- Tat London
- 2 days ago
- 19 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
Courses to Help Busy Hands (January–March, Across The UK) January 2025
Let us all become carpenters, artists, upholsterers and the like. Yes, of course it sounds more romantic than the reality, but perhaps it is exactly the right thing for you. In a world where every job seems to be under constant review, waiting to see whether a group of tech bros can flatten it, automate it and hand it over to a robot, there is something quietly reassuring about becoming better with our hands.
At the very least, trying something practical offers a break from everyday existence. At best, it might gift you a new and rather marvellous talent. Something tangible. Something that exists because you made it.
I know it all sounds a bit jolly hockey sticks over here at Tat, and forgive us, it is very much our way. But a handful of the suggestions below might be genuinely useful if you are in need of a lift, or simply craving some good old-fashioned time to yourself.
London
Introduction to Joinery: Beginners Woodwork, 5th - 26th January, Blackhorse Workshop, 1–2 Sutherland Rd Path, Walthamstow, E17 6BX
This four-evening beginners’ joinery course introduces the core woodworking joints used in furniture making, including biscuit joints, mortice and tenon, mitres and dovetails. Through demonstrations and guided practice with both hand and power tools, students gain confidence in marking out, cutting and assembling timber accurately. It is ideal for those starting out in woodwork and wanting practical skills for future projects.
Price: £205
Lithography, 9th January - 27th March, Putney School of Art & Design, Main Site – Studio 4, Oxford Road, London, SW15 2LQ
This lithography course at Putney School of Art & Design introduces students to the traditional practice of stone lithography, first developed by Alois Senefelder over 200 years ago. Participants learn to draw directly onto Bavarian limestone, prepare the stone and print their own images, while gaining an understanding of the history of lithography from its invention to the present day. Students are asked to bring basic drawing materials and a notebook to the first session.
Price: £430
This oil painting course invites learners of all levels to explore how the techniques and styles of past and contemporary artists influence modern practice. Through demonstrations, discussion and individual guidance, students develop confidence in colour mixing, composition and paint application while refining their own artistic approach. By the end, participants will have strengthened both their technical skills and creative understanding of oil painting.
Price: £360
This three-week printmaking course, led by designer and artist Bethan Durie, invites students to explore botanical forms through both traditional and experimental techniques. Drawing inspiration from gallery artworks and real natural specimens, participants develop their own visual language using monotype, Gelli printing and intaglio processes. Suitable for all levels, the course provides a supportive space to experiment with line, texture and colour, with all materials included.
Price: £360
This three-evening introductory framing course offers participants the chance to design and make their own bespoke picture frame, ideal for anything from treasured posters to exhibition artwork. Taught by professional framer Joe Fergey, the course covers cutting and joining hardwood mouldings, sanding and finishing, glass handling and safely mounting paper-based works. Along the way, students gain practical experience with specialist framing tools and transferable woodworking skills, finishing with a ready-to-hang framed piece.
Price: £235
NEW Good Artists: Portraiture (All Levels), 15th January - 26th March, 6:30 - 9 pm, Putney School of Art and Design, Oxford Road, SW15 2LQ
Good Artists: Portraiture (All Levels) is a portrait drawing and painting course at Putney School of Art & Design, with a live model provided for all classes. Beginners are guided from black-and-white drawing to colour and painting, while more experienced students are encouraged to structure their own learning, working in drawing or paint according to preference.
Couture Hand Sewing: Make a Dress in Quarter Scale is a six-week online course from V&A Academy, exploring traditional couture hand-sewing techniques through the creation of a quarter-scale vintage-style sundress. Led by expert tutor Rowena Luke-King, participants develop essential skills through live tutorials, guided videos and historical context. The course is suitable for beginners and experienced makers looking to refine their hand-sewing practice.
Price: £260
London 1666–1851: Emporia and Empire is a year-long, in-person course from V&A Academy that explores London’s transformation from the post-Fire city of Christopher Wren to the imperial metropolis of the Great Exhibition. Led by Mike Berlin, the course draws on the V&A’s collections and expert guest speakers to examine empire, industry, culture and social change in one of the greatest cities in history. Participants benefit from expert Q&As, behind-the-scenes insights and access to recorded lectures and study materials.
Price: £500
Introduction To Pewter Casting: Brooch Or Small Object, 25th January, Blackhorse Workshop, 1–2 Sutherland Rd Path, Walthamstow, E17 6BX
This one-day introductory course in pewter casting teaches students the basics of working with low-melt metals through sand casting and pouring directly onto wood. Participants learn how to construct simple wooden mould boxes, explore surface textures and experiment with small-scale designs, finishing the day with a handmade brooch or small object. The course is suitable for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of casting in pewter.
Price: £205
‘Drink. Draw. Donate.’ Portrait Drawing with Laura Arenson, 5th February, The Gallery at Green & Stone, 251 - 253 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6HY
“Drink. Draw. Donate.” is an uplifting evening workshop at The Gallery at Green & Stone, led by artist Laura Arenson. Participants learn the fundamentals of portrait anatomy and how to capture likeness and expression using dry media, all within a relaxed and supportive setting that encourages confidence and creativity. Suitable for all levels, the class includes materials, with proceeds supporting the Royal Marsden Hospital’s vital work in cancer care and research.
Price: £50
This introductory screen printing workshop at Print Club London begins with an overview of the studio and the principles behind the process. Participants are guided through the equipment and techniques before coating their own screens and creating a small edition of prints, inspired by examples from resident artists. It offers a practical and enjoyable introduction to working in a professional print studio environment.
Price: £75
This 13-week leisure upholstery course invites students to bring their own furniture projects, whether rescuing a cherished piece or learning new skills from scratch. Suitable for complete beginners through to advanced learners, it offers guidance in both modern and traditional upholstery, sewing techniques and basic wood restoration, all tailored to each individual project. Those without a piece in mind can also receive advice on choosing something suitable.
Price: £1,170
This five-week online art course explores storytelling through the human figure, drawing inspiration from artists such as Michaelina Wautier, Mrinalini Mukherjee and Rose Wylie. Guided by artist Ann Witheridge and working with life models, students experiment with drawing, painting and mixed media to develop expressive, narrative compositions. Suitable for a range of abilities, the course encourages participants to connect artistic tradition with personal creativity.
Price: £260
Goldwork Personalisation Course, 21st - 22nd February, Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE
This two-day Goldwork Monogramming and Personalisation course introduces students to Hand & Lock’s specialist approach to this historic embroidery technique. Beginning with the traditional prick-and-pounce method, participants progress to soft string padding to create raised, sculptural lettering, while learning key goldwork skills and materials. By the end, students will have begun their own monogram and gained the confidence to continue the work independently and apply these techniques to future projects.
Price: £250
This five-session evening taster course introduces beginners to the essentials of woodworking for home improvement and DIY projects. Working in a small group, students learn to use basic carpentry hand tools while gaining practical skills in shelving, laminate flooring, skirting and architraves. It is ideal for those wishing to build confidence before progressing to further study or tackling projects at home.
Price: £300
This six-day bronze casting course, taught by Giles Corby (MA, RCA), takes participants through the complete process of creating a bronze sculpture, from initial wax work to final patination. Spread over two weekends, students learn mould-making, casting, metal pouring and finishing techniques, culminating in a completed bronze piece and pop-up exhibition. Open to all levels, the course combines practical tuition with hands-on making, with basic materials included.
Price: £620
Creative Encounters: The Londoners’ Printing Press is a collaborative letterpress workshop led by artist and designer Theo Hersey. Participants carve their own type blocks and use them alongside those created by others to produce unique, text-based prints, while learning the fundamentals of typography, inks and presses. Set within a friendly, communal environment, the session celebrates creativity, conversation and the long tradition of letterpress printing in London.
This introductory one-day glassblowing course offers students the chance to work with molten glass under the guidance of experienced makers. Participants learn to gather glass from the furnace, shape it with traditional tools and blow it to form their own vessels, choosing colours and designs along the way. By the end of the day, each person takes home two unique, hand-crafted pieces.
Price: £390
This one-day course explores sugar lift aquatint, an expressive etching technique that allows artists to paint directly onto the plate before developing rich tonal effects through aquatint and acid etching. Participants learn each stage of the process, from applying sugar solution and grounds to printing the finished image. Aimed at those with prior etching experience, the workshop offers an inspiring way to expand and deepen existing printmaking practice.
Price: £94
The Art of Wallpaper 1500-2025, One-day Course, 19th March, 10.30 am – 4 pm, V&A Academy, V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL
The Art of Wallpaper 1500–2025 is a one-day course from V&A Academy exploring the development of wallpaper from its early origins to contemporary design, examining technological innovation, changing taste and key styles from the 16th century to the present day. Led by Jo Banham, the course draws on the V&A’s internationally significant collections and concludes with a discussion on modern practice with stylist and designer Kate Watson-Smyth, creator of Mad About the House.
Price: £100
This block printing workshop with artist Louisa Loakes introduces participants to the creative possibilities of patterned textiles. After exploring examples of traditional Indian block printing and artistic influences, students design and carve their own linoleum block, experimenting with repeat patterns before printing onto natural linen. Suitable for beginners, the workshop includes all materials and refreshments, with each person leaving with a hand-printed length of fabric and a solid understanding of the process.
Price: £145
William Morris, Designer Extraordinary is a one-day course from V&A Academy, held at V&A South Kensington, exploring the life, work and enduring influence of William Morris as designer, craftsman, poet and political thinker. Led by art historian Justine Hopkins, the course examines Morris’s role in shaping the Arts and Crafts Movement and his lasting legacy within design, social thought and the history of the V&A itself.
Price: £100
This two-day course introduces Tetra Pak printing as an accessible intaglio technique using recycled food packaging. Participants engrave their own plates by cutting, scoring and peeling the surface, before printing onto fabric and experimenting with layering, repeat patterns and multi-plate designs using a small etching press. The course offers a creative and sustainable way to produce original textile prints, suitable for incorporating into wider projects or displaying as standalone works.
Price: £260
North
This five-hour pewter spoon-making workshop at Manchester Craft and Design Centre offers a creative and hands-on introduction to traditional pewtersmithing. Guided by maker Ella, participants design their own spoon before forming the bowl from sheet metal, casting pewter ingots for the handle and personalising the piece with stamping and finishing techniques. Suitable for beginners as well as those with jewellery or metalwork experience, the small class size ensures plenty of individual tuition, with each student leaving with a beautifully polished, handmade spoon.
Price: £150
Weaving Using Table Looms, 31st January, The Art House, Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE
This one-day weaving workshop offers participants the chance to create their own scarf or snood using traditional eight-shaft table looms. With the looms prepared in advance, students can focus entirely on weaving, selecting from a range of fibres, textures and colours, and benefiting from both group demonstrations and one-to-one guidance. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience, all materials and equipment are provided, with the option to work seated or standing.
Price: £90
This one-day portrait painting workshop with professional artist Lucy Burns focuses on the technical foundations of capturing a likeness from a reference image. Students learn to observe and interpret facial proportions while developing confidence with paint handling and composition. By the end of the day, each participant will leave with a completed portrait and practical skills to apply to future work.
Price: £65
This hands-on Woven Glass Workshop, led by artist Helen Tiffany, introduces participants to the expressive process of glass fusing with enamels. Students learn to cut and prepare glass, mix and apply enamel colours using silkscreens, and construct a panel or bowl that will later be kiln-fired to create a distinctive woven texture. The workshop offers a calm, creative experience, with finished pieces ready for collection or postage a few weeks later.
Price: £65
Discover the joy of working with clay in these welcoming evening and weekend pottery workshops, taught by experienced ceramicist and educator Poppy Davis. Suitable for all abilities, the small, friendly classes offer a calming, creative environment in which to learn techniques such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, decorating and glazing, with plenty of individual guidance. Alongside developing practical skills, students can relax, meet like-minded people and enjoy the mindful, tactile nature of ceramics—perhaps with a visit to the onsite café before or after class. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Price: £139.60
This talk with Simon Marginson explores the life and work of Diego Velázquez (1599–1660), leading painter of the Spanish Golden Age and court artist to Philip IV. Celebrated for his inventive compositions and masterful brushwork, Velázquez went on to influence generations of artists from Manet to Francis Bacon. The session offers an engaging insight into why he remains a true painter’s painter.
Price: £10.50
This two-day jewellery workshop with Ellen Monaghan guides participants through the creation of a tapered sculptural cuff or bangle inspired by the contours of the surrounding landscape. Beginning with simple drawings, students develop prototype forms in wire before learning to taper, score and fold silver using specialist hammering and metalworking techniques. With all materials, tuition and refreshments included, the course offers a comprehensive introduction to designing, forming and finishing silver jewellery, suitable for enthusiastic beginners and those with some experience.
Price: £255
This relaxed two-hour workshop with designer Natalie Laura Ellen teaches participants how to make a professional 30cm drum lampshade at Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Working in a small group, students choose between a lamp or pendant fitting and select from Natalie’s nature-inspired fabrics, receiving step-by-step guidance and expert tips throughout. All materials, tools and refreshments are included, and everyone leaves with a beautifully finished handmade lampshade to take home.
Price: £55
This two-part workshop with Darkroom Coordinator Emily Ryalls introduces the essentials of black-and-white film photography and darkroom practice. Participants process their own roll of film while learning how the chemicals work, before returning to create hand-printed silver gelatin photographs using traditional enlargers. With small class sizes and plenty of individual guidance, the course offers an ideal introduction for anyone keen to explore analogue photography.
Price: £90
South
This intensive visual-led course, with Jon Edgar, focuses on sculpting a life-sized terracotta portrait head directly from the model, emphasising sensitive observation, form and character. Participants work from two experienced models, developing multiple portrait studies before hollowing a final head for firing and receiving practical guidance on mounting, finishing and presentation. The course suits both emerging and experienced sculptors seeking focused time, expert feedback and a deeper understanding of portrait sculpture in the round.
Price: £536
4 Sessions Pottery Wheel Class, 2nd - 23rd February, Guildford Pottery, New House Art Space, Fays Passage, Guildford, GU1 4SQ
This lively four-week pottery wheel course introduces students to the fundamentals of throwing clay, guided by tutors Wing and Paul. Participants learn to centre, shape and refine forms on the wheel, embracing both the challenges and joys of working with this expressive material. By the end of the course, each student will have up to four finished, kiln-fired and glazed pieces to keep.
Visible Mending With Clare Cowburn Baker, 11th February, Curious House, The Bell in Ticehurst, High St, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, TN5 7AS
This full-day workshop with Clare celebrates the art of visible mending, showing participants how to repair and embellish much-loved garments with decorative embroidery. In a friendly, supportive setting, students learn practical techniques such as darning, reinforcing fabrics and simple sashiko-style stitching, alongside embroidery stitches including chain stitch, French knots and running stitch. Suitable for anyone with basic sewing skills, the day includes all materials and a light lunch, with the chance to revive treasured textiles and create beautifully mended pieces.
Price: £125
This immersive course, led by Carole Gray, offers a thorough introduction to leaded stained glass for beginners, while allowing more experienced participants to consolidate skills and pursue personal projects. Traditional stained-glass techniques are taught alongside decorative sandblasting, enabling the creation of frosted, carved and three-dimensional effects. By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence to design and complete at least one finished stained-glass piece.
Price: £617
This ten-week art history course, led by Dr Alistair Grant, immerses participants in the creative world of Charleston and the Bloomsbury Group. Through lectures, curator-led discussions and private tours, students explore key figures, artworks and ideas, from decorative arts and ceramics to queer histories, European influences and the complex personal relationships that shaped Bloomsbury life. Held weekly in the Hay Barn with visits to the house and gardens, the course offers rare access to Charleston’s collections alongside complimentary refreshments.
Price: £395
This one-day taster course introduces stone carving through sculptural exploration inspired by natural forms, working with soft, easily shaped Maltese limestone. Under the guidance of Simon Keeley, participants learn essential carving tools and techniques in a purpose-built studio, producing expressive forms and textures within a single, rewarding day. The course offers an inspiring introduction and an ideal stepping stone to further study in stone carving.
Price: £193
This creative course introduces traditional gilding through water, oil and glass techniques, guiding participants through the use of gold-leaf and other precious metals. Working with ageing, distressing and toning methods, participants will create a water-gilded frame with a silvered mirror, alongside oil-gilded panels or small objects of their choice. The course offers a thorough and inspiring foundation in the art and versatility of gilding.
Price: £674
This two-day garden design workshop at RHS Garden Rosemoor guides participants through the essential principles of garden design, including colour, light and shade, line, form, balance and contrast, using the gardens themselves as inspiration. Led by Ian Smith, the course combines observation, discussion and practical design development, encouraging participants to adapt professional planting ideas to their own gardens. Designed for intermediate gardeners, the workshop supports the development of confident, personalised garden design concepts in a unique learning setting.
Price: £140
This joyful one-day block printing workshop with Jenney invites participants to design and print using beautifully crafted Indian wooden blocks. After experimenting with colour and pattern on paper, students progress to printing cards, a drawstring pouch and finally a 30 × 50 cm cushion cover, learning how to position blocks, apply paint and fix the design. With friendly expert guidance throughout, everyone leaves with a collection of unique, hand-printed creations to treasure or gift.
Price: £150
This immersive Botanical Ink Making Retreat Weekend with Flora Wallace invites participants to explore natural inks made from plants, berries, minerals and metals through playful experimentation and historical context. Across two days, the retreat combines foraging, demonstrations and hands-on making, investigating colour, binders, mordants and extraction methods to create a rich range of seasonal inks. Open to all abilities, the weekend offers a relaxed and exploratory approach to working with nature’s pigments.
Price: From £240
East
This three-day intensive pottery course offers an immersive introduction to wheel throwing and hand-building, suitable for both beginners and those wishing to develop existing skills. Participants progress from core techniques to form development, surface decoration and glazing, supported by expert tuition in a relaxed studio setting. Finished pieces are glazed, fired and ready for collection around six weeks after the course, with postage available if required.
Price: £495
Silk Sari Gathered Lampshade Workshop, 2nd February, Chloe Jonason & Co, The Orchards, Old Somerby, Grantham, NG33 4AG
This hands-on workshop, led by Chloe, offers a clear, step-by-step introduction to making a beautifully gathered silk sari lampshade with a hand-pleated lining and hand-sewn trim. Participants learn professional techniques while working with luxurious sari silks, supported throughout the day in a relaxed studio setting.
Price: £205
An Introduction To Contemporary Hand-Weaving With Dalia James, 14th March, Studio Space At David Parr House, 184/186 Gwydir Street, Cambridge, CB1 2LW
This introductory tapestry weaving workshop, led by Dalia James, offers a practical grounding in contemporary hand weaving, focusing on colour, geometry and texture through experimentation with alternative materials. Participants design and weave their own small tapestry using a frame loom and hand-dyed yarns, leaving with a finished piece and the skills to continue weaving at home. The workshop takes place at David Parr House, with refreshments provided and an optional opportunity to view the historic house.
Price: £120
This hands-on workshop at David Parr House, led by Nicholas Hughes, introduces the creative process of designing and printing with block prints inspired by small, found objects. Participants develop simple repeat patterns through sketching, lino carving and printing, embracing experimentation and the charm of handmade marks. Suitable for beginners and those with experience, the day celebrates accessible, joyful printmaking in a richly decorative setting.
Price: £110
West
This gilding course provides a thorough introduction to preparing gesso, laying and burnishing gold leaf, and understanding traditional decorative finishes. Participants learn both water gilding and oil gilding techniques, alongside methods for distressing and toning, working on a beautifully made frame to take home. The course fee includes gold leaf for practice and the finished frame, with freshly prepared lunch and afternoon tea provided each day.
Price: £585
This practical and inspiring workshop at Daylesford Farm introduces the art of creating elegant hand-tied bouquets using tulips and seasonal foliage. Participants pick flowers from the Cutting Garden (or work with foraged materials in poor weather), learn conditioning and spiralling techniques, and explore colour, texture and professional presentation. Suitable for beginners and improvers, the session concludes with friendly feedback and a finished bouquet to take home.
Price: £160
This weekend chair caning course, led by Rachael South, introduces the full six-stage standard 6-way caning pattern, starting on a sample frame before progressing to a chair. Participants learn essential tools, materials and preparation techniques, including removing old cane and reviving wooden frames, with all materials provided except the chair itself. No prior experience is required, and homemade, locally sourced lunches and tea are included.
Price: £285
Introduction To Blacksmithing: Make A Candlestick, 7th March, National Trust, Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7PT
This one-day introduction to blacksmithing, run in partnership with the National Trust, offers beginners the chance to learn core forging techniques and make a hand-forged candlestick to take home. Led by master blacksmith David Gregory, the course combines essential safety guidance with practical, hands-on experience in a small group setting. Suitable for complete beginners.
Price: £245
This beginner-friendly course introduces weaving on a rigid heddle loom, exploring plain weave patterns using two colours and comparing balanced weave with weft-faced techniques. Led by Angela Pawlyn, participants work on pre-warped looms, learn how patterns are formed and produce samples that can be finished as small bags or mats. Held in partnership with the National Trust, the course offers a clear and supportive introduction to hand weaving, with no prior experience required.
Price: £95
Scotland
This exclusive RSN and Royal Collection Trust embroidery class takes place at Palace of Holyroodhouse, inspired by the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance. Led by RSN tutor Helen Mc Cook, participants enjoy a curator-led exhibition highlights tour before creating a richly embellished lily design using surface stitches and mark-making techniques. Suitable for all skill levels, the day combines historical insight with refined hand embroidery in a unique palace setting.
Price: £180
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