If your new year’s resolution was to learn something new, one of these craft workshops could be just the ticket. From block printing your own pattern fabric and cards to learning how to upholster or make your own lampshade, Good Homes magazine picks out five of the best craft workshops taking place around the country in 2023…

1. Block printing workshops

Become a whizz at block printing to make your own repeat pattern fabric, wrapping paper and cards. Taught by artist Louisa Loakes at various locations across the country, everything you need is provided at her in-person workshops, or you can buy a kit to take an online course from the comfort of your own home. From £80. See louisaloakes.com.

Upcoming classes:

• In-person: 4 February, 11am-3.30pm; 11 March, 11am-3.30pm
• Online: 9 February, 6pm-8.30pm 

2. Lampshade making

Learn from the experts at London’s leading lampshade school. Offering one, two, and three-day courses, as well as on-demand online craft workshops, you can make your own pleated, parachute, scalloped or drum lampshade and pick up skills to make many more. From £85. See minervaworkshop.co.uk.

Upcoming classes:

• Hard lampshades: 6 February, 3 March
• Gathered lampshades: 4 & 5 March
• Pleated lampshades: 22 & 23 March
• Parachute lampshade: waiting list

3. Macramé workshops

Master the basics of macramé with fibre artist Nicole of knotsanddreams.co.uk. Offering both online tutorials and in-person craft workshops starting from just £28, you can create anything from plant holders to coasters and wall-hangings. Nicole teaches across Essex and at Create98 in Leigh-on-Sea, a fabulous crafting hub where you can also learn everything from cookery and flower arranging to marbling and soap-making, both onsite and via video link with an at-home kit. See create98.co.uk.

Upcoming classes:

• Dreamcatcher wall hanging: 22 February
• Large wall hanging: 3 & 10 March (two sessions)
• Macramé jewellery: 26 March

4. Terrarium workshops

The perfect project for those with green fingers, terrariums are small, self-sustaining ecosystems that water themselves and can last for years without needing much care at all. At London Terrarium workshops, you’ll spend a couple of hours working with soil, plants and moss to create a unique bottle garden. Can’t get to these craft workshops in person? ‘Takeaway’ kits can also be delivered to your door with everything you need to make a terrarium at home. From £45. See londonterrariums.com.

Upcoming classes:

• Various dates across February & March

5. Upholstery for beginners

Looking for a more advanced craft workshop? Victoria Meacham of VM Furnishing offers pay-as-you-go sessions or eight-week weekend classes at her purpose-built workshop in Edinburgh. You’ll pick up traditional and modern upholstery skills, restoring and upcycling on your own piece of furniture, with all tools and materials provided. From £42. See vmfurnishing.com.  

Upcoming classes:

• Pay-as-you-go classes: 25 & 26 February, 1 & 2 April, 29 & 30 April, 3 & 4 June (all 10am-1pm and/or 2pm-5pm)
• Eight-week courses: starting from 18/19 April, 22/23 August, 24/25 October

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MORE INSPIRING WAYS TO LEARN TO CRAFT

• Best online interiors courses to hone your interior design skills
• 7 simple craft skills to learn to make your own home décor
• How to craft this stylish tassel wall hanging

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