Christmas Workshops | 4 Must Try Workshops This Festive Season

Christmas is almost upon us and with that comes the pressure to find the perfect gifts and some people are just so hard to buy gifts for. Perhaps though there’s actually nothing better than a luxury item crafted by hand. What better way to show your appreciation for a friend or family member than with a hand crafted candle or delicately written cards that you made yourself. It’s a chance to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of learning a new craft. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a list of our must try workshops…

1. Craft your very own wreath with JamJar Flowers

Based in London and established in 2009, JamJar Flowers is a core team of five talented individuals who share a passion for creativity.

The idea for JamJar Flowers started around a kitchen table. Inspired by the wildflowers collected by founder Melissa Richardson in the Sussex woods and meadows surrounding her home. The simple charm of flowers displayed in this natural and unfussy way, along with our love of native flora, has led their style of beautiful, natural arrangements where seasonal flowers are celebrated.

This December, JamJar Flowers are holding Christmas wreath workshops. During the workshop you will learn how to create a spectacular wreath from scratch using a bar wire wreath base and various types of spruce. This will then be adorned with seasonal foliage, seed heads, fruits and winter berries that will result in a stunning festive wreath to take home. All materials are included and work aprons will be provided.

2.  Top notch natural candle making with Earl of East

Earl of East founders, Paul Firmin & Niko Dafkos began hand pouring scented candles from their East London home in 2015. Since then, the business has grown to include three stores and a home fragrance and bathing product range that boasts over 220 stockists worldwide.

Their core range of scented candles includes 8 fragrances, each one capturing the essence of a place the duo love. From the remote hills of Greece (“Greenhouse”), to late summers in mellow Lisbon (“Viagem”), Earl of East scents are a homage to adventure.

We are delighted to share with you that Earl of East don’t just supply wonderful products, you can take one of their workshops to make them too. Their soy wax candles are vegan friendly and made sustainably in their East London studio, the candles are crafted using bespoke blends of the finest botanical fragrance and essential oils. They are made out of non-GMO eco wax and self-trimming cotton wicks, ensuring a clean burn and excellent throw – the perfect gift for the eco-conscious.

Earl of East’s popular candle making workshops are a must try, although get in there quick they are selling out fast – here’s a link to book in your spot or purchase a voucher.

3. Master the art of calligraphy with Quill London

Originally a passion project that stemmed from a love of beautiful things and meaningful correspondence, Quill London began in 2012. Founder Lucy Edmonds began scouring the globe to bring back to London an eclectic collection of stylish stationery and paper goods that she adored from super talented designers and makers from Japan to San Francisco.

A few years later, she spotted all the beautiful modern calligraphy coming out of the USA and realised there was nowhere in London you could learn it. What was London’s first modern calligraphy workshop now offers full modern calligraphy services including workshops and a newly released ‘Modern Calligraphy’ book.

Today, Quill London is more than just a stationery and modern calligraphy studio—it’s a place for those looking to add a little style and indulgence to their home and office.

4. Learn how to construct Christmas Crackers at Petersham Nurseries. 

Last but not least, Petersham Nurseries are renowned for their amazing workshops and their subjects cover everything from pasta to hand tied bouquets.

Under the guidance of Florence Saurmarez of Inq Bath, you will have the opportunity to not only make exquisite crackers but make your own miniature monogramed paperweight too, with a base of colourful marbled paper, which will become one of the special gifts in your cracker set.

Whilst this is drying, you can set to work on the crackers themselves which, once filled with your personalised gift, message and hat will become an individual work of art that will elevate your Christmas table to the level of a Venetian banquet.

For more information on this workshop visit the Petersham Nurseries website here.

Images: Quill London, Petersham Nurseries, JamJar Flowers and Sarah Bates.