Craft Courses: How To Find

Design & Style How To Guides How To Find A Craft Course For You

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Date Published:
23/03/2009

So you fancy taking up knitting, or sewing – or maybe you want something a little more exotic like glassblowing? Discover how to find a course that will teach you all you need to know.

By Sarah Warwick

how-to-decoupage. How To Find A Craft Course

Get Specialist Advice & Discover Craft Websites

The Crafts Council, which is the national development agency for contemporary crafts in the UK, has a research library, which you can call on 020 7806 2501 or email to help you find course information. Find details in the ‘Learning & Support’ section of the site.

Also on this site you can look in the Craft Directory section under both ‘Organisations’, which includes some course providers under the ‘Learning and skills’ heading, and ‘Opportunities’, which has listings of both courses and workshops.

Use Crafts Sites

For a list of courses including soap-making, knitting and crochet, quilting, soft furnishings and weaving, take a look at www.craft-fair.co.uk. The learning zone here has links through to course providers by craft including distance learning providers, plus suppliers of materials.

At www.craftanddesign.net you’ll find courses by subject – from basketry through glass to woodworking – and you can click through to find a provider, and a link to its website.

It’s also worth checking out www.artcourses.co.uk. Here you can choose a craft you’d like to learn – pottery and ceramics, textiles etc – then click through from the listings to the provider’s website, or use the phone number.

The information and education section of www.craft-search.co.uk has links to course providers across the UK, although you’ll have to click through on many of the entries to find out where a course takes place.

Hobbycraft is an arts and craft store where you can shop for materials for your projects at your nearest branch or online at www.hobbycraft.co.uk. The site also has lists of craft class providers in the vicinity of your local Hobbycraft store under categories such as needlecraft – quilting, crochet, knitting and so on – and crafts – scrapbooking, card-making and more.

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  1. LOL from Australia,the first episode has aired here this week,fabulous show includes every single thing I love,keep it up!!
    Posted by Mariel on 02/10/2009 13:10:38
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  2. Hi Kirsty, love the show, can you send me the cake ladies details also, her cakes look delicious!!
    Posted by Ernie on 23/08/2009 20:48:30
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  3. Like the previous "posters", I am after the contact details of the lady that did the cup cakes. I am looking for something similar for our anniversary party, please respond asap many thanks, Debbie
    Posted by Debbie on 03/08/2009 11:45:38
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  4. Couldn't find the name/address of the lady that made your cup cakes (with the sparkly rose on the top)
    Posted by sylvia on 04/07/2009 15:02:28
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  5. hiya kirstie. love the show! i was wondering if you could send me the details of how to get in tough with the confectionary lady on your show or some other confectionary courses. please help me thanx love beth
    Posted by Beth on 04/07/2009 12:31:23
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  6. Just watched the cake decorating prog again. Can anyone help with where I get supplies of sugar paste?
    Posted by Caroll on 21/06/2009 22:21:13
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  7. Great show, Completely inspired to make the decor myown in our new home. When it is built. Where can I start with a basic furniture painting course in Oxfordshire, Hampshire or where I live in sussex?
    Posted by zoe on 10/06/2009 13:09:01
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  8. Hi Kestie, well done for a great show. How do i get in touch with the cake decoration/craft lady on your show? i really want to learn the trade and been looking for someone to teach me at the week-ends.Please get in touch with her contact details via my email. God bless Sheila
    Posted by Sheila on 20/05/2009 12:15:13
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  9. I love Kirsty's Homemade Home, I love crafting and I hope to see more programs like this!! Congratulations Channel 4
    Posted by Samantha on 19/05/2009 14:19:55
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  10. I only caught one programme but enjoyed it hugely- and by chance it featured my own craft-willow basketry. Big thanks to Kirsty for putting skilled makers of a wide range of products in the spotlight. Making something from scratch connects you to the earth and your own creativity like shopping never can. I run various courses in Suffolk and Essex so come along and see what you can do!
    Posted by Jo Hammond on 19/05/2009 10:58:38
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  11. Really enjoyed the show and look forward to many more. There must be many more crafts that would benefit from some coverage like my particular favourite - marquetry. There are marquetry groups around the country, you need few tools and the materials are really cheap.
    Posted by Quentin on 18/05/2009 18:39:49
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  12. An excellent selection of courses demonstrating how we could all contribute to our homes without buying into the culture of 'New is perfect' and the debt that many young singles and couples believe they have to spend immediately kitting out their new homes. Kirsty's enthusiasm was wonderful to see. I would have like to have spent more time watching each project from conception and spreading the progamme out over more weeks if needed or making each one longer! Please also tell me a web site for the cake making project on the last week i can't find anything about it? Well done Kirsty when are you making another one??? eg. A home office for today's needs?
    Posted by Rosheena Bateson on 18/05/2009 13:16:01
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  13. Just wanted to express how refreshing this series has been. I find Kirsty an inspiration and her ability to make a 'home' enviable! i wish to learn new crafts, well any craft actually as i do not have a clue! It is so important, now more than ever, to re-use and re-cycle; helping our pockets as well as our environment. All the best Kirsty, good on you!
    Posted by Charmaine on 17/05/2009 14:17:15
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  14. Well done Kirsty.One of the best programs in years! Apart from being so interesting it will encourage viewers to take up new crafts or revisit crafts they used in the past and thought they were outdated. I dearly want to do mosaics suitable for my cottage garden and I hope info on this will be available. wishing you and your family Every happiness in your beautiful home.
    Posted by Karine on 15/05/2009 01:02:47
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  15. What a fantastic series this has been, Kirsty has lit a fire within me!! I have enrolled on pottery, willow weaving, and sugar craft courses!! I have always loved watching Kirsty on Location, but these programmes have brought her into her own, and we get a little incite of what Kirsty is all about; passion, preciseness but above all BRITISH!! Well done Kirsy, I look forward to the next series.
    Posted by siobhan on 14/05/2009 21:34:36
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  16. At the age of 59 I have always made my own curtains, cushion covers, have knitted, crocheted and sewn my own clothes and I like to buy remnants for my dressmaking. I have restored a few pieces of furniture at times, albeit amatuerishly. Kirsties shows have got my interest going in other areas such as patchwork and quilting. Unlike Elspeth I can accept and understand that anything I do will be on a smaller scale to fit my house. I do not begrudge Kirsty her house and realise that a using a land rover to carry her finds, which were often large makes more sense than travelling to find them in a small car, then having to make a second journey in the land rover or a van to collect them.
    Posted by Janet on 14/05/2009 15:11:18
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  17. I have never commented on a TV show before but I had to with this. I have long been saying there are not any programmes for the crafters out there. Kirsties enthusiasm is refreshing and I am inspired to get out some of the crafts I haven't done for a while. Good luck to her and I hope there are further instalments
    Posted by Carolyn on 12/05/2009 15:36:59
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  18. I love this series! Is there going to be a book accompanying the show with all the skill details and craft contacts?
    Posted by Sophie on 12/05/2009 10:36:55
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  19. Sir, I have watched with great enjoyment your series 'Kirty's Homemade Home' and really think it's great that Kirsty is using the programme to encourage people to 'have a go', I teach Patchwork,Quilting & Embroidery(and also Knitting) in the North Bristol area, and feel that the lovely quilt idea shown by Jo Colborn was superb in encouraging people to 'have a go'. My classes and day workshops are small enabling me to give my students individual attention where needed, and It gives me a real 'buzz' when they discover that they 'can do this'. I do not have a website but if anyone in the local area is interested I have a 6 month Beginner's course in Patchwork & quilting starting in September.
    Posted by Lorraine Shergold on 11/05/2009 16:53:22
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  20. This programme has been a real inspiration- don't know quite know which craft I want to start with! Agree with Jocelynne about William Morris's statement about "useful and beautiful" and creating something personal to us. I think that Elspeth is missing some of eco message in the programme though. Yes she may have a "gas guzzling" Aga and land rover, but surely by sourcing reclaimed and second furnishings she is offseting some of that consumption. Also, most of the crafts people that she visits appear to be local to her in the south-west (why travel up to scotland to have some one knit you something when you've got someone on your doorstep to do it?). The programme makes a point of directing you to the website to find out about signing up to course in your LOCAL area...
    Posted by j-bear on 11/05/2009 11:04:44
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  21. Absolutely love the programme. Can you please tell me who the lampshade maker is and how can I book myself on a course with her?
    Posted by Glen on 10/05/2009 20:38:24
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  22. I really don't agree with Elspeth. What's wrong with owning a Land Rover if you use it for what it was designed for, carrying large amounts around in areas unsuitable for other transport? You can't really fit a futon and some sheep in the back of a Fiat can you? And I believe it is possible to recreate some of things in smaller houses. Even a tiny kitchen, like mine, can benefit from a bit of hard work and some imagination in collecting jugs from charity shops and making curtains. Yes, I'd love to live in Kirty's house in Devon, but I can make do with the space I have at the moment. I've recently started sewing and the delight I get from showing people cushions I've made for my bedroom and living room is immense. I've really enjoyed watching the programme and find it inspires me to get creative.
    Posted by Victoria on 08/05/2009 15:58:17
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  23. Loved the lampshade making, does the lady helping Kirstie run courses? Where can I get suuplies? I have just taken up silk painting and would liked to silk paint my own lampshades to match some cushions I am making. Also loved the screen printing and would like to try this. Does Anna/Emma{?} run courses. Carry on Kirstie - you're doing a fantastic job - this is a really inspiring series.
    Posted by susan on 07/05/2009 08:36:38
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  24. Where can you buy lampshade kits from?
    Posted by Jacqui Trigg on 04/05/2009 19:43:42
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  25. How do I get hold of the patterns for the draught excluder featured in this week's episode? Many thanks, Maureen
    Posted by Maureen on 02/05/2009 18:05:39
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  26. There are lots of knitting groups which meet in cafes etc where the members help newcomers to knitting and crochet - a self help group if you like. Such a group meets in the cafe of Touchstones in Rochdale once a month they are called Knitty Gritty.
    Posted by Julian Jefferson on 02/05/2009 07:39:19
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  27. I was thrilled to see Kirstie knitting and I have to say her show really has created such interest. I run a school of knitting in York where anyone can come along at the weekend and learn the art. As Kirstie pointed out, it was such a revelation for her and the shear joy of creating something yourself is just amazing! Kirstie, you are more than welcome to come along and we will show you more of the art!
    Posted by Dorothy kendall on 02/05/2009 07:35:45
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  28. Really enjoying watching Kirsty's thrills at acquiring new skills! And now not feeling so guilty that my home is NOT minimalist, bland, laminate floored, magnolia-hued and only has one feature item and one feature picture per room! The opposite of all the above applies! Having made all the curtains, many cushions, recycled old pieces of furniture by sanding down, etc. and finding a place for so many family pieces that were in various attics but had stories to tell, I now feel we have a really unique home. As one visitor said - "Well it's not minimalist - it's ......... interesting - there's always something to have a closer look at!" That was a compliment! And now here is Kirsty showing everyone how it can be done. Well done Kirsty! I can't wait to see if I can find a course in blacksmithing!
    Posted by Leona Thomas on 01/05/2009 22:59:27
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  29. I agree with Elspeth on one of her points only, the one about space in most average homes. Few of us are likely to have the luxury of the Kirsty's kitchen or bathrooms, and even the 'small' flats are bigger than most modern homes, however, I do think that there are many points which are great and fun and inspiring.I love her enthusiasm and whilst I do most crafts,I do understand that for many it will be new and have great 'wow'factor and move them to try things out for themselves. It's a breath of fresh air - Charity shops are my therapy too!
    Posted by Maureen on 01/05/2009 17:21:09
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  30. Good Afternoon I enjoyed watching the show last night,especially seeing the joy on Kirsty's face when she completed a row of knitting! (I remember that elation, albeit some thirty years ago) I wonder if the woman who knit all the sweet little draugt excluders etc (Sue ?) has a knitting pattern collection, and if so, where could I purchase it? Regards Rosie McCartney
    Posted by rosie on 01/05/2009 15:17:49
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  31. Hi, I would like to know how can I get hold of the lady from Weston-super-Mare was teaching Kirsty last night how to knit, I would like to join the group! I'm from Weston-super-Mare. I would apreciate very much if you can help. Thank you so much, I love Kirsty's program.
    Posted by Pao on 01/05/2009 10:24:01
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  32. hi, is it possible to show the pattern for the little beach houses made on kirsties show last night (29-04-09). thankyou
    Posted by jackie on 01/05/2009 10:17:52
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  33. What a wonderfull programme It was nice to see a programme, giving you a insight of what people can make and do in their own home. Where can I get hold of the knitting patterns that were shown on the programme tonight for the fish and draught excluder. look forward to next weeks programme sue
    Posted by sue p on 30/04/2009 23:34:10
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  34. I would like to know how I can get hold of the pattern from tonights show for the draught excluder on kirstys show. regards sye
    Posted by sue on 30/04/2009 23:20:56
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  35. I really love the programme and tonights episode was FAB like Kirsty I to am left handed and was always told lefties cant knit,but after tonight I am desperate to learn. Cant wait for next weeks insperational programme
    Posted by penny on 30/04/2009 22:19:43
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  36. What an amazing concept! This also has alot of reference, tips and 'how to' that anyone can do. I am absolutely thrilled - it is also good timing as I am also doing up my house room by room!
    Posted by Jackie on 24/04/2009 09:41:53
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  37. I loved the programme, I have always made my own cushions and curtains etc and it is great to see these traditional values reflected instead of 'throw it all out and buy expensive new ones to replace it' which other programmes often suggest. As for Elspeth's commments...I have a Rayburn (cheaper and more economical than an AGA but same principle) and for a rural lifestyle it is as economical as a modern heating system, tumble dryer and electric cooker (all of which it replaces). Landrovers are essential in the countryside and are not necessarily gas guzzlers, particularly a proper one (which Kirsty drives) and Kirsty is at least using hers to drive around the countryside and not for a school run in Chelsea. I can't wait for tonight's programme!
    Posted by Louise on 23/04/2009 16:29:26
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  38. I absolutely loved the programme and my daughter (Ella aged 11) would really like to make the knitted house. Is there a pattern for it? Thanks. Heather Roberts.
    Posted by Knitted House on 22/04/2009 17:35:45
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  39. I loved the show, however i do agree with elsbeth about the land rover and aga! It's true, that was very hypocricical, but at least she is making efforts to inspire, not to say "buy and massive bath for lots of water etc.." i think it's the underlying message which is very important, as now-a-days we're all so selfish and wasteful. It's nice to see someone going the other way and making the effort to re-use, and it's very true, what is wrong with the old mirror - still works just as well! I think the show is great and was well needed. look forward to the next show. Very unlike anything out there, so thumbs up! Am currently looking for a glass blowing class near by..!
    Posted by Pippa on 21/04/2009 13:09:39
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  40. Loved the Show gave me some great ideas. Keep up the good work. Can not wait till next week.
    Posted by Emma on 19/04/2009 17:16:44
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  41. Loved the show, absolutely LOVED it. Watched it with my 7 year old daughter and within half an hour of watching it we had got a lump of clay out of her craft cupboard and were making bowls! (Not sure QUITE what they'll be used for as they are very small and have a few holes but it was SUCH fun!) Then we made homemade bird food! What a great programme, lovely to see something like this on mainstream TV. Can't wait for next week.
    Posted by Helen M on 18/04/2009 08:21:56
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  42. love the fact she talks about being environmentally friendly (the mirror - not having materials being used unnecessarily) when she has a gas guzzling aga, not to mention the gas guzzling car (presuming it doesn't run on eco fuels?) These programmes are so hypocritical. anyone agree? Discuss. Oh and why are all the good craft places in the south and London, I find this very infuriating. Fed up with rich people telling you how to do things 'on the cheap' when it's beyond the means of people on a normal income, can we have a programme that uses soggy chip board found in most skips and a kitchen you can barely swing a rat in; that most certainly has NO room for dressers, or even a small table??? Impossible! Cant wait to see the next programme where the bath appears to be bigger than our bathroom. Found the show absolutely hilarious, so true to life. where do the people find the time? Our home is filled with fun, unique items we have collected over the years, the toilet tube dolls, the ancient furniture are coupled with cheap, mass produced items that make our cluttered filled home really unique! Especially the fork holes in the family table, with the wobbly legs... I think that makes a genuine family home. Shall update more when we see the bathroom programme, does she use rain water to fill the bath with? I genuinely cannot wait. Bye for now, im going to wash my hair, using the best available mass produced products from the supermarket, with home made scented candles next to the bath.
    Posted by Elspeth on 17/04/2009 21:42:56
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  43. It is amazing how quick you can make up unique curtains from "scrap materials" collected from travels over the years. They are cheaper and eco-friendly than ready made curtains. The ones I made are wonderful and priceless
    Posted by Sarah on 17/04/2009 16:00:35
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  44. I really enjoyed the show- it was fantastic to see Cath Kidston's kitchen having seen her shops and loved her products. The pottery has also inspired me to go along to the local college and have a go! I've always thought that homemade, original and unique items are the best and it's brilliant to have a show to give more tips and advice on how to fill your home with these! I'm now keen to look in charity shops and markets for bargains and treasures too! Can't wait for the next shows- please tell me there is a book coming out to accompany this series!
    Posted by Emma on 17/04/2009 15:05:40
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  45. I too found this program to be inspirational and I think it's about time that people start going back to making things such as sewing and going to markets. I find no greater joy than making something myself. I'm glad to know that there are others out there too that enjoy making things for the home and saving money at the same time.
    Posted by Tramsc on 17/04/2009 12:57:45
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  46. I am delighted that at long last someone has recognised that homes do not need to be filled with mass produced, coffee coloured,cloned furniture and soft furnishings. We have almost lost the art of creating an interesting and unique property that pleases us as individuals. We seem to have forgotten William Morris's idea that only the beautiful and the useful should occupy a home. It should be personal to us, not to the local Harveys. Kirstie, you were utterly inspirational. Kind regards, Jos Thomas (sewer, knitter, quilter, softfurnishing maker and advocate of good design)
    Posted by Jocelynne Thomas on 16/04/2009 22:56:56
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