Abstracts in Acrylics- Jackie Garner   2 days

Want to get away from realism? This two day course will concentrate on creating abstract paintings using a variety of methods to create marks and textures. Earth tones or flamboyant colour? Flowing or angular?  Thick paint or drips and splashes? The choice is yours. Bring your own materials or purchase from the tutor.

Beginners Crochet      - 1 day               sorry class is fully booked

Tutor—Sue Cheviot

If you have always wanted to crochet or have tried and are struggling with the craft, this is the course for you.  During the day we will cover the basic stitches and produce 2 types of squares a single crochet square and a lacy double crochet square.  This will not only give you a chance to practice and perfect your skill set but when joined together can be used to produce a number of beautiful handcrafted  items such as   cushion covers, blankets, bags, tops etc.  The tutor will provide all materials used for the course at a small cost.

BOOKBINDING  1    MY GARDEN - Embroidered Cover  Journal                                                        

TUTOR—Anna Yevtukh-Squire   1 DAY

During this workshop you will embroider and create a beautiful handmade journal to take home. Suitable for all levels of experience. No embroidery background is required.

Materials: £10

BOOKBINDING  3  -                                    SORRY CLASS IS FULLY BOOKED     MEDIEVAL INSPIRED DUO OF LEATHER BOUND BOOKS IN A DISPLAY BOX 

TUTOR—Anna Yevtukh-Squire   2 DAYS 

This 2 day workshop is inspired by medieval manuscript paintings and will suit anyone who wants to learn how  to create fine leather binding or is interested in medieval paintings. During this workshop you will make from scratch two leather bound books, paint medieval miniatures and create a unique display box for your dual creation. 

Botanical Art   -   Contemporary    in Graphite and Polycromos Oil based Coloured Pencil                                                                                         

 Tutor - Marilyn Hughes                                                         3 DAYS

In this course students will achieve drawing skills, mixing colours, composition and using solvent. The course is designed to build confidence, encourage accuracy, observation and composition for beginners and intermediate students. It also introduces students to the wonderful world of coloured and graphite pencils. The course will concentrate on combining both mediums in one composition using fruit, vegetables, seed heads and flowers. No water is used as these pencils are oil based. Charge for materials to the  tutor on the day.

Butterfly—peacock in Acrylics   - 1 day

Tutor—Ness Head

Paint an amazingly detailed Peacock Butterfly with Vanessa in this 1 day class, learn how to make your art sing. You will take home an A4 painting ready to frame, to gift or adorn your own wall. Materials: paper, all paints and brushes and equipment £10 or bring your own favourites from home.

CERAMICS  -Discover  your love of clay             2  DAYS

Tutor -  Caroline Gregory

Hand made pottery: A two day introduction to working & playing with stoneware clay. Students will be able to experience several different handbuilding methods using rolled slabs,  coiling, pinching and modelling; also various ways of surface decoration : impressing and carving. Pieces made can be fired after the course and can be glazed at a further session in my workshop before the final firing. There will be a charge for materials and firing payable to the tutor.

CHAIRMAKING   - LADDERBACK        1 PLACE LEFT                                    5 DAYS

 Tutor - Phil Shipley                        

Our main aim of this course is to make a quality ladderback chair in a week. The method is by turning legs and rails using tools called rotary planes and is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience. The ability to measure in   imperial units will be useful. We will use Ash and the design of the chairs will be heavily influenced by the Gimson/Clisset/Shaker styles and can either be side or armchairs. All tools and equipment will be provided. Materials will be sourced by the tutor and will be payable to him   during the course. Seats can either be rushed, seagrassed or shaker taped. NB– this course involves mostly standing.

Decolourant trees                                                                  2 days

Tutor— Trease Lane 

Trease will guide you through this two-day workshop to make this beautiful tree scape using  lots of different techniques.  You will use decolourant to take the colour out of your fabric/ apply paint/applique/ and making confetti leaves. It’s a fun workshop with lots to inspire you to make further projects. Confetti Trees Requirements—Fat ¼ of fabric bigger if you want to repeat it and make it longer for background trees. I have used ice dyed fabric. Moda grunge works really well, but not the one that has metallic in it. Bring several pieces of different fabrics with you to experiment. Fat ¼ of fabric dark green in my picture.   A  scrap of organza or fabric of your choice for the path. 1 Metre heat & bond, 1 Metre of fabric for borders white in my picture. 1 Metre felt or wadding if using wadding you will also need a backing this could be stitch and tear or similar. + Small amount of organza / batiks for the leaves. +Embroidery hoop 8 or 10 inch,  +Fat ¼ of water-soluble fabric £2, + Paint tray, + Craft paint roller and tray,  Decolourant  I will have some for you to use at a cost of £2 per person, Acrylic paint for painted leaves and trees. £4. you will also need to bring a Sewing Machine / Feet, Cutting mat / ruler , Threads of your choice and a Hair dryer.

ECO PRINTING 1—Joy Of Leaves

Tutor—Lizzie Godden                                                      1 DAY 

On this one day workshop you’ll be able to “ecoprint” with leaves onto different types of paper, such an exciting technique, drawing out natural pigments from leaves to get stunning results. There'll be previously ecoprinted leaves for you to embellish.  You’ll also learn an ancient way of preserving leaves, a way that means the leaves will remain supple for years. You’ll be able to use treated leaves to stitch into, to be creative with. 
All materials provided  Materials cost £10.

ECO PRINTING 2  -  An Introduction to Natural Dyeing &  Shibori Techniques

 Tutor—Lizzie Godden          1 DAY

On this one day workshop you'll be able to dye "mordanted" fabric using plant materials. "Mordanted" comes from the Latin word for "to bite" - fabric is prepared so that the plant dyes bite into the fabric. You'll see how we can obtain a range of tones from one dye bath.  We'll go on to over dye previously dyed fabric, and we'll use the exciting technique of shibori to create patterns on our dyed fabric. Shibori refers to creating resist in fabric by, for example, pinching, clamping, wrapping it, before dyeing it, its creative potential is huge.  I'm sure by the end of the day you'll be really keen to do more!  All materials provided. Materials cost£10 .

Experimental landscapes in Acrylics         3 days                          

Tutor—Jackie Garner

Bring the fun and spontaneity back into landscapes! We will experiment and explore our materials, using different methods of mark-making and varied paint consistencies to  create landscapes that are realistic but imaginary. Learn new methods you can use in future paintings. Bring your own materials or purchase from the tutor. 

Free motion embroidery 1:   Sew Free   - An introduction for Beginners

Tutor-Claire  Salmon                                                   1 day

Aimed at beginners, or little experience of free motion machine stitching but want to learn. The course will include: How to set up your machine for free motion sewing, experimenting with different Embroidery feet and threads. Preparing  fabric- choosing fabrics, using stabilisers & working with an embroidery hoop. Free motion techniques -  practice exercises to help you master the techniques. In the afternoon, you will be offered a choice of  a creative project using your new skills to create a card, picture, or  small item such as a spectacle case or notebook cover.  What do you need to bring? Please bring your own sewing machine. You will need to be able to either drop or cover the feed dogs on your machine.  It is also useful to have the machine manual with you. If you are not able to bring your own machine, there will be a limited number available to borrow from the tutor (Please book early). If you have a free motion embroidery foot, or a darning foot for your machine, please bring that along too. There will be a range of universal fit embroidery feet available to borrow and to purchase. Please also bring a basic sewing kit: threads, scissors, pins. Materials for this course £7.50 (payable  to the tutor on the day)  Contact Claire for  information  on equipment needed  cherryorchardcrafts@yahoo.co.uk  or look   on the GACG website.

Free motion embroidery   2  Bag-Making for Beginners   -  1 day

Tutor - Claire Salmon    

This course is aimed at beginners, or those who have some experience of machine sewing but would like to build their confidence. Techniques will include: Making handles, adding linings, and creating flat bases. Handbags, gift bags, shopping bags, bottle bags- you can never have too many! Come along to this workshop and learn everything you need to make your own fabulous bags and cases in a variety of styles. What do you need to bring? Please bring your sewing machine and a basic sewing kit: threads, scissors, pins.  Materials cost: The cost of materials for this course is £10 to make a lined bag and a phone/spectacle case.

Free motion embroidery  3  Sewing with Solubles

Tutor - Claire Salmon                                                   1 day

This course is aimed at those with some experience of free motion machine sewing. The course will introduce you to different soluble fabrics and stabilisers that can be combined with free motion stitching to create wonderful three- dimensional designs. A whole new world of sewing opportunities awaits you!     What do you need to bring? Please bring your own sewing machine. You will need to be able to either drop or cover the feed dogs on your machine.  Check the manual or contact the tutor if you are not sure. Please also bring a free motion embroidery foot if you have one for your machine, and a basic sewing kit (threads, scissors, pins)If you have fancy threads, such as variegated or metallics, they would be a great addition to your designs. Materials cost: The cost of materials for this course is £10 to cover two items (see photo for some examples)

Gelli Plate Printing on card, paper & fabric           SORRY COURSE IS FULLY BOOKED  1 day

Tutor —Nigel Ginley

Gelli Plate printing is a unique method of mixed media art/craft printing. After applying paint to the plate with a brayer unique and amazing images and patterns can easily be created using a variety of tools, stencils, sponges, feathers, leaves  and much more. The possibilities are endless! We will learn how to make texture "plates" and foam tools to use. You will take away a wonderful array of   printed images to enjoy and amaze your friends. Suitable for all abilities. Materials cost is £10-£12 payable to the tutor . 

GLASS - Stained Glass Meadow Hare                                  CLASS FULLY BOOKED

  Tutor—Caroline Lambert

 Come and spend an enjoyable couple of days learning to create a stained glass Hare in a meadow of wire flowers. You will be guided through the various processes from glass cutting to foiling, soldering and wire work.  This workshop is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience.  However please be aware that it can be fiddly. All tools and equipment are provided, as well as a marvellous selection of glass and the log on which your Hare will be mounted. There will be an additional fee of £25 for materials payable to the tutor.

GLASS PANELS -  LEADED                                                    2 DAYS

Tutor—Sharon Pritchard

I have been a leaded   stained glass tutor and have taken  workshops for 10 yrs. My  style is very relaxed and very supportive with a few laughs along the way. Leaded stained glass tends to be used for larger pieces such as church windows. In this 2 day course you won’t have time to make a church window, but you will make a beautiful panel.  Your course will start with a full H&S briefing followed by choosing a design that I  supply to ensure that you have time to complete the panel.  I  will bring along a choice of stained glass in various colours and textures for you to choose from. Over the 2 days full training both to the group and where needed individual  help will be given.  Material cost to tutor £25-£40 depending on design.

 Japanese crossover apron                                                                    2 days

Tutor—Lesley Graysmark 

Hello to all people that are interested in a sewing a project as well as getting to know your sewing machine. We will be making a Japanese Apron, this is an apron that wraps around the body and not just the front and is reversable. The best material for these would be medium weight cotton, denim, linen , which should be washed before you come to class, OR alternatively , if you have a large old linen tablecloth doing nothing, why not use this.  You will also need  dressmaking scissors, pins or weights, tape measure, marker pen and of course your sewing  machine, threaded in matching colour to your fabric. Patterns will be provided at a small cost.
For any further information on this course please ring Lesley on 07982233404 

LINOCUT PRINTING—    Beautiful Black and White          SORRY CLASS FULLY BOOKED      1 DAY

Tutor—Tabitha Fedden
On this one day workshop all aspects of developing a linocut will be explored. Ideal for beginners or returnees looking to extend their skills.  Our aim will be to produce a black and white print from a single block of 20 x 15 cms, traditional Linoleum. This will enable participants to explore how to create the illusion of mass and form through line and tone, whilst discovering the magic of linocut printmaking. Working from their own reference material, participants will be guided through each step of the process from transferring designs, cutting methods, registration techniques, inking and printing. Students will need to bring; An apron or old shirt. Pencil, eraser and biro pen. Inspiration for image - this could be a photo, sketch or art work etc. There will be a charge for materials payable to the tutor on the day. This will include all materials and use of tools. 

Lion workshop with graphite                                     2 DAYS    

 Tutor– David Skidmore

Suitable for beginners to experienced artists they are aimed at teaching techniques to give confidence when drawing form and creating depth in the drawings with an understanding of the use of tones, we will look at movement and creating realistic fur. We will cover composition and drawing form accurately, using a grid system we will also look at other methods and aids. We will be working from reference photos supplied, drawing on hot press watercolour paper with a grid prepared, pencils, erasers and blending stumps are provided for use during the workshop (if you wish to bring along your own pencils etc. then please do), a small charge is made for the watercolour paper and additional paper may be purchased if required. For those interested we will also look at adding subtle colour to your drawings using watercolour, if you wish to use this technique please bring along a pallet and brushes, a limited pallet of watercolour paints will be supplied at a small cost or you may bring your own if you prefer. Everyone works at a different pace, so some will move along faster than others, there will be no pressure to work more quickly than you are comfortable with. If you do not finish the piece by the end of the workshop this is not a problem, just send me photos of your workshop piece and I will give advice to help you finish it in your own time. Cost of watercolour paper £2.50 per sheet.

Moon picture– mixed media   1 day       Tutor—Trease Lane

Trease will guide you through the techniques to make this beautiful moon picture . You will use printing techniques and also have fun playing with those embroidery stitches on your machine that you don’t use. Requirements  -   1 x Metre white cotton fabric this is more than you need but allows for practice (Link to what I use but any fabric will do) White Egyptian Cotton Fabric Bundles empressmills.co.uk), 1 x Metre Freezer Paper, 1 x Metre Heat & Bond, Pen, scissors, 1 X Metre Felt / Wadding (I use felt), + Piece of sponge for painting, Kitchen Roll, Something soft to use for printing I use an old piece of felt but newspaper will be fine. Sewing Machine with some decorative stitches and open toe foot . Selection of threads to use for the decorative stitches on your machine. Acrylic paint ( I will have some for you to use at a small cost £4. A piece of fabric/felt to practice stitching. Embellishment’s I have used paper flowers, Organza Scraps, beads Little Birdie Classic Daisies 60 Pieces | Hobbycraft. Cutting mat / ruler / rotary cutter. The following I will have these for you to use on the day – unless you wish to purchase/bring your own. Paint tray / Brushes,  Gelli Plate if you have one or a piece of plastic, I will have plastic stamps for you to use on the day. But if you want to have a look google clear plastic Stamps, . 1 x Ink pad for stamping if you have one, I will have mine with me for you to use

Newent market house—in acrylics                     1 day

Tutor— Ness Head

Paint Newent's famous Black and White Market House (front view) with Vanessa in this 1 day class, learn how to make your art work pop off the page and have people asking if its a photo.

You will take home an A4 painting ready to frame, to give as a gift or adorn your own wall. Materials: paper, all paints and brushes and equipment £10 or bring your own favourites from home.

OIL PAINTING             SORRY CLASS IS FULLY BOOKED                                                        3 DAYS

Tutor—Jackie Cox 

Using oil paints; from traditional to modern methods There's nothing that compares to oil painting and the soft buttery feel of the paints on canvas. From traditional methods to the surprising ways that new innovations have opened up more varied ways of using them, oil paints provide a beautiful way of expressing yourself. 

On this three day course we will investigate traditional oil paints, glazing and impasto, quicker drying alkyd paints and water based oils. (Please note we will be using sansodor, a low odour turpentine substitute for those who are sensitive) We will use a variety of surfaces to achieve different effects and different mediums to help with impasto and drying techniques. This course is suitable for all abilities, £10 towards materials payable to the tutor on the day.

OIL Pastels   - more versatile than you think         SORRY COURSE IS FULLY BOOKED  1 DAY                                              

Tutor—Jackie Cox 

What are pastels and how do you use them? You  will spend the day exploring this underated medium. In the morning you will learn techniques– from using oil pastel as a resist to scratching out details,  building up layers and blending. You  will achieve different effects on various papers. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to create your own piece of work using these techniques. By the end of the day you will have a good idea of how to complete an artwork purely in oil pastels and how to use them to add an extra dimension to mixed media work. All materials are supplied on the day, £5—payable to tutor.

 Pointillism                                                         2 days

Tutor—Vicki Lou Smith

Come along and make a unique painting using Pointillism. This is the art of creating stunning pictures using dots and acrylic paints. You will have the opportunity to choose different patterns and styles to produce a unique, original and an eye catching piece of work. This will be framed, in fact the frame can be part of your design. Suitable for all abilities. There will be a charge for materials payable to the tutor on the day.

SEA GLASS JEWELLERY                                                     1 DAY

Tutor—Sally Boeheme

Have you a collection of lovely treasures gathered from the beach or other pieces of stone, ceramic etc, which you would love to make into jewellery?  Then this workshop is for you!  You will learn how to wire pieces to create jewellery pieces.  Don’t worry if you don’t have any materials as the tutor has some beach treasures to share.  All materials will be supplied, approximate cost will be £5 payable to the tutor.  This workshop is suitable for beginners.

SHAKER BOXES 1                                        2 DAYS  Mon/Tues 

SHAKER BOXES 2                                        2 DAYS  Thurs/Fri

Tutor—Steve Carpenter 

Please note this is the SAME class held  on two separate occasions Join us as we explore the world of shaker oval boxes, a traditional object used to store dry goods. Learn how to safely use hand and power tools to shape the veneer then by soaking it in boiling water, bend the wood into an oval shape and finally secure it using copper tacks and wooden pegs- no glue. The box you take home will require a little drying time before applying the finish of your choice. 

2 day course – learn how to make a  lidded swing handle box  with  2 trays, perfect as a travelling craft box. £45 materials payable to the tutor on the day.  

SHAKER BOXES 3                 ONE PLACE LEFT                                  1 DAY    Wed

 Tutor—Steve Carpenter

Join me  as we explore the world of shaker oval boxes, a traditional object used to store dry goods. Learn how to safely use hand and power tools to shape the veneer then by soaking it in boiling water, bend the wood into an oval shape and finally secure it using copper tacks and wooden pegs- no glue. The box you take home will require a little drying time before applying the finish of your choice.

I day course – make a  small tray and a lidded box. £20 materials payable to the tutor on the day.  

Silver clay jewellery                      2 days

Tutor— Gordon Taylor

You  will learn all about the properties/ handling of Silver Clay and will design and create a finished silver pendant . You will mould and texture the clay and prepare it for firing either with a torch or in the kiln, followed by finishing and polishing the fine silver before attaching a silver chain.

Later on you will use some of the moulds provided and fill them withsilver clay which will be left overnight to dry. On the second day you will unmould the dried clay  and carefully finish it before firing. You    will then polish it in preparation for colouring. You will learn how to add colour to your piece using a range of special dyes to create vibrant colours. Your  piece will be finished  by adding UV crystal resin to seal and enhance the colours. Silver Clay looks and feels like any ordinary sculpting or porcelain clay and consists of extremely fine particles of pure silver almost like dust, mixed up with a non-toxic organic binder. The binder burns out during firing, leaving you with a fine silver (99.9% pure) piece that can even be hallmarked.  It is difficult to give an exact cost of materials due to the spiralling price of silver,  students will be  informed nearer the date of the course.  At the moment the costs are between £50-£60. But still a bargain for a unique piece of workmanship, payable to the tutor on the day.

 Trees using hoop   -                 1 day

Tutor—Trease Lane

Trease will guide you through this exciting technique of machine stitching a tree in an embroidery hoop. The tree is made separately and then stitched to a background enabling you to apply to lots of different backgrounds.  Requirements - Embroidery hoop roughly between 8 – 10 “. An old piece of calico or scrap fabric 12 x 12 roughly this could even be an old pillow case Fat ¼ fabric for background. Extra if you want to do more 20 x 16 “roughly felt or wadding , please bring more if you want to do more. Border fabric Fat ¼ or pieces that you have . Small quantity of organza or fabric if you prefer for the foreground. 1/2 metre of heat and bond

Selection of threads depending on what colour you want to stitch your tree. Mine is black. Sewing Machine. Open toe foot/ Free motion foot. Spider web fabric I will bring some with me on the day for you to use at a small cost. I have put a link to the sort of stuff you need as you may have some or may wish to get some. Spider Web Net On A Roll 38cm x 10m 8 Colours Wrapping Fabric Arts Craft Decor | eBay. I will have the spider web fabric and organza at a small cost £3 per piece.

Turtle workshop in  graphite                                           3  DAYS    

 Tutor– David Skidmore

Suitable for beginners to experienced artists they are aimed at teaching techniques to give confidence when drawing form and creating depth in the drawings with an understanding of the use of tones, we will look at giving movement and creating realistic fur. During the workshop we will cover composition and drawing form accurately, using a grid system we will also look at other methods and aids. We will be working from reference photos supplied, drawing on hot press watercolour paper with a grid prepared, pencils, erasers and blending stumps are provided for use during the workshop (if you wish to bring along your own pencils etc. then please do), a small charge is made for the watercolour paper and additional paper may be purchased if required. For those interested we will also look at adding subtle colour to your drawings using watercolour, if you wish to use this technique please bring along a pallet and brushes, a limited pallet of watercolour paints will be supplied at a small cost or you may bring your own if you prefer. Everyone works at a different pace, so some will move along faster than others, there will be no pressure to work more quickly than you are comfortable with. If you do not finish the piece by the end of the workshop this is not a problem, just send me photos of your workshop piece and I will give advice to help you finish it in your own time. Cost of watercolour paper £2.50 per sheet.

Willow   -   Basket Making                              3 days

Tutor - Helen Lomberg 

Learn to use Willow to create a little Magic. At the beginning of this three day course we will have bundles of wet willow Rods, and by the end of the three days you will be walking out with a basket over your arm. You will learn how to construct a basket around a round base, such as a  shopper with a handle, an Apple Picker's basket, a nest of three willow platters, an Ali Baba, a Log basket or an Umbrella Basket....For those who have already worked a little with Willow, may I introduce you to the French Oval Base. Extending your range of possibilities.... We will be using a range of willows grown in Somerset. Buff brown ,  steamed and also possibly Dicky Meadows and Flaunders Red. There will be a charge for    materials to the tutor.    

Warning- Willow can be very addictive...

Woodcarving                                                                         5 DAYS 

Tutor—Sebastian Burchart 

Come along and learn this exciting craft. Wood carving is a form of woodworking by means of a cutting tool (knife) in one hand, or a chisel with two hands , or with one hand on a chisel and one hand on a mallet, resulting in a wooden figure or  wall plaque. I will teach you about tools, woods, practice how to properly hold the tools and how to use them. You will be able to make either a flower plaque or a wood spirit. All tools will be provided and there will be a charge for materials to the tutor on the day. Working with wood is a wonderful experience. Unleash your inner carvings.