Now, thankfully, we are a far cry from the deprivations of the industrial revolution, but this doesn't change the fact that Manchester has a long and rich legacy of craft-work. Chances are, if any Mancunians trace their lineage back they may find that at least one of their city-dwelling ancestors was involved in cotton production.
So, in order to help you take up the mantle of your forebears (albeit in a much more enjoyable way) Obby has compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Craft Classes in Manchester – lets get crafting!
The Top 10 Best Craft Classes in Manchester are:
- Ring Workshops at SJS Smith Jewellery in Stockpot
- Stained Glass for Beginners Weekend at Manchester Stained Glass in Manchester
- Grown up Evening sessions at Create it! in Cheadle
- Pottery Painting Classes at Brooklyn Pottery in Stockport
- The Complete Printmaker Course at Hot Bed Press in Salford
- Introduction to Painted Pen Course at Love Calligraphy in Manchester
- One to One Jewellery Classes at Manchester School of Jewellery in Manchester
- Learn to Sew in a Day at Bambers at Ministry of Craft in Manchester
- Beginner Jewellery Courses at Rebecca Lawley Silver in Stockport
- Powertex Bowl Workshop at Purrfect Crafting Tyldesley
1.Ring Workshops at SJS Smith Jewellery
Location: Wellington Road S (Stockport)
On the subject of wedding rings, the founder of SJS Smith Jewellery, Sam Smith, says, "There’s something really wonderful about being asked to make a piece of jewellery that will be worn every day for the rest of that customer’s life". If you're going to be taught the art of ring-making from anyone, Sam Smith's passion and care are a clear selling point.
In her ring workshops, you will learn traditional silver silversmith techniques in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Classes are limited to a maximum of 8 people ensuring you get the assistance you need. If the huge number of positive testimonials weren't enough, there's also unlimited tea and biscuits during the class – creativity needs fuel after all!
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2. Stained Glass for Beginners Weekend at Manchester Stained Glass
Location: Ancoats (Manchester)
Helmed by award winning Artist Sharon Campbell, Manchester Stained Glass has been providing creative stained glass classes, workshops and community projects to individuals, schools, organisations and community groups since 1988
The Stained Glass for Beginners Weekend will see you spend a creative and enjoyable two days learning how to make a beautiful stained glass panel. You will be taught how to cut glass, lead and solder, whilst utilising a range of coloured glass, and at the end of the day you will be able to take home your wonderful small leaded panel. As the workshop is limited to 3 students, you will have plenty of guidance from your tutor.
3. Grown up Evening sessions at Create it!
Location: Cheadle
Since it's doors opened in July 2013, Create it! has blossomed into a pottery painting heaven. Founders, Andrea and Jane have created a fun, friendly environment for all the family. They offer a wide variety of activities – pottery painting, decoupage, foam clay and canvas painting – as well as a range of bespoke, handmade keepsakes, which includes their silver imprint Jewellery.
When you think of pottery painting classes, it's difficult not to picture swarms of children! However, Create it!'s Grown up Evening Sessions offer adults the chance to have a bit of pottery oriented fun without catering to the needs of the little ones! Hosted once a month between 7 p.m and 10 p.m, you're welcome to 'bring a bottle' or take advantage of the hot and cold drinks that are available to buy. Offering such an uncommon and welcome service as this, it's easy to see how Create it! secured a spot in our best craft classes in Manchester.
4. Pottery Painting Classes at Brooklyn Pottery
Location: Shaw Heath (Stockport)
Brooklyn Pottery was taken over by a husband and wife team in January 2018, and now offers a broad and inclusive range of group-oriented pottery classes. Whether it's Hen Parties, Birthdays, Baby Showers or general celebrations, Brooklyn Pottery can meet your needs!
You can choose from an extensive range of over 200 items of pottery bisque, and even tell them in advance if you have a specific theme in mind. The minimum number for the private party room is 10, max 25, but they are also happy to accommodate smaller groups of 4. Don't hesitate to book for more specific details, and if you do we're positive you'll have a memorable evening!
5. The Complete Printmaker Course at Hot Bed Press
Location: Cow la (Salford)
Established in 1994 by a group of artists who needed somewhere to print, Hot Bed Press has continued to grow in terms of membership, the courses offered and the space they occupy. Within their converted Victorian warehouse, the entirely self-financing company has successfully promoted printmaking and educated innumerable people on its techniques and methods.
The Complete Printmaker Course provides a comprehensive grounding in printmaking over a period of 30 weeks. From monoprint to photo-etching, the course aims to provide a deeper, more thorough education than other shorter, introductory courses. You will be taught the processes and methodologies of printmaking, and given a contextual and historical background to this time-honoured craft.
6. Introduction to Painted Pen Course at Love Calligraphy 7
Location: Didsbury (Manchester)
Have you ever been intrigued by the ancient art of calligraphy? Well, with our pick for number 6 in out top craft classes in Manchester, you can explore the rewarding realm of ink and lettering. Love Calligraphy offer a variety of courses in you can tap into your potential for proper penmanship.
The Introduction to Painted Pen Course is one half of their introductory courses (the other being Introduction to Broad Brush). Before deciding upon one of the wide range of calligraphy styles, it's necessary to familiarise yourself with these two types of nibs. Equipping you with the requisite knowledge and tools which will determine what scripts you right, the Painted Pen Course will see you learn basic brush strokes, letter formation and a little flourishing. A calligraphy kit is even included so you can continue your diligent practice at home!
7. One to One Jewellery Classes at Manchester School of Jewellery
Location: Greater (Manchester)
Established in 2013 by three North West based jewellers, Manchester School of Jewellery offers one day and shorter courses for beginners to skilled makers who want to enhance their knowledge of jewellery techniques and allied skills.
In the One to One Jewellery Classes you will receive expert guidance from experienced, qualified tutors, Charlotte Verity, and Gemma Scully. No matter what your skill level you will be able to go at your own pace when learning to craft your own beautiful jewellery. Whatever technique or project you have in mind, be sure to contact Manchester School of Jewellery beforehand, and they will be happy to accommodate you.
8. Learn to Sew in a Day at Bambers at Ministry of Craft
Location: Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Manchester)
With such an abundance of classes to choose from, as well as an array of experienced tutors, Ministry of Craft is Manchester's chief contender for the crown of sewing and crafts. One of these tutors, Alison Leese, is the founder of the business. A fully qualified textiles teacher and expert seamstress, Alison is continually coming up with exciting new courses for Ministry of Craft's ever-growing fan-base.
The Learn to Sew in a Day class is perfect for those who are new to sewing. During the whole day class, you'll learn how to thread the machine, fill a bobbin and sew a range of stitches. By its completion, you will have produced your own unique make-up bag complete with zip! All materials are included in the price and, even if you've never laid eyes on a sewing machine before, we guarantee this class will see you take up the needle and thread with aplomb!
9. Beginner Jewellery Courses at Rebecca Lawley Silver
Location: Reddish (Stockport)
Rebecca Lawley studied silversmithing at Sheffield Hallam University, and since then her work has continued to receive acclaim. Having created sublime tableware of "understated and tactile elegance", you'd be hard-pressed to find a more experienced and personable instructor.
Rebecca's beginner jewellery courses are suitable for those with no previous experience, and in them you will be guided through all of the basic traditional jewellery making techniques: from sawing, filing, soldering, finishing and polishing. By the end, you have designed and mad a silver ring or bangle, and will have also been given the chance learn techniques for texturing metal.
10. Powertex Bowl Workshop at Purrfect Crafting Tyldesley
Location: Tyldesley (Greater Manchester)
Pop down to the local craft shop in the idyllic town of Tyldesley, Greater Manchester. There you will see on offer a mind-boggling range of crafts – knitting, sewing, needle working, modelling, felting, children's crafts and much more!
The Powertex Bowl Workshop will teach you – under the expert tutorship of Irene – how to use a range of materials to create and take home your own unique bowl. The workshop is fun for all the family, and all materials, as well as complimentary refreshments, are included. Bear in mind it is a messy workshop, so don't be afraid to dig in and get a little wild!
Need More Advice?
Using our hands to craft something, whether it's sewing, pottery, or jewellery, is a practice that goes back to the dawn of humanity. Not only do you get to learn a new skill, but enjoy the pleasurable, exciting experience of creating something utterly unique. We hope you've been able to find something that inspires you in our Top 10 Best Craft Classes in Manchester, and maybe it will spur you on to take the plunge into the diverse world of craft!
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