You will be shown how different styles of bags are made. How to add handles, flaps or a pocket, and to design the pattern , then helped to make a bag to your own design. You can never have too many bags! 10am-4pm, Thursday 21st September or Saturday 18th November, £65 including lunch and materials. The Studio, Kent Cottage, New Road, Blakeney Hill, Blakeney, GL15 4BS.
Contact Christine Waygood on 01594 516902 or 07947123665, email christine.waygood@sky.com, website www.christinewaygood.com.
A six week block of either morning or afternoon art classes with Mariette Voke, going a bit beyond the basics and exploring different mediums. All within a friendly and encouraging environment with plenty of tea, coffee and cake! Suitable for both beginners and those wishing to develop their skills. Milking Parlour Crafts, Little Howle Farm, Howle Hill near Walford, HR9 5SL.
Morning Classes: 10.30am-1.00pm, 6 weeks starting Wednesday 20th September. £22 per session or £132 for 6 weeks
Afternoon Classes: 1.30-4.30pm, 6 weeks starting Wednesday 20th September. £25 per session or £150 for 6 weeks.
Contact Mariette Voke on 01594 541412 or 07759 787046, email mariettevoke.painter@gmail.com, website www.mariette-artist.com
Fun and engaging drama sessions for children of all ages and abilities, between 5 – 12 years. The Youth Theatre meet weekly during term time in Lydbrook. Each session builds skills and confidence in a fun and safe environment, leading to local performances and sharings. Facilitators are DBS checked + fully insured. £4 per session, 10 week blocks. Between 4pm – 6pm (max 1.5 hours), ongoing from September. Lydbrook Memorial Hall, Central Lydbrook.
Contact Rachel Adams on 07877581740 email rachel@wyldwoodarts.co.uk, website wyldwoodarts.co.uk
Needlefelt with Furzie. Learn the basics of needle-felting, how to make a wire armature structure and how to sculpt with wool. The course costs £65.00 and all materials and tools are provided, plus you get to take home your felting kit (value £15), lunch and refreshments also included. 10am-4.30pm, various dates and venues. See our website for details or contact Michelle Hickman on 01594 516906 or 07941 147161, email felt@furzie.co.uk , website www.furzie.co.uk
Create a unique Christmas Wreath for the front door. 10am-12noon, Monday 4th December, £15 plus £7 payable to tutor on the day for all resources. Lydney Community Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney, GL15 5AT.
Contact Wyedean on 01291 625340 (leave a message and they’ll get back to you) or download the brochure and enrolment form from www.wyedean.gloucs.sch.uk (go to ‘Community’, ‘Adult Learning’ ‘Courses available’). You can post your enrolment form (+SaE if you wish for a receipt) during the holidays, or enrol at the school at the start of term.
You will be given the opportunity to explore a wide range of media before choosing which is best for you. We will be working from the local landscape, from natural objects and from illustration in this beautiful location. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced. 10.30am-12.30pm, 9 weeks starting Wednesday 21st September. The Pavilion Café. Angus Buchanan Recreation Ground, Victoria Road, Coleford, GL16 8DR. £60.00 (£25/£18.50 concessions) + £2.00 weekly for materials. T
To book a place, ring Sue on 01594 825111 (ext 4), email sue@artspacecinderford.org, website www.artspacecinderford.org.
Make everything from dragons to dog bowls in a uniquely relaxed environment with professional artist Amanda C Cox. All materials and kiln services provided. 1-3pm, Tuesdays, ongiong at Sixteen Community Cafe, 16 Bank Street, Coleford (just by the Forestry Commission building). Just £3 per session. Ages 15 and over.
Contact Amanda Cox on 07968 803153, email siximp@hotmail.com.
Friendly multi-craft group, monthly projects or bring your own with you. Also monthly lunches. £2.50, 7-9pm, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at Yorkley Community Centre, Baily Hill, Yorkley, GL15 4RS. Come along or contact Tiny Wood on 01594 560219, email tiny_wood@hotmail.com or find us on Facebook at Forest Threads Group.
This is a course for those who want to develop their skills in creative textiles. The course covers design , sampling techniques, patchwork & quilting, appliqué and creative textile techniques. The learner builds up their own portfolio of individual work based on colour, line and texture. There is no entry level requirement. 10am-1pm, 36 weeks, £800 starting Monday 11th September. Patchwork Basket, 8 Church Street, Newent, GL18 1PP.
Contact Trease Lane on 01873 821415 or 07971655554, email treaselane@hotmail.co.uk, website www.patchworklane.co.uk.
Also available at The Studio Busy Bees , Newport, starting Thursday 14th September, 1.30pm-4.30pm.
One to one workshop based at my home studio, where you can weave on a table loom. Workshops are tailored to your needs, please get in touch to have an informal chat about what you would like to do. Prices start from £40. Day and time is flexible, but generally 10.30am to 2.30pm. You can choose from half a day, full day, or a weekend. Railway Cottages, Station Lane, Longhope, GL17 0NA.
Contact Gaby Devitt, Woven Textile, on 01452 831461 or 07769 290567, email gabydevitt@live.com, website www.gabydevitt.co.uk.
You will learn how to design and make a pair of felt slippers from wool. Starting from how to make your template, to finish and decorate however you wish, with flowers, bobbles or tassles. 10 am-4pm, Saturday 21st October or Thursday, 16th November. £65 including lunch and materials. The Studio, Kent Cottage, New Road, Blakeney Hill, Blakeney, GL15 4BS.
Contact Christine Waygood on 01594 516902 or 07947123665, email christine.waygood@sky.com, website www.christinewaygood.com.
On this course, you will be shown how to work from a basic hat template,which you can then personalize by adding flaps, flowers, tassels, bobbles or any other decoration you can think of! 10am -4pm, Saturday 23rd September or Thursday 7th December, £65 including lunch and materials. The Studio, Kent Cottage, New Road, Blakeney Hill, Blakeney, GL15 4BS.
Contact Christine Waygood on 01594 516902 or 07947123665, email christine.waygood@sky.com, website www.christinewaygood.com.
A fun day making wonderful cuddly creatures. Ideas for soft toys and hand puppets, combining wet felting and needle felt techniques. 10am-4pm, Thursday 30th November, £60 including lunch and materials. The Studio, Kent Cottage, New Road, Blakeney Hill, Blakeney, GL15 4BS.
Contact Christine Waygood on 01594 516902 or 07947123665, email christine.waygood@sky.com, website www.christinewaygood.com.
You will learn to design your own pattern or picture from a source of your own choice for a wall hanging, cushion, or piece of fabric to be later made into something like a bag, slippers,or book cover. How to translate your ideas into felt, select colours, and use pre-felts and layering to form pockets,flaps,and decorations. 10am- 4pm, Saturday 9th September or 7th October, Thursday 19th October or Saturday 4th November. £60 including lunch and materials. The Studio, Kent Cottage, New Road, Blakeney Hill, Blakeney, GL15 4BS.
Contact Christine Waygood on 01594 516902 or 07947123665, email christine.waygood@sky.com, website www.christinewaygood.com.
Learn how to warp up a loom, weave and make a small mat, rug, table runner or cushion. 10am-1pm, Friday 22nd September, £50. Courses book up quickly, so book your place now. Humble by Nature, Upper Meend Farm, Penallt, Nr Monmouth, NP25 4RP.
For more details or to book your place, telephone 01600 714595, email info@humblebynature.com, website www.humblebynature.com
We have our general meeting every third Thursday of the month, from 1.40 pm at Lydney Town Hall. We offer lots of activities and groups to anyone over the age of 50, all free apart from an annual membership fee of £15.00 per year. There are craft groups, painting groups, trips, singing, luncheon clubs, skittles, book group, cribbage, 3 walking groups, nat and knitters, arts, sports and more.
Why not come along and join our friendly lively groups?
For details and contacts go to u3asites.org.uk/forest-of-dean/home
Suitable for intermediate to advanced, enjoy a concentrated day of painting and drawing. Bring your own materials and lunch. Drinks are available. 10am – 2pm, Tuesday 24th October, £25.00. Assembly Rooms, East Street, St Briavels, GL15 6TG
Contact Wyedean on 01291 625340 (leave a message and they’ll get back to you) or download the brochure and enrolment form from www.wyedean.gloucs.sch.uk (go to ‘Community’, ‘Adult Learning’ ‘Courses available’). You can post your enrolment form (+SaE if you wish for a receipt) during the holidays, or enrol at the school at the start of term.
Weave a contemporary willow handbag with a choice of three shapes. 10am-4pm, Saturday 14th October, £95. Courses book up quickly so book now. Humble by Nature, Upper Meend Farm, Penallt, Nr Monmouth, NP25 4RP.
For more details or to book your place, telephone 01600 714595, email info@humblebynature.com, website www.humblebynature.com
Woodturning club open to all ages and levels. Starting out, expert or just interested in finding out more? Feel free to attend a meeting. First visit free. 7:00pm – 10:00pm, 3rd Wednesday of each month. Village Hall, Weston under Penyard, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7PA. Contact Paul Hannaby on 01594 544417, email turners@forestwoodturners.co.uk, website www.forestwoodturners.co.uk.
Not sure if you want to take up woodturning or just looking for a gift to give someone? The two hour taster course is intended for complete novices. £50, times/dates to suit. Windrush, High Street, Drybrook, GL17 9ET. Contact Paul Hannaby on 01594 544417, email woodturning@hannaby.com, website www.hannaby.com
Individual tuition from beginners to advanced by an AWGB approved tutor. Courses tailored to your needs. Up to two students can be accommodated. £140 per day, 10am – 5pm, by arrangement Windrush, High Street, Drybrook, GL17 9ET. Contact Paul Hannaby on 01594 544417, email woodturning@hannaby.com, website www.hannaby.com
Pottery for all ages and abilities. Held in the Function Room at the Salvation Army Hub. £3.50 per session, 11am – 1pm, Fridays ongoing. Salvation Army, 43 North Road, Broadwell, GL16 7BX. For more details and to book your place, please ring 01594 839106. More details on our website, www.salvationarmy-fod.org.uk
All ages and abilities welcome. Held in the bar area at the Salvation Army Hub. 11am to 2pm, Mondays, weekly. Salvation Army Forest of Dean, 43 North Road, Broadwell, GL16 7BX. Contact Emma Cornish for more details on 01594 839106, email emmacornish.fodsa@gmail.com, website www.salvationarmy-fod.org.uk
Learn and develop the techniques of watercolour and guache painting, colour mixing, brush techniques and more. Suitable for all levels. Bring your own materials or seek advice at the first class. 10am-12noon, 9 weeks starting Monday 18th September, £70. Lydney Community Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney, GL15 5AT.
Contact Wyedean on 01291 625340 (leave a message and they’ll get back to you) or download the brochure and enrolment form from www.wyedean.gloucs.sch.uk (go to ‘Community’, ‘Adult Learning’ ‘Courses available’). You can post your enrolment form (+SaE if you wish for a receipt) during the holidays, or enrol at the school at the start of the term.
Now is your chance to explore the colours popular in different periods of art and to develop your skills in accurate colour mixing. You will devise your own painting and individual tuition and complete it in the colour scheme of your choice. 10.30am-12.30pm, 9 weeks starting Wednesday 20th September, £60 (£25/£18.50 concessions) + £2 weekly for materials (collected weekly). The Pludds & District Village Hall, The Pludds, Ruardean, GL17 9UQ.
Contact Sue at ArtSpace on 01594 825111 ext 4, email sue@artspacecinderford.org, website www.artspacecinderford.org.
You’ve longed to learn to draw and paint? Now’s your chance, from the complete novice to the more talented painter looking for professional guidance and tuition. All you need is a little time, imagination and plenty of enthusiasm. You’re warmly welcomed and invited to an engaging and pleasurable creative experience. £10 per session (pay on the day). 10 a.m. – 1 p.m every Friday (no terms dates to worry about). The West Dean Centre, High Street, Bream, Lydney, GL15 6JW. Contact Gary Fell on 01594 544774, email gary_fell@hotmail.com, website www.gary-fell.co.uk.
Leisure classes using seasonal materials, for all levels including befinners. Students supply own materials, lists provided. Fees include drinks & biscuits. Professional tuition but with fun and friendship guaranteed. 6 weeks, and available at 3 different times/venues, £48 (payable on Week 1) Advance booking essential. Contact Mrs Alwyn Page on 01291 625294 or email alwynpage-flowercraft@hotmail.co.uk to book your place.
Wednesday mornings: 10am-12noon Autumn starts 13th September. Winter starts 8th November. Woolaston Methodist Church Schoolroom, Netherend, near Lydney.
Wednesday afternoons: 1.00pm – 3.00pm Autumn starts 13th September. Winter starts 8th November. West Dean Centre, Bream.
Thursday Evenings: 7.00pm – 9.00pm. Autumn starts 14th September. Winter starts 9th November. Woolaston Methodist Church Schoolroom, Netherend, near Lydney.
Tuition in handspinning and/or handweaving. Beginners or experienced craftspeople can create unique yarns and/or textiles using their own or provided equipment. A wide range of possible end products can be produced, through individual tuition in the company of a small friendly group. Thursdays 9.30am – 12.30pm, restarting 21 September. New members are welcome at any time. £168 for 12 weeks. Coalway Methodist Church Hall, Old Road, Coalway, Coleford, GL16 7JJ. Contact Colin Squire on 01452 740639 or 07870 542987.
Enhance your Photography Skills! If you have a camera, and would like help to move beyond the ‘Automatic’ mode; concentrate on mastering any subject , or learn the more technical aspects – then these enjoyable group sessions are ideal for beginners onwards! Bespoke courses available. Mutually convenient days & times including weekends. Single 2 hour sessions for ‘ready-made’ groups of 4-5 adults – £15 each person, courses of 4 weeks (each session lasts 2 hours) from £60 for each person. Meet at Forest Venue of your choice . Contact Tina Dorna on 01594 860062, email tinadornerphotography@gmail.com, website www.tinadornerphotography.com.
Using the glorious Forest of Dean scenery to enhance your photography skills. If you have a camera, and would like help to move beyond the ‘Automatic’ mode, concentrate on mastering any subject , or technical aspects – then these enjoyable 1:1 sessions are ideal for beginners onwards! Sessions to booked to suit you. £25 per hour 1:1 session, £40 for each 2 hour session. or 1 x 2 hour session with a friend (2:1) – £60. 5 week courses (2 hour sessions) £150.00. Contact Tina on 01594 860062 , email tinadornerphotography@gmail.com, website www.tinadornerphotography.com