Still Time to Get Creative this Spring at Down Arts Centre

There’s still time to ‘spring’ into Down Arts Centre to check out the weekly adult classes in arts and crafts and Saturday One Day Workshops.

Have you ever fancied making your own piece of unique silver jewellery? Now you can, under the expert guidance of tutor Diane Lyness on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm.  The course begins on Wednesday 9 May and each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, rolling, annealing and filing. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Beginner’s Dressmaking is aimed at those who have no dressmaking skills and those who need help in using a sewing machine. Tutor Naomi Whan will provide the patterns and teach participants how to read and understand them. Participants will also be able to experiment with different garments to gain the confidence to be able to make their own clothes. Beginner’s Dressmaking begins on Thursday 10 May from 10.30am to 1pm.

Guitar lessons with Paul McMordie will commence on Thursday 10 May from 6.30pm to 7.30pm for beginners and 7.30pm to 8.30pm for those with experience. Classes are conducted in a relaxed and informal setting and are the perfect option for all beginner guitarists seeking a fun-based learning programme. All aspects of guitar playing will be introduced, from basic rhythms to fundamental finger styles. 

Pottery for Beginners caters to the pottery novice or those with little experience working in clay. Helen Faulkner will lead this exciting tactile medium and provide an introduction to a range of pottery techniques, including slab building and coiling. This class starts on Wednesday 9 May from 10.30am to 12.30pm.  

All classes run for six weeks and spaces are restricted.  Book your place now to avoid disappointment.

There is still limited availability for one day Saturday workshops throughout May and June at Down Arts Centre.

Create your own unique print at the Monotype Workshop that will take place on Saturday 19 May from 10am to 4pm. This fun and experimental workshop has been designed for beginners with an interest in art printmaking. Participants will become familiar with the tools and materials needed to create their own prints. As an introduction to monotypes, students will learn the basic methods and techniques used in monotype print. Tools and materials will be provided and participants are advised to bring along a few images, preferably photocopied images, to work from.

Want to get creative and meet new people? Custom Oven Gloves is a quirky workshop where you’ll learn to sew cute and useful oven mitts. Made from fire retardant fabric, oven gloves are the best way to keep your hands safe when handling hot plates and are perfect for preparing a meal or gifting to someone special. You’ll leave the class with new skills, including how to quilt your gloves and the instructions to make them again. All materials are provided and if you have a sewing machine please bring it to the workshop which takes place on Saturday 2 June from 10am to 4pm. If you don’t have a sewing machine, please enquire at time of booking and one may be available.

Vintage Cupcakes one day workshop takes place on Saturday 9 June from 10am to 4pm. In this class you will create a dozen vintage style cupcakes using a variety of techniques including how to create little sphere/bauble cupcakes, piping skills using butter cream and royal icing as well as creating and using cake lace and modelling flower and roses. This workshop will suit beginners and those developing their decorating skills. 

If you would love to sew but can never find the time, come and join tutor, Naomi Whan for an easy, relaxed sewing session. You can choose to make a reversible bag, a make-up bag or a cushion. The workshop takes place on Saturday 23 June from 10am to 4pm and all materials are provided and.

To enquire about one of the classes or other activities and events taking place this season at Down Arts Centre, contact the Box Office on 028 4461 0747.