Search Results

Natural Clothes Dyeing Workshop Did you know the scraps from your kitchen – like peelings, skins, and even stones – are bursting with hidden colour? Step into the world of natural dyeing with expert textile artist Tara Macdonald, and learn how to transform humble kitchen waste into vibrant, eco-friendly fashion! In this hands-on workshop, you'll create your own beautifully dyed organic cotton T-shirt using a range of stunning natural dyes made from everyday leftovers. Tara may even bring some cuttings to add to the mix from her amazing garden in Fairlight This relaxed and inspiring session is perfect for beginners. Tara will guide you through the basics of: 🌿 The natural dyeing process 👕 Fabric prep & choosing the right materials 🪻 Which plants and flowers can be used for dyeing 🎨 Creating long-lasting colour with simple techniques You’ll have a range of T-shirt sizes to choose from and several glorious dye pots to explore. No two pieces will be the same — expect to leave with a one-of-a-kind, summer-ready tee that reflects your own style and creativity. ✨ Class includes: A £15 dye kit: pre-mordanted organic cotton T-shirt + printed instruction booklet Access to multiple natural dyes, botanicals and Expert tuition in a friendly, creative studio Optional extra tees available if you’re feeling inspired! Say goodbye to fast fashion and hello to handmade magic — we promise you’ll never look at your compost bin the same way again. www.taramacdonald.co.uk

🧶 Afternoon Crochet Course with Katie Jones Come stitch up some joy this summer with renowned crochet designer and tutor Katie Jones! Whether you're an absolute beginner or already hooked on crochet, this five-week course is designed to help you build confidence, learn new skills, and have loads of creative fun along the way. 🌸 Who's it for? Complete beginners: Learn the basics from scratch—no experience necessary! Confident crocheters: Already got the hang of it? Bring a tricky project and get expert guidance from Katie to take your skills to the next level. ✨ What You'll Learn Beginners will cover all the essentials to go from zero to hero, including: Making a classic granny square Working in rows and in the round Playing with colourwork Creating texture through a variety of stitches Understanding hooks, yarns, tension, and reading crochet patterns 🧵 Materials Yarn and materials will be available at the studio, but if you have specific colours or yarns in mind, we’ll send you a full materials list so you can bring your own. 🎨 About Katie Jones Katie is a celebrated crochet and knitwear designer known for her love of colour, craftsmanship, and creativity. Over the past decade, she’s taught crochet across the UK and built a cult following through her brand @katiejonesknit. Her joyful designs have been showcased at the V&A Museum, Selfridges, and on Kirstie's Handmade Christmas. She's also the author of Hip to be Square—a love letter to the iconic granny square. 👉 www.katiejonesknit.co.uk 📸 @katiejonesknit | #MIYKATIEJONES 🧶 Also available: Monday Evening Crochet Course! ✨ Small class sizes for plenty of one-on-one support ✨ All levels welcome ✨ Make new crafty friends in a relaxed and colourful setting Wednesdays | 2pm – 4pm | 4th June – 2nd July @ Bus Stop Studios, St Leonards on Sea

Goldwork Embroidery Week Summer School ✨ Discover the Magic of Goldwork Embroidery by the Sea! ✨ Join us this summer at Bus Stop Studios in St Leonards on Sea for a relaxed and inspiring week-long Goldwork embroidery course with expert tutor and founder, Amy Burt — also known as Lady B Embroidery. This course is perfect for anyone with a bit of embroidery experience (though beginners are welcome too!) and for those looking to build their skills under expert guidance in a chilled and supportive environment. Over five creative days, you’ll explore the beautiful and historic art of Goldwork embroidery, using shimmering metallic threads (sorry, not real gold—but still fabulous!). Through a series of small sample projects, you’ll learn the foundations of this dazzling technique and by the end of the week, you’ll be ready to design your very own Goldwork masterpiece to take on in your own time. 🌟 Course Overview Day 1 – Padding Learn how to use felt, carpet felt, hard string, and soft string to create beautiful raised effects. Day 2 – Couching Get to grips with bricking, spiral, and mixed couching techniques. Day 3 – Advanced Couching Try your hand at more intricate styles like basketweave and Or Nue. Day 4 – Chipping Explore outlining with pearl purl and add sparkle with bright check chipping. Day 5 – Cutwork Master cutwork in straight and curved shapes—and try your hand at the charming art of “S’ing” over spangles. 🧵 Course Details 📅 28th July - 1st August 🕙 Daily from 10:30am – 3:30pm (with one hour for lunch) 📍 Bus Stop Studios 53 London Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 6AY 💷 All materials included in the course price (a £45 value). You're also welcome to bring along your own sewing kit if you prefer! We will be working on 8" hoop frames, we have seat frames in the classroom 🎓 About Your Tutor Amy Burt (Lady B Embroidery) is a professionally trained Hand Embroidery Artist and Tutor. Based in St Leonards, she has taught for the prestigious Royal School of Needlework since 2016, and has stitched for iconic fashion houses including Alexander McQueen, Ralph & Russo, and Erdem. Most recently, Amy contributed to the Coronation embroidery for King Charles III. www.ladybembroidery.co.uk ✨ Spaces are limited, so come stitch, learn, and sparkle by the sea with us this July!

Intro to Lino Printing Workshop Discover the art of lino printing in this relaxed, hands-on workshop designed to spark your creativity and guide you step-by-step through the process of creating your very own print masterpiece with local creative Nicolette Tabram. Perfect for absolute beginners and open to all experience levels, this session offers a warm and welcoming environment where you’ll learn the fundamentals of lino cutting and printing. You’ll carve your own design into a lino block and explore a variety of printing techniques, with the chance to experiment using both your creation and existing blocks. A selection of image templates will be available to inspire you, but you’re also encouraged to bring along your own sketches or ideas if you’d like to create something more personal. Be prepared to get a little inky—lino printing can be delightfully messy! We’ll be using black ink, so please bring an apron or wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained. All essential tools will be provided and and the cost for material will be inlcuded in the price By the end of the workshop, you'll take home your carved lino block and a beautiful selection of your very own prints—perfect for framing, gifting, or simply admiring! What You’ll Learn: How to transfer a drawing onto a lino block How to safely and effectively use lino cutting tools Techniques for carving textures and patterns How to roll out ink and apply it evenly Hand-printing methods to bring your design to life About Your Tutor: Your workshop leader, Nicolette Tabram, brings a rich background in textile design and a deep love for pattern and print. After a successful career in the fashion industry, she transitioned into teaching and now shares her passion through creative workshops for both adults and children. Based in her studio in Hastings, Nicolette is the founder of Nicolette Tabram Stencils and the author of Modern Stencils. Explore more of her work at: nicolettetabram.co.uk Workshop Details: 🗓 Saturday 17th May 🕙 10am – 1pm 📍 Bus Stop Studios 53 London Road St Leonards on Sea TN37 6AY

Intro to Drawing & Painting A 6-Week Creative Journey with Local Artist James MacKinnon Join us for a brand-new six-part course led by local artist James MacKinnon, designed for absolute beginners as well as those with some artistic experience who are looking for extra guidance and fresh inspiration. Over the span of six weekly sessions, James will guide you through the fundamentals of drawing & painting—starting with the very basics of mark-making, and progressing through colour theory and a variety of painting techniques, including watercolour, acrylic, and oil. Each session is hands-on and supportive, helping you to develop skills, confidence & a personal creative voice. You’ll be encouraged to continue creating at home with take-away projects & resource packs, designed to support your learning between classes. While students are welcome to bring their own materials, essential supplies will be available if needed. Weather permitting, we'll also take inspiration from the natural world with optional plein air drawing sessions in the beautiful St Leonards Gardens. Week 1: Drawing Foundations - Introduction to mark-making techniques using pencil - Exploring composition & sketchbook work - Quick still life drawing exercise Week 2: Exploring Colour - Working with coloured pencils & pastels - Understanding basic colour theory - Still life with colour focus Week 3: Watercolour Techniques -Materials overview: brushes, papers, paints - Colour mixing & layering - Guided themed watercolour exercise Week 4: Acrylic Painting - Working with acrylics: palette & mixing - Introduction to tools & materials - Structured acrylic painting project Week 5: Introduction to Oils - Understanding oil paints and mediums - Brush techniques and palette set-up - Themed oil painting session Week 6: Final Project - Create a personal piece that brings together all the techniques explored throughout the course After booking, you'll receive a recommended materials list -- James MacKinnon is a landscape and architectural artist based in St Leonards on Sea. Born in London, he is the grandson of the esteemed painter & art educator Hugh MacKinnon. James studied at St Martins College and Dulwich College & is known for his evocative paintings capturing the spirit of Hackney, where he once lived & now the coastal beauty of Hastings and St Leonards. www.jamesmackinnonfineart.com Course Details 🗓 Thursdays, 10am – 1pm 📅 5th June – 10th July 📍 Bus Stop Studios, St Leonards on Sea

🌈 Hastings Pride Mackerel Embroidery Class 🐟 Join local hand embroiderer Becky Hogg for a fun, sea-themed stitching workshop celebrating love, creativity and Pride! 🌟 In this one-day class, you'll create a vibrant Hastings Mackerel in the stunning rainbow colours of Pride 🌈. Perfect as a hanging decoration or a brooch to where for Pride month & beyond! This mackerel is will shine with pride! ✨ Stitch with rainbow-coloured metallic threads over a shimmering silk/metal organza, using a variety of traditional hand embroidery techniques, including: - Couching - Or Nue (colour couching) - Cutwork The design features a metallic leather head and fin for extra sparkle ✨, making your mackerel truly one of a kind! Once finished, the mackerel will be cut out, backed with silver plywood, and turned into a brooch or hanging decoration (approximately 8x2cm). You’ll receive a complete kit with all the threads and materials needed, plus an illustrated booklet for reference . This project is the perfect introduction to the art of Metal Thread Embroidery . The £40 kit fee is included in the price Details: Date: Sunday 22nd June 2025 Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm (with a one-hour lunch break) Location: Bus Stop Studios, 53 London Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6AY Perks: Tea & Coffee provided ☕️ Plenty of nearby spots for a tasty lunch! About Becky Hogg: Becky is a skilled hand embroiderer based in Hastings with a passion for bright, bold, and inclusive designs 💖. You can explore more of her work at www.beckyhogg.com.

Creative Watercolour Course Join local artist Alice Stevenson for a fun, 3-week Creative Watercolour Course perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills. You’ll learn key techniques through hands-on exercises, demonstrations, and projects. By the end, you'll have the confidence to create a unique style with watercolours. What You'll Learn: Mix colours and tones with ease Develop your own painting style Master various brush strokes and techniques Draw inspiration from contemporary and traditional artists Start your own watercolour sketchbook Experiment with watercolours, gouache, pencils, and fineliner Build up layers of colour and tone Paint from your imagination and nature Plan and complete a final piece Course Breakdown: Week 1: Mark making, mixing colour, painting from nature and still life Week 2: Abstract watercolour, painting from imagination, developing your style Week 3: Final piece – work independently with individual feedback and guidance Course Details: Saturdays, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm (with a one-hour lunch break) Dates: June 7th, 14th, 21st Location: Bus Stop Studios Note: Materials are not included. A list will be sent upon booking. About Alice Stevenson: Alice is a seasoned illustrator and full-time watercolour artist, known for her bespoke commissions and original work. She’s also the author of two illustrated books and has lectured at City Lit and the V&A. www.alicestevenson.com

🌸 Dye Your Own Bucket Hat with Flowers! Teens Workshop🌼 Ever wanted to try dyeing with flowers and botanicals? Well, now’s your chance! A perfect half-term workshop for kids aged 12 years + Join natural dyer Tara Macdonald at Bus Stop Studios for a super cool workshop where you’ll create your own one-of-a-kind bucket hat using only flowers and plants. 🌿 Perfect for the summer sun, this hat will be totally unique and 100% natural—just like you! 😎 Forget fast fashion—this workshop is all about sustainable style. Tara will teach you how to upcycle kitchen waste like peelings, skins, and stones to create gorgeous naturally dyed bucket hat. You will leave with a unique fashion accessory that is as unique and cool as you! 🌟 Part of A Curious Town Festival 2025! 🌟 This workshop is part of a full week of creative activities for teens and kids of all ages, in collaboration with A Curious Town Festival 2025. 🎪 Check out more cool events at: 👉 acurioustown.co.uk 📝 What to Bring & Booking Info: ✅ Price includes all materials—including your very own bucket hat to take home! 🧢✨ ✅ No experience needed, but be warned—this is a hands-on workshop, and things will get messy! 🌿🎨 Expect to get your hands dirty as you experiment with natural dyes. ✅ Wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained or bring an apron. ✅ When booking, please send over your name, age, and any special requirements so we can make sure you have the best experience ever! 📅 When & Where: 📆 Date: 30th May 2025 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Location: Bus Stop Studios 🌱💚 Want to make your own rad bucket hat and learn how to use natural ingredients to create amazing, eco-friendly colours? This is for you! 🌸

🎨 Decorate from the Deck! 🃏✨ A Creative Collage Workshop with Shelley from Ways of Seeing Calling all young artists and creative minds! Get ready to transform a plain old playing card into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece using colorful images, textures, and your wildest imagination! Join Shelley from Ways of Seeing for this fun, hands-on workshop where you'll reimagine Kings, Queens, and Jacks in your own unique style. Will your King be a pirate? Your Queen a space explorer? Your Jack a mischievous trickster? The possibilities are endless! 🖍 What You’ll Do: ✨ Experiment with cutting, layering, and collaging to design a brand-new deck of characters ✨ Play with textures, colors, and patterns to make each card stand out ✨ Get creative with Shelley’s expert guidance and fun storytelling ideas 🎭 Who Can Join? This workshop is perfect for kids aged 8–13 who love to create, craft, and let their imaginations run wild! No experience needed—just bring your creativity! 📅 When & Where: 📆 Date: 30th May 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM 📍 Location: Bus Stop Studios Meet Your Tutor Hi there, my name is Shelley and I live and work in beautiful Rye, East Sussex. My two big passions – art and books - are reflected in my chosen career paths. I have worked in museums and galleries nationwide, lectured in Arts Management and Cultural Policy and taught English at secondary level as well as KS2 (7-11yrs) at primary. www.waysofseeing.art 🌟 Part of A Curious Town Festival 2025! 🌟 This workshop is part of a full week of creative activities for children of all ages, in collaboration with A Curious Town Festival 2025! 🎪 Explore more festival events at: 👉 acurioustown.co.uk 📝 Booking Info: When booking, please let us know your child’s name, age, and any special requirements so we can make sure they have the best time! 🎨 Come create, collage, and turn an ordinary deck into an extraordinary work of art! ✂️✨

Embroider Your Own Clothes – A Creative Course with Amy Burt Ever wanted to breathe new life into an old t-shirt, cover up a stubborn stain on your favourite jacket, or figure out how to stitch onto a pair of socks? Now’s your chance to transform your wardrobe with the art of embroidery! Join professional embroidery artist and Bus Stop Studios founder Amy Burt for this inspiring four-part evening course, where you'll plan and create custom embroidery on items from your own wardrobe. Every project will be unique, tailored to your vision, style, and garment of choice. What to Expect: Week 1: Plan your project with Amy’s expert guidance. Week 2-4: Bring your ideas to life, learning techniques that will make your designs shine! No idea what to stitch? No problem! Amy’s shop offers a collection of her own beautiful designs for purchase, and her book, STITCH, is packed with inspiration (just check out the photos below for a glimpse of what’s possible!). If you have your own sewing kit please feel free to bring this along but we have everything you will need here if not. This hands-on, small-group course is perfect for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike, and if all goes well, we hope to make it a regular event! Meet Your Tutor – Amy Burt (aka Lady B Embroidery) Amy is a qualified hand embroidery artist and tutor based in St Leonards on Sea. Since 2016, she has taught at the Royal School of Needlework and has worked with top fashion houses, including Alexander McQueen, Ralph & Russo, and Erdem. She even contributed embroidery to the Coronation of King Charles III! Her book, STITCH, published in 2021, showcases stunning embroidery techniques and inspiration. Course Details: 📅 Dates: Tuesdays, 6th May – 27th May ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Location: Bus Stop Studios, 53 London Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 6AY 💻 www.ladybembroidery.co.uk Come stitch, create, and transform your wardrobe—one beautiful stitch at a time! ✨

'Believe in Yourself' Giant Poster Kids Workshop! Let your creativity shine in this magical, hands-on colouring adventure! As part of A Curious Town Festival 2025, we invite you to step into a world of imagination with our super-fun 'Believe in Yourself' Giant Poster Workshop! 🎨 What’s Happening? 🎨 Join Sanders de Roeper for a laid-back and joyful colouring session where you become the artist! Choose from two amazing A2-sized colouring posters:✨ Sparkle, the Fairy of Self-Belief – spreading confidence and magic!🧙‍♂️ Cosmos, the Wizard of Strength – full of courage and power! You can colour in, doodle, mix and match—there’s no right or wrong way to make your masterpiece. Just relax, create, and have fun! All material are included in the price 👩‍🎨 Guided by Creativity Experts! 👨‍🎨With the friendly and encouraging guidance of Hatty & Tim, you’ll explore colours, patterns, and your own unique style in a no-pressure environment. Whether you like bright and bold or soft and dreamy, this is your time to express yourself! ✨ Take Home Your Own Giant Artwork! ✨By the end of the session, you’ll have your very own customised A2 poster to hang in your room, keep colouring at home, or even give as a gift! 📅 Workshop Details: 📍 Location: Bus Stop Studios, 53 London Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6AY📆 Date: Tuesday, 27th May 2025 ⏰ Time: 2 PM - 3 PM 📢 How to Book:Spots are limited, so book now! When signing up, please share your child’s name, age, and any special requirements so we can ensure they have the best experience possible! 🎨 Meet Your Workshop Leaders! Tim Sanders & Hatty de Roeper are the creative minds behind Sanders de Roeper, a fun-filled studio passionate about self-expression, mark-making, and optimism! With backgrounds in fashion and graphic design, they now create playful, uplifting wall art, homeware, and gifts that spread joy, self-belief, and creativity. 🌟 A Whole Week of Creativity Awaits! 🌟This workshop is part of A Curious Town Festival 2025, packed with amazing creative activities for kids of all ages! Check out the full schedule at acurioustown.co.uk and get ready for a week of fun! Please visit the Curious Town's website for the entire week long festival guide. https://acurioustown.co.uk/ ✨ Let’s colour, create, and believe in ourselves! See you there! ✨

🎭✨ Magical Masks Kids Workshop! ✨🎨 Let your child’s imagination run wild in this fun and creative workshop as part of A Curious Town Festival 2025! Guided by the talented Nicolette Tabram, kids will design and craft their very own magical mask—perfect for little artists who love to create and explore! 🎨 What’s in store? ✨ Experiment with color, texture, and shape 🎭 Use exciting materials to bring your mask to life 🖌️ Explore different techniques to make something truly unique 🎉 A fun, hands-on session filled with creativity and self-expression! 👧🧒 Who Can Join? ✔️ Ages 6+ (no experience needed—just a love for creativity!) ✔️ All skill levels welcome ✔️ All materials provided—just bring your imagination! 👕 What to Bring? Wear an old shirt or apron—we’ll be getting artsy and messy! 📅 Workshop Details: 📍 Location: Bus Stop Studios, 53 London Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6AY 📆 Date: Tuesday, 27th May 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 📢 How to Book: When booking, please share your child's name, age, and any special requirements so we can make sure they have the best experience! 🎨 About Your Workshop Leader: Nicolette Tabram is a designer, pattern-lover, and creative educator. After a long career in fashion, she now runs inspiring workshops for kids and adults. She’s also the founder of Nicolette Tabram Stencils and the author of Modern Stencils. 🌎 Find out more about Nicolette: www.nicolettetabram.co.uk 🌟 A Whole Week of Creativity! 🌟 This workshop is part of a full week of fun, creative sessions for kids of all ages, in collaboration with A Curious Town Festival 2025. Check out the festival’s website for more details on all the amazing activities happening throughout the week! 🔗 acurioustown.co.uk ✨ Spots are limited—book now and let’s get creative! ✨