Applied Craft Workshops

As at 1st March, we now have ONE place back on sale! Get in touch if you fancy it. Is your sewing machine collecting dust in the back of a cupboard?  Or brand new, still sitting in its box awaiting your attention? Perhaps you are hoping for a new sewing machine for your birthday or Christmas? No matter if you have never even switched a machine on or haven't sewn since school, this confidence-building workshop is for you!    In this beginner's class you will be guided through the basics of your sewing machine: how to hem, add zips, topstitch and much more. You will learn how to draft a pattern, various techniques for cutting fabric and also constructing your projects. This course is designed to help build up your confidence in sewing, the use of your machine and generally help you to feel that you have the skills to continue sewing once you get home. Within this course you will make a lined tote bag, zippered pouch, cushion cover and, if time allows, bunting too.  Come and learn how to sew in a friendly and easy-going environment under the expert, patient eye of tutor Rebecca Barbour. The Basic Sewing Kit  It would be helpful to have a basic sewing kit for this course, but not essential as there will be tools available for use.  Fabric scissors Paper scissors  Seam ripper  Dressmaking pins  Hand sewing needles  Threads  Bobbins suitable for your machine  Zipper Foot Temporary markers - this could be tailor's chalk, fade or wash-away pen  Sewing Machine - You will be required to bring your own sewing machine (which can be left securely overnight within the sewing room) allowing you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. However, there will also be a limited number of extra machines available if you do not have your own - please enquire upon booking.  All fabric and all haberdashery is supplied and included in the price, though if you have a favourite fabric you wish to use, you are welcome to bring it along. £120    Includes tea / coffee and all materials. Please bring a packed lunch each day. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. This course is also running on 30 & 31 July. You may also be interested in the two Dressmaking weekends, Introduction to Free Motion Embroidery workshop or Sewing Christmas Decorations workshop.

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. If you would like to go on the waiting list, please email us. This two-day course with experienced tutor Tim Palmer, will introduce participants to the various types of frame baskets – baskets made using a hoop, ribs and weavers – and give them the skills to make one. This will involve making the hoop, choice and preparation of the ribs, how to attach the ribs to the hoop, and how to weave the basket.  At the end of the course, the participants will have made a simple frame basket. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some previous experience.  All materials are provided though it would be useful if participants can bring their own sharp secateurs and sharp knife (such as a Opinel or Mora knife; a craft/stanley knife is not suitable as the blades are too flimsy). "Tim is a wonderful teacher. He offers a wealth of knowledge and experience with patience and enthusiasm. I am so proud of my first basket and it is always in use. Starting to learn the craft of basket making in Tim’s workshop was fun and a beautiful journey. Can’t wait to make the next one! Whether you decide to make your first ever basket or build on existing skills, I trust you will have a rich and enjoyable time." Gilda Westermann, previous workshop participant £145    Includes tea / coffee and all materials. Please bring a packed lunch each day. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354.   

Learn the wonderful art of 'drawing' with your sewing machine.  This is a fun way to become more creative with your machine; a great means of bringing some uniqueness to your makes.  This day-long course is ideal for anyone who has completed the Beginners Sewing weekend course or has some experience of sewing.  This is a fun and creative class where you can be a bit imaginative and play around with ideas. There will also be some templates available for those who may not feel as confident making something up from scratch. You will get an opportunity to learn a variety of techniques under the expert and patient eye of tutor, Rebecca Barbour.   The Basic Sewing Kit  It would be helpful to have a basic sewing kit for this course, but not essential as there will be tools available for use.  Fabric scissors Paper scissors  Seam ripper  Dressmaking pins  Hand sewing needles  Threads  Bobbins suitable for your machine  Free Motion Embroidery or Darning foot - these are fairly common and usually come with most machines. Tutor will have a limited number available if you don't have this. Temporary markers - this could be tailor's chalk, fade or wash-away pen  Sewing Machine - You will be required to bring your own sewing machine allowing you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. However, there will also be a limited amount of extra machines available if you do not have your own - please enquire upon booking.  All fabric and all haberdashery is supplied and included in the price, though if you have a favourite fabric you wish to use, you are welcome to bring it along. £60    Includes tea / coffee and all materials. Please bring a packed lunch. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.ukor tel 01381 600354. This class is also running on 12 November 2022. You may also be interested in Sewing Christmas Decorations Workshop on 13 November 2022.

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. If you would like to go on the waiting list, please email us or request a booking form for the same class on 3rd August. A fun, creative class suitable for children aged 7+ to learn the lifelong skill of hand sewing. Under the expert eye of tutor Rebecca Barbour, children will learn how to thread a needle, knot the thread, sew a running stitch and sew on a button.  Sewing is a brilliant and fun skill to learn and kids get a huge sense of achievement from being able to make an item from scratch. They will have their very own self-made soft toy/cushion at the end of the class to take home with them. Sewing needles, fabrics and haberdashery will be supplied.  No experience necessary. Maximum class size is 6. £15  Includes juice & snack and all materials. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. This course is also running on 3 August.  

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. If you would like to go on the waiting list, please email us. A fun, creative class suitable for children aged 7+ to learn the basics of how a sewing machine works and how to use it safely. Sewing is a fun and useful, lifelong skill that anyone can learn.  Under the expert eye of tutor Rebecca Barbour, this class will give kids confidence to use a sewing machine and an understanding of basic sewing terminology.  They will make a drawstring backpack which they will take home at the end of the class. Sewing tools, fabrics and haberdashery will be supplied.  No experience necessary.  Children are welcome to bring their own machine (if they or family have a machine that they would like to learn on) however there will be machines available to use for each participant. Maximum class size is 6. £15  Includes juice & snack and all materials.  To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. This course is also running on 3 August.    

This workshop is now FULL. Have you ever fancied making your own clothes?  Picked up a pattern but felt completely confused about where to start?  If so, this is the perfect course for you.  Suitable for people who have completed the Beginners Sewing weekend class or that have a basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine. The class will give you the skills and confidence to make your own clothes from patterns in the future. You will have the option of making one of two items both from Tilly and the Buttons patterns: either a 'Stevie' dress or top (as seen below left) OR 'Cleo Dungaree' dress (seen in main pic and below right).    You will be guided through how to copy the pattern, cut the fabric and construct the garment under the expert and patient eye of tutor, Rebecca Barbour.  Time permitting you will also go through some crucial dressmaking technics like darts, invisible zips and buttonholes. You will receive details of fabric requirements as it will be best if you can go and choose something to your own taste.  All haberdashery will be supplied.   The Basic Sewing Kit  It would be helpful to have a basic sewing kit for this course, but not essential as there will be tools available for use.  Fabric scissors Paper scissors  Seam ripper  Dressmaking pins  Hand sewing needles  Threads  Bobbins suitable for your machine  Zipper Foot Temporary markers - this could be tailor's chalk, fade or wash-away pen  Sewing Machine - You will be required to bring your own sewing machine (which can be left securely overnight within the sewing room) allowing you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. However, there will also be a limited amount of extra machines available if you do not have your own - please enquire upon booking.  £120    Includes tea / coffee. Please bring a packed lunch each day. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. Having completed this course, you may also be interested in Dressmaking for Improvers Weekend on 10 & 11 September. There is also Introduction to Free Motion Embroidery workshop or Sewing Christmas Decorations workshop in November.

Please note, the course dates have had to change from 1-3 to 4-6 July. Transforming a sheet of silver into a piece of jewellery can be a fulfilling and exciting creative process. This intensive three-day course with experienced tutor, Jo Pudelko, will introduce you to the traditional techniques and tools used to make jewellery. The aim of this course, using demonstrations and structured guidance, is to instill confidence as you learn techniques such as sawing, soldering, annealing, filing, texturing and shaping to create a piece of silver jewellery over the weekend (and allowing you to continue making afterwards). You will start by using copper (which has similar working properties to silver) to practice on, then progress to using silver for your final piece. This course is an ideal introduction if you are taking your first steps in jewellery making or suitable for returning students looking to refresh their existing knowledge to create more complex pieces. Copper, an amount of sheet silver and all tools will be provided. Extra silver can be purchased at cost during the course if needed. The weekend is designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing you to build your skills as well as create a finished piece.      Good eyesight and hand dexterity are needed for jewellery making. Please remember to bring your glasses if you need them for close work and wear appropriate clothing for a studio environment including closed toe shoes.  If you have long hair, please wear it up. £240    Includes materials although silver used will be charged and paid for at the weekend at current rate (can advise of likely cost if required).  Also includes tea / coffee and a delicious, home-made lunch each day in the Old Brewery. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354.

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL BUT WHY NOT BOOK ONTO THE SEWING CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS WORKSHOP INSTEAD.     Is your sewing machine collecting dust in the back of a cupboard?  Or brand new, still sitting in its box awaiting your attention? Perhaps you are hoping for a new sewing machine for your birthday or Christmas? No matter if you have never even switched a machine on or haven't sewn since school, this confidence-building workshop is for you!    In this beginner's class you will be guided through the basics of your sewing machine: how to hem, add zips, topstitch and much more. You will learn how to draft a pattern, various techniques for cutting fabric and also constructing your projects. This course is designed to help build up your confidence in sewing, the use of your machine and generally help you to feel that you have the skills to continue sewing once you get home. Within this course you will make a lined tote bag, zippered pouch, cushion cover and, if time allows, bunting too.  Come and learn how to sew in a friendly and easy-going environment under the expert, patient eye of tutor Rebecca Barbour. The Basic Sewing Kit  It would be helpful to have a basic sewing kit for this course, but not essential as there will be tools available for use.  Fabric scissors Paper scissors  Seam ripper  Dressmaking pins  Hand sewing needles  Threads  Bobbins suitable for your machine  Zipper Foot Temporary markers - this could be tailor's chalk, fade or wash-away pen  Sewing Machine - You will be required to bring your own sewing machine (which can be left securely overnight within the sewing room) allowing you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. However, there will also be a limited number of extra machines available if you do not have your own - please enquire upon booking.  All fabric and all haberdashery is supplied and included in the price, though if you have a favourite fabric you wish to use, you are welcome to bring it along. £120    Includes tea / coffee and all materials. Please bring a packed lunch each day. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. This course is running first on 5 & 6 March. You may also be interested in the two Dressmaking weekends, two Introduction to Free Motion Embroidery workshop or Sewing Christmas Decorations workshop.

A fun, creative class suitable for children aged 7+ to learn the lifelong skill of hand sewing. Under the expert eye of tutor Rebecca Barbour, children will learn how to thread a needle, knot the thread, sew a running stitch and sew on a button.  Sewing is a brilliant and fun skill to learn and kids get a huge sense of achievement from being able to make an item from scratch. They will have their very own self-made soft toy/cushion at the end of the class to take home with them. Sewing needles, fabrics and haberdashery will be supplied.  No experience necessary. Maximum class size is 6. £15  Includes juice & snack and all materials. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. This course is also running on 21 April.

This class is now FULLY BOOKED. If you wish to add your name to the waiting list, please email us. A fun, creative class suitable for children aged 7+ to learn the basics of how a sewing machine works and how to use it safely. Sewing is a fun and useful, lifelong skill that anyone can learn.  Under the expert eye of tutor Rebecca Barbour, this class will give kids confidence to use a sewing machine and an understanding of basic sewing terminology.  They will make a drawstring backpack which they will take home at the end of the class. Sewing tools, fabrics and haberdashery will be supplied.  No experience necessary.  Children are welcome to bring their own machine (if they or family have a machine that they would like to learn on) however there will be machines available to use for each participant. Maximum class size is 6. £15  Includes juice & snack and all materials. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. Although this class is full we have a Sewing for Kids: Hand Sewing class on the same date.

This class is now FULLY BOOKED. If you wish to add your name to the waiting list, please email us. Edinburgh-based Silversmith Bryony Knox teaches the ancient art of Chasing & Repoussé, where sheet metal is formed and embossed using small steel tools, whilst held in pine pitch.  Are you inspired by the stunning metalwork of the Glasgow Style or the Arts & Crafts Movement? Tempted to add this adaptable skill to your jewellery and silversmithing repertoire? Suitable for all levels and experience.     As this is a brand new course for Cromarty Arts Trust, here is more detail on what the weekend will entail: Friday:  Introduction to Chasing & Repoussé. You will cover the main techniques in the morning whilst working on a figurative plaque or brooch. After lunch we will make a small set of chasing tools and continue working on the plaque (approx 10cm x 10cm).  Saturday:  We will spend the day honing skills learnt on Friday and also chasing a small copper bowl in the round (approx 7cm diameter and 7cm high).  If you want to chase a previously made raised bowl, for instance if you have previously attended our Silver Raising courses with Ndidi Ekubia, you are welcome to bring it to work on. Copper for chasing the plaque and tooled steel will be provided in the course cost. Pitch bowls and all tools required are provided to use throughout the weekend. Designs: if students get the chance to think about designs before the course, this gives more time to play on the day! Bryony tends to work with figurative imagery, such as animals, birds, plants but abstract pattern and shape also work well.  It is suggested that students look for a simple line drawing of your idea and then it can be made more elaborate as you learn to chase. Please remember to bring your glasses if you need them for close work and wear appropriate clothing for a studio environment including closed toe shoes.  If you have long hair, please wear it up. If you're still not sure, why not take a look at examples of Bryony's chasing work at www.bryonyknox.com  £250    Includes materials, tea / coffee and a delicious, home-made lunch each day in the Old Brewery. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354.

Edinburgh-based Silversmith Bryony Knox has worked and taught in metal for over 20 years.  On this one-day workshop, she will teach you basic metalwork skills such as piercing, etching, forming and riveting whilst making a humorous steel hare (approx 10cm x 10cm) with a wonderful, billowing copper scarf. Suitable for complete beginners as well as intermediate metalsmiths. All the skills and techniques learnt on this course will be invaluable for those that wish to continue making in metal.     Skills Learnt: Transfer of design to metal Use of piercing saw-cutting metal sheet (both simple and intricate shapes) Using Pillaror hand drill Filing, sanding and finishing of metal surfaces Riveting Forming of metal from flat to 3D Etching Using a blowtorch and heat colouring steel & copper Please remember to bring your glasses if you need them for close work and wear appropriate clothing for a studio environment including closed toe shoes.  If you have long hair, please wear it up. Please be aware, this class is a physical one, with at least an hour of sawing in the morning. £85    Includes materials, tea / coffee and a delicious, home-made lunch in the Old Brewery. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354.  

This class is now FULLY BOOKED. If you wish to add your name to the waiting list, please email us. Would you like to bring your dressmaking skills up a gear? Maybe you have already made one or two things but would like to move your skills on?  This weekend workshop is suitable for people who have completed a previous Dressmaking class or have made some basic clothes and are reasonably confident on their sewing machine. We will be making the 'Lyra' dress pattern from Tilly and the Buttons, which is a shirt-style dress. Under the expert eye of tutor, Rebecca Barbour, you will learn how to sew buttonholes, darts, sleeves and how to construct a collar. You will be guided through how to measure your body, choose the correct size, copy the pattern, cut the fabric and construct the garment.  You will receive details of fabric requirements as it will be best if you can go and choose something to your own taste.  All haberdashery will be supplied and you'll receive your own copy of the pattern to take home with you. The Basic Sewing Kit  It would be helpful to have a basic sewing kit for this course, but not essential as there will be tools available for use.  Fabric scissors Paper scissors  Seam ripper  Dressmaking pins  Hand sewing needles  Threads  Bobbins suitable for your machine  Buttonhole Foot Temporary markers - this could be tailor's chalk, fade or wash-away pen  Sewing Machine - You will be required to bring your own sewing machine (which can be left securely overnight within the sewing room) allowing you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. However, there will also be a limited amount of extra machines available if you do not have your own - please enquire upon booking.  £120    Includes tea / coffee. Please bring a packed lunch each day. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354.

This class is now FULLY BOOKED. If you wish to add your name to the waiting list, please email us. A one-day introduction to traditional leaded stained glass with tutor, Anne Ferguson.  You will experience each stage of creating your own small panel from selecting and cutting the glass, through to assembly and completion. No experience required.  All materials will be provided.  Age 16+          £80  Please bring a packed lunch; tea/coffee provided. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. This course is also on Sunday 18th September.  Please note, it is NOT a two-day course but the same one-day course on offer to participants on either day.  

This class is now FULLY BOOKED. If you wish to add your name to the waiting list, please email us. A one-day introduction to traditional leaded stained glass with tutor, Anne Ferguson.  You will experience each stage of creating your own small panel from selecting and cutting the glass, through to assembly and completion. No experience required.  All materials will be provided.  Age 16+            £80  Please bring a packed lunch; tea/coffee provided. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. This course is also on Saturday 17th September.  Please note, it is NOT a two-day course but the same one-day course on offer to participants on either day.  

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. Accommodation at a special reduced rate available in the Old Brewery - please enquire when booking. £550 - includes your stone to take away plus delicious, home-made lunches each day and tea/coffee. To book your place, request a booking form by email or tel 01381 600354

Learn the wonderful art of 'drawing' with your sewing machine.  This is a fun way to become more creative with your machine; a great means of bringing some uniqueness to your makes.  This day-long course is ideal for anyone who has completed the Beginners Sewing weekend course or has some experience of sewing.  This is a fun and creative class where you can be a bit imaginative and play around with ideas. There will also be some templates available for those who may not feel as confident making something up from scratch. You will get an opportunity to learn a variety of techniques under the expert and patient eye of tutor, Rebecca Barbour.   The Basic Sewing Kit  It would be helpful to have a basic sewing kit for this course, but not essential as there will be tools available for use.  Fabric scissors Paper scissors  Seam ripper  Dressmaking pins  Hand sewing needles  Threads  Bobbins suitable for your machine  Free Motion Embroidery or Darning foot - these are fairly common and usually come with most machines. Tutor will have a limited number available if you don't have this. Temporary markers - this could be tailor's chalk, fade or wash-away pen  Sewing Machine - You will be required to bring your own sewing machine allowing you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. However, there will also be a limited amount of extra machines available if you do not have your own - please enquire upon booking.  All fabric and all haberdashery is supplied and included in the price, though if you have a favourite fabric you wish to use, you are welcome to bring it along. £60    Includes tea / coffee and all materials. Please bring a packed lunch. To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354. This class is first running on 23 April 2022. You may also be interested in Sewing Christmas Decorations Workshop on 13 November 2022.

There is nothing better than giving a gift or decorating your home with items you have handmade yourself. This one-day workshop with tutor Rebecca Barbour will give you the opportunity to make various Christmas decorations from fabric.  Suitable for anyone that has completed the Beginners Sewing weekend workshop or has a basic sewing knowledge.   Within this workshop there will be a variety of Christmas decorations that you can choose from to make including: bunting, wreaths, table decor, fabric baubles, angels and birds - gorgeous items to give as gifts or keep for yourself!  Choose what you wish to make during this fun, relaxed, creative session.   If you complete the Introduction to Free Motion Embroidery workshop the day before you can incorporate the skills that you have learned to add embellishments to your items.  The Basic Sewing Kit  It would be helpful to have a basic sewing kit for this course, but not essential as there will be tools available for use.  Fabric scissors / Rotary cutter Paper scissors  Seam ripper  Dressmaking pins  Hand sewing needles  Threads  Sewing gauge Bobbins suitable for your machine  Temporary markers - this could be tailor's chalk, fade or wash-away pen  Sewing Machine - You will be required to bring your own sewing machine allowing you to learn and become familiar with your own machine. However, there will also be a limited amount of extra machines available if you do not have your own - please enquire upon booking.  All fabric and all haberdashery is supplied and included in the price, though if you have a favourite fabric you wish to use, you are welcome to bring it along. £60    Includes tea / coffee and all materials. Please bring a packed lunch.   To book your place, request a booking form by email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk or tel 01381 600354.