Whether the place where you live is a mansion or a studio flat it is your ‘castle’, your anchor and your life under one roof. But does it currently feel like a place of welcome and comfort or more a functional collection of furniture?!
This short course, run by Charlotte Reynolds, aims to give a fun and informal introduction to Interior Decoration. Learn the principles of making the most of the space you have.
There will be a practical workshop putting together a sample/colour board for a fictional client.
Bring a photograph (if you would like!) of a room or area of your house that you feel doesn’t ‘work’, for discussion during the morning.
Refreshments, goody bags and all materials will be provided.
This course accommodates 5 people.
Find out more about Charlotte Reynolds and the other workshop leaders.
In this workshop you will discover how to take fabulous photos with your smartphone.
We all walk round with a camera in our pocket these days and imagery is everywhere, so join us to discover how to stand out from the crowd and get the best from your phone.
The workshop will include taking photos, how to enhance them, lighting and composition as well as external apps and discussion about what you do with your photos afterwards.
This workshop would be perfect for business owners and those bloggers who use Instagram and Pinterest etc to promote their business as well as the casual photographer.
Jenny Kaye is a professional photographer and will share her hints and tips for creating stunning imagery.
This course accommodates 10 people.
Find out more about Jenny Kaye and the other workshop leaders.
Join local Bucks based tea experts Mark & Giles, the spoons behind Two Spoons Tea Ltd (named after the tools of their trade, their tasting spoons!) to discover the story of tea from bush to cup.
They have over 50 years of combined expertise as professional tea tasters, have travelled extensively in the wonderful world of tea to hone their craft and tasted more than a million cups between them!
The masterclass is interactive (tea tasting will be involved!), informative and fun.
Do you know just what goes into your daily cuppa? Hear the stories, passion and expertise behind our daily brew – the second most popular beverage in the world after water.
You’ll also get to make your very own blend to take home.
This course accommodates 10 people.
Find out more about Giles Oakley, Mark Lawson and the other workshop leaders.
‘Inkspiration’ this workshop will give you a chance to explore and learn a new skill in a relaxed environment.
Judi Wymark, an experienced teacher and a practitioner of calligraphy and calligraphic art for a number of years and currently the official scribe to the Mayor of High Wycombe, will guide us in the art of Decorative Calligraphy where you will learn the skills to shape letters and create both a decorative label and a name card (perhaps as a gift for framing!), to take home with you.
All materials, paper, ink and nibs will be supplied and Judi will also have available packs of vintage nibs for sale.
You will be using ink and sharp nibs during this workshop, so we suggest that you wear an old overshirt and an apron to protect your clothes from ink stains.
This course accommodates 6 people.
Lampshade Making with Katrina de Toney of Lampshade Parade on Thursday 25th May. During this 3-½ hour course you will learn how to make your very own 30cm drum lampshade to take home with you. All the tips and skills that you acquire on the day will enable you to confidently recreate the steps at home to make more lampshades as and when you wish.
Katrina will provide all tools, equipment and materials required to make your drum lampshade.
The course is suitable for complete beginners as all steps will be carefully explained and demonstrated, along with all the short cuts, finer techniques and advice that will take your lampshade from amateur to professional!
This course accommodates 10 people.
Learn to craft your own drum lampshade, suitable for either a table or ceiling light, with Katrina de Toney of Lampshade Parade.
During this course you will learn how to make your very own 30cm drum lampshade to take home with you. All the tips and skills that you acquire on the day will enable you to confidently recreate the steps at home to make more lampshades as and when you wish.
Please bring your own choice of fabric, 100cm x 40cm, all other materials and equipment will be provided.
The course is suitable for complete beginners as all steps will be carefully explained and demonstrated, along with all the short cuts, finer techniques and advice that will take your lampshade from amateur to professional!
This course accommodates 8 people.
Find out more about Katrina de Toney and the other workshop leaders.
On this workshop, gardener, author, broadcaster and Chelsea Flower Show exhibitor, Julia Parker will guide you through how, where and when to plant French climbing beans and Dwarf French beans, Fennel, Beetroot, Broccoli for the winter, Carrots and Salads to grow through to September along with how to keep a seasonal supply of Herbs throughout the year.
All this with a heavy sprinkling of Julia’s vast knowledge, top tips and handy sustainable gardening know hows. This will be an interactive workshop, so please do bring an apron and or thin gardening gloves if you would like.
Please arrive at 9.45am for a 10am start.
This course accommodates 10 people.
Find out more about Julia Parker and the other workshop leaders.
Learn the importance of the psychology of colour and how it affects our decorating choices.
Charlotte Reynolds, from Studio Portobello, will start the morning with a presentation showing how you can introduce and incorporate colour, pattern and texture to ultimately enhance your interiors and to ensure happy and harmonious living.
This is followed by questions and a general discussion session and ends with a hands on practical workshop where you can explore mood boarding.
In this 3hr seasonal workshop you will be guided step by step, by Jay Nolan-Latchford, to create two beautiful pieces of art.
Midnight Sky is a gorgeous layered watercolour in shades of blue and Winter Deer is painted using inks and detailed with gold powder for a lovely sheen
Jay is a professional illustrator and award-winning tutor. She has worked as a freelance artist and also established her own design company which specialised in greetings cards and gift wrap, where her clients included, Harrods, Fortnum and Mason, Selfridges and John Lewis.
Her popular classes are a wonderful way to learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded people.
This class is suitable for beginners upwards, there will be demonstrations and plenty of time for one to one guidance.
All of your materials and equipment will be provided as well as refreshments.
You’ll take home two completed pieces which can be photographed and used to print your personal Christmas Cards.
This course accommodates 8 people.
Find out more about Jay Nolan-Latchford and the other workshop leaders.
Katrina Francis
Great Morning with lovely host Charlotte
Showing and guiding us all through some fascinating ideas and giving expert advice
Really enjoyed it and love to learn more x