Winter Sale Workshop Schedule 2025

Saturday 1st November

11am - 12pm Introduction to Calligraphy with Lucy Empson

1.30 - 2.30pm Heritage Straw Art with Susan Burnett FULLY BOOKED

Sunday 2nd November
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11am  - 12pm Sketching with Karen George FULLY BOOKED

1 - 2pm  Somerset Star Patchwork with Sheila Richardson FULLY BOOKED

​2.30 - 3.30pm  Exploring Batik with Shelagh Hetreed FULLY BOOKED
Please note that:
Maximum number of places on each workshop is 8 unless stated.
Participants must be 14 years + (and then any under 18 year olds need to be accompanied by an adult workshop attendee.)
The times for the workshops are above.
Each workshop will be a maximum of 1 hour.
Materials and equipment are only provided for use during the workshop.
Please book directly with the artist - contact details below.
Introduction to Calligraphy with Lucy Empson

​This workshop is an introduction to calligraphy and hand lettering. You will be guided through the process of forming letters with an edged pen and also pointed nib and gouache paint/ ink.
You will mainly use a fibre tip pen but also learn how to handle a dip pen & ink; the basic stokes and forming the letters of the alphabet. The workshop shows you the technique of hand-lettering, giving you an idea of the world of calligraphy.

There will be demonstrations and examples of calligraphy in different styles to look at. We will look at traditional calligraphy with an edged pen. Modern Calligraphy is a popular informal hand that is written with a pointed nib and using ‘pressure and release’ to make the writing have more character.

All materials during the workshop are provided including: pen holder, one pointed/copperplate nib, pencil, guidesheets, practice sheet paper, gouache paint & a small pot of ink.

What will I go home with?
You will go home with lots of completed practice sheets, the guidesheets, and a hand lettered small greetings card or gift tags

For more info and to book:
email: Lucy Empson at [email protected]
Somerset Star Patchwork with Sheila Richardson

This form of patchwork requires minimal sewing skills. Small rectangles of cotton fabric are folded and stitched onto a base fabric to create colourful pieces. The shapes overlap so the stitches don't show. This is a great way to create something colourful using small leftover scraps of fabric.
The accompanying image shows how I used the stars to make a cushion cover.
All materials will be provided.  

Maximum number of places on this workshop is 10.
Participants must be 14 years + (and then any under 18 year olds need to be accompanied by an adult workshop attendee.)

What will I go home with?
You will go home with your piece of patchwork

For info and to book: FULLY BOOKED
Introduction to Straw Plaiting with Susan Burnett

​Come and learn how to weave these delightful little pockets of straw (called Cathedral Plait) with Susan Burnett from craftingcorn.co.uk . When done with split straw,  multiple elements can be combined to make crosses, flowers butterflies or more complex ornaments. Come and relax and experiment.
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What will I go home with?
You will go home with your straw decorated item.

For info and to book: FULLY BOOKED
Sketching with Karen George

This is sketching with a difference; firstly it's taking place outside (weather permitting) and also you don't need to be any good at sketching to get loads from it.
Karen will be sharing a technique where you will learn how to notice and record snippets of views you see in a sketchbook when you're out and about. It's a great way to get back into being creative and when you don't have much time.
For more information about the process read Karen's blog.

All materials provided.
All abilities welcome.
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What will I go home with?
You will go home with your sketchbook full of sketches.

For info and to book: FULLY BOOKED
Exploring Batik with Shelagh Hetreed

​Immerse yourself for an hour, first in learning to draw flowing lines with a tjanting (hot wax pen), using sustainable soya wax, onto cotton fabric.  Then when you have completed your simple design, observe the magic as you brush on the Procion dyes (professional, permanent colours- bring an apron!) and watch the wax lines resist the flow of dye.
Simplicity is key.  Bring your own design- perhaps a flower, mandala, repeat pattern or simple landscape.  Prepare to be absorbed and relaxed through the hot wax drawing process.  
Beginners very welcome, as well as those who have already discovered their creativity.
All materials provided.

What will I go home with?
You will take away: your cotton square sample with a 2 or 3 coloured batik design.

For info and to book:  FULLY BOOKED