Budgeting Workshops London

Hand-building Pottery Workshop @ cave Pimlico

**Join our relaxed and sociable hand-building pottery workshop in the heart of Pimlico!** Perfect for beginners and those with some experience, each session starts with a short introduction to hand-building techniques before tutor Emma helps you bring your ideas to life. More experienced makers are welcome to work on personal projects with guidance as needed. **All clay, tools, glazing and firing are included. Once your piece is complete, choose a glaze colour and we'll fire it for you—ready to collect in around a month.** PLEASE BOOK VIE OUR EVENTBRITE PAGE TO SECURE YOUR SPOT: [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hand-building-pottery-workshop-cave-pimlico-tickets-1232164229379) We'd love to see you there! If you have any **questions**, email **[cavepimlico@gmail.com](mailto:cavepimlico@gmail.com)**.

Acting Workshop

We are an informal and friendly group who meet in one of the studios at the Cockpit Theatre to develop our skills and confidence in a relaxed environment. We will go through a few exercises and try out some: improvisation, script work, duologues or monologues, with participants optionally bringing their own material or pieces to work on together. The exercises and things we work on differ from week to week. Beginners are welcome. The workshop is led by Mark Ramsay, a trained actor with almost 30 years of film and stage experience with occasional assistance from a guest facilitator. Venue: The Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone, Gateforth St, London NW8 8EH, Studio 3 (Upstairs) **Time: 18:30 to 20:30** Cost: £7 for the room hire, payable at the venue in cash **If no longer attending please update RSVP**

London Read Together – October edition!

DARNING TECHNIQUES - 1 DAY

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/patching-sashiko-boro-applique-1-day-5/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/patching-sashiko-boro-applique-1-day-5/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Course:** Textile Repair workshops: **Darning (1 day)** **Suitable for:** Suitable for beginners, enjoyable for those with experience. **About:** Come and learn textile repair techniques choose one of the courses on offer. A way of extending the life of your wardrobe pieces or much loved textile items. The beautiful art of sustainable repair. Extend the life of your clothes by fixing holes and adding character. Darning, once a common household skill, is regaining its popularity as people look to avoid fast fashion and textile waste. Join us for a day of darning and leave feeling confident and ready to tackle rips, holes, wear and tear. During the day, you will go through woven darning and swiss darning. You will use multiple hand darning methods as well as a darning loom. Learn different stitches and techniques necessary to make mends on all types of clothing, from old jeans to knitted jumpers. Experiment with patterns and colours to bring a new life to your old clothes. Bring along a piece of clothing or two to practice the new techniques on and mend throughout the day! Chunky knits work best to practice on at first so bring along an old jumper

CARPENTRY FOR BEGINNERS – 10 EVENINGS – WOOD TABLE

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-12-afternoons-wood-table-36/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-12-afternoons-wood-table-36/) ⋆⋆⋆ In this throw-away age, when all the furniture we own is assembled and not built, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to spend some precious time learning how to use ageless tools to make something everlasting from wood. These evenings are a perfect starting point for many aspects of woodwork that will give you the confidence to choose and replicate basic wood joints into other projects. Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, experienced Woodworker, Len Conway will guide and inspire you as he teaches age-old techniques in joinery. As you begin making objects traditionally constructed from seasoned pine, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and spokeshaves. Len is an experienced woodworker and teacher. Students will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence. We will cover many aspects of traditional carpentry tuition. There will be lots of practical exercises in each session including a project to make a simple frame table that you will take home. Students will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence. **Step I – We will get familiar with some tools of the trade:** * Introducing basic tools. Equipping a toolbox for home carpentry. * Timber selection/marking out and cutting. Tips on woods, saws and drills. * Using a plane, different types of planes. Sharpening tips and practice. * Using a chisel and its uses. Sharpening tips and practice. **Step II – You will use planes, chisels and marking tools:** * Simple joints and why we use them. * Half joints, lap joints. Practice using chisels and planes. * Bridle joints and a mortise and tenon **Step III – You will make a simple project to take home:** It’s fast-paced but with the support of Len, you will complete your own project to make a simple frame and legs for a small table * Work from selected pine and measure, mark and cut pieces. * Choose and make joints, assemble and secure with adhesive or screws. * Sand and smooth to a stage where your project is ready for staining or waxing and taken home with pride. All personal protection, the use of tools and basic materials are included.

Samba Reggae Drumming Workshop - open to all levels!

Come along to the Maxilla to enjoy a drumming workshop open to all levels, whether you're beginning or an advanced drummer, you can learn how to play the authentic afro brazilian rhythms with Marcos Santana all the way from Salvador de Bahia! £10 Any queries call Marcos on 07772 470198 As featured in Time Out's "1000 things to do in London for under £10"! http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/f/8/c/event_243632652.jpeg

INTRO TO WOODWORK – FLIP LID DOVETAIL BOX – 6 EVENINGS

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-evenings-55/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-evenings-55/) ⋆⋆⋆ **Course:** Intro to Woodwork – Flip Lid Dovetail Box **Suitable for:** Confident beginners. Some basic woodworking experience is useful for this course but not necessary. **About:** Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this six week evening course will teach you the fundamentals of woodwork and give you an opportunity to use classic hand tools; brass backed tenon saws, sharp wood chisels and delicately honed vintage wood planes. An absorbing course for confident beginners and a enjoyable learning experience for anyone with a little woodworking experience. Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this six week evening course will teach you the fundamentals of woodwork and give you an opportunity to use classic hand tools; brass backed tenon saws, sharp wood chisels and delicately honed vintage wood planes. This well proportioned flip lidded box is constructed of European Redwood using a single dovetail joint at each corner and the fitted hardwood lid is attached to the base by a handmade ‘dowel’ peg hinge. The project will familiarise learners with many classic woodwork techniques and is taught with patience and enthusiasm by Andy Nicholl, who has devised this informative and challenging project. You will take home a treasure to treasure and we hope it will enthuse you to learn how to make many handmade woodwork projects in the years to come. If your keyboard weary hands have been needing a skill to fulfil and satisfy a yearning desire to create something you can hold, come and join us in our well equipped and inspiring workshops and discover the wonderful world of woodwork. **Check our website for other event timetables** ➡️ [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box/)

CARPENTRY FOR BEGINNERS – 12 EVENINGS – WOOD TABLE

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-12-afternoons-wood-table-36/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-12-afternoons-wood-table-36/) ⋆⋆⋆ In this throw-away age, when all the furniture we own is assembled and not built, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to spend some precious time learning how to use ageless tools to make something everlasting from wood. These 12 evenings are a perfect starting point for many aspects of woodwork that will give you the confidence to choose and replicate basic wood joints into other projects. Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, experienced Woodworker, Len Conway will guide and inspire you as he teaches age-old techniques in joinery. As you begin making objects traditionally constructed from seasoned pine, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and spokeshaves. Len is an experienced woodworker and teacher. Students will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence. Over 12 weeks, we will cover many aspects of traditional carpentry tuition. There will be lots of practical exercises in each session including a project to make a simple frame table that you will take home. Students will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence. **Step I – We will get familiar with some tools of the trade:** * Introducing basic tools. Equipping a toolbox for home carpentry. * Timber selection/marking out and cutting. Tips on woods, saws and drills. * Using a plane, different types of planes. Sharpening tips and practice. * Using a chisel and its uses. Sharpening tips and practice. **Step II – You will use planes, chisels and marking tools:** * Simple joints and why we use them. * Half joints, lap joints. Practice using chisels and planes. * Bridle joints and a mortise and tenon **Step III – You will make a simple project to take home:** It’s fast-paced but with the support of Len, you will complete your own project to make a simple frame and legs for a small table * Work from selected pine and measure, mark and cut pieces. * Choose and make joints, assemble and secure with adhesive or screws. * Sand and smooth to a stage where your project is ready for staining or waxing and taken home with pride. All personal protection, the use of tools and basic materials are included.

PATTERN MAKING WORKSHOP

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/pattern-making-workshop/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/pattern-making-workshop/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Suitable for:** Suitable for complete beginners, those interested in starting their journey into creating their own garment patterns or Individuals seeking solutions for fitting commercial patterns and who may have some sewing experience. A good level of English and basic math skills are useful. **About:** You will learn step-by-step instructions in a relaxed and supportive environment. You will learn the technical skills and knowledge that you need to be able to create your very own garment patterns using the **flat pattern cutting method.** During the course, you will work your way through a range of exercises that are designed and delivered in a practical and interactive format. These provide the foundation of a student’s portfolio of knowledge as well as samples to work from and build upon. No prior pattern making knowledge or previous sewing experience is needed and you do not need to know how to use a sewing machine prior to starting the course.

INTRO TO WOODWORK – FLIP LID DOVETAIL BOX – 6 AFTERNOONS

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-afternoons-53/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-afternoons-53/) ⋆⋆⋆ **Course:** Intro to Woodwork – Flip Lid Dovetail Box **Suitable for:** Confident beginners. Some basic woodworking experience is useful for this course but not necessary. **About:** Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this six week evening course will teach you the fundamentals of woodwork and give you an opportunity to use classic hand tools; brass backed tenon saws, sharp wood chisels and delicately honed vintage wood planes. An absorbing course for confident beginners and a enjoyable learning experience for anyone with a little woodworking experience. Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this six week evening course will teach you the fundamentals of woodwork and give you an opportunity to use classic hand tools; brass backed tenon saws, sharp wood chisels and delicately honed vintage wood planes. This well proportioned flip lidded box is constructed of European Redwood using a single dovetail joint at each corner and the fitted hardwood lid is attached to the base by a handmade ‘dowel’ peg hinge. The project will familiarise learners with many classic woodwork techniques and is taught with patience and enthusiasm by Andy Nicholl, who has devised this informative and challenging project. You will take home a treasure to treasure and we hope it will enthuse you to learn how to make many handmade woodwork projects in the years to come. If your keyboard weary hands have been needing a skill to fulfil and satisfy a yearning desire to create something you can hold, come and join us in our well equipped and inspiring workshops and discover the wonderful world of woodwork. **Check our website for other event timetables** ➡️ [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box/)

CLOTHES MAKING & ALTERING WORKSHOP

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-eve-6-11-weeks-2/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-eve-6-11-weeks-2/) **⋆⋆⋆** Do you want to jump into making your own clothes but have never used a pattern? Do you wish to copy a beloved piece of clothing? Would you like to learn how to adjust your own pattern to fit just you? Learn how to take body measurements, read and alter a commercial pattern to fit, lay out and cut fabric and construct a finished garment to a high standard using one of our Janome 525s or Bernina 1008 series sewing machines. During the sessions of this small group of learners you will gain confidence and improve any sewing skills you already have. If you have never used a machine, we can guide you through making a simple garment from a purchased pattern. Bring your own pattern or use one of our small selection. If you have sewing experience but want to start creating your own patterns, you can learn how to create a bespoke piece of clothing. You can also bring a piece of clothing to alter or fix. We supply the basics and the calico you will use to make a ‘toile’ (an inexpensive mock up) to save you ruining your chosen final fabric. Along the way, talented tutor and seamstress will teach you lots of techniques and tips to ramp up your sewing passion. This is a perfect class if you have been teaching yourself so far, or if your last project was made a long time ago at school. **Suitable for:** Suitable for beginners, enjoyable for those with experience. A good level of English and basic math skills are useful. **Next start date:** Check our website for more dates: [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/clothes-making-altering/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/clothes-making-altering/)

UPHOLSTERY – BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR – WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-wednesday-eve-20/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-wednesday-eve-20/) **⋆⋆⋆** KEY PROJECT: RE-UPHOLSTERING YOUR OWN CHAIR. Suitable for beginners and fun for advanced learners. This workshop is led by Krasmira Nikolova, an experienced upholsterer. We provide the use of all upholstery tools and equipment including compressed air staple guns. Basic upholstery materials that you require for your project will be moderately charged on a pay-as-you-use basis and will be dependent on each chair’s requirements. We can advise you on the purchase of your top fabric and we have a lovely library of fabric samples to help make up your mind. The Goodlife Centre sells all the basic tools and materials for use on projects worked on at home. This is a fantastic chance to up-cycle and personalise a family piece you have at home or a junk shop find and a great way to immerse yourself into the wonderful world of upholstery. The course is suitable for both beginners and those who have a basic knowledge but little experience who wish to extend their expertise. **Choosing a suitable chair** If you are a newcomer to upholstery, there are a couple of pointers to help you choose a chair to work on. Choose something that has one or two flat planes – a seat and a back – as curves and arms are more complex and take longer to achieve. The chair on the right was completed in about 12 weeks. If you are a complete beginner, you could bring something more simple such as an upholstered footstool. More experienced upholsters can bring more complex pieces. Your chair can be traditionally built or modern, but be aware that some modern pieces have been constructed using machinery and are difficult to recreate by hand. [Click here for a detailed PDF of suitable chairs.](https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2r8UvbQtaH5RTVKUjlBdkhDX3c/view?usp=sharing) **Please email info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk with a photo of your chair prior to the course so we can answer any suitability questions and advise if your chair is suitable**. We have very limited storage at the centre, so we can only store smaller pieces during the course. Please make sure the total dimensions are less than 1000mm high by 750mm wide, with a depth of 750mm. The use of tools and machinery is included. All materials will be charged at nominal rates. Some materials will not be kept in stock but can be ordered. Approved projects can be stored at the centre. We cannot offer additional time to work on your project outside of workshop times.