It’s been a few years since celebrity presenter Kirtsy Allsop first delighted us with a seasonal TV series that showcased the joys of Christmas crafting, and since then we’ve been in awe of the extraordinary results that, just a hint of creativity and a soupçon of guidance can produce.
Amazingly (and almost unbelievably) Christmas is just around the corner again, and we couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of adorning our homes with an abundance of our very own handmade festive goodies. If you, like us, would like to delve into the magical world of homemade this year, we’re pleased to say that we’ve done a bit of homework for you and have managed to source some of what we think are the South West’s best workshops for all things Christmassy.
From weaving a willow angel to curating your very own gin we’ve searched high and low for a list of our favourite festive craft classes for you and your loved ones to enjoy but hurry, booking is essential and places are limited.
Make your own Driftwood Christmas Tree and Decorations – Coastal Creative Studios in Seaton, Devon
Being right on the coast means an abundance of beachy finds for you to get crafting with. Learn how to make your own driftwood Christmas tree and decorations with artist and craftswoman Alison Bowskill
Dates: 21st and 24th November, 2nd and 5th December
Willow Star Workshop – Torre Abbey in Torquay, Devon
Willow is a wonderfully tactile material that can be found in abundance throughout the countryside and this year willow Artist and Sculptor Victoria Westaway who has created sculptures for both RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower shows, shows you how to create a willow star decoration using sustainable willow grown on the Somerset Levels.
Dates: from 16th November to 23rd November (suitable for all ages)
Herbal Bath Salt Making – Newyn Art Gallery in Newlyn, Cornwall
Perfect as a gift or for yourself, this workshop will have you create your very own winter bath remedy by using foraged and local herbs, blending aromatherapy oils and merging natural ingredients.
Date: Saturday 11th December
Curate a Christmas Cocktail – Colwith Farm Distillery in Lanlivery Cornwall
Enjoying a pre-Christmas lunch drink is one of the little indulgences we look forward to on the big day and this workshop is designed to give you a truly hands-on experience while teaching you to craft (and sample) three lip-smacking cocktails to spoil friends and family with over the festive period.
Dates: Saturday 11th and 18th December
Christmas Cracker Making workshop – The Craft Collective in Redruth, Cornwall
Forget those chintzy mass-produced crackers, this 2 hour workshop will see you producing four beautiful handmade items (with a template to take home for creating more), complete with hats and jokes.
Date: Saturday 4th December
Create Indian Block Printed Christmas cards, paper and textiles – Dillington House, Somerset
Explore the wonderful art of Indian Block Printing to create your own wrapping paper, cards and textile products using a collection of 60 hand carved Indian wood blocks. Clare Walsh is a textile designer, master craftswoman and workshop tutor and uses the skills she has acquired through her many trips to India. No previous experience is needed and all materials are provided.
Date: Wednesday 17th November
Pom Pom Decorations Kids Workshop – Pom Stitch Tassel Studio in Bovey Tracey, Devon
This fantastic workshop is aimed at children of 5 years and older and provides 2 hours of festive fun with all materials and guidance provided to create a Pom Pom Christmas pudding wreath.
Dates: Monday 20th December and Wednesday 22nd December
Wreath Workshops
There’s something really delightful about hanging a Christmas wreath on your front door, sort of ushering the festive season in if you like. And with so many talented florists and artists running workshops this year, it’s been hard to select just a handful of our favourites.
Cornwall
The Bottle Wine and Deli in Newquay
Join the amazing Hayley Scott Blooms in Newquay for another fantastic Christmas Wreath Making Event! Workshoppers will be treated to a glass of fizz or mulled wine as well as a cheese board on arrival, plus all the materials needed to create a stunning wreath.
Date: Sunday 12th December
Pollurian on the Lizard
Jen from Twigs & Greens is a super talented florist and at this wreath making workshop she will teach you how to create your own unique design using local, seasonal winter foliage, dried fruits, natural materials, festive ribbons, feathers and sparkle. Guests will get to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or freshly brewed tea/coffee and mince pie after.
Date: Saturday 18th Dec 1pm- 3pm | Sunday 19th Dec – 1pm – 3pm
Devon
Riverford Field Kitchen in Buckfastleigh, Devon
Join Riverford Field Kitchen’s head gardener Penny Hemming as she guides you through how to make your own wreath, bursting with fragrant evergreens, sprigs of holly and red berries.
Mulled wine and Riverford mince pie included, as well as your festive masterpiece to take pride of place on your front door.
Dates: Tuesday 30th November / Wednesday 1st December / Thursday 2nd December / Friday 3rd December / Saturday 4th December 2021
The Bearded Florista – The Barn, Kingston Estate, Staverton, Totnes
Create your very own luxury Christmas wreath under the guidance of Phil and Don who are the bearded floristas. With more than fifteen years’ experience the pair use traditional floral craftsmanship skills to create floral masterpieces that have been wowing their customers, and in this workshop they’ll share their expertise in helping you create a thing of beauty this Christmas.
Date: Sunday 5th December
Somerset
Luce Loves Flowers – Glastonbury (two venues)
Two workshops from Luce Loves Flowers guide guests through creating a beautiful handmade rustic and wild door wreath. With guided tuition and step by step instructions you will create a unique wreath on a mossed base full of seasonal foliage, dried materials and decorative touches. Tea and mince pies are offered after the workshops.
Dates: Wednesday 1st December (evening) at Crispin Hall venue and Sunday 12th December at Glastonbury Wedding Venue
Tyntesfield National Trust Estate near Bristol
Make your own stunning Christmas wreath with guidance from expert florist Sarah Pepper. Tyntesfield is an ornate Victorian Gothic Revival house with extensive garden and parkland, just a stone’s throw from Bristol and there’ll be oodles of festive cheer on the day. Ticket includes hot drinks and mince pies
Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th ,6th and 10th December
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