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Creative Arts & Crafts

Celebrate 65 years of adult learning in Reading, explore your creative side, learn a new skill and meet new friends!

New Directions College has a long standing history of offering local creative arts and crafts courses. Over our 65 years we have offered everything from ceramics to knitting, dressmaking to re-upholstering furniture and more. Our current offer of courses are delivered through face to face classroom sessions and online workshops.

At New Directions South, we have our very own pottery and kiln and offer an excellent range of ceramics courses for total beginners through to more advanced potters.

We are excited to be offering brand new courses for 2023 and 2024!

Click here to apply

Art – Supported Learning

This ten weeks course is specifically designed for adults with special educational needs and/or disabilities. In our friendly and relaxed studio at New Directions College South, you will explore a variety of materials and techniques to create your own masterpieces. Working with a range of themes from still life’s to portraits, you will learn how to develop your own painting and drawing style. All materials will be provided.

Starting:

Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £166

New Art Club at Whitley Hub

Come along and explore the joys of drawing. This is a friendly and relaxing course, designed to build confidence whilst improving skills in drawing. The classes are tutor led and suitable for all abilities from complete beginners. The course is free, materials will be provided and each course will last for ten weeks.

Please note: To qualify for the funding, participants need to have been resident in the UK for 3 years.

Starting:

Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Thursday 12th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Thursday 27th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: FREE

NEW Button Bridal Bouquet

Add an extra special element to your big day by making a unique, beautiful button bouquet in this 5 week course. We will create your bouquet using buttons and wire and you can add a little something special by including some special buttons or jewellery for your something old, something borrowed and something blue.

Starting: 26th May 2022. Classes will run for 5 weeks every Thursday at 10.30am for 2hrs at New Directions, South Reading. Parking is available.

Course fee: £85

NEW Ceramic Throwing – Summer School

Don’t miss out on our Ceramic Throwing Summer School, starting on Wednesday 20th July 2022, from 10:00 to 16:00 at New Directions College South. Parking available.

Course fee: £91

Ceramic for Beginners (Day)

During this ten weeks beginner’s course you will be introduced to the joys of working with clay. In our ceramics studio at New Directions College South, you will learn techniques such as pinching, coiling, slabbing and throwing. You will make your very own ceramic items, which you will use to experiment with methods for decorating. You will also explore different clay bodies, and learn various decorative techniques using slips, underglazes and glazes. Projects are tutor led, but you will be encouraged to explore your own ideas within each project.

Starting:

Tuesday 20th September 2022 at 12:30 – 14:30
Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30
Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30

Course fee: £166

Ceramic Design (evening)

During this ten-week course, you will be using the principles and elements of design, alongside making and decorating techniques, to expand and hone your skills and knowledge of ceramics. The course will take place in our ceramics studio at New Directions College South, and all materials will be provided. Parking is available.

Starting:

Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:30
Thursday 12th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:30
Thursday 27th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:30

Course fee: £238

NEW Ceramics Open Studio Days

We have a series of open studio days at New Directions College South for small groups. These are relaxed sessions of six hours each, over the Summer, and are open to all those wanting to have a go at the art of ceramics.

Starting:

Monday 18th July 2022 at 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday 28th July 2022 at 10:00 – 16:00
Monday 15th August 2022 at 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday 16th August 2022 at 10:00 – 16:00

Course fee: £64

Ceramics – Sculpting in Clay (day)

During this 9 week course, you will learn how to sculpt in clay by exploring a range of themes based on tutor led projects. Sessions will run at our ceramics studio at New Directions College South. Parking is available.

Starting:

Monday 19th September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Monday 9th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Monday 24th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £166

Ceramics – Supported Learning (day)

This 10 week course is specifically designed for adult learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. In our supportive and relaxed ceramics studio at New Directions College, you will learn how to make and decorate pottery to take home. During this course you will learn how to make pottery pieces using a wide range of hand-building and decorating techniques including pinching, coiling, slab work and glazing. Parking available.

Starting:

Monday 19th September 2022 at 12:20 – 14:30
Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 12:30 – 14:30
Friday 23rd September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Monday 9th January 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30
Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30
Friday 13th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Monday 24th April 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30
Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30
Friday 28th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £166

Ceramics – Throwing for Beginners (day)

During this 5 week course you will learn the basic skills required to Throw, including centering, throwing various shapes and turning. Depending on your experience, by the end of the course your skills will be improved and expanded, and your confidence will have grown. Courses will be held in our ceramics studio at New Directions College South. Parking is available.

Starting:

Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 15:00 – 17:00
Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 15:00 – 17:00
Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 15:00 – 17:00

Course fee: £88

Ceramics – Throwing for Beginners, Improvers

During this five-week course, you will expand and practice the skills learned on the throwing for beginners course, and you will be introduced to further techniques to enable you to throw a range of shapes. The course will take place in our ceramics studio at New Directions College South and, by the end of the course, your skills will be improved and expanded, and your confidence will have grown. Parking is available.

Starting:

Wednesday 2nd November 2022 at 15:00 – 17:00
Wednesday 1st March 2023 at 15:00 – 17:00
Wednesday 7th June 2023 at 15:00 – 17:00

Course fee: £88

NEW Ceramics, Throwing & Decoration

During this ten-week course, you will learn how to throw and decorate pots and it will take place in our ceramics studio at New Directions College South. The course will be predominantly wheel based, as you master your throwing skills. As your thrown pots develop, you will learn how to decorate them using various decorative techniques and glazes. This course is suitable for beginners to advanced makers. Beginners may wish to attend our dedicated Throwing for Beginners course first but it’s not compulsory. Parking is available.

Starting:

Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 12:300 – 14:30
Thursday 12th January 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30
Thursday 27th April 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30

Course fee: £166

Ceramics for all (day)

On this ten-week course, you will learn and develop the art of working with clay using techniques such as pinching, coiling, slabbing and throwing. The course will take place at our ceramics studio at New Directions College South, and you will follow tutor led projects or work on your own designs, to create ceramic forms that you will use to experiment with methods for decorating. You will explore different clay bodies and learn various decorative techniques using slips, underglazes and glazes. Parking is available.

Starting:

Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Thursday 12th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Thursday 27th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £166

Ceramics for all (evening)

Starting:

Tuesday 20th September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:30
Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:30
Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:30
Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:30
Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:30
Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:30

Course fee: £238

Creative Crafts – Supported Learning (day)

This ten-week course is designed for adults with special educational needs and/or disabilities. During the course you will learn new skills whilst creating beautiful crafts, and you will explore various materials and techniques including felting, collage, sewing and modelling. You will be guided through individual projects in each session by a friendly tutor, who will teach you how to use various tools and materials to create your works of art. All sessions will take place at New Directions College South, and all materials are provided. Parking available.

Starting:

Friday 23rd September 2022 at 13:00 – 15:00
Friday 13th January 2023 at 13:00 – 15:00
Friday 28th April 2023 at 13:00 – 15:00

Course fee: £160

NEW Cooking Around the World

During this five-week course you will explore a variety of international recipes. All sessions will take place in our state of the art professional kitchen at New Directions College South. Parking is available.

Starting: Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £85

Cookery – Supported Learning (day)

This ten-week course is specifically designed for adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. All sessions will take place in our state of the art professional kitchen at New Directions College South, and you will develop basic cookery skills to enable you to be independent and make nutritious everyday meals. All ingredients and equipment will be provided. Parking available.

Starting:

Tuesday 20th September 2022 at 13:00 – 15:00
Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 13:00 – 15:00
Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 13:00 – 15:00
Thursday 12th January 2023 at 13:00 – 15:00
Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 13:00 – 15:00
Thursday 27th April 2023 at 13:00 – 15:00

Course fee: £160

NEW Craft & Conversation

During this ten-week course you will have plenty of opportunities to relax, make new friends, knit a new hat or scarf and unwind. All sessions will take place at the Whitley Hub.

Starting:

Monday 19th September 2022 at 12:30 – 14:30
Monday 9th January 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30
Monday 24th April 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30

Course fee: FREE

NEW Creative Writing (day)

During this ten-week course you will develop your writing skills, expand your knowledge and creative flair. All sessions will take place at New Directions College South. Parking available.

Starting:

Tuesday 10th September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £140

NEW Creative Writing (evening)

During this ten-week course you will develop your writing skills, expand your knowledge and creative flair. All sessions will take place at New Directions College South. Parking available.

Starting:

Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £140

Drawing and Painting (day)

During this ten-week course you will explore the various techniques used for drawing and painting using a variety of media such as pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, watercolours and acrylics. You will also develop your observational and painting skills, whilst gaining an understanding of perspective, methods of modeling and shading, composition and colour theory. You will be using a range of subjects from still life, landscapes including buildings, animals and portraits. Learners are required to bring a pencil and sketching paper to their first lesson. They will then receive a list of topics covered on the course and details of any additional materials they may wish to buy. Sessions to be held in our ceramics studio at New Directions College South. Parking is available.

Starting:

Tuesday 20th September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday10th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £160

Drawing and Painting (evening)

During this ten-week course you will explore the various techniques used for drawing and painting using a variety of media such as pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, watercolours and acrylics. You will also develop your observational and painting skills, whilst gaining an understanding of perspective, methods of modeling and shading, composition and colour theory. You will be using a range of subjects from still life, landscapes including buildings, animals and portraits. Learners are required to bring a pencil and sketching paper to their first lesson. They will then receive a list of topics covered on the course and details of any additional materials they may wish to buy. Sessions to be held at Emmer Green Youth & Community Centre. Parking is available.

Starting:

Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £160

NEW Drawing on Location

A new and exciting addition to our Arts courses, Drawing on Location is a five-week course which will cover the basics of drawing on location, and you will learn about tools required, how to choose a good spot to draw from, and actual techniques to draw and colour your sketch. This course will take place at venues around Reading, and it is recommended to those who want to pick up a new skill or just need some mindfulness and relaxation.

Starting:

Tuesday 20th September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: FREE

Dressmaking for beginners (evening)

This ten-week course is an informal way to develop creative skills, learning to think outside the box and create something new from something old. You will begin by selecting our materials (unloved garments, old curtains and textiles, broken jewellery) and planning a design around these items. You will then work to transform our materials into one-off items of clothing/accessories through pattern cutting, fabric manipulation, sewing and embellishment. All sessions will be held in our fully equipped sewing studio at New Directions College South, basic kit and equipment will be provided and guidance on additional kit required will be given by the tutor. Please bring your unloved garments to the first session with you. Parking is available.

Starting:

Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:00
Thursday 12Th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00
Thursday 27th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £160

Dressmaking for All (day)

During this ten-week course you will develop your skills and expertise to make a variety of dresses. Bring along your sewing projects and work on them alongside likeminded people in our well equipped sewing room with support and guidance on hand to help. You will need to supply your own materials. Sessions to be held at New Directions College South. Parking is available.

Starting:

Monday 19th September 2022 at 12:30 – 14:30
Monday 9th January 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30
Monday 24th April 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30

Course fee: £160

Dressmaking for All (evening)

Starting:

Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £160

NEW Exploring Drawing (day)

During this ten-week course you will explore concepts of drawing in a free and experimental way. Your tutor will guide you through a range of drawing exercises to build your confidence and help you find your own drawing style. All sessions will take place at New Directions College South, some materials will be provided and a list of further items required will be given out by the tutor. Parking is available.

Starting:

Tuesday 20th September 2022 at 15:00 – 17:00
Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 15:00 – 17:00
Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 15:00 – 17:00

Course fee: £160

NEW Feel good Cookery (evening)

During this ten-week course you will learn how to prepare simple and flavoursome recipes, packed full of fresh ingredients and flavour. These are easy healthy meals, which will leave everyone at your table satisfied!

This course is suitable for everyone, in particular people who are new to cooking or those looking for easier and cheaper meals, or new recipes ideas. All sessions will take place in our state of the art professional kitchen at New Directions College South. Parking is available.

Starting: Tuesday 20th September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £160

French for Beginners (day and evening)

During this ten-week course, you will learn French using a variety of methods. This course is for beginners with no previous knowledge of the French language. All sessions will take place at New Directions College South or online. Parking available on site.

Day course starting: Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00

Evening course starting: Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £110

French for Beginners – Intermediate (day and evening)

This ten-week follow on course is suitable for those who have a basic knowledge of the French language or those who have already completed the French Beginners course. All sessions will take place at New Directions College South or online. Parking available on site.

Day course starting: Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Evening course starting: Thursday 12th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £110

French for the Holidays (day and evening)

During this five-week course, you will learn all the words for a basic conversation in French. By the end of this course you will be able to feel confident to order food, ask for directions and other essential holiday phrases. Sessions to be held at New Directions College South or online .Parking available on site.

Day course starting: Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Evening course starting: Thursday 27th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £110

Healthy Meals on a Budget

During this five-week course you will learn how to prepare simple and flavoursome recipes, packed full of fresh ingredients and flavour. These are easy healthy meals, which will leave everyone at your table satisfied! This course is suitable for everyone, in particular people who are new to cooking or those looking for easier and cheaper meals, or new recipes ideas. All sessions will take place in our state of the art professional kitchen at New Directions College South and all ingredients and equipment will be provided. Parking available.

Starting:

Tuesday 20th September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: FREE

NEW Printing Without a Press

During this ten-week course you will learn how to print without the need of a printing press. Your tutor will demonstrate techniques such as mono-printing, Linocut, kitchen lithography and collagraphy then you will have time to explore the techniques with their expertise and guidance. All sessions will take place at New Directions College South, basic materials will be provided, and a list for further items will be given by the tutor. Parking available.

Starting:

Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 15:00 – 17:00
Thursday 12th January 2023 at 15:00 – 17:00
Thursday 27th April 2023 at 15:00 – 17:00

Course fee: £160

NEW Recycled Fashion (Day)

This ten-week course is an informal way to develop creative skills, learning to think outside the box and create something new from something old. You will begin by selecting our materials (unloved garments, old curtains and textiles, broken jewellery) and planning a design around these items. You will then work to transform our materials into one-off items of clothing/accessories through pattern cutting, fabric manipulation, sewing and embellishment. All sessions will take place in our fully equipped sewing studio at New Directions College South. The basic kit and equipment will be provided, and guidance on additional kit required will be given by the tutor. Please bring your unloved garments to the first session with you. Parking available.

Starting:

Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Thursday 12th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Thursday 27th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £160

New Sewing – Hand-embroidery

During this ten-week course, you will learn how to create an embroidery template from a chosen image or drawing, and create linear embroidery with colour pops and embellishments. This technique can be used to create unique textile artworks, and to embellish clothing and textiles. All classes will take place in our fully equipped sewing studio at New Directions College South, the basic kit and equipment will be provided and a list for further required items will be given out by the tutor. Parking is available.

Starting:

Friday 23rd September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Friday 13th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Friday 28th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £160

New Sewing – Homewares (day)

During this ten-week course you will learn how to create some fabulous items that you can wear every day. The course will be tutor led, and it will take place in our fully equipped sewing studio at New Directions College South. Parking is available.

Starting:

Monday 19th September 2022 at 10:00 – 12:00
Monday 9th January 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00
Monday 24th April 2023 at 10:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £160

New Sewing – Homewares (evening)

Starting:

Tuesday 20th September 2022 at 19:00 – 21:00
Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00
Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £160

NEW Sewing – Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners

This ten-week course will take place in our fully equipped sewing studio at New Directions College South. You will learn the skills to create a small pieced, patched and quilted item from start to finish. You will start by designing the top layer; placing pieces of your chosen materials – which could include fragments of old clothing and scraps of fabric – and explore ways of assembling, which is then sandwiched with padding and a backing cloth, then quilting through the layers using different stitching methods to create the final piece. Basic kit is provided and a list for further required items will be given out by your tutor. Parking is available.

Starting: Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 12:30 – 14:30

Course fee: £160

NEW Sewing – Patchwork & Quilting for All

During this ten-week course you will learn or develop your skills to create pieced, patched and quilted items from start to finish. You may wish to work on your own projects with tutor guidance or follow tutor led project briefs. You will explore interesting ways to assemble and patchwork the top layer with your chosen materials, then sandwich with padding and a backing cloth, and quilt through the layers using different stitching methods and embellishments. The course will take place in our fully equipped sewing studio at New Directions College South, the basic kit will be provided and a list for further required items will be given out by the tutor. Parking is available.

Starting:

Thursday 12th January 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30
Thursday 27th April 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30

Course fee: £160

Spanish for Beginners

During this ten-week course you will learn Spanish using a variety of methods. This course is for beginners with no previous knowledge of the Spanish language. All sessions will take place at New Directions College South or online. Parking available on site.

Starting: Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 12:30 – 14:30

Course fee: £110

Spanish for Beginners – Intermediate

This ten-week follow on course is suitable for those who have a basic knowledge of the Spanish language or those who have already completed the Spanish Beginners course. All sessions will take place at New Directions College South or online. Parking available on site.

Starting: Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30

Course fee: £110

Spanish for the Holidays

During this five-week course, you will learn all the words for a basic conversation in Spanish. By the end of this course you will be able to feel confident to order food, ask for directions and other essential holiday phrases. Sessions to be held at New Directions College South or online .Parking available on site.

Starting: Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 12:30 – 14:30

Course fee: £110

NEW Textiles – Needle Felting Summer School

Don’t miss out on our Textiles – Needle Felting Summer School, on Wednesday 3rd August 2022 from 10:00 to 16:00 at New Directions College South.

Course fee: £61.00

The Secrets of Indian Cookery

During this five-week course you will learn about different herbs and spices used in Indian cookery to make authentic dishes. All sessions will take place in our new state of the art professional kitchen at New Directions College South. Parking is available.

Starting: Tuesday 14th February 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £85

Upholstery (day)

During this 30 week course, you will learn or develop the traditional skills required to restore and upholster furniture. Whilst working on a small items of furniture, you will learn to strip it back to the basic frame then practice a range of upholstery techniques including webbing, springing, stuffing, covering and finishing. Sessions will take place every week during term time, in our fully equipped studio at New Directions College South. This is one of our longest running courses and so we celebrate this by offering a special fixed price year on year. Parking is available.

Starting: Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 9:00 – 12:00

Course fee: £417

NEW Upholstery – Summer School

Don’t miss out on our Upholstery Summer School from Monday 18th July 2022 at 10:00 until 16:00 at New Directions College South. Parking available.

Course fee: £156

NEW Vegan Cookery

During this five-week course you will learn how to prepare simple and flavoursome vegan recipes, packed full of fresh ingredients and flavour. These are easy healthy meals which will leave everyone at your table satisfied! All sessions will take place in our state of the art professional kitchen at New Direction College South. Parking is available.

Starting: Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 19:00 – 21:00

Course fee: £85

Watercolour Painting

During this ten-week course you will explore the various techniques used for watercolour painting. You will also develop your observational and painting skills, whilst gaining an understanding of perspective, methods of modeling and shading, composition and colour theory. You will be using a range of subjects from still life, landscapes including buildings, animals and portraits. All sessions wil take place at Emmer Green Youth & Community Centre, and all learners are required to bring a pencil and sketching paper to their first lesson. You will then receive a list of topics covered on the course and details of any additional materials they may wish to buy. Parking is available.

Starting:

Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 9:30 – 11:30
Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 9:30 – 11:30
Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 9:30 – 11:30

Course fee: £160