Japanese Embroidery - NEW VENUE5th Jun to 7th Jun 2026
Tutor: Janet CroninFriday to Sunday

This course will cater for all level of student. Beginners will have the opportunity of stitching a simple design designed by the Japanese Embroidery Centre. There is a choice of one of four designs that will teach up to about 6 beginners stitches. Advanced stitchers will be able to carry on with their existing project. For those who have stitched some Japanese Embroidery I have a selection of small and straightforward designs at various levels..... read more

Great room for our course - excellent lighting and space for everyone to work. Very easy to book. Would highly recommend booking courses with them.

Bedfordshire and Bucks Point Lace - NEW VENUE5th Jun to 7th Jun 2026
Tutor: Louise WestFriday to Sunday

This is a weekend course on Bedfordshire and Bucks Point lace, with individual tuition to focus on a new project, a new lace or continue and make progress on an existing project. Weekend courses give you more concentrated time than a weekly class to make significant progress. The pattern can be supplied before the course by contacting the tutor. This course is taught through individual learning and group demonstrations of techniques as appropriate. .... read more

Excellent tutor! Please can we have her again. 

Butterflies, Moths & Insects - fine detail and colour - INCLUDES EXTRA NIGHT5th Jun to 7th Jun 2026
Tutor: Jackie Isard SBA Fellow CBM RHS GoldFriday to Sunday

For residents who want to arrive on Friday so also includes dinner for Friday night and an extra nights Bed and Breakfast. Learn how to draw and paint beautiful butterflies and other insects in watercolour! .... read more

My first course at Missenden Abbey, and I am hugely impressed! Everything was of high quality; the tuition, studio space, accommodation, delicious food and pleasant public spaces, all in a beautiful setting. Thank you!

INTERPRETATIONS' (a 'watercolour assault course')5th Jun to 7th Jun 2026
Tutor: Jackie Devereux Friday to Sunday

For all levels of experience or none! Where looking at a subject to paint is one thing, but interpreting it is another. This weekend will concentrate on getting to grips with looking more deeply into a subject, whatever that may be, and working out different approaches to painting it. This could be colour choices, brush selection, and above all composition. Through some carefully curated practical exercises, we shall go on this journey together. So if you have reached an impasse, are stuck in a rut, too tight or whatever - maybe just looking for a refresh button to press - join me for this exciting weekend..... read more

As always informative and enjoyable. 

Woodcarving6th Jun to 7th Jun 2026
Tutor: Ernest RiallSaturday to Sunday

This course is for all levels. Complete beginners will be introduced to the basic skills of carving, chisel sharpening and wood behaviour. In further sessions you may follow a structured course of set projects or develop your own ideas.At every stage you will add to your skills and knowledge of all aspects of carving and develop design skills. Experienced carvers will be helped to develop their own projects and skills. This course will be held at the Wooburn Craft School in Wooburn Green..... read more

Excellent weekend, as ever. Resources and teaching very helpful. Thank you.

Butterflies, Moths & Insects - fine detail and colour - NEW VENUE6th Jun to 7th Jun 2026
Tutor: Jackie Isard SBA Fellow CBM RHS GoldSaturday to Sunday

Learn how to draw and paint beautiful butterflies and other insects in watercolour! .... read more

Jackie Isard was really lovely and patient. Excellent tutor! Learnt so much! Thank you.

Extra nights B&B (incl dinner), prior to course start: Sun 16th or Mon 17th or Tues 18th Aug16th Aug to 18th Aug 2026
Sunday to Tuesday

Bed and Breakfast for the night before your course start, including dinner in the restaurant (6.45pm for 7pm). Available for either Sunday 16th, Monday 17th or Tuesday 18th August. Please state which night/date you are booking for on the booking form..... read more

Milanese and European LacesCourse Full - Add me to Waiting List17th Aug to 19th Aug 2026
Tutor: Claire BonitoMonday to Wednesday

This is a three day course with a primary focus on Milanese lace with other European laces supported. This course offers individual tuition to focus on a new project, a new lace or continue and make progress on an existing project. This course will give you more concentrated time than a weekly class to make significant progress. The course is taught through individual learning and group demonstrations of techniques as appropriate..... read more

"I really enjoyed Claire's course." 

Birds on Water with coloured pencil17th Aug to 18th Aug 2026
Tutor: Jonathan NeweyMonday to Tuesday

Birds on Water with coloured pencil is a two-day drawing course exploring how to draw water birds with realism and colour. Students will learn techniques for layering coloured pencils, blending tones, and capturing feather texture. The course also focuses on reflections, ripples, and the movement of water around birds. Using reference images of a Black Swan and an Avocet, participants will develop a finished drawing while building confidence in colour, shading, and composition in a relaxed and supportive environment..... read more

Really enjoyed the artistic and social content of the course.

Design - Inside- Outside, cut and fold17th Aug to 18th Aug 2026
Tutor: Janet EdmondsMonday to Tuesday

A course for all those interested in forming creative and textural 3 dimensional structures using decorative paper..... read more

"Refreshing and stimulating - a year's work to do at home!" 

Mini Stitched Treasure Art Books17th Aug to 20th Aug 2026
Tutor: Paula WatkinsMonday to Thursday

Using block printing with mixed media, wool, silk and other textiles we will create wonderful tiny stitched books. We can incoporate precious found objects and materials within the pages. Many techniques will be taught as part of this very popular course.... read more

Loved the course, Paula is such a good tutor. Lovely environment too.

Woodcarving17th Aug to 21st Aug 2026
Tutor: Ernest RiallMonday to Friday

The course aims to introduce complete beginners to the basic skills of carving, chisel sharpening and wood behaviour. In further sessions you may follow a structured course of set projects or develop your own ideas.At every stage you will add to your skills and knowledge of all aspects of carving and develop design skills. Experienced carvers will be helped to develop their own projects and skills.PLEASE NOTE: This course is being held at Wooburn Craft School - see below...... read more

Excellent weekend, as ever. Resources and teaching very helpful. Thank you.

RAFFIA BAG MAKING 18th Aug to 20th Aug 2026
Tutor: Claire RichardsTuesday to Thursday

A lovely relaxed course learning about raffia craft and making your own raffia bag with beautiful sustainably-farmed Madagascan raffia. There will be several bag style options and sizes to choose from. All are welcome on this course, raffia craft is great for complete beginners, and students make beautiful items that will be sustainable and durable for many years..... read more

" Claire's course content was spot on.  I would sign up for another class with this excellent tutor without hesitation."

Driven to Abstraction ... A Watercolour journey18th Aug to 20th Aug 2026
Tutor: Jackie Devereux Tuesday to Thursday

If you ever thought that abstract painting is an easy option, hold on to that thought. This course will help guide and unlock ways to discover pathways to success, creating small dynamic compositions loosely based on reality..... read more

"A brilliant, inspiring course with Jackie."

Mushrooms and Toadstools with coloured pencil19th Aug to 20th Aug 2026
Tutor: Jonathan NeweyWednesday to Thursday

Mushrooms and Toadstools is a two-day coloured pencil course focused on capturing the rich colours and textures of woodland fungi. Students will explore layering and blending techniques to create depth, subtle shading, and realistic surfaces. The course will also cover drawing delicate details such as gills, stems, and forest-floor textures. Using reference images, participants will develop a finished piece while gaining confidence with coloured pencils in a relaxed, supportive setting..... read more

Really enjoyed the artistic and social content of the course.

The Travelling Sketchbook comes to Cookham Village19th Aug to 20th Aug 2026
Tutor: Barry HernimanWednesday to Thursday

A great chance to hone up your 'sketching' skills working 'en plein air' in and around the Cookham environs. Learn some new techniques as you explore the area and respond to your own chosen subject. Spend an exciting two days sketching in your desired medium be it watercolour, pastel, coloured pencils or anything that will make a mark!! A super opportunity to 'loosen up' and enjoy your art. There are subjects galore in and around the Centre and the Thames is a short walk away so there is a wide choice of sketching projects..... read more

Extra nights B&B (incl dinner), prior to course start: Monday 31st Aug, Tues 1st or Wed 2nd SeptCourse Full - Add me to Waiting List31st Aug to 2nd Sep 2026
Monday to Wednesday

Bed and Breakfast for the night before your course start, including dinner in the restaurant (6.45/7pm). Available for Monday the 31st August or Tuesday 1st or Wednesday the 2nd September. Please state which night/date you are booking for on the booking form..... read more

Japanese Embroidery1st Sep to 4th Sep 2026
Tutor: Janet CroninTuesday to Friday

This course will cater for all level of student. Beginners will have the opportunity of stitching a simple design designed by the Japanese Embroidery Centre. There is a choice of one of four designs that will teach up to about six beginners stitches. Advanced stitchers will be able to carry on with their existing project. For those who have stitched some Japanese Embroidery I have a selection of small and straightforward designs at various levels..... read more

Great room for our course - excellent lighting and space for everyone to work. Very easy to book. Would highly recommend booking courses with them.

Honiton Lace1st Sep to 3rd Sep 2026
Tutor: Alison ThoburnTuesday to Thursday

This course will be tailored to each participants individual needs and is therefore suitable for all levels. This is your opportunity to learn a new skill or technique, start a new pattern or continue working on a design. The three days will enable you to make significant progress. It is advisable to contact the course tutor in advance, so preparations can be made before arriving..... read more

It was everything that I'd hoped it would be and more. Excellent tutor.

Chinese Brush Painting - On The Wing: The heroic spirit of wild birds1st Sep to 2nd Sep 2026
Tutor: Paul MaslowskiTuesday to Wednesday

The Soaring Brush: Capture the predatory grace and commanding presence of the world's most majestic raptors. Under the expert guidance of Paul, this course explores the dual nature of birds of prey: their explosive energy in flight and their quiet, watchful intensity when perched. You will master the 'iron-wire' calligraphic strokes required for sharp beaks and powerful talons, while learning to use fluid ink-washes to suggest the softness of plumage. By integrating traditional settings - such as the gnarled branches of ancient pines or rugged mountain crags - you will learn to create a complete composition that balances the bird's fierce spirit with the stillness of the natural world..... read more

I really enjoyed this course and felt I learnt so much from Paul's wonderful tuition.

Ink & Watercolour behind the scenes - a wildly extravagant course1st Sep to 3rd Sep 2026
Tutor: Jackie Devereux Tuesday to Thursday

An absolute must for discovering the 'creative animal' in you. Unleash your creativity during this lively course, where there are no boundaries as you jump through hoops enjoying the spills and thrills whilst exploring ink and watercolour on another dimension!.... read more

"Excellent course by Jackie.  The demonstrations and pace of the class were just right, many thanks."

Tai Ji Quan, and Qigong2nd Sep to 4th Sep 2026
Tutor: Clare SkeltonWednesday to Friday

Nurture yourself with three days of gentle exercise to enhance your health and well-being. These traditional Chinese health arts, Tai Ji Quan and Qigong (Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung), create stillness in the mind whilst increasing vitality and fitness. Your ability to relax, your flexibility, co-ordination and balance will improve with practice. Steve Gorwits (instructor with the Longfei Taijiquan Assoc GB, and a BCCMA L2 Coach) will be joining us for one day of the course, bringing his expertise to broaden your experience and to allow us to give you more individual attention. The course is open to everyone, no previous experience is necessary..... read more

Another lovely Summer School! By the time it finished I felt relaxed, refreshed and revitalised.

Mastering Soft Pastels2nd Sep to 4th Sep 2026
Tutor: Kevin ScullyWednesday to Friday

Pastel is a versatile medium that can be used to create detailed drawings, as well as lively and spontaneous paintings. A variety of subjects will be covered and may include still life, landscapes, seascapes, and portraits. Colour harmony and composition will feature strongly in our approach to using this exciting medium. A variety of techniques will be covered, and you will be introduced to the different sorts of pastels available on the market and the variety of papers and surfaces to choose from..... read more

Botanicals with Coloured Pencils3rd Sep to 4th Sep 2026
Tutor: Jill WinchThursday to Friday

Jill will introduce the use of coloured pencils to depict Botanical subjects. Initially Jill will explore ways of creating an accurate drawing to work with and the importance of this in Botanical illustration. Different techniques will be explored, creating textures, shine, depth of colour, creating hairs onto stem.....Discussion will be encouraged for any difficulties while working and Jill will demonstrate over the two days how to achieve success..... read more

" A fun and enjoyable class with a professional teacher."