Arts, crafts and creative courses

What can I learn?

Choose from costume making, creative writing, crochet, drawing and painting, dressmaking, fabric dying and printing, flower arranging, knitting, machine embroidery, patchwork, quilting and pottery. Courses run at different times during the year and some of the courses currently on offer are listed below. Choose a level of course that is right for you from beginners, intermediate to advanced. 

To find out what's on offer right now please search for courses local to you on our course finder or contact your local centre.

Card making

Learn the art of card making and make a range of stunning cards including gatefold, Z fold and easel cards. Take a look at all card making courses. 

Creative writing

Discover the world of creative writing, exploring a range of writing techniques, styles and tones to help you to write your own work.  Take a look at all creative writing courses. 

Crochet

With the current fashion for all things ‘retro’, the art of crochet is one of the many vintage crafts now enjoying a come-back. Take a look at all crochet courses. 

Drawing and painting

Begin with still life drawing and learn how to add tone to basic drawing techniques.  Develop your artistic skills further with an introduction to painting skills and experiment with a range of painting techniques and styles such as watercolours, pastels and oils. Take a look at all drawing and painting courses. 

Dressmaking

Learn all about dressmaking with our wide range of courses. From getting started with dressmaking to specialist masterclasses, there's something for everyone. Take a look at all dressmaking courses. 

Fabric dyeing and printing

Come along and learn the techniques used to create hand dyed and printed fabrics. All the techniques are suitable for using at home once you have learnt the basics. Take a look at all fabric dyeing and printing courses.

Felt flowers

All kinds of flowers and foliage can be created using felt. If you'd like to try a new craft and be able to create everlasting decorations and accessories, come along to one of our courses. Take a look at all felt flower courses.

Flower arranging

Whatever your level there's always fun to be had with seasonal flowers and foliage. Come along and join a beginners course, or learn more advanced skills with one of our specialist masterclasses. Take a look at all flower arranging courses. 

Knitting

Get to grips with hand knitting and learn skills and techniques from reading a basic knitting pattern to casting on and off, learning stitches and work through to making your own garment. Take a look at all knitting courses. 

Machine embroidery

The craft of machine embroidery has progressed and transformed into many different art forms, appearing not only in clothing or soft furnishings but within gallery exhibitions and chic gift shops. On our courses you will work with an expert tutor to bring your ideas to reality. Take a look at all machine embroidery courses. 

Patchwork and quilting

This captivating hobby equips you with the skills to make colourful quilts, throws, wall hangings and more. Lots of levels available so please take a look at all patchwork and quilting courses. 

Pottery

From our pottery studio in Cottingham we have a wide range of popular courses for all levels. For beginners choose the  getting started with pottery course where you can try pottery for the first time and see if it's for you. For improvers and more advanced learners we have courses where you can experiment with your own ideas, with expert tuition. Take a look at all pottery courses. 

Where can I learn?

There are four main adult learning centres around the East Riding and many of our courses are taught in these centres. For more information on the venues, please see the venue details page. 

How much do courses cost?

Course costs vary, depending on the duration and type of course, and your personal circumstances (for example, if you’re on certain benefits or you’re taking a particular qualification).  For more information on course types, concessions and paying by instalments, please see our  how much courses costs page

How do I find and book on a course?

You can use our course finder to search for courses by title, subject or location.  

You can also contact your nearest adult learning centre where our friendly staff will be happy to give you more information about courses that interest you.