a dart and side zip. We will then make this up in a calico toile, make any adjustments and transfer those back to your pattern. So at the end of the day, you should go away with a usable trouser block pattern.

This course is suitable for those with sewing experience.

All materials are provided, but please bring your lunch.

Come and spend a relaxing and enjoyable day learning how to Make a Kimono Style Jacket to your own measurements. With expert pattern cutter Cath McBean, you'll be show how to measure, cut and piece your garment.

You will need to bring your own fabric for this course and will be sent the requirements closer to the time.

This five week course will teach you how to follow a dressmaking pattern and make an item of clothing of your choice (it doesn't have to be a dress!) guided by our expert dressmaker. We will teach you how to measure yourself properly and cut the correct garment size out; how to read your pattern and what the terminology means; and help you fit your garment properly along the way.

This class is suitable for all levels of sewist, including beginners. If you haven't sewn clothes before, please get in touch so we can advise you on a suitable first project and fabric.

This course is FIVE Evening Sessions. You will need to bring a pattern, fabric, thread and notions of your choice - we have plenty available at the Craft Centre to choose from if you wish - but we provide all tools and sewing machines.

This is the perfect way to get to grips with overlocking - learn how to use your overlocker to create a fabulous garment!

Using Japanese pattern cutting techniques, you will measure and make a flattering jersey t-shirt almost entirely on your overlocker. 

We have five overlockers available for use at the Craft Centre, so if you want to use one of these, please call us to reserve one. Otherwise, please bring your own machine.

You will also need 1.5 metres of jersey fabric. We recommend a ponteroma or double knit jersey if you have never worked with jersey before. We do have a selection here at the Craft Centre which you can buy in advance, or on the day.

This five week course will teach you how to follow a dressmaking pattern and make an item of clothing of your choice (it doesn't have to be a dress!) guided by our expert dressmaker. We will teach you how to measure yourself properly and cut the correct garment size out; how to read your pattern and what the terminology means; and help you fit your garment properly along the way.

This class is suitable for all levels of sewist, including beginners. If you haven't sewn clothes before, please get in touch so we can advise you on a suitable first project and fabric.

This course is FIVE Evening Sessions. You will need to bring a pattern, fabric, thread and notions of your choice - we have plenty available at the Craft Centre to choose from if you wish - but we provide all tools and sewing machines.

Bring your own choice of pattern and fabric and be guided through the dressmaking process  by industry expert, Cath McBean.

This is suitable for all levels of sewist. If you are new to dressmaking, we advise that you come in and chat to us about suitable patterns and fabrics for a first project.

This is a 2 week course perfect for crochet beginners, or those looking to expand their knowledge.

In this course, we will teach you the most commonly used crochet stitches, show you how to begin and finish a piece of crochet and talk about colour choices of yarns. You will learn how to read a crochet pattern, how to make granny squares (which can be put together to make a cushion cover or blanket) and become more confident at selecting crochet projects to move on. If you've already got some experience, we'll set you on a more complex project - we've got some great patterns and yarns to choose from!

Included in the price of this course is a crochet hook and ball of yarn in the colour of your choice, a book of instructions, and any patterns you use. If you want to purchase more yarn for a larger project, this will be available at a 10% discount.

If you have attended this course already, or have some experience of crocheting, you are very welcome to come and we will develop your crocheting skills further with more complex pattern reading, crocheting in the round and learning more complex stitches. Just mention at the time of booking if you would like to be stretched further!

Please Note the Course will run on the Following Dates / Times:

Tuesday 24th October - 10am-2pm
Tuesday 31st October - 2-4pm

An introduction to crochet for complete beginners. If you have ever thought about learning to crochet, then this is the workshop for you! You will learn how to start crocheting and tackle the basic stitches. Once you have the hang of them, you can start on the traditional granny square and learning to read a pattern.

Yarn, hook and patterns are included in the cost of the course.

The latest crafting trend Macraweave combined macrame knots and weaving techniques to create eye-catching projects full of colour and texture.

In this introductory workshop you will make a small wall hanging learning a variety of macrame knots and weaving techniques to create your finished piece.

In this workshop, join Caroline to create a unique shibori hand-dyed hanging scroll and three other pieces of hand dyed fabric to use as you wish. Explore the different binding and wrapping techniques that create stunning patterns in a range of colours. 

Learn a little about this amazing Japanese technique along with stories from summers spent living in Japan. 

All materials are included and plenty of tea and coffee is provided throughout the day. Either bring a packed lunch, or take a stroll in beautiful Market Harborough during your lunch break.

Make sure you wear old clothes on the day as it can be messy with the fabric dyes and water!

In this workshop, join Caroline to create a number of decorative paper stars, crafted from pretty paper bags. These delicate and unique stars can be hung at home in time for Christmas, ar all year round if you prefer. Popular in Germany, they can even be illuminated from within by small LED fairy lights.

Add more festivity to the workshop with Japanese-inspired fabric furoshiki wrapping cloth techniques, demonstrated for various items and gifts you might need to wrap in the coming weeks. Bring along small gift items such as soaps, chocolates, books, and mini wine bottles so you can learn how to wrap with your furoshiki (we will have items for your to practise with too). You will take a furoshiki of your own home, from a selection prepared for the day. 

Make a selection of beautiful Christmas decorations on this seasonal workshop.

You'll be taught how to cut glass and be provided with a range of shapes and ideas to create your own glass decorations. We will take them and fuse them in our Glass kiln and return them to you ready to hang on your Christmas tree!

In this 2 1/2 hour workshop you will make 5 little hanging houses-perfect for hanging on Christmas trees, to use as place settings, to gift to friends or pop in a stocking!  Add a name for a personal touch, door number, or special word.  Pip will guide you various techniques, to include decoupage, drilling, hand stamping and wood burning.  Lots of patterns and colours to choose from.

In this class, you will learn how to burn seasonal patterns and pictures on to wood using a pyrography pen. No drawing skills are necessary. Pyrography is a wonderful, soothing, slow craft - you will spend 2 hours in a relaxing environment and go home with 2 or 3 Christmas decorations. 

All equipment and materials are provided. 

In this workshop, join Caroline to learn about the traditional and stunning Japanese craft of temari, or hand ball. Embroider an original design and learn the meaning of seasonal symbols in Japanese culture. Choose your colourway to blend with your home ready for the winter and Christmas season, adding a hanging hook to proudly display on your Christmas tree or decorative branches. Caroine has designed a new style of temari ball for 2023, with 3 different colourways to choose from.

When you book, let us know which colour way you would like to make, and then we can get your temari ball prepped ready for you.

Enjoy the welcoming and friendly atmosphere at Leicestershire Craft Centre, a great place for meeting new friends and learning from experienced creative people. 

Tick friends and relations off your Christmas list with our Essential Oils Gifting evening! There'll be lots of ideas such as soaps, bath salts, room sprays and edible items to make and you'll get to make some to take away. We'll also have gorgeous jars, containers and gift wrapping ideas, to make your handmade gifts look extra special and luxurious!

They'll be so lovely, you won't want to give them away!

Lino printing is a lovely method of print making, that's extremely popular here at the Craft Centre. Come and learn about the tools and materials involved, and how to cut and print your own design. You will cut and print your own one colour design during the session with a Christmassy theme so you can print your own cards.

Learn how to needlefelt and make a cheeky Christmas gnome!

Or, you can opt to make other Christmas decorations such as robins, christmas puddings, or even a brussel sprout!

A really fun workshop for all.

The pompom trend isn't going away, so come and make a fun Christmas wreath with them! A great modern twist for an indoor wreath...pick your colour scheme to suit your home.

A wonderful craft for reusing fabrics rather than sending them to landfill. In this session you will learn the rag rug technique and have the choice of making a wreath, which you will complete during the time, or begin a larger project to complete at home.

BRAND NEW FOR AUTUMN - 4 week Pottery Evening Course.

We are delighted to have Ellie back with us for a 4 week Evening Course. You'll complete a range of different projects including a pinch pot vase, s'graffitto dish, Christmas decorations and throwing on the wheel - learning different skills each week.

Week 1:
Group A - Making and decorating hand-rolled Christmas decorations and gift tags.
Group B - Learn how to prep clay, throw a pot on the wheel, trim your thrown piece and add a handle.

Week 2:
Group A - Learn how to prep clay, throw a pot on the wheel, trim your thrown piece and add a handle.
Group B - Making and decorating hand-rolled Christmas decorations and gift tags.

Week 3: Sgraffito Dish - Create a unique design on a dish using the Sgraffito technique - carving away layers of colour to reeal the raw clay underneath.

Week 4: Your thrown pieces will now have been bisque fired. Decorate these pieces using underglaze and learn how to glaze pots using the dipping method. If you don't wish to glaze your thrown pieces then you will have the opportunity to make a pinch pot vase.

The cost of the course includes all clay, firing and glazing costs.

Please contact us if you would like to split your payments for this course.

Have you always wanted to try ceramics? Come and join Ellie Joy Ceramics to make a stoneware plate with pressed flowers. It's a great introduction to pottery and ceramics.

You will roll and shape your clay. Press in a design of flowers and plants (feel free to bring your own, if there is something special you would like), personlise by adding text, dates and names if you wish and then add colour to your piece to bring it to life.

Ellie will take your plates and finish them with a clear glossy glaze in her kiln, so you have a piece to treasure!

Please Note: Clay can be unpredictable and there is always a small chance that it can crack, break or have little imperfections when it comes out of the kiln. We cannot be held responsible for any such outcomes should they happen.

Ellie Joy Ceramics is bringing her coiled vase workshop to the Craft Centre - come and have a fun day trying pottery.

In this class you will have the opportunity to make glass piece that will be turned into a bowl in the firing process.

You will learn about the different types of glass that you can use to create designs, be shown how to cut shapes in glass and given ideas on what design to choose. 

Suitable for beginners and improvers.

Glass fusion is a simple, yet highly rewarding craft to practise. In this session, we will create landscape pictures that when fired will slump into a wave shape that allow them to stand freely. All materials will be provided.

Spend a relaxing couple of hours designing a beautiful glass candle or tea light screen. We'll show you how to cut and position your glass ready for us to fire in our kiln.

Your piece will be taken away and fired on a special mould that will shape the glass into a curved piece that will stand around a candle or tea light, perfect for the winter months.

The price includes the cost of firing.

This is a real WOW piece and something you will be proud of show off. The Crashing Wave is secured on a wooden stand once it has been fired and looks great on a windowsill or a mantlepiece. The class is a little longer than the usual classes as there will be a step by step demonstration for you to help you to create this lovely piece of glass art. The teacher will also be on hand to assist with cutting for those new to fused glass work.

Come and learn how to make your own raw delicious chocolates infused with doTERRA essential oils such as wild orange, citrus bliss, salt and black pepper, peppermint and lime and ginger to name a few. Get creative making your own chocolate using a variety of different chocolate moulds in a relaxed environment. While the chocolates set you will learn how you can use these incredible medicinal essential oils to care for you and your loves ones and make a gift box to take them home in.

Modern calligraphy is a new way of learning calligraphy, also perfect for lefties -so no excuses!

Jane will teach you everything from the basics right though to design and layout, but the day is taken at your own pace.

All equipment will be provided, and Jane will explain and show you how and why she teaches with inks and super shiny metallic paints and different nibs.

You will go home with a nib of choice, nib holder all handouts, practice sheets and your own designed card.

Jane has taught calligraphy for many years and only works and stocks products that she knows are fit for purpose so bring some pennies for all those things you never knew you really needed!

If you already have equipment, please bring it along and Jane can advise if its right for your Modern calligraphy journey.

Make a beautiful piece of mosaic art for your garden in this workshop where you will make a mosaic 'shard'. An ideal project to practice cutting glass and make something fabulous for the garden.

Claire will take your piece away to grout and return it to the Craft Centre soon after.

Pyrography is the art of burning designs into wood - come and have a go and make a wooden decoration!

Materials included.

In this workshop you will make a large wooden house on a garden wood block with dried foliage.  

This is a piece to celebrate the seasons - the foliage is removable so you can add new plants as the seasons change.

Techniques Pippa will guide you through include decoupage, painting, drilling, wood burning and letter stamping.  There will be lots of decoupage papers and eco-friendly paints to choose from, enabling you to create a personalised mixed media artwork to take home and enjoy throughout the year.

A full day stained glass class where you will create beautiful stained glass 3D stars using the Tiffany Copper Foil Method.

Participants will learn how to cut their class for the project and then join the individual pieces together using copper foil and solder. 

A great introduction to stained glass. You'll learn to cut your glass and then piece it together with lead and solder to make a beautiful wind spinner to hang in your window.

A one day Stained Glass Workshop covering the basic design and construction of a leaded glass panel. Students will choose from a range of designs, select their coloured glass and learn how to cut the individual glass pieces.  The afternoon session will then be spent making the lead framework, and finally students will solder their finished panels, ready to take home at the end of the day.

This is a fantastic day course where you will make your own willow sculpture. No experience is necessary.

If you are new to the craft, you will be given the choice of making a duck, runner duck, heron or chicken. Then you will be guided through the processes and techniques of sculpting from willow to complete your sculpture in the day.

For the more experienced why not have a go at a hare, cat or even small dog or sheep. 

All materials are included.

For all those children who have joined Katy for her Illustration workshop and would like to know more about the world of Illustration, this workshop could be for you!

We will take a more in-depth look at how to interpret and illustrate a scene with a set group of characters, how to give those characters 'personality', how to use different viewpoints and experiment with ideas from within the story-telling, through the use of different materials. It's going to be FUN!

Create colourful jewellery in this exclusive class.

Decorate your aluminium shapes with patterns, pictures and designs of your choice. 

The tutors will 'steam' your designs so that the colours are fixed in place ready for your to collect later that day. or another day.

A sewing workshop for those aged 10+. You will learn the basics of how to use a dressmaking pattern, cut out your pattern pieces and sew them together using our wonderful Brother sewing machines. You will leave with a wearable garment made to fit you perfectly!

Patterns will be provided for this course, but you are required to bring your own choice of fabric. You will be told in advance what type and quantity of fabric you will need. You will also need a packed lunch (no nuts please).

"Grace came to the Sewing Class and really enjoyed making the shorts...I was so impressed with what they did in such a short space of time."  Tanya Lord

Learn to sew on a sewing machine with our Beginner Sewing Sessions, which are a great introduction to cutting, pin and stitching. You'll finish a project during the session and be keen to come back and do some more!

Our sewing machines at the Craft Centre are brilliant for learning as they can be slowed right down and have lots of safety features.

Tuesday Feb 20th - Make a Stuffed Animal Cushion

Wednesday Feb 21st - Make a Personalised Tote Bag

Come and make lots of fun cards for all your friends, with our stamps, punches and embellishments.

Lots of people ask how Katy builds a character, so she thought this workshop would be a great introduction to the process she uses. 

The workshop will start with sketching from a group of objects; then we'll look at shapes, how they fit together and how to build a character from our observations. We'll add personalty and illustrate the character moving, interacting with its surroundings and other characters. If you would like to you can bring along a picture of your favourite character and we'll look at how to 'de-construct' and then 're-construct' the character with what we've learnt.

Come and enjoy a morning of Art with our wonderful artist, Anna.

Subject matter and media used differ from session to session but might include drawing, painting, printing and lots more!

Recommended ages 7-11yrs.

Monday 24th July - Typography & Lettering

Wednesday 2nd August - Abstract Art with Acrylics

Tuesday 8th August - Draw & Paint

Our Beginners Sewing Club covers all kinds of different skills, techniques and makes. The children will learn to use a sewing machine, and begin to cut out and pin to create a variety of projects.

Suitable for children in Years 3-6 with no, or little sewing experience.

A colourful, fun class teaching traditional enamelling techniques, using efcolor enamel (resin enamel). The children will learn the techniques using efcolor powder, which is then baked in a tealight kiln. For safety reasons, the kiln is controlled only by the tutors. Pieces made in the childrens silversmithing class in the morning can be enamelled in this class.

**Please note due to insurance, this class is suitable for children aged 6+**

Let your child's imagination flow during this workshop where they will be guided to make a glass picture. The glass piece will be taken away to be fired and be ready for collection in approximately a fortnight.

All materials and firing included in the price.

Suitable for children age 6+

Suitable for those who have been sewing for a little while. We'll tackle slightly more complicated projects and the children will do more of their own cutting out and pinning; and more designing in their projects.

If you are unsure as to whether this class is suitable for your child, please email or call us to discuss.

For those children who have attended the Beginners Sewing Club for some time and are showing proficiency, we have the Improvers Sewing Club where they can continue to build on their skills, tackling more difficult projects.

If you are unsure which club you should sign your child up for, them please have a chat with Katharine or Hannah.

We are delighted to welcome local ceramicist Nikki McCathie to the Craft Centre. 

She will guide the children through building their own clay creation - we have done all kinds of things from personalised mermaids to monsters, dinosaurs and unicorns.

Once built they will paint their clay and it will be taken away to be dried out and fired by Nikki. She will return them to the Craft Centre in approximately three weeks for collection.

Suitable for 6+

A fantastic course for older children and teenagers.

Learn to saw, file and drill precious metal and create your own pendants to take home. Working with aluminium (looks like silver, but easier to work with for beginners), you'll design your own simple shapes and follow the process through to a completed piece of jewellery.

Please Note: For insurance purposes, this course is only suitable for children aged 10 and over.

Come and learn how to make your own comic with professional book illustrator and artist Katy Dynes.

You will start by creating your characters and then put them into a story. Katy will give you loads of ideas and tips on how to draw brilliantly and make your comic amazing!

Raid our stash of fabrics, papers, buttons, paint and other crafty bits and bobs and create your own fabulous artwork.

Suitable for age 6+, all materials included.

Workshop sizes have been reduced to keep participants safe. Each participant will have all of their own materials laid out, clean, ready for them to use when they arrive. Unfortunatley it will be unlikely that we will be able to let parents stay for the activity.

A fun hour where you can turn our wooden house money boxes into a cute house and garden decoration to keep your pocket money safe!

A BRAND NEW workshop where children can bring their favourite Adult with them to draw together!

Parents, Grandparents, Carers can have a go at comic book drawing with professional illustrator Katy Dynes, alongside their child. Dust off your pencil crayons and get your imaginations flowing as you create characters and a story and learn how to put them together in your very own comic book!

Please Note: The Cost of this Workshop is for 1 ADULT & 1 CHILD per Booking. 

A fun crafting session with a variety of different activities - decorating, sticking, painting and more!

Come and Get Crafty!

Join professional illustrator Katy Dynes to hone and develop your drawing and illustration skills.

You'll develop characters, scenarios and stories, and learn how book illustration works.

A once-a-month sewing session, where we will complete a project together, developing and improving your sewing skills. 

Some sewing experience is required.

January Session: Get to Grips with Applique - create a picture using applique techniques, and add pretty stitches, embroidery and embellishments.

February Session: Easy T - we'll make an easy no-waste T-shirt style top together. 

March Session: Make a Zippy Pouch, learning to sew in zips and pockets.

Come and join us for a brilliant sewing workshop where we will complete a make in a single session!

Suitable for juniors (age 7+) upwards. No prior sewing knowledge is required as Katharine will guide you through each stage. You will leave the workshop will a finished make and a lot of newly-gained sewing knowledge!

All materials are included in the cost of this workshop, and we tend to do a different project in each session, so you can come lots of times!

Friday 2nd June - Applique Picture

Come and make your own book with envelope pockets and pretty pages to keep tickets, photos, notes and memories in. Perfect for anyone who loves stationary!

Come and have lots of fun making your own Bath Bombs with our essential oils expert, Nina.

You'll get to choose what scent you'd like your bath bombs to have and then mix them up and mould them yourselves. While they harden, we'll make a useful bag to keep your toiletries in.

We are delighted to welcome Essential Oils Educator, Nina Laurenti, to Leicestershire Craft Centre to run our children's wellbeing workshops. Essential oils can help with health and wellness for all the family and pure therapeutic grade essential oils can be used to support sleep issues, boost immunity, digestive issues, anxiety over school, work, aid focus and much more.

Using doTERRA oils, Nina will teach the children a little about essential oils and how to use them safely.

Children will make their own delicious chocolate infused with doTERRA essential oils such as wild orange, peppermint and lime. We might get a little messy but have lots of fun filling different chocolate moulds with your creative mixes. While the chocolates set, you will make a gift box to take them home in. 

(The chocolate is dairy and gluten free)

Learn how to use papers and colour to create collages - for use as backgrounds, or a piece of artwork in their own right.

We'll have our huge collection of wallpapers, tissues, magazines, craft papers and more to work with, so come and get stuck in!

Our popular sewing club for older children who have already had some experience working with fabric, cutting and sewing. We will tackle more challenging projects and fabrics to build on existing skills and learn new ones including inserting zips, learning to read a pattern and creative techniques. Previous projects have included a piped messenger bag, onesie, jersey top and patchwork quilt runner. 

If you are unsure whether your child has sufficient experience to join this class, please call and have a chat with Katharine or Hannah.

Depending on the project we undertake, you may need to purchase extra fabric for this class. If so, we will email you details of what is required.

For Senior School students, or very proficient younger pupils, we'll tackle lots of different projects, often with a focus on Beginners Dressmaking working with patterns and developing design skills.

A once a month sewing session where we complete a project learning new skills and techniques as we go. Perfect for any senior age school child who is interested in textiles and fashion.

January Session: Free Motion Embroidery and Applique. - make a piece of textile artwork using fabric and your sewing machine to draw and embellish. We'll explore using water soluble fabric, hand embroidery and embellishments to create texture to your design.

February Session: Skirt Designs - a foray into fashion design. You'll be shown how to adapt a skirt block to incorporate different shapes and then have a go at making your own designs.

March Session: Bag Making - we'll make a simple crossbody bag, working with hardware and adding zips and pockets.

Come and use fabrics to create a work of art. We'll incorporate texture and colour and embellish with hand stitching.