COURSE PROGRAMME 2026

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    BOTANICAL COLOURED PENCIL DRAWING IN PERSON :: BEGINNERS/IMPROVERS – PEARS :: Tuesday 2nd December 2025

    £65.00

    *TWO PLACES REMAINING*

    With Linda Hampson

    Coloured pencil is a marvellously versatile medium. We will work with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils. You will learn how to layer and blend and various other ‘tricks’ and techniques. Beginners and improvers are welcome. It is genuinely an easy medium to master and so I invite you to join me for a COMPLETE BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS COURSE - 'PEARS'  After the class, you will also receive a link to a full length online video tutorial to access as often as you like at home. You might finish your artwork on the day,  but knowing you have the video tutorial allows you to enjoy your time in the class, relax and experiment with techniques, if you wish, knowing you can complete your finished artwork with Linda's guidance at home.
    £65 (materials can be supplied if required - please enquire when booking)
    Includes a glass of festive cheer and a mince pie!
    If you can't attend in person do see our video tutorials by clicking 'online courses' above!
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  • Out of stock

    COPPER SMITHING :: Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th March 2026

    £260.00

    *TWO PLACES AVAILABLE*

    With Andy Harris 

    Using hand-tools and traditional methods, be guided by an experienced Coppersmith to make your own beautiful and useful copperware.

    In this very special two-day workshop, you can make your choice of beautiful and functional copperware, water mugs which can be used to serve cold drinks, candle sticks or an adorable lidded tea caddy. In addition to soldering & riveting you will learn cutting, filing, and chasing the lines as you hammer and fold the copper into shape.

     

    £260 (plus materials approximately £30 dependent on what you make and metal prices)

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  • WORKING WITH SILVER :: Thursday 16th & Friday 17th April 2026

    £195.00

    *FOUR PLACES REMAINING*or see dates in June and November

    With Julian Livingstone

    Ever popular, this two-day class with a professional silver smith is aimed at complete beginners and improvers. Starting with sheet metals and expert guidance you will learn to cut, shape, solder, bezel set stones and polish to make small items of jewellery, a sugar spoon or other trinkets and keepsakes to your own individual designs. You are welcome to work in gold or other metals by prior arrangement.

    £195 (plus materials by weight – approx. £3/gm inc. solder, flux and consumables dependant on metal prices)

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  • BOTANICAL COLOURED PENCIL DRAWING IN PERSON :: BEGINNERS/IMPROVERS – RED & BROWN ONIONS :: Tuesday 21st April 2026

    £65.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Linda Hampson

    Coloured pencil is a marvellously versatile medium. We will work with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils. You will learn how to layer and blend and various other ‘tricks’ and techniques. Beginners and improvers are welcome. It is genuinely an easy medium to master and so I invite you to join me for a COMPLETE BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS COURSE - 'RED & BROWN ONIONS'  After the class, you will also receive a link to a full length online video tutorial to access as often as you like at home. You might finish your artwork on the day,  but knowing you have the video tutorial allows you to enjoy your time in the class, relax and experiment with techniques, if you wish, knowing you can complete your finished artwork with Linda's guidance at home.
    £65 (materials can be supplied if required - please enquire when booking)
    If you can’t attend in person;  12 months ONLINE only subscription for just £60 – or try the first four months for £20 with the option to continue if you enjoy it! Click here for full details here…
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  • MEANINGFUL MAPS :: Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd April 2026

    £195.00

    *ONE PLACE REMAINING*

    With Jim Stanes

    Create meaningful maps using historical Devonshire village, town, farm, field & estate maps as our inspiration. Maps in those days were not so much geographical but as a means of showing land use or a particular journey, for example how to get from A to B.

    For our maps I would like you to think of a place you might like to map, or a memorable journey; this could be from your house to the nearest town, or something more adventurous, such as a trip to the far reaches of this island of Britain.

    We do not have to be literal or exact. Important things are made big and less important things become smaller. Our map may not be immediately recognisable, but it will be completely understandable.

    Jim is well known for his beautiful cartography, art and design work in the film industry.

    £195 (plus approximately £15 materials)

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  • BOOKBINDING INCORPORATING GOLD FOIL EMBOSSING :: Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th April 2026

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Tom O'Reilly of www.bookbindery.co.uk The Little Egret Press www.l-e-p.com

    This engaging two day workshop will guide students through various aspects of hand book binding incorporating gold foil embossing to the cover. Students will produce small hand-bound notebook and slip case. You may like to make a book style phone case (if so you will need to bring a plastic phone holder to fit your particular phone).
    Tom O’Reilly M.A has been a book binder for over twenty five years and he has taught the art of hand bookbinding, tutored and lectured at BA and MA level. All materials needed for workshop are provided.

    £195 (plus materials approx £35)

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  • WILLOW FRAME BASKET :: Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th April 2026

    £195.00

    *THREE PLACES REMAINING*

    With Hilary Burns - website

    Make your own oblong harvesting basket in willow. Oblong baskets fall into the ‘squarework’ category. They are a step up from simple round baskets. Beginners are welcome, they will make a slightly smaller sized basket with a carrying handle and simple border. If you are an improver you could make a larger basket, or, if proficient, experiment with more complex weaves in the sides and French wrapped handles.

    Hilary is an experienced tutor and is happy to discuss your requirements in advance so that she can bring suitable materials. We will use willow with a subtle variety of coloured bark from my collection of willow varieties.

    £195 (plus materials approximately £30)

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  • HAND CARVING TRADITIONAL BREAD BOARD :: Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd May 2026

    £230.00

    *FIVE PLACES REMAINING*

    With William Barsley - website

    Once cherished as family heirlooms, hand-carved breadboards were treasured for their individuality and beauty. In this two-day workshop with woodcarver William Barsley, you will revive this tradition by creating your very own decorative breadboard.

    Across the weekend, you will learn timeless carving techniques while building the skills and confidence to continue the craft at home.

    £260 including materials (additional bread board blanks will also be available for purchase)

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  • BRONZE CASTING – Sculpting From Wax Functional & Decorative :: Thursday 7th/Friday 8th & Thursday 14th/Friday 15th May 2026

    £395.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Shane Whitehead

    This bronze casting course is designed to take students through the ancient lost wax casting process. The course will take students through the techniques needed to create your own bronze casting which maybe functional, decorative or whimsical Shane will be on hand to support and encourage your ideas.

    The first two days will cover; wax sculpting and creating a casting tree, the second two days will be spent casting your sculpture, finishing your castings and finally touch on patination techniques.

    The course is suited to all levels of ability and experience. The first two days will be held at The Old Kennels, the second two days will be held at the foundry near Street in Somerset.

    £395 for four days (plus materials approx. £110 based on amount of metal used and metal price)

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  • SUSSEX TRUG :: Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th May 2026

    £230.00

    *THREE PLACES REMAINING*

    With Dominic Parrette - website

    Make your very own Sussex Trug using traditional tools and techniques. You will learn how to cleave shave and shape sweet chestnut to form the handle and rim of this traditional Sussex basket. Boards of white willow then need to be shaped, shaved and soaked before finally constructing the basket using steel tacks. Skills learnt include use of a shave horse and drawknife, cleaving with a froe and steam bending using jigs.

    £230 (including materials)

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  • SHAKER BOX MAKING :: Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th May 2026

    £195.00

    *TWO PLACES REMAINING*

    With Andrew Spilsbury 

    Hand craft one, two or even three beautiful shaker boxes in Cherry and Maple using Shaker materials and methods. A relaxed and gentle process using veneers, the copper tacks that hold the bands and the wooden pegs that pin the bands to the lids and bases are imported from America. Each stage and process closely follows the traditions. The Shaker lifestyle required a practical flexible storage system for household and workshop use. They adapted an English design of box which was almost round, and changed the proportions to the now classic oval design. The distinctive swallow tails of the joint were designed for practical purposes and with the bevelled detail give a stylish hallmark to the finished box.

    £195 (plus materials dependant on size and number of boxes made - approx £10 per small box)

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  • WORKING WITH SILVER :: Thursday 11th & Friday 12th June 2026

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    Also see dates in April and November!

    With Julian Livingstone

    Ever popular, this two-day class with a professional silver smith is aimed at complete beginners and improvers. Starting with sheet metals and expert guidance you will learn to cut, shape, solder, bezel set stones and polish to make small items of jewellery, a sugar spoon or other trinkets and keepsakes to your own individual ideas and designs. You are welcome to work in gold or other metals by prior arrangement.

    £195 (plus materials by weight – approx. £3/gm inc. solder, flux and consumables dependant on metal prices)

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  • NATURAL HISTORY COLOURED PENCIL DRAWING IN PERSON :: BEGINNERS/IMPROVERS – SNOWY OWL :: Tuesday 15th September 2026

    £65.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Linda Hampson

    Coloured pencil is a marvellously versatile medium. We will work with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils. You will learn how to layer and blend and various other ‘tricks’ and techniques. Beginners and improvers are welcome. It is genuinely an easy medium to master and so I invite you to join me for a COMPLETE BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS COURSE - 'SNOWY OWL'  After the class, you will also receive a link to a full length online video tutorial to access as often as you like at home. You might finish your artwork on the day,  but knowing you have the video tutorial allows you to enjoy your time in the class, relax and experiment with techniques, if you wish, knowing you can complete your finished artwork with Linda's guidance at home.
    £65 (materials can be supplied if required - please enquire when booking)
    If you can't attend in person;  12 months ONLINE only subscription for just £60 – or try the first four months for £20 with the option to continue if you enjoy it! Click here for full details here...
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  • Out of stock

    VICTORIAN WIREWORK SHELF :: Wednesday 16th & Thursday 17th September 2026

    £195.00

    *COURSE FULL – Click here to join waiting list*

    With Adrian Rayment of www.raymentwire.com 

    Adrian has been crafting traditional Victorian Wirework designs for over 30yrs. From large ornate Gazebo’s and Pergolas, Tables - Chairs to intricate basket wirework. He is considered the leading light of contemporary and period Wirework crafting, with clients in many parts of the world. Over a two day period Adrian will tutor students in traditional Wirework technique, with a view to crafting a period Victorian Shelf from start to finished piece. Suitable for interior and exterior use. An extensive crafting background is not required and even though the craft is physical, great hand strength is not required to achieve a finished piece of work.

    £195 (plus materials approximately £50)

    Details

  • TRADITIONAL COLD PROCESS SOAP MAKING :: Tuesday 22nd September 2026

    £95.00

    *FIVE PLACES REMAINING*

    With Ishbel Ramsay of Quinta Do Cobral 

    An introduction to traditional cold process soap making. You will take home a kilo of pure natural plant based soap (approximately 12 large or 20 small bars) made with high quality ingredients, scented with your choice of essential oils.
    A relaxing day producing wonderful gifts, or a bespoke soap to enjoy yourself, but with plenty of information to help you continue your soap journey whether it be making to sell, or just enjoy at home. You will receive full written instructions so you can make more at home as well as simple ideas for wrapping and presentation.

    £95 (plus materials approximately £50)

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  • PURE NATURAL LIQUID SOAPS :: Wednesday 23rd September 2026

    £95.00

    *FIVE PLACES REMAINING*

    With Ishbel Ramsay of Quinta Do Cobral

    Learn to make natural liquid soap free of toxins, using only high quality plant based oils. You will make a litre of beautiful, natural Castile soap in a concentrated form. As well as learning about some of the many ways to incorporate it into useful home and body products, everyone will leave with a clutch of finished products to your own specification, and a full set of recipes to make more at home.This effective, bubbly, cruelty-free soap is suitable for vegans and can be used safely in all bio sewage systems as it is fully biodegradable. You will have the choice of adding essential oils or leaving it unscented. You will be amazed at what great value this clean, natural soap is and just how versatile.
    You will make a litre of beautiful, natural Castile soap as well as whipped soap, foaming body wash, all purpose surface and floor cleaner, hand wash, natural toothpaste and foaming body polish. Everyone leaves with a bundle of natural goodies in refillable containers and all the recipes to make more at home.

    £95 (plus materials approximately £55)

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  • PEWTER EMBOSSING :: Thursday 24th September 2026

    £95.00

    *THREE PLACES REMAINING*

    With Ishbel Ramsay

    Discover the pleasure of embossing and working tactile, beautiful, lead-free pewter sheet into stunning pieces that will delight your friends and family as festive gifts, if you can bear to part with them! Ishbel will guide you through making a cover for a notebook to familiarise yourself with the process and the properties of the metal. You will then move on to make a mirror or picture frame. You may bring pattern ideas if you wish, but Ishbel will supply all you need to complete both projects including designs. You will also receive a set of embossing tools to continue at home as well as a full set of course notes.

    £95 (Plus materials approx. £40 dependant on metal price)

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  • NATURAL HISTORY COLOURED PENCIL DRAWING IN PERSON :: BEGINNERS/IMPROVERS – FESTIVE FIR MOUSTERY :: Monday 16th November 2026

    £65.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Linda Hampson

    Coloured pencil is a marvellously versatile medium. We will work with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils. You will learn how to layer and blend and various other ‘tricks’ and techniques. Beginners and improvers are welcome. It is genuinely an easy medium to master and so I invite you to join me for a COMPLETE BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS COURSE - 'FESTIVE FIR MOUSTERY' this jolly seasonal course will come with our usual festive twist, an early mince pie and a glass of festive cheer! A wonderful day of drawing together to get us in the festive mood. After the class, you will also receive a link to a full length online video tutorial to access as often as you like at home. You might finish your artwork on the day,  but knowing you have the video tutorial allows you to enjoy your time in the class, relax and experiment with techniques, if you wish, knowing you can complete your finished artwork with Linda's guidance at home.
    £65 (materials can be supplied if required - please enquire when booking)
    If you can't attend in person;  12 months ONLINE only subscription for just £60 – or try the first four months for £20 with the option to continue if you enjoy it! Click here for full details here...
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  • CELTIC ILLUMINATION :: Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th November 2026

    £195.00

    *THREE PLACES REMAINING*

    With Shane Whitehead

    Design and draw a circular illumination in a Celtic style incorporating zoomorphic elements, using pencil and pens and enhance with colour if desired.  Working to a maximum size of 4-6” you will be inspired and guided to produce an original design that you will be proud to use, reproduce or perhaps simply frame. All levels of ability and experience welcome.

    £195 (plus materials as/if required)

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  • WORKING WITH SILVER :: Thursday 19th & Friday 20th November 2026

    £195.00

    *FOUR PLACES REMAINING*

    Also see dates in April and June!

    With Julian Livingstone

    Ever popular, this two-day class with a professional silver smith is aimed at complete beginners and improvers. Starting with sheet metals and expert guidance you will learn to cut, shape, solder, bezel set stones and polish to make small items of jewellery, a sugar spoon or other trinkets and keepsakes to your own individual designs and ideas. You are welcome to work in gold or other metals by prior arrangement.

    £195 (plus materials by weight – approx. £3/gm inc. solder, flux and consumables dependant on metal prices)

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  • Out of stock

    WISH YOU WERE NEARER? WHY NOT JOIN US ONLINE!

    ONLINE TUTORIALS AVAILABLE HERE!

    Although initially it seemed to be the opposite of all we stand for, we have found online learning can bring its own very special benefits, delivering our wonderful brand of shared learning experience into the homes of those who cannot travel to us, or feel less confident in a group. If you have never considered it, give it a try, you may just be surprised!

          "I do find the tutorials very relaxing and sometimes find that I have been sitting for hours following Linda's instructions. I have enjoyed them immensely, the careful explanation and advice from Linda has been wonderful and invaluable. I feel that I have learned so much and am not afraid to tackle some subjects on my own. I am finding it quite addictive." SC from Felixstowe  

    CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!

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  • The Old Kennels Gift Voucher

    Price range: £50.00 through £200.00
    Courses make a wonderful gift for birthdays, Christmas, retirement or leaving presents, Valentines or pretty much on any occasion! Please use the booking option below and we will be pleased to send you a gift card by email that you can print out and give. This will be linked to your booking reference. If you would rather purchase a specific course please book via the 'Courses' page and select 'Gift Voucher' as you complete your purchase. Cash equivalent vouchers do not have a time limit and may be used against courses and materials as required. When booking please remember to supply details for purchaser and email us with the recipients details. We can usually post gift cards if required and where time allows, please enquire by email.
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