We're excited at the number of workshops that we've got on offer, and at the rate that you're booking places on them! We've got resident tutors, trusted teachers and brand new workshop hosts ... and they've all got so much to teach!
Here's a round-up of the workshops that we've got and the places that are currently available (although don't hold us to it as they do get snapped up and we can't be responsible!)
Glass
As usual, we've got our monthly Beginners' Stained Glass weekend workshops - our next fully-booked class is this coming weekend. We've got 2 places left in April and we'll shortly be listing our June dates and beyond - keep your eye on our listings (although we'll remind you next month, don't worry!)
Our fused glass flower workshop is always popular and so we've added a new date for another 8 people on Saturday 30th April
Pottery
In news from the kiln room, we're delighted to let you know that we're not now restricted to the kiln room! Let us explain: with the addition of new sit-down potters' wheels, we successfully held a private pottery workshops in our large front room - it worked really well and everyone had lots of space to work in.
We're loving that our creative space is so versatile!
Incidentally, we also recently held a private fused glass class for a group of people that wanted to all make decorations together (yes, even Christmas decorations post-Yule!). Please do contact us if you fancy learning something with a group of friends or colleagues and we'll certainly try and arrange a workshop for you.
In pottery class news, our Henry (that's what we're calling resident Pot Punk Henry Moore now!), is currently teaching his March 4-week pottery Thursday evening classes. They're proving so popular that the June dates are already full. Because of commitments over the summer (exhibitions and events), there just aren't 4 weeks together and so we've pinned him down to the next sessions which begin on 6th October. Suitable for any ability, these 4-week workshops are great for learning the basics of clay: wedging, coning, throwing, mark-making and glazing). Book now to avoid disappointment - there are only 4 places each time!
We're looking forward to the hand-building class in pottery planters on 10th April but, as that's full, Henry's now going to teach another hand building workshop on 11th June: architectural planters ... just look at how great these are going to be!
And now for something completely different...
Betty Adamou - a new tutor at Stoke Bridge Workshops recently held a Botanical Illustration class with a close-up twist. Our guests had such a good time that we've asked Betty to repeat the class on 3rd September - it's suitable for children from 10+ if accompanied by an adult .
As an added bonus, Betty's also now booked in a new workshop on May 1st that looks really interesting: Surface Pattern Graphic Design and Illustration. Once again nature-inspired, you're invited to start with a blank canvas and create a beautiful design ready for printing as pictures, or on tea towels, coasters or tote bags - sounds like a great workshop to us!
Before we introduce our next new workshop, here's a question for you:
Where does the word 'blueprint' come from?
It comes from a photographic printing method that involves coating paper with chemicals to make it light sensitive. Items are laid on the paper and the exposed area turns a Prussian blue!
Cyanotype is the art of taking photographs without using a camera and our tutor Mikaela Rackham is running two workshops in this fascinating art: one on 22nd May in which you'll use natural forms and create your own booklet of prints; the second is on 12th June where you'll be experimenting with colour - again using natural forms but tinting your images with different colours. The effects that can be achieved are quite stunning!
Jewellery
The incredible Andrea Wright who's taught you how to make stacking rings, pebble rings and cuff bracelets is now bringing us a new workshop on 15th May: A linked rings necklace class ... now who wouldn't want to complete their set?!
We have a feeling that this class, like most of Andrea's workshops, will sell out quickly - there are only 6 places to ensure that you all get the attention you deserve - booking's advised soonest!
And Finally
A couple of trusted tutors are bringing you workshops in subjects that we know are always poplar:
Wayne Tanswell, master Signwriter is bringing you a whole days 'Signwriting for Beginners' workshop on 11th May. People who come away from Wayne's workshops are always fired up to carry on signwriting when they leave, and confident enough to do exactly that - we've seen proof of people's own signwriting projects in the past.
And, Dale Devereux Barker has a vitreous enamelling workshop with places still available on 14th May - just look at the results that students have realised previously - if you fancy glass art, print making and painting, this workshops combines all three things in one.
And that's just for now! We've got lots of other things planned that may possibly include, felt, soap and lino - keep your eyes peeled for the next edition.
In the meantime, a Happy Mothers' Day to all of you great mums out there - if you're lucky enough to receive a gift voucher in return for your fabulousness, get in touch and let us know which workshop you'd like to put it towards; we look forward to meeting you!
As always - stay safe and see you at a workshop sometime soon!
Danielle and Ian