Discover craft workshops for adults in Basingstoke and Deane.

Whether you want to try a new hobby or get back into an old one, craft workshops are a fun and relaxing way to get creative. They also make thoughtful gifts and are a great way to spend time with friends.

If you’re looking to get creative this year, there are plenty of adult craft workshops happening across Basingstoke and Deane.

Art classes and painting sessions

Ridgeway Community Centre hosts a weekly art course every Monday, with morning and afternoon sessions available. All materials are provided, and you can get in touch via VickiFrancis.Westside@outlook.com for details.

For something more structured, Azure Art Academy offers ten-week drawing and painting courses designed by illustrator Liam Kelleher. Morning and afternoon options are available, each focusing on developing technical skills at a gentle pace. You can find out more and book through the Azure Art Academy website.

Local artist Rachel Davis runs two weekly sessions: a Wednesday morning class at Oakridge West Community Centre, and ‘Art in the Pub’ on alternate Wednesday evenings at The Queen’s College Arms. Both are relaxed, sociable and suitable for all abilities. To enquire, email racheldavis.artist@gmail.com.

If you prefer a one-off creative evening, The Dragonfly hosts a monthly brush party-style ‘sip and paint’ night on the first Thursday of each month.

Join Basingstoke Art Club to participate in a variety of activities including sketching days, Wednesday painting group, figure and life drawing, as well as their annual exhibition in the Willis Museum. Membership is £28 per year, and you can join at any point during the year.

College Arts is a small art school based in Ellisfield offering classes and workshops for all abilities, taught by highly qualified artist teachers. From botanical painting and life drawing, to oil, watercolour and sculpture, sessions take place at College Farm with an emphasis on classical, traditional techniques. Courses typically consist of nine or 10 lessons, while workshops are usually one full day.

Jewellery making and glass art

For those who love working with materials, there are some brilliant hands-on workshops from around the borough.

The Hampshire School of Jewellery offers a range short, beginner-friendly classes at their Basingstoke studio. From silver spinning rings to bangles and stacking rings, these sessions are ideal for learning a new technique or refreshing an old one. They also offer private bookings for groups.

In Sherborne St John, The Glass Duck runs regular fused glass workshops suitable for all ages and abilities. Sessions take place either in their studio or at venues across Hampshire and Berkshire, with options for private groups, schools and corporate bookings.

Atelier Vidrio at Viables Craft Centre is a family‑run fused glass studio offering flexible workshops where you can design your own piece or use one of their artist made templates. Sessions run monthly (first Saturday, second Wednesday, first Monday) and include all materials, tools, lunch or light bites and unlimited drinks. They also offer walk‑in workshops at £25 per hour, including materials and guidance.

Petra Jewellery also at Viables Craft Centre offers a variety of jewellery‑making experiences, including opportunities to design a piece with guidance from their goldsmith, gemstone sessions, personalised gift experiences and jewellery‑making parties.

Knitting, crochet and textile crafts

Tadley Library hosts friendly Knit and Natter group every other Friday morning, open to knitters of all ages and experience levels. The library also runs a U3A art group twice a month.

At Hobbycraft Basingstoke, you’ll find workshops including a beginner’s guide to crocheting, plus one to one knitting sessions for anyone wanting personalised help with stitches, patterns or projects. More details and booking options are available on the Hobbycraft website.

Oakley Stitchers run beginners and intermediate knot, crochet and cross stitch workshops on the second Sunday of each month at the Wote Street Club. To book, email workshops@oakleystitchers.org.uk.

Candle making and cosy crafting

Laura Fisher’s candle making workshops offer a seasonal, hands-on experience at Scrapps Hill Farm. Participants explore fragrances, pour their own candle and enjoy a cream tea from the Parlour Tearoom.

New to the local craft scene, Thread & Toast is a craft café offering a cosy space to stitch, paint or make, over great coffee and food. Workshops are announced on their Facebook page.

Mac and Weave by Char host a variety of workshops at Viables Craft Centre, including a bracelets and cream tea workshop on Saturday 24 January and Valentine's macrame heart and fizz on Thursday 12 February.

Accessible and wellbeing focused art sessions

Proteus Theatre and Basingstoke Disability Forum run free accessible art sessions throughout spring 2025, with adaptive equipment available and carers welcome to join. Spaces are limited and registration is required via office@bddf.org.uk.

Artwells' ‘This is my space’ project provides a safe, welcoming environment to explore different art forms with visiting guest artists. Sessions take place on Friday afternoons at Brookvale Village Hall, with referrals available through healthcare providers. Contact hello@artwell-basingstoke.co.uk about attending.

More formal art and design study

If you’re thinking about taking your creativity further, BCoT offers Level 1, 2 and 3 art and design courses. These courses are more intensive and aimed at building a portfolio, with support from specialist tutors and access to professional facilities.

Crafting is a great way to unwind, learn something new and meet people who share your interests and with so many options on the doorstep, it’s the perfect time to give it a go.

January 2026