COURSE PROGRAMME 2027

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  •

    COPPER SMITHING :: Thursday 8th 7 Friday 9th April 2027

    £260.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    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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  • BOTANICAL COLOURED PENCIL DRAWING IN PERSON :: BEGINNERS/IMPROVERS – BINDWEED :: Tuesday 13th April 2027

    £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 - 'BINDWEED'  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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  • CATALAN WILLOW BASKET (IMPROVERS COURSE) :: Thursday 15th & Friday 16th April 2027

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Hilary Burns - website

    In this workshop we will be looking at the traditions of Catalan basketmaking. These baskets are defined by the decorative rope handles and borders. There are many forms that arise from the well-known Catalan base, that may be round or oval. In recent years the base – also known as a tension tray or as the zarzo, has been explored and used by many makers who have taken it in different directions. The basket that we will aim to make in this workshop is the traditional oval shopping basket, one that sits on the hip while the handle is over the arm and the hand sits on the border to steady it, that was taken to market. We will use white willow for the framework, and therefore also the handle and border. The side weave will be bark-on willow split into wide skeins. There are by-stakes that strengthen the uprights, traditionally split Mediterranean cane – we will use willow or rattan for these.

    Hilary is an experienced tutor and is happy to discuss your requirements in advance so that she can bring suitable materials. We will use buff willow from the Somerset Levels and may incorporate coloured bark varieties from my collection of willow varieties.

    £195 (plus materials approximately £30)

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  • WORKING WITH SILVER :: Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd April 2027

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING* Also see dates in July 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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  • BOOKBINDING INCORPORATING GOLD FOIL EMBOSSING :: Tuesday 27th & Wednesday 28th April 2027

    £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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  • DEVON STAVE BASKET :: Thursday 29th & Friday 30th April 2027

    £230.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Dominic Parrette - website

    A traditional basket also known as a splint basket originating from west/north Devon and used by farmers and smallholders for planting and harvesting potatoes, apples, feeding stock, and a multitude of tasks on the land.

     

    Stave baskets are very hard wearing and give years of service. You will be making a ‘number 2’ sized basket with a handle, which was designed to hold about 20lbs of potatoes using cleft ash for the ‘bonds’ and handle and western red cedar for the staves.

    A very special course which hasn’t been taught for many years. If you would like to know a little more about the history of this basket and the last known producer Jack Rowsell of Tiverton in this wonderful research by Mary Butcher http://www.reading.ac.uk/adlib/Details/collect/6456 .

    £230 (plus materials approx £30)

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  • SHAKER BOX MAKING :: Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th May 2027

    £195.00

    *SIX 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.
    Students who have made boxes with me before may wish to make oval trays, sewing box or divided carrier by prior agreement (I need to make sure we have the additional materials and tools available)

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

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  • WORKING WITH SILVER :: Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th July 2027

    £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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    BROOM MAKING :: Monday 6th & Tuesday 7th September 2027

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Jamie Dun

    Hand craft BROOMS
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    £195 (plus materials dependant on size and number of brooms made - approx £30 )
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  • BRONZE CASTING – Sculpting From Wax Functional & Decorative :: Wednesday 8th/Thursday 9th & Wednesday 15th/Thursday 16th September 2027

    £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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    BOTANICAL COLOURED PENCIL DRAWING IN PERSON :: BEGINNERS/IMPROVERS – CHERRIES ON A BRANCH :: Tuesday 14th September 2027

    £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 - 'CHERRIES ON A BRANCH'  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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  • BOTANICAL COLD PROCESS SOAP MAKING :: Tuesday 21st September 2027

    £95.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Ishbel Ramsay of Quinta Do Cobral 

    Enter into a world where ancient botanical wisdom meets modern skincare.

    Inspired by the quiet magic of old-world apothecaries, folk healers, plantsmen, and traditional wisewomen you will be crafting a kilo of pure natural plant based soap (approximately 12 large or 20 small bars) rooted entirely in nature.

    Every bar is a tribute to the natural world, formulated using only pure, natural ingredients. You will be using botanicals harvested directly from the landscape around us—wild-foraged greenery, aromatic herbs and homegrown, sun-dried garden botanicals, blending nutrient-rich clays and infused luxury oils into your batch.

    Natural soap making is an ancient craft, you will learn how to make gentle, effective soap safely using the untamed power of plants. Whether you are looking to ground your daily routine in nature or turn a simple wash into a restorative ritual, the soap you create on this course will bring the timeless art of herbalism straight to your bathroom.

    Leave behind synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, and harsh chemicals in favour of raw, honest ingredients that smell of dried herbs, crushed leaves, and fresh air. It is skincare stripped back to its purest form—restorative, and deeply connected to the land.

    £95 (plus materials approximately £50)
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  • PURE NATURAL LIQUID SOAPS :: Wednesday 22nd September 2027

    £95.00

    *SIX 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, then learn how to use this base product to create whipped soap, foaming body wash, all purpose surface and floor cleaner, hand wash, natural toothpaste and foaming body polish. You will leave with a bundle of natural products in refillable containers and all the recipes to make more at home.

    £95 (plus materials approximately £55)

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  • PEWTER EMBOSSING :: Thursday 23rd September 2027

    £95.00

    *SIX 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. £50 dependant on metal price and amount used)

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  • VICTORIAN WIREWORK CAKERY :: Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th September 2027

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Adrian Rayment of www.raymentwire.com 

    Over a two day period Adrian will tutor students in traditional Wirework technique, with a view to crafting a delicately laced period Victorian cake stand, cooling rack or serving tray from start to finished piece. Suitable for interior and exterior use so it can also be used as a plant stand. 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 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 £30)

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  • VICTORIAN WIREWORK WINDOW BOX :: Thursday 30th September & Friday 1st October 2027

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Adrian Rayment of www.raymentwire.com 

    Over a two day period Adrian will tutor students in traditional Wirework technique, with a view to crafting a robust period Victorian window box  from start to finished piece, which will be suitable for interior and exterior use and measure approx 800mm long - please discuss in advance if different measurements are required. 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 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 £45)

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  • BOTANICAL COLOURED PENCIL DRAWING IN PERSON :: BEGINNERS/IMPROVERS – PHESTIVE PHEASANT :: Tuesday 16th November 2027

    £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 - 'PHESTIVE PHEASANT'  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 including a glass of phestive cheer! (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 SPIRALS ILLUMINATION :: Wednesday 17th & Thursday 18th November 2027

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Shane Whitehead

    Design and draw spiral illuminations in a Celtic style, 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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  • FRAKTUR :: Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th November 2027

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING*

    With Jim Stanes

    FRAKTUR??? NEED REQ LIST TOO

    Fraktur is a highly artistic and elaborate illuminated folk art created by the Pennsylvania Dutch, named after the Frakturscript associated with it. Most Fraktur were created between 1740 and 1860 and drawings were executed in ink and/or watercolours and are found in a wide variety of forms: marriage and house blessings, book plates, and floral and figurative scenes. Common artistic motifs in Fraktur include birds (distelfinks), hearts, and tulips, as well as blackletter(Fraktur) and italic calligraphy. 

    Jim's courses are always a fabulous journey into creative depths you didn't know you had. You will leave with an individual and beautiful piece that can be used as a card, or framed for you to enjoy.

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

    £195 (plus approximately £10 materials)

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  • WORKING WITH SILVER :: Thursday 25th & Friday 26th November 2027

    £195.00

    *SIX PLACES REMAINING* Also see dates in April & July

    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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