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Throughout the pandemic, many arts institutions and makers did a sterling job of hosting online workshops for audiences to enjoy at home. As with most events, however, digital classes can’t compare to the dynamic of an in-person experience. These arguably enjoy a greater sense of camaraderie, plus benefits you simply can’t get via a computer screen: hands-on help if you get stuck, the use of specialist tools and materials and the chance to visit somewhere new to name but three.
Some larger institutions have yet to restart classes but, thanks to the lifting of restrictions, a diverse array of makers and venues have resumed in-person workshops once again…and it’s these that this guide celebrates. Spanning a huge variety of visual and textile arts across the North, all are known for the quality of their content – taught by experienced creatives from the area – and most have inextricable heritage links, whether through special venues steeped in local history or the teaching of traditional crafts.
Discover trades that go back centuries, from blacksmithing at an old industrial hamlet in the ‘steel city’ of Sheffield to stone carving in the West Riding of Yorkshire and embroidery with BBC expert Sara Dennis at Lancaster Castle’s infamous Witches Tower. Or combine learning a new skill with some of the North’s most distinctive locations, from Quirky Workshops in the Penrith countryside (complete with two-course Aga lunch and home-baked goodies) to Newcastle Arts Centre, close to the Roman landmark of Hadrian’s Wall.
Elsewhere have a go at glass making in Sunderland’s National Glass Centre, learn to linocut in an old Victorian school with the West Yorkshire Print Workshop or uncover the secrets of graffiti at Liverpool’s Zap Graffiti. You’ll also find candle making at Cheshire Workshops on the Sandstone Trail, pottery at Earth Pig Studio in Buxton’s esteemed Green Man Gallery, ‘yarnbombing’ at Blackpool’s Upside Coffee and much more besides.
All events adhere to covid guidelines, please see booking links for further details
Here are our picks
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1. Knittaz with Attitude: Yarnbombing at Upside Down Coffee
Courtesy of Aunty Social Knittaz with Attitude: Yarnbombing at Upside Down Coffee, Blackpool, Until 1 December 2022, from £3.50 - Book now
Knitting, crochet, yarnbombing and contemporary needlecraft. Not a workshop as such but a ‘learning’ social with Knittaz with Attitude.
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2. Embroidery with Sara Dennis at Lancaster Castle
Courtesy of Sarah Dennis Embroidery Embroidery with Sara Dennis at Lancaster Castle, Lancashire, Until 1 December 2022, from £15 - Book now
Learn embroidery in a fun and relaxed environment with the BBC’s Sara Dennis at Lancaster Castle’s famous Witches Tower.
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3. The Workshop, Jewellery Studio
Jack Downing The Workshop, Jewellery Studio, 9 Hollins Place, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 8EU - Visit now
Hebden Bridge is well established as a meeting place for makers, artists and craftspeople at the top of their trade. It’s therefore unsurprising to hear of a jewellery studio in this innovative town that is welcoming those wishing to learn the skills and knowledge needed for crafting silver jewellery.
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4. Glass fusing at Glassmonkey Studio
Courtesy of Glassmonkey Studio Glass fusing at Glassmonkey Studio, Burnley, Until 1 December 2022, from £60 - Book now
Come and experience the magic of fused glass at Glass Monkey Studio in Burnley, where workshops cater for all levels and abilities.
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5. Textile taxidermy with Jaki Bogg at Craven Arts Studios
Textile taxidermy with Jaki Bogg at Craven Arts Studios, Skipton, Until 1 December 2022, from £80 - Book now
Head to Skipton’s Craven Arts Studios to craft a unique mounted animal head for your home with local textile artist Jaki Bogg.
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6. Pottery at Earth Pig Pottery and Fine Art in Buxton
Courtesy of Earth Pig Studio Pottery at Earth Pig Pottery and Fine Art, Until 1 December 2022, from £20 - Book now
Try your hand at pottery at Earth Pig Studio in Buxton’s Green Man Gallery; a longstanding community arts hub, shop and gallery.
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7. Making silver stacker rings at The Old Granary
Courtesy of Silver & Stone Jewellery Design Making silver stacker rings at The Old Granary, York, Until 1 December 2022, from £59 - Book now
One of many workshops hosted by local jeweller Helen Drye, here you’ll learn the technical skills required to make a chic stacker ring.
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8. Graffiti at Zap Graffiti
Courtesy of Zap Graffiti Graffiti at Zap Graffiti, Liverpool, Until 1 December 2022, from £20 - Book now
Liverpool’s Zap Graffiti teaches all the basic skills and techniques you need to make a street-style creation you’ll be proud of.
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9. Blacksmithing at Forge Four
Courtesy of Forge Four Blacksmithing Blacksmithing at Forge Four Blacksmithing, Sheffield, Until 1 December 2022, from £95 - Book now
This beginners workshop will teach participants the traditional skills associated with blacksmithing, in the ‘Steel City’ of Sheffield.
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10. Stone carving at West Riding Stonecarving Association
Courtesy of West Riding Stone Carving Association Stone carving at West Riding Stonecarving Association, Halifax, Until 1 December 2022, free entry - Visit now
The West Riding Stonecarving Association is dedicated to keeping the art of hand-carving stone alive and bringing it to the general public.
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11. Candle making at Cheshire Workshops
Courtesy of Cheshire Workshops Candle making at Cheshire Workshops, Cheshire, Until 1 December 2022, from £13 - Book now
Try your hand at candle making with the experts at Cheshire Workshops. A fun and creative activity suitable for all ages.
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