All courses, craft kits and handcrafted gifts in North West

Learn how to use a graphics tablet to enhance your digital art. We use PhotoShop for this. This is taken from our Creative Computing Course.

Swallows & Artisans is a stunning newly renovated workshop space available for hire in the heart of the Lake District. With a purpose built interior incorporating ample work space, soft seating, display area and simple kitchen facilities the venue also offers views over the lake and hills. Take advantage of Lanehead, the adjoining 8 bedroom property (sleeping 35) and combine the two venues to host your own creative retreat! Swallows & Artisans contains purpose built tables, a comfortable soft seating area for tea breaks along with breakfast bar style seating...

Learn how to use a felt ball using wet felting techniques. In this short but informative video, you will learn how to make a felt ball from your tops, that you can then use in your felt work or create items such as jewellery, cards and buttons

Learn how to use a felt cord using wet felting techniques. In this short but informative video, you will learn how to make a felt cord from your tops, that you can then use in your felt work or create items such as jewellery and cards.

Beeswax has been used by embroiderers for centuries. Triple filtered British beeswax makes a superb thread conditioner. We mould it into lovely honeycomb shapes and carefully pack each in a grip seal bag with a soft cotton cloth and full instructions. Any discerning embroiderer or beader knows that beeswax makes the best thread conditioner for difficult threads. We use it to provide extra strength to thread and smooth down fibres when couching goldwork threads. It is also used in beading and jewellery making. It should not be applied to crewel...

A blending board is another great tool for preparing fibre! In this series of three videos, we will teach you the techniques you need to use your board effectively.

A designer collection of four 6inch x 6inch limited edition watercolour print Christmas cards. Printed on 100% recycled high quality matt white cardstock, the images feature a winter moon surrounded by a seasonal wreath of berries on a winter blue background. Each card has a different cameo: Bunny and Robin, Deer, Winter trees and Snowman. These designs have been created for some new embroidery panels which will be available in 2022. The sentiment printed on the front reads: "Tis the season" and on the inside, a simple message reads: "Seasons...

Dill embroidery panel hand drawn on high quality cotton fabric. This lovely simple, contemporary and minimal 6" hoop design features graceful Dill and is created for those with some embroidery experience. We have done the hard work by putting the design onto the fabric. All you have to do is be as creative as you want. A great way to practice embroidery techniques or use up the stash of threads. Embroidery has been proven to be a great stress reliever and this panel features many smaller elements so that the...

Bee mandala embroidery panel hand drawn on high quality cotton fabric. Honey bees, flowers and ladybirds adorn this 6" hoop design created for those with some embroidery experience. We have done the hard work by putting the design onto the fabric. All you have to do is be as creative as you want. A great way to practice embroidery techniques or use up the stash of threads. Embroidery has been proven to be a great stress reliever and this panel features many smaller elements so that the embroiderer does not...

Japanese Fan embroidery panel hand drawn on high quality cotton fabric. This 6" hoop design features a stylish Japanese fan embellished with floral and butterfly motif. Embroidery has been proven to be a great stress reliever and this panel is easy to sew allowing the embroiderer plenty of opportunity to use different techniques making this a relaxing and mindful project. This is a great project for those who love long and short stitch and silk shading techniques but is equally useful for anything from blackwork to goldwork embroidery. The panel...