Encouraging Gloucestershire to get creative this Christmas, New Brewery Arts in Cirencester has announced a fantastic programme of festive, one-day workshops taking place in the run up to Christmas, as part of its Joy!: A Seasonal Celebration of Craft event.
With workshops taking place on selected dates throughout November and December 2023, there's plenty to choose from, whether you're an experienced crafter or wanting to try something new for the first time.
There's nothing more festive than making a Christmas wreath and New Brewery Arts doesn't disappoint, with workshops on how to make an autumnal willow wreath on Saturday 11 November; a chunky knitted festive wreath on Saturday 18 November; a traditional festive wreath on Saturday 25 November; and festive eco wreaths on Saturday 2 and Thursday 7 December 2023.
Keen crafters can make Christmas decorations aplenty with the chance to print your own cards and wrapping paper on Saturday 25 November; collage Christmas cards on Saturday 2 December; and master the art of modern calligraphy, making ceramic baubles on Wednesday 29 November, festive gift tags on Wednesday 13 December, or paper crackers on Saturday 16 December 2023.
While for anyone wanting to handcraft their own Christmas gift for someone special, there's a porcelain paperclay lantern workshop taking place on Saturday 18 November 2023; and a workshop where you can make your own silver bangle on Saturday 16 December 2023, providing the opportunity to craft a Christmas gift that's as unique as its recipient.
Workshops cost from £35 up to £95 and include all the materials required to make and take home your chosen craft. Adult workshops are suitable for people of all abilities, including absolute beginners, providing they are aged 18 or above.
New Brewery Arts is also hosting a variety of children's workshops, all costing £35 each, throughout the festive season. Little ones aged five to 11 can try their hand at drawing woodland animals in charcoal and soft pastels; painting enchanted woodlands in watercolour or winter landscapes in acrylics; and sculpting polar bears or penguins in Modroc.
Kids aged eight to 12 can have a go at sculpting owls and reindeers in Modroc; while older children aged 12 to 17 can paint autumn landscapes and trees in watercolour, or collage their own Christmas cards.
New Brewery Arts offers gift cards to buy in the gift shop or online, which can be redeemed against the cost of workshop places, making them ideal Christmas gifts for crafty friends and loved ones. The venue is showcasing handmade Christmas gifts from around 100 different UK crafters and makers in the shop, too, providing plenty of unique gifts to browse and buy right up until Christmas Eve.
Joy!: A Seasonal Celebration of Craft takes place at New Brewery Arts from Saturday 28 October until Saturday 24 December 2023.
For more information about winter and Christmas at New Brewery Arts, or to book a workshop, visit newbreweryarts.org.uk.
