Applied Craft Workshops

Learn how to throw on the wheel and hand-build with Cromarty potter, Barbel Dister in her cosy studio at Cromarty Pottery.  NOW FULLY BOOKED - please email if you would like to be added to the waiting list. This course runs all day Sat 8 Feb and then half day on Sat 22 Feb. Your pieces will be ready and fired towards the end of the month. This is a very small course as Barbel can only take 6 people at once. There is currently one space left, to book,please email [email protected]. Place will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.   £140pp. 

Needlefelt a Picture with Pretty Whyte Things Spend a winter afternoon with Frances Whyte from Pretty Whyte Things. She will guide you to create your own unique needle felted picture. Using needles and pure wool rovings, you'll make a landscape or still life. You'll leave with a framed picture, ready to hang. During the afternoon, Frances will: demonstrate the techniques used, suggest composition and format of pictures, give instructions on using needle felting safely. talk about the versatility of wool rovings in various crafts, wet felting techniques, suppliers/stockists of materials and the use of felting in mixed textile arts.  The session is suitable for complete beginners and those with some crafting experience.  £60, includes tea and coffee and all materials. To book, download the booking form here and return it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.  

Cromarty’s Toads Need You!  Talk, Demonstration & Pottery Workshop Join Trevor Rose of ‘Friends of Angus Herpetofauna’ (FAH) and Dr Rachael Cooper-Bohannon, the Scotland Coordinator of ‘Amphibian and Reptile Conservation’ (ARC), for a fascinating talk about the work of ARC and the importance of providing a safe habitat for Cromarty’s frogs and toads. Early spring is when toads start to come out of hibernation, get on the move and look for a mate. They face all sorts of dangers as they come across human habitats; cars and drains being two particular perils.   Trevor will demonstrate how to make and install special ladders that enable toads to escape from any drains they fall into.  In the afternoon Barbel Dister from Cromarty Pottery will be running a clay workshop where participants will make tiny toads and a toad shelter. Barbel will glaze and fire the creations and they will be ready to collect from the Cromarty Pottery a few weeks later.  Timetable of the day: 9.30 – 11am: The Stables. Tea & coffee, talk and toad ladder making demo. Free - donations to ARC welcome.  11.30 – 1.30pm: Around Cromarty. Toad ladder install, everyone very welcome to come along and watch the first one or two. Free. 2 – 4pm: The Stables:  Pottery Workshop. Make a toad house and tiny clay toad with Barbel Dister. £15, booking essential, session limited to 15 people. Please complete the pottery booking form here, do not pay until we have notified you that you have a space. The talk and demo are free and don't need to book, but if could let us know you're coming it would be really really helpful. You can use this free eventbrite link here.  01381 600354 or emaill [email protected].  If the toads have started their mating season, there will be a group trip on Sunday 9 March to a nearby mating site where we hope to witness this spectacular event.  

UPCYCLING FURNITURE - FOLK ART STYLE For the first time at Cromarty Arts Trust, artist Maia Eden will teach a two and a half day course on how to upcycle a small peice of furniture using paint, wax and a folk art style of decorating. You'll learn: A brief history of furniture painting and folk art styles About different paints/waxes and varnishes and their applications Different preparation techniques for furniture painting To design your artwork and applying to your furniture, including how to make your own stencils Waxing and finishing the piece Day 1 Preparing your piece of furniture by cleaning and using both hand and machine sanding techniques. Planning your colour scheme and design is next, guided by Maia using various techniques in drawing. No drawing skills are required. The base layer of paint will be applied and a start will be made on the design too. Day 2 Finishing the design on your furniture. Day 3 (half day) Waxing or varnishing furniture. Please note: you will be working with high quality Annie Sloan chalk paint and base colours of Athenian Black and Graphite Grey will be supplied. If you would prefer a different colour of base paint, Maia strongly recommends Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. If you do choose a different colour, Maia suggests “muted colours are best as a base colour. I would generally avoid bright primary colours as a base colour as they can change the colour of the painted design on the top.” This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with a little experience. Maia will guide everyone to a level where they will be able to continue independently after the course. Maia studied 3D Art and Design at the University of Brighton and has since worked in community arts, teaching and prop making. Combining multiple skills she has made a huge range of objects from gold-plated rings to an 8 metre diameter birds nest on a roof. Maia cares deeply about the beautiful planet we live on too, which means making art with a conscience too, using recycled materials and saving things from landfill by upcycling wherever possible. £175 includes all materials, bring your own small piece of furniture, a chair or small bedside sized chest of drawers makes a good start. Please email us a couple of photos of what you plan to upcycle, two weeks before the workshop. To book, download the booking form here and retun it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

Spoon Carving with Wooden Tom Make a cooking spoon from green wood with traditiona hand tools This day course will teach you: • how to use tools such as the axe, knife and gouge safely • How to select the right wood for spoon making • how to dry without splitting • How to seal the wood for use in the kitchen You will start with a log of freshly cut (green) wood and leave with a spoon. First half of the day we will learn about selecting the best wood and saf tool use. Then we will use the axe to split and shape the log into our desired shape. Over the second half of the day we ill use the Swedish carving knife to refine ou shape and finally finish off by scooping out the bowl of the This course is ideal for people with little green woodcarving experience although experienced carvers will get a lot from the day also. £90 (or £175 if you are coming on the Highland Cup Carving day on the Sunday 30 March). To book, download the booking form here and retun it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

Highland Cup Carving with Wooden Tom Create your own useable wooden cup using traditional hand tools. These cups are a delight to use, they don't smash if dropped and feel warm to the touch. This day course will teach you: • how to use tools such as the axe, Swedish carving knife, Japanese saw and gouge safely • How to select the right wood for cup making • Ergonomics of cup and handle shape • How to dry without splitingt • How to seal the wood for use in the kitchen • Painting your cup if you'd like to. We will start the day learning about wood selection for cup making an ergonomics of a good cup. We will then be shaping the outside of our cups, making sure they are a good fit for our hand. On the second part of the day we will work on the handle and lip of the cup. To get the best experience and finished cup this course is best suited fo people who have done a spoon carving class prior to this one. You can however also do this course without any prior experience. To book, download the booking form here and retun it to [email protected]. If youhave any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

Join Colleen Coe from timber + stitch for a screen printing course where you will screenprint a tea towel or tote bag using paper stencils. Screen printing is a historic craft still used today where you push ink through a fine woven silk screen. This hand printing technique transfers a thin layer of ink onto your material surface resulting in a uniquely created image. The course will involve: - Introduction to screen printing and the materials required - Drawing and designing a paper stencil - Preparing and cutting your stencil using scissors or blade - Learning about suitable inks and fabrics to use - Screen printing onto a tea towel or tote bag You will use the morning to draw your ideas onto paper discussing the best ways to adapt them for screen printing, including playing with positive and negative shapes, patterns, layering and placement of stencils. You will then use scissors or a blade to cut out your stencils. The afternoon will involve preparing your screen for printing and screen printing onto your tea towel or tote bag. You can use multiple stencils to add colours and more elements to your designs. This course is suitable for complete beginners. You do not need to have great artistic ability as we can use simplistic shapes and patterns. The only requirement is that you enjoy being creative.  Colleen Coe has been screen printing for over eight years. A Design graduate who discovered screen printing and has been using it in her creative practice ever since. Colleen has her screen printed products stocked in independent shops and teaches adults and kids screen printing from her studio space in Aviemore. £75 includes all materials. To book, download the booking form here and return it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

Do you love dinosaurs, dancing, creating worlds? - then let’s print it on a t-shirt! Join Colleen Coe from timber + stitch for a screen-printing course where you will screenprint a t-shirt using paper stencils. You will create a unique design forming ideas from things you love and enjoy for example your favourite music, video game or book. Screen printing is a historic craft still used today where you push ink through a fine woven silk screen. This hand printing technique transfers a thin layer of ink onto your material surface resulting in a uniquely created image. The course will involve: - A fun Introduction to screen printing and the materials required - Drawing and designing a paper stencil - Preparing and cutting your stencil using scissors or blade - Learning about suitable inks and fabrics to use - Screen printing onto your t-shirt. You will draw your ideas onto paper and we will discuss the best ways to bring your ideas to life and adapt them for screen printing. You will then use scissors or a blade to cut out your stencils.  This course is suitable for anyone aged 8+. Please bring a t-shirt and your creative ideas!  Colleen Coe has been screen printing for over eight years. A Design graduate who discovered screen printing and has been using it in her creative practice ever since. Colleen has her screen printed products stocked in independent shops and teaches adults and kids screen printing from her studio space in Aviemore. £40 includes all your materials - apart from your t-shirt.  To book, download the booking form here and return it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

A beginners sewing class where you make something beautiful and useful! You will complete four projects over this weekend; a cushion cover, tote bag, zippered pouch and pyjama bottoms. Guided by the ever patient and enthusistic Rebecca the Sewist, you'll learn;  How to thread a sewing machine and troubleshoot when it goes wrong How to use your sewing machine and construct a project. A variety of sewing techniques including hemming, French seams, topstitching, sewing a zip. Fabric cutting tips How to use a sewing pattern and measure your body. All sewing tools will be provided though you are welcome to bring your own kit too. Sewing Machine Please bring your own sewing machine if you have one (it can be left securely overnight within the sewing room) this allows you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. If you do not have your own machine, please let us know and we will have one available for you. Fabric Fabric, patterns and haberdashery will be provided for everything except the pyjama bottoms fabric. You are required to bring 2.5m cotton fabric. Rebecca will have a small selection of 2.5m cotton suitable for pjs available for £15 each on the day Suitable for complete beginners and anyone aged 16 plus. £125 which includes tea, coffee and everything you need for the weekend (except the 2.5m for your PJ bottoms which you can bring or choose from Rebeccas selection on the day for £15. To book, download the booking form here and retun it to [email protected]. If youhave any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

Learn how to make your own Crochet Summer granny square bag!  During this workshop you will learn all the basics of crochet from holding the hook, the stitches and how to work in the round to make a granny square. You will be guided at your own pace and once you’ve learnt how to make your squares we will then learn how to construct our squares  into a pretty Crochet bag! The workshop includes a lot of content and video guides so you can continue your newly learnt hobby at home. Sophie is a crochet enthusiast and has been crocheting for over 15 years. Sophie has designed patterns for crochet magazines and self publishes her designs. Her go to project is always a colourful crochet garment and she has even taught folk to crochet at Glastonbury festival!  This course is suitable for complete beginners and all matrials and equipment are supplied.  £125. To book, download the booking form here and retun it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

Garden Mosaics Create a beautiful mosaic tile for your garden, and experience just how absorbing, relaxing (and highly addictive!) making mosaics can be. Your tutor is mosaic artist Sally Purdy. She will guide you through the whole process from start to finish. Durable bases will be provided along with an array of materials suitable for outdoors. These will include coloured glass, ceramic tiles as well as recycled and reclaimed items.  You are welcome to bring your own items to incorporate but please be aware that they might not stand up to frost and snow.  You’ll learn: Design: There will be plenty of inspiration and resources available to enable you to create your design ideas. Advice will be given on how to use colour and texture in mosaic and which materials are best suited to the outdoors. Cutting: You will learn how to cut and nibble tiles safely with wheeled nippers. Placing: Guidance will be given on laying out tiles, use of pattern and different styles. Gluing: You will be shown the direct method and learn how to use different adhesives to apply the tiles to bases. Grouting: A demonstration will be given on how to grout. Everyone will be given their own grout with written instructions to take away. All materials and tools provided. This course is suitable for complete beginners and the more advanced. Sally Purdy is an established mosaic artist who has worked extensively with numerous community groups in the Highlands and further afield. She is the facilitator of the Celtic Tree Alphabet Mosaic Trail around the Black Isle and the Cromarty Youth Cafe mosaics on the outside of the Victoria Hall in Cromarty. £125 includes all materials. To book, download the booking form here and retun it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

Do you have an overlocker that gives you the fear? Have you ever admired those professional finishes on bought garments? Have you swithered over buying an overlocker and not been sure if you'll use it? Here's is the class for you! In one day you will make a simple t shirt and pair of knickers (or boxers) and you'll learn; How to thread your overlocker - not as bad as everyone fears! How to adjust the settings on your machine Understand when to adjust your tension Create professional finishes to your seams (much faster than a zig zag stitch!) All sewing tools will be provided though you are welcome to bring your own kit too. Overlocker Machine  You will be required to bring your own working overlocker machine this allows you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. If you don't have one, there are some to use but please enquire before you book.  £65 which includes tea, coffee, sewing tools. You will need to briing some stretch fabrics, exact requirements sent on booking.  Suitable for those with working knowledge of a regular sewing machine, aged 16+. Download this form to book and retun it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.  

Sew your own shirred sundress In this class you will learn how to use elastic thread to make a shirred bodice for your sundress. You will then design your dress. Decide the length, pick from a selection of sleeve styles, choose if you have pockets and what style. This will be a fun creative class that will give you a perfect dress for your holidays or those surprise hot sunny days. All sewing tools will be provided however you are welcome to bring your own kit along. Suitable for aged 16+. £65 includes tea and coffee and all sewing tools. You will need to bring fabric and elastic thread, details will be sent out on booking.  To book, download the booking form here and retun it to [email protected]. If youhave any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.  

Silver Jewellery Workshop – Develop fine jewellery skills, working with copper & silver wire and silver sheet. This two day course will teach you: ● to work with silver sheet & use specialist tools for jewellery making ● to work with copper & silver wire skills in fine jewellery making ● the processes of granulation and silver soldering ● how to file, texturise, shape and finish in silver DAY 1: Silver Granulated Pendant Morning: Participants will be introduced to working with copper wire and learning the process of granulation. They will create a series of samples using aluminium sheet, developing texturising and mark making skills. Afternoon: you will develop and consolidate your fine jewellery skills through the making of a sheet silver pendant detailed with copper granulation. DAY 2: Silver Linked Necklace or Bracelet Morning: Participants will be working with copper wire, developing skills in soldering links; edge to edge soldering. Afternoon: Participants will develop and consolidate their fine jewellery skills through the creation of a silver linked bracelet or necklace. This course is suitable for complete beginners and the more advanced jeweller, as differentiation is created through tutor support and participant outcome. Ailsa Wilde is the founder of Wilde Workshops and the jeweller behind the jewellery. Ailsa’s own passion for jewellery making began in 2005 when she embarked on her BA (hons) in 3 Dimensional Design at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, specialising in jewellery making.  Ailsa has written course material and introduced a National Progression Award (NPA) in Jewellery. Ailsa is a dedicated and driven teacher and a passionate jeweller, who strives to educate and create with each delivery of Wilde Workshops. £170, includes all materials. To book, download the booking form here and return it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

If you're looking to get started on that dream Fairisle project then this is the workshop for you. In this two day workshop I will help you get started on your Fairisle project of choice so if you're fairly new to colour work knitting or need help with the next stages then this is the workshop for you. During the workshop there will be a chance to learn new skills and techniques to help you with your fairisle journey. You will get a chance to practise the new techniques on mini samples and swatches before applying them to your own work.  £115, to book, download the booking form here and return it to [email protected]. If you have any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.

An intensive, six-day workshop in cutting fine lettering in stone with Master Craftsman, Robbie Schneider.  The focus will be equally on tools and cutting technique and essential drawing skills for letter design, spacing and layout.  The object of the course is to give a firm foundation through an understanding of both carving technique and purpose-drawn lettering.  Stone and all tools will be provided.  This course is suitable for basic level entry as well as apprentices or those with previous experience in lettering and working with stone carving tools. £600, includes all materials, tea, coffee and lunch every day. Download the booking form, or call 01381 600354 or [email protected] Comfortable accommodation available at the Old Brewery. Six nights bed and fully cooked breakfast for £200. Robbie Schneider specialised in letter design, lettering sculpture and inscriptional letter carving after studying sculpture at Camberwell and Byam Shaw Art Schools in London. Working in Stone, wood, metals and other media, Robbie’s interest in the integration of text, material and form has gained him a reputation for both technically accomplished and innovative work, winning him many public and private commissions. Robbie exhibits regularly and is chairman of the Scottish Lettercutters Association, former chairman of Letter Exchange and an elected member of the Royal Society of Sculptors. Robbie teaches regularly and has run courses in Britain, Europe and Australia. His work can be found throughout Britain from Kent in the south to Shetland in the far north.

Back by popular demand - Rebecca the Sewist with a Bring Your Own Garment Weekend.  Suitable for beginners and more experienced garment makers, as long as you have a basic understanding of how to use your sewing machine. In this class you will be guided through how to use a sewing pattern, measure your own body to ensure you choose the correct size. Make adjustments to your pattern if required. You will make a garment of your choice. Rebecca recommends challenging yourself with something that will give you experience of new skills that you have not tried before. Guidance is available from Rebecca before the course to help pick a suitable pattern and fabric. All sewing tools will be provided though you are welcome to bring your own kit too. Sewing Machine  You will be required to bring your own sewing machine (which can be left securely overnight within the sewing room) this allows you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. There are a limited amount of extra machines available if you do not have your own machine please enquire upon booking.  There will be two overlockers available, one threaded in black and the other in white. If you are a beginner I will guide you through how to use an overlocker. You are also welcome to bring your own overlocker if you wish and I can help guide you through your machine - or check out our Make Friends with your Overlocker one day class on 5 July.  To book, download the booking form here and retun it to [email protected]. If youhave any problems with the form or need any guidance, please call Nicki or Gail during business hours on 01381 600354.