140 Arts & Crafts courses near Bexley

Join us in our studio to learn about the joys of botanical resin.

Are you looking for a sewing machine workshop nearby? Want to learn the fundamentals? Then visit the sewing machine workshop in London and enjoy the joy of stitching! This session will teach you everything from threading your machine and winding up the small bobbin to trying out different stitches and embroidering with your machine. This course is ideal for beginners who want to learn in an enjoyable and casual setting. Sign up today and let's start stitching!

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of creativity and candle-making! Craft your bespoke soy wax candle, personalised with your own scent and design, guided by Precious, founder of Gia Como. All materials provided – leave with your own 45-hour burning masterpiece. Perfect for groups, friends, and family. Book your spot today!

– BAG MAKING COURSE – LEATHER GOODS MAKING COURSE: MAKE A STITCHLESS LEATHER BAG – WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?This is one of our group leather goods making courses for beginners that we organise at our London studio.Using beautiful vegetable-tanned leather, basic leather tools and simple metal fittings, you will make a stitchless leather bag while learning five basic leather working techniques.You will customise your bag by choosing between two designs (see photo gallery) and selecting your preferred colours of leather and fittings.No sewing skills or experience is required!At the end of the course, you won’t just take home a beautiful bag made entirely by you but also an understanding of working with leather and essential leather tools.WHAT WILL I LEARN?During our leather goods making courses, you will always receive an introduction to:-Different leather types-Essential leather tools You will then learn these 5 basic leather working techniques:-Marking leather-Cutting leather-Folding leather-Punching leather-Burnishing leather In the second part of the course, you will apply the techniques learnt by hand-cutting and assembling your beautiful bag using screw studs. No sewing is required.INCLUDED IN THE COURSE:All materials and tools are supplied.WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?This course on making a stitchless leather bag is suitable for beginners.You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL PROVIDEDIn addition to the course, you will receive the following useful handouts to take home with you:– An introduction to leather types and features – A glossary of leather craft tools which includes images and helpful descriptions – A list of the basic fittings used in handbag making, including images and descriptions – A list of reputable suppliers to buy leather and fittings from (in London and online)HOW LONG IS THIS TUITION?:This tuition will require up to 7 hours to complete.We aim to provide customised and high quality tuition services and by only allowing up to 5 students at a time, we are able to focus on each person needs and interests.As every student has a different level of ability and previous experience, this course might lead some students to complete the core aspects of the lesson in a shorter time frame than others.Students who complete the course early will be welcome to stay and use the studio facilities to exercise on the topics of the lesson.

Join Wildside London in the creative studio at West 16th for a Pumpkin Vase workshop on Tuesday 29th October at 7pm.  Get into the spirit of the spooky season and learn a few floral tricks and treats while creating a fabulous pumpkin vase with an array of autumnal florals. The displays will last a few weeks and make a fantastic halloween edition to your doorstep, dinner table or kitchen counter. Our workshops are fun, immersive and relaxed and we provide all the materials and instruction to enable you to design and build a fabulous display. Drinks and treats from the West 16th kitchen will be served alongside the pumpkin vase tutorial and are included in the ticket cost.

MASTERCLASS: LEARN PROFESSIONAL LEATHER CRAFT, SEWING AND LEATHERGOODS CONSTRUCTION SKILLS One teacher, five students KEY FEATURES OF THIS COURSE:– Understanding and working with leather– Learning leather hand sewing– Learning leather machine sewing– Realising samples of bag features– Realising two finished leather items Experience a comprehensive two-week Leather Craft and Sewing Masterclass, merging theory with hands-on learning Explore essential techniques for working with leather, vegan alternatives, and fabric. Proficiently handle hand tools, master hand-sewing, and operate industrial machines. Cover material selection, finishing and construction methods.Gain insights into the technical aspects of leatherworking, including preparation, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, skiving, debossing, and more.Participants receive thorough instruction in professional sewing techniques on diverse industrial machines, along with specialised saddle stitching training. Create personalised samples to enhance practical skills.Conclude the masterclass with the ability to craft entirely handmade simple leather items, showcasing acquired skills in both machine-stitched and saddle-stitched styles.Facilitated by a prototype maker and manufacturer, the course offers a professional journey into common leatherworking practices.Participants also receive valuable handouts and curated lists of leather and tool suppliers for ongoing reference.   Here is a concise summary of the topics covered during the classes: LEATHER, VEGAN LEATHER, AND HAND TOOLS:Understanding leather types, tanning, finishings and best useExploring different types of vegan leathers and their featuresComparing leather and vegan leather: pros and cons from a manufacturer’s perspectiveImportance of choosing the right materials and tools for projectsLeather preparation, pattern placement and markingCutting complex shapes with various toolsUsing leather punches, skiving, beveling and creasingFinishing leather edges: painting vs. burnishingUtilising leather glues, tapes and reinforcementsExploration of prototyping and manufacturing leather goods, encompassing varied working methods, machines, and tools.   MACHINE AND HAND SEWING:Understanding industrial sewing machines and their differencesSelecting the right sewing machine for specific materials and constructionsOperating a lock stitch walking foot machineThreading industrial sewing machinesAchieving correct tension in sewingUnderstanding thread types and needle sizesLearning to sew leather, distinguishing it from other materialsCorrectly sewing various leather types, ranging from thin to very thickSewing straight lines, curves and creating parallel seamsProducing various seams and seam finishesBasics of saddle stitching leather and understanding related tools and materials   CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES:Sewing and finishing a simple zip on leatherCutting, assembling and sewing simple straps/handlesIncorporating basic lining types in projectsConstructing and sewing common gussetsComprehending the use of reinforcements and stabilisers and their application in the craft of accessory making   LEATHER GOODS MAKING:Creating two finalised leather items from chosen designs such as card holders, purses, clutches, glass covers and similar accessories.# By the end of the tuition, you will have:– Developed confidence in utilising specific tools for leather preparation, marking, finishing, cutting and fastening fittings.– Acquired an understanding of working with diverse leather types and thicknesses, with the ability to source and select appropriate tools and materials for your projects.– Mastered essential leather sewing techniques, troubleshooting common sewing issues and handling challenges such as curves, multiple layers of leather and various surface textures.– Learned to sew fundamental bag components like simple zips, straps, and gussets, along with reinforcing specific areas of a bag.– Built confidence in sewing with both industrial machines and by hand, gaining the skills to independently create simple leather items. Included in the course:You will be provided with useful paper handouts which contain:– A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), including a description of what they are and how they are used– A list of recommended suppliers for both leather and fittings (physically in London and online)– A glossary containing essential key words related to the topic of the lesson– A glossary containing information about leather types and characteristics– A glossary containing information about needle and thread types   What are the entry requirements? This course is suitable for total beginners, beginners with some experience and intermediate.You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions.   Are there any other costs? Materials are included.   Is there anything I need to bring? Feel free to bring a notepad, if you would like to take some notes, we will provide the rest.   How long is this tuition? This tuition will require two consecutive weeks / 50 hours to be completed.We aim to provide customised and high quality tuition services and by only allowing up to 5 students at a time, we are able to focus on each person needs and interests.   IMPORTANT TO KNOW: We aim to cover as much of the syllabus as possible. Depending on your ability and prior experience, we may not complete the entire program or we might delve into additional techniques related to the listed topics, including:Advanced finishing techniques (piping, binding, folding)More complex styles of zipsUtilising different machine feet, tools, and equipment in your sewingExploring various fittings, closure types, fastening techniques, and tools (sam browns, magnets, pop buttons, eyelets, etc.)Understanding the importance and application of construction sequences and reference notes during item construction

The Savile Row Academy Advanced Course in Bespoke Tailoring and Cutting starts each September. The course is a modular programme of advanced study modules including; pattern drafting, cloth cutting, fitting and remarking; Waistcoat making; Trouser making; Coat making. Students will complete one three-piece suit and successful trainees will be awarded a Bespoke Tailor’s Certificate.