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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! We will also be making a donation towards Hastings Pride and Hastings Trans 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.

🌸 Floral Watercolour Postcards Weekend🌸 Create a unique set of hand-painted postcards inspired by local summer flora Join us for a relaxed and inspiring weekend exploring botanical watercolour painting with illustrator and artist Alice Stevenson. Over two creative sessions, you’ll produce a beautiful collection of watercolour postcards, drawing inspiration from local plants and flowers. This workshop is ideal for beginners and improvers alike. You’ll learn key watercolour techniques while developing your own expressive style through guided exercises and on-location painting. You’ll work directly from seasonal summer flora and use a mix of materials to bring your pieces to life—combining watercolour, gouache, coloured pencil, and fine-liner. What You’ll Learn - Paint from observation using local plants and flowers - Mix colours and tones with confidence - Master brushwork and mark-making techniques - Develop your own creative painting style - Take inspiration from botanical artists, both classic and contemporary - Combine watercolour with other media on blank postcard-sized paper Course Schedule Day 1 – Studio + Outdoors (weather permitting) Morning: Develop colour mixing, layering, and texture techniques in the classroom Afternoon: Paint on location using natural references Day 2 – Outdoors + Studio Morning: On-location painting session Afternoon: Return to the studio to refine sketches and create finished postcard compositions using mixed media Course Info Dates: 26th & 27th July Time: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm (with 1-hour lunch break) Location: Bus Stop Studios, 53 London Road, St Leonards Materials: Not included – a list will be sent after booking About Alice Stevenson Alice is a professional illustrator and watercolour artist known for her elegant, expressive style. She is the author of two illustrated books and has taught at the V&A and City Lit. Alice will also be teaching more watercolour courses over the summer, please look through our list of classes www.alicestevenson.com

Trash to Treasure – Jewellery Upcycling Course with Vicki Sarge Ever wondered how to breathe new life into old, broken, or forgotten jewellery? Or maybe you’d love to learn jewellery-making from scratch? Join us for this exclusive two-part course with legendary fashion and film jewellery designer, Vicki Sarge – dubbed “The Undisputed Queen of British Costume Jewellery.” What You’ll Learn: Over 2 full days, Vicki will share her expert knowledge, honed from years in the film and fashion industries, teaching you the fundamentals of jewellery making, including: - Wire turning – master the art of shaping metal with precision - Bead weaving – create intricate, woven designs - Threading & knotting pearls – craft timeless, elegant pieces But that’s not all—Vicki will guide you in transforming your old, unloved jewellery into stunning, unique pieces through creative upcycling. Whether it's broken bits, mismatched earrings, or vintage pieces in need of a refresh, you’ll turn trash into treasure! What to Bring: - Old jewellery – anything broken, outdated, or missing its pair - Ribbons, patches, or leather – extra elements to customize your designs - Jewellery pliers – available upon request (let us know when booking if you need a pair) Meet Your Tutor – Vicki Sarge Vicki’s extraordinary creations have adorned some of the world’s most stylish women, including Beyoncé, Paloma Faith, Helen Mirren, Kate Moss, and Lady Gaga. Her designs have been featured on the Savage X Fenty runway, in BAFTA-winning films like The Favourite, and in West End productions like Cinderella. Pieces from her collaborations are even part of the V&A Museum’s permanent collection. Course Details: Dates: Saturday 5th July & Saturday 12th July Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (with one hour for lunch) Location: Bus Stop Studios, 53 London Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 6AY 🌎 www.vickisarge.com 💎 Don’t miss this chance to learn from a true industry icon and create your own statement jewellery! 👥 Small-group format with limited places available, so early booking is essential. 📄 Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking

Beginners French – Summer Evening Course Part of our special Bus Stop Studios Summer School, this easy-going and confidence-boosting course is a great way to start learning la belle langue in a relaxed, small-group setting. Led by the ever-friendly Olivier Jarrié, you’ll learn to handle everyday situations—from ordering a croissant in a café to asking “Où est la gare ?” with confidence. With a mix of structured lessons, gentle grammar and plenty of speaking practice, you’ll be saying bonjour and merci in no time! We’ll cover the essentials like: – Making plans and telling the time – Asking for directions and finding your way – Shopping, cafés and restaurants (l’addition, s’il vous plaît!) Each week blends conversation, reading and writing activities to help you feel more at ease with French. You’ll also build up the grammar tools to start forming your own sentences, pas à pas (step by step). We’ll be following the Usborne Beginners French book, which you’ll need to purchase in advance—it’s widely available online or from your favourite librairie. Course fee: £95 / £80 low income Please note: class sizes are small and spaces go quickly. We recommend reading our T&Cs before booking. Course Info: – 6 lessons – Monday evenings – 6:30pm – 8:00pm – 14th July – 18th August 2025

Intermediate French Summer Evening Course Part of the Bus Stop Studios Summer School programme, this friendly intermediate course is perfect for anyone with a basic grasp of French who wants to go further – building fluency, confidence, and expression in a relaxed, small-group setting. Led by experienced tutor Olivier Jarrié, you’ll dive into the language through a range of authentic, real-world materials – from magazine articles and newspaper clippings to popular French songs. Along the way, we’ll revisit and expand on core grammar, deepen your vocabulary, and help you speak more freely and naturally in conversation. You’ll practise: – Reading and responding to everyday texts – Improving writing clarity and accuracy – Engaging in lively group discussion – Listening for nuance through music and spoken French This course is ideal if you’ve taken a beginners’ class in the past or know the basics and want to build on them. Olivier creates a warm and open atmosphere where questions are always welcome, and learning happens without pressure. What do you need to bring? Just a notebook and something to write with. Course fee: £95 / £80 low income Please note: class sizes are small and spaces are limited. We recommend reading our T&Cs before booking. Course Info: – 6 lessons – Tuesday evenings – 6:30pm – 8:00pm – 15th July – 19th August 2025

Embroidery for Fashion Summer School Haute couture embroidery techniques, hands-on skills, and five days of creative immersion with Amy Burt. Join us at Bus Stop Studios this summer for a special five-day haute couture embroidery course taught by studio founder Amy Burt—aka Lady B Embroidery. Ever wanted to learn the embroidery techniques used by some of the biggest names in fashion? Now’s your chance! In this hands-on, technique-rich summer school, you’ll explore professional methods used in leading fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen and Ralph & Russo. 🎓 About Your Tutor Amy is a qualified Hand Embroidery Artist and Tutor based in St Leonards on Sea. She has taught for the Royal School of Needlework since 2016 and has worked for top fashion labels including McQueen, Ralph & Russo, Erdem, and more. Most recently, she was part of the RSN team who embroidered the robes for the Coronation of King Charles III. More info at: www.ladybembroidery.co.uk 🪡 What You’ll Learn (Day-by-Day) Day One • Frame up a rotary frame—quick on, quick off, just like the fashion studios • Master the tambour hook using chain stitch • Learn to turn corners and start/stop with control Day Two • Tambour with beads, sequins, bugle beads, and seed beads Day Three • Filling larger areas with vermicelli stitch (aka Chinese spaghetti!) • Layered sugar stitch techniques with sequins and beads Day Four • Hand beading techniques • Lace appliqué Day Five • Silk ribbon embroidery • Hand embroidery stitches for fashion embellishment 🎁 What’s Included The course fee includes a £30 kit, covering all materials: fabric, threads, beads, sequins, and your own tambour hook. You’re welcome to bring your own embellishments if you’d like to add a personal touch. 🕒 Course Details Dates: 18th – 22nd August Time: 10am – 3pm daily (with a 1-hour lunch break) Location: Bus Stop Studios 53 London Road St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN37 6AY 📌 Please let us know your skill level when booking so we can tailor the sessions to suit everyone. 👥 Small-group format with limited places available, so early booking is essential. 📄 Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.

Beginners Machine Sewing Workshop Pt. 2: Pencil Pot or Storage Box Build your sewing machine skills in a friendly, practical workshop— perfect for new stitchers! Taught by Lauren from Sew Cosy Patterns, this 2-hour workshop is ideal for complete beginners or anyone who has recently taken our Tote Bag Workshop and wants to continue learning. It’s a perfect next step in your sewing journey! In this hands-on session, you’ll make either a fabric pencil pot or a soft storage box—and depending on time, you may even make both! ✂️ What You’ll Learn: - How to confidently use a sewing machine - Following a simple sewing pattern - Building 3D fabric forms - Choosing and using the right fabrics and interfacing for structure - Finishing your project cleanly and professionally You’ll leave with your completed project(s) plus a printed pattern and instructions so you can make more at home. 📍 Workshop Details Tutor: Lauren from Sew Cosy Patterns Date & Time: 28th June | 10:30am – 12:30pm Location: Bus Stop Studios, 53 London Road, St Leonards Materials Fee: included in class price All tools and sewing machines are provided, please don't bring your own machine along! ✅ What to Bring - A basic sewing kit if you have one (scissors, pins, unpicker, etc.) - Glasses for close-up work, if needed - Tie back long hair - Wear closed-toe shoes for safety Please do not bring your own sewing machine—we have machines ready to use in the studio 👥 This is a small-group class with limited places, so early booking is essential. 📄 Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.

🧵 Improvers Machine Sewing Workshop: Pt 2 Boxy Wash Bag with Lining & Zip Build your sewing confidence with this stylish, functional project—perfect for improvers! Taught by Lauren from Sew Cosy Patterns, this 2.5-hour workshop is ideal for sewists who are comfortable using a sewing machine and ready to develop their skills with new techniques. You’ll create a fully lined boxy wash bag with a zip closure—a practical, satisfying project that’s as useful as it is fun to make. You’ll leave with your completed piece plus a printed pattern and instructions so you can recreate it at home. ✂️ What You’ll Learn How to sew a fully lined 3D fabric item Inserting a zip with confidence Using interfacing for structure and durability Tips for clean construction and professional-looking finishes Following a sewing pattern from start to finish This is a great next step if you’ve taken a our previous machine sewing workshop and want to try more advanced sewing techniques in a supportive setting. 📍 Workshop Details Tutor: Lauren from Sew Cosy Patterns Date & Time: 28th June 2025 2pm - 4:30pm Location: Bus Stop Studios, 53 London Road, St Leonards Materials Fee: included in class price All tools and sewing machines are provided ✅ What to Bring A basic sewing kit if you have one (scissors, pins, unpicker, etc.) Glasses for close-up work, if needed Tie back long hair Wear closed-toe shoes for safety Please do not bring your own sewing machine—we provide everything you need in the studio 👥 This is a small-group class with limited places, so early booking is essential. 📄 Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking. 👩‍🎨 About the Tutor Lauren is a lifelong sewist and has been designing patterns and teaching sewing for over 10 years. Four years ago, she launched her Sussex-based business Sew Cosy Patterns with her sister Caitlin. Together, they create charming, approachable sewing patterns and sell them at markets across the region. 🌐 www.sewcosypatterns.com

Mend & Make Do: A Day of Visible Mending Learn to repair, revive, and reimagine your clothes with hand-stitched charm in this full-day visible mending workshop with Amy Burt, founder of Bus Stop Studios and the embroidery artist behind Lady B Embroidery. In this relaxed and friendly class, you’ll learn a range of decorative and practical techniques to patch, darn, and repair well-loved garments. Suitable for beginners and confident stitchers alike, this workshop is perfect for anyone wanting to breathe new life into their clothes—whether it’s jeans, knitwear, or kids’ clothing. We’ll explore sashiko-inspired patching, hand darning for knitwear, simple seam repairs, button replacements and hemming—all with a creative, sustainable twist. What’s Included: - The full-day workshop cost includes all materials, expert tuition, and a take-home repair kit—exceptional value for a full day of creative learning in a small, supportive group. - All materials are included: threads, patches, needles, hoops, darning mushrooms and sample fabric. Bring up to 3 garments to repair You’re welcome to bring your own sewing kit and any favourite fabrics or threads Workshop Schedule: 10am - 1pm: Patching & stitching techniques plus Sashiko stitches Lunch break (BYO or pop out) 2pm - 3pm – Darning for knitwear 3:00–4:00pm – Quick repairs: buttons, seams, hems 🎓 About Your Tutor Amy is the founder of Bus Stop Studios and a qualified Hand Embroidery Artist and Tutor based in St Leonards on Sea. She has taught for the Royal School of Needlework since 2016 and has worked for top fashion labels including McQueen, Ralph & Russo, Erdem, and more. Most recently, she was part of the RSN team who embroidered the robes for the Coronation of King Charles III. More info at: www.ladybembroidery.co.uk 🕒Details Date: Saturday 19th July Time: 10am – 4pm daily (with a 1-hour lunch break) Location: Bus Stop Studios 53 London Road St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN37 6AY 👥 Small-group format with limited places available, so early booking is essential. 📄 Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.

🧶 Crochet Summer School with Katie Jones Come stitch up some joy this summer with renowned crochet designer and tutor Katie Jones! Whether you're a complete beginner or already hooked on crochet, this five-part summer school is designed to help you build confidence, expand your skills, and have loads of creative fun in a colourful, relaxed setting. Join us for five creative mornings from Monday 4th – Friday 8th August, 10am–1pm, at Bus Stop Studios, St Leonards on Sea. 🌸 Who’s it for? Complete beginners: Learn all the fundamentals from scratch—no experience necessary! Confident crocheters: Bring along a tricky pattern or project and let Katie guide you through with expert support. ✨ What You’ll Learn Over the five sessions, beginners will cover: How to make a classic granny square Working in rows and in the round Colour changes and simple colourwork Creating texture using a variety of stitches Understanding hooks, yarns, tension, and reading crochet patterns Improvers can explore: More advanced stitch combinations Starting and shaping garments or accessories Finishing techniques Troubleshooting patterns Personal project development with Katie’s guidance 🧵 Materials Basic yarn and materials are provided in class. The course price includes a small materials fee. If you’d prefer to use your own colours or fibres, we’ll send you a materials list ahead of time. 📌 Please let us know your skill level when booking so we can tailor the sessions to suit everyone. 👥 Small group format with limited places available, so early booking is recommended. 📄 Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking. 🎨 About Katie Jones Katie is a celebrated knit and crochet designer known for her bold colour palettes, joyful creativity, and inclusive approach to teaching. Her work has been featured by the V&A Museum, Selfridges, and Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas, and she’s the author of Hip to Be Square—a celebration of the classic granny square. Follow her at @katiejonesknit. Join us for five creative mornings from Monday 4th – Friday 8th August, 10am–1pm, Only at Bus Stop Studios, St Leonards on Sea.

🧶 Knit Summer School with Katie Jones 🧶 Come stitch up some joy this summer with renowned knit and crochet designer Katie Jones, a regular tutor at Bus Stop Studios, where she also runs weekly crochet classes and seasonal workshops. This relaxed, friendly course is perfect for absolute beginners and confident improvers alike. Whether you’re picking up needles for the first time or ready to build on the basics, Katie will guide you through everything you need to gain confidence and enjoy the meditative magic of knitting. 🌸 What You’ll Learn Beginners will cover: - Casting on and binding off - Knit & purl stitches - Working in rows - Simple shaping and fixing mistakes - Yarn types, needle sizes & tension - Reading a basic pattern Improvers can explore: - Textured stitch patterns (like seed stitch, ribbing, or lace) - Colour play and combining yarns - Customising shapes - Troubleshooting patterns 🧵 Materials Basic yarn and materials are provided. The course price includes a small materials fee. Want to bring your own colours? We’ll send you a supply list. 📌 Please let us know your skill level when booking so we can tailor the sessions to suit everyone. 👥 This is a small-group class with limited places, so early booking is essential. 📄 Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking. 🎨 About Katie Katie Jones is known for her bold, colourful knit and crochet designs and has taught workshops across the UK. Her joyful work has been featured by the V&A, Selfridges, and Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas. She’s also the author of Hip to Be Square and the creative force behind @katiejonesknit. Course runs: Monday 11th – Friday 15th August, 10am–1pm, only at: Bus Stop Studios 53 London Road St Leonards on Sea TN37 6AY

Drawing & Painting Summer School Week Long Creative Journey with Local Artist James MacKinnon Join us for a new 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 5 morning 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. Day 1: Drawing Foundations - Introduction to mark-making techniques using pencil - Exploring composition & sketchbook work - Quick still life drawing exercise Day 2: Exploring Colour - Working with coloured pencils & pastels - Understanding basic colour theory - Still life with colour focus Day 3: Watercolour Techniques -Materials overview: brushes, papers, paints - Colour mixing & layering - Guided themed watercolour exercise Day 4: Acrylic Painting - Working with acrylics: palette & mixing - Introduction to tools & materials - Structured acrylic painting project Day 5: Introduction to Oils - Understanding oil paints and mediums - Brush techniques and palette set-up - Themed oil painting session 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 🗓 Monday - Friday 10am - 1pm 📅 21st July – 25th July 📍 Bus Stop Studios,