Craft your own Christmas: workshops on the Isle of Wight

From fashioning your own piece of festive jewellery to creating unique stained glass ornaments, the Isle of Wight’s winter workshops offer the perfect way to learn new skills – and make a few thoughtful festive gifts at the same time! So pop on that apron and take a seat as we guide you through just some of the many exciting options.

To kick things off in a suitably seasonal manner, you can’t go wrong with a festive wreath-making workshop by Wight Apothecary. Run by former photographer Tracey Simmonds-Bland (also known as Mrs B), you’ll be using ethically sourced and sustainably harvested materials to bring your Christmas wreath to life, with dried grasses, orange slices, ribbons and pine cones on hand to embellish it. Whether you’re plumping for the traditional look or going for a more bohemian alternative, Tracey is on hand with expert advice and guidance. Alternatively, you can try the two-hour festive ‘Cloud-Making Workshop’ where she’ll help you fashion a chandelier-style hanging decoration, perfect for decking the halls.

If you’d prefer a restful few hours of block printing your own lampshades and cushions, then sign yourself up for a class with Little House On The Wight. Each lesson takes place in a snug studio, set on a rural eight-acre smallholding in Roud, home to a friendly group of Golden Guernsey goats and Valais Blacknose sheep.

Once you’re settled in the studio, Lisa will teach you all you need to know to get block printing, and soon you’ll be churning out thoughtful gifts faster than Santa’s elves. Choose from a half-day intro if you want to ease yourself in gently or go straight for the two-day masterclass if you’re already serious about the craft. There are also some Christmas-specific classes on offer, alongside occasional jewellery-making sessions too.

Maybe you’re looking for your workshops to come with a little sparkle, in which case, consider a jewellery-making workshop from the experts at The Jewellery Cabin. Tutors Kelly, Jodie, Suzy and Shannon will sit you down with a range of clamps, pliers and ring mandrels before you fashion some precious metals into stunning wearable gifts (either for someone special, or just for you!).

Classes operate from a compact studio on Sheat Manor Farm, set amongst the lush green fields of Gatcombe, and cover everything from etched pendants to hand-hammered bangles and solid silver rings. There’s even a festive resin jewellery class in early December, where you can combine pressed flowers and clear resin to make stunning one-of-a-kind pieces.

If you’d rather be perched in front of a potter’s wheel, trying to turn your very first Christmas pudding bowl, then you should make tracks for 21 School Green Road in Freshwater, the home of Isle of Wight Pottery. Here Scarlett injects her twelve years of potting experience into a range of casual, engaging sessions from ‘Pottery and Prosecco’ nights to term-time ‘Kids’ Afternoon Club’.

That said, maybe you’re thinking of creating a range of unique clay-based gifts for all your nearest and dearest this Christmas; if so, the six-week evening course may be in order. You’ll cover everything from wheel throwing and sgraffito to sculpting, slips and underglazes, helping you to craft those top-notch china masterpieces you’ll be filling the stockings with.

Over in Brighstone, under the thatched roof of his historic stone-barn studio, Colin Conroy preserves the endangered art of stained glass window making. With over forty years of experience under his belt, making and restoring windows across Essex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight, he’s also the perfect teacher for those looking to channel their inner artisan and try the craft themselves.

Start off with the taster course, where you’ll discover the history of stained glass, alongside the materials, tools and methods you need to get started. By the end of the session, you’ll have your own four-piece glass panel, ideal for hanging on the sturdier branches of your Christmas tree. If that gets you inspired, they also offer stained glass Christmas decoration sessions. Longer courses are also on offer, with a number of local graduates already on their way to becoming stained glass restorers.

Perhaps you’ve already done all of the above, or maybe you’re just looking for something a bit different, in which case cast an eye over the unusual course schedule on offer from Quay Arts in Newport. Classes take place in Jubilee Stores, a former 1920s grain store set right beside the River Medina, each one taught by talented local artists and creatives, many of whom have their own studios within the building.

Recent offerings have included a traditional basket-weaving workshop from Gina Dyer, a two-day paper-making intensive course (with a complementary mould and deckle to take home and continue the craft) and a six-week lino print-making course by local illustrator Katie Stone. Whichever class you opt for, you can be sure those skills will come in handy for making a few one-off festive gifts.