Minerva Workshop

"The Lampshade 2 day course was great. Very professional and clear instruction, in a relaxed and friendly environment, in a cool part of London with terrific cafes for your lunch break. I was amazed that I and everyone on the class produced lampshades that you see in featured in interior magazines." From a recent participant

Gathered & Pleated lampshades are currently enjoying a revival of interest. Traditionally made using plain fabrics, they are now being created from an array of fabrics.

You will learn all the skills you need to make your own Pleated lampshades, fully lined with gentle pleats and finished to a high standard. You will then be able to go on to make more shades, either professionally or for your own use.

DAY ONE: 10 - 5.30PM

Binding your lampshade frame (a straight sided empire frame 20cm or 25cm base measurement).

You will learn how to bind your frame

Measuring and making a pleated lining for the lampshade from cotton or linen

Pleating your fabric, and attaching and hand sewing it onto the frame

Between the end of Day One & Day Two there will be some hand-sewing to complete in your own time.

DAY TWO: 10 - 5.30PM

Hand sewing your lining onto the frame

Making and attaching bias binding for your lampshade

Completing any hand sewing your outer gathered fabric onto the frame

You do not need any previous experience, although a love of hand sewing or an intention to have one is ideal! There is a lot of hand sewing required to attach your fabric onto the frame.



Pleated Lampshades with a Pleated Lining 

Amie 

I had a wonderful weekend with Moji learning how to make a pleated shade with pleated lining. She is a fantastic teacher and has a natural rapport with students. This was the second course I have done with Moji and would love to do more! The Minerva studio space is bright and well equipped, and it was lovey to sit and chat with like minded makers. Thank you!

Sareka Barwood

Lovely workspace and environment. Great course and expert tutor Moji. I left with a beautiful lampshade and enthusiasm to make some more. I shall be back for more lampshade techniques and styles and also to try some of the other courses available. Thank you Lottie, thank you Moji and love to the other ladies - it was a great lil lampshade team. :) x Wahoooo!

monique

I loved the course however I would recommend for the students to be able to take home a few pins etc that were used in the course and are essential tools to make a shade at home.  A small gesture that would have made the difference. 

Felicity Day-Robinson

The most fantastic course! I couldn’t recommend it more - such a fun way to spend a weekend and amazing knowledge taken from it.

Faith Short

The workshop was wonderful. Claire was an excellent tutor, taking us slowly and carefully through the process and sharing her expertise. So pleased with my finished lampshade. Minerva is a really lovely studio and Lottie is a great host. Highly recommended.

Melanie Quacquarelli

What a fantastic couple of days with excellent teaching and facilities. So pleased to have discovered Minerva and a new bunch of friends on top of much needed skills.

This course exceeded my expectations! I went wanting to learn how to make lampshades and found it also so therapeutic I cannot wait to sign up to another one! The teacher was so helpful and kind .. with all the mistakes I made! Can’t wait to be back for more 

Susan R

Claire, our instructor, was cheerful throughout the two days of instruction.  We all felt quite chuffed with the final product.  I would highly recommend this class.

Claire Birnie-Reid

Such I great workshop. I really enjoyed my two days at Minerva. Excellent tutor Claire and so pleased with my pleated lampshade. 

Georgie Soames

Such a brilliant course! Lottie is a wonderfully patient teacher! She explains and demonstrates every aspect of the lampshade making process so it was easy to understand. I walked in on day 1 without a clue and walked out at the end of day 2 having made a professional looking, pleated lampshade! Can’t believe it! Thank you Lottie! 

Deborah 

The reviews I read are all correct.  I am not a domestic goddess and have never used a sewing machine before so I simply cannot believe that I have created a beautiful lampshade in a weekend.  All down to the teaching.  And I had a lovely time!

Simon & Nicola

Having read very positive online feedback regarding Minerva Workshop, we booked our spaces, flights from Belfast and accommodation. 
Of course there was always the risk that it wouldn't be worth the huge expense to travel and stay in another country.... However, we had the best time! 
Lottie is an amazing tutor, the course was very easy to follow, and we were amongst a group of lovely other people. 
We couldn't suggest any improvements, and would recommend travelling distances to attend, it's definitely worth it. 
Will return again... just wondering what I want to try my hand at now..... Simon. 

Sarah B

A fabulous course and a great weekend. Lottie is the most brilliant teacher - it was such fun that it really didn’t feel like a lesson. We learned so much and we all came away with a beautiful pleated lampshade and another frame,  kit and detailed instructions to make a second shade at home. 
There were six of us on the two day course. It was a lovely atmosphere with lots of chatting and stitching! 
Can’t recommend the course highly enough. 


Jo Bole

F A N T A S T I C
Very well taught course by the lovely Lottie - and somehow I have a beautiful lampshade that looks gorgeous and professional 💪
A lovely way to spend the weekend and thoroughly recommended. 

Jacinta Scannell

I strongly recommend this class to anyone thinking of learning to make lampshades.  Lottie  is a very experienced teacher, extremely patient, and always encouraging.  The studio is a lovely space to learn in, all equipment is provided along with continuous refreshments and sweet treats.  Class numbers are small so everyone can benefit from individual attention as well as group learning.  As well
as going home with a unique hand made item, we all learned a range of skills that can be put to use again and again. I can’t wait for my next Minerva Workshop. Thank you Lottie for a fun-filled creative weekend. 

Susannah Hammond

I absolutely loved my weekend with Lottie and 3 delightful fellow students.  We not only had a very jolly time but we also mastered a skill that I have admired for years and never thought I could actually pull off myself.  Wonders can happen!  

Rosemary Croft

I attended the Pleated Lampshade workshop, and cannot recommend it highly enough!! Lottie was such a fantastic teacher, explaining every step in detail and demonstrating the tricker techniques - making them really easy to understand. The Minerva studio is such a lovely light space, with endless supply of biscuits and tea. I came home with a gorgeous lampshade, and already have quite a few requests for more! 

Clare  Langdale Brown

I loved  the pleated lampshade making course with Clare. She is a a really good teacher. Clear in her instructions and very encouraging. Lottie has created a friendly and creative space which is a pleasure to spend time in. I would highly recommend this course. 

Angela Parry-Cooke

Lottie was a great teacher and good fun. Highly recommend. 

Learn how to make your own beautiful soft pleated lampshade with a pleated lining

Start or close the week in the best possible way with creativity and reflection. Join artist Lottie Cole for a friendly weekly art session. Throughout the morning we'll draw and sketch together around a group theme and review our work at the end of the session. Or you are welcome to bring your own personal project to work on in a supportive atmosphere if you would rather.  Coffee, Tea and Cake will be provided. This course runs weekly with some exceptions - so please check the dates.  There are discounts for bulk purchases.

Weekly Art Group/Studio Time

Artiste

Goodness do I enjoy the Minerva Workshop Weekly art group. The guidance is gentle and kind (especially useful when you are coming back in to dabbling in studio art after some years) and the variety of supplies is fantastic. 

Mondays & Fridays/Weekly Art Group/Studio Time

The class was excellent and very enjoyable. There was a wide variety of high quality materials and Lottie Cole provided just the right amount of instruction and direction mixed with enthusiasm and a sense of fun.

Was feeling apprehensive about just turning up but it was excellent.

Wioletta Loszczuk 


I really enjoy going to the weekly studio time.  It's great to have a place to go each week to develop my own creative projects.  Lottie is really supportive, there is a good range of materials to use, and the studio is a welcoming space.  I would definitely recommend it. 

olivia

Studio time is a great moment. as a graphic designer, i spend a lot of time working alone, and it is great to find people to show your work to, learn from and get encouraged by. I love this session, ans i recommend it warmly. 


Pat Farrington

Coming back to art, having done a rigid A Level course in 1959, I'm learning how to stylise and use other techniques like collage which I'm really enjoying.  
Occasionally, it feels like falling off a cliff, as I'm used to realism,  but Lottie Cole is always there with a parachute full of quiet suggestions and encouragement.
The studio space is light and airy and Lottie is always gives us a warm welcome and real coffee.

Mondays Weekly Art Group/Studio Time

Penny Murley

Lottie Cole was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed my class. She is a very good teacher, explaining techniques  of drawing with charcoal and pastels so I came away with artwork that was almost presentable! I will be going back.

Farida Ali

I am very happy with my classes at Minerva Studios. I have enjoyed the drawing classes and improved my techniques and confidence. Lottie has been wonderful in supporting my artists development. I have been attend in classes since Spring 2021 and plan to continue!

Start the week in the best possible way with creativity and reflection. 

Tracey English is a successful artist & illustrator - her work is instantly recognisable and can be seen on products throughout the UK and across the world.  This is a rare opportunity to spend a day with Tracey where she will share her techniques and inspiration with you.  In the morning you'll prepare papers and plan your A3 picture. After a delicious vegetarian lunch you'll begin to assemble and finalise your design.  At the end of the day you'll be able to take home your very own beautiful art work to treasure.  

Collage & Paper Cutting with Tracey English

Helen 

The venue was perfect, spacious and comfortable with lots of good light. Tracey, our teacher was very generous with information about her techniques  and also sharing her own materials. Lottie, the organiser, and Tracey were both friendly and encouraging and they made sure we all made the most of our day. The information sent out before the workshop was also very thoughtfully constructed so each student knew exactly what to bring, how to find the venue and what to expect. Our lunch was delicious and all in all it really was a wonderful day ! 

Lauri

The venue is fabulous, light and airy with lots of space for us to work, and a separate table for lunch. It was lovely to have lunch provided! Tracey was an excellent teacher and provided lots of tips and info for us to create our own paper collages, and shared some of the lovely papers she created. Both Lottie and Tracey created a lovely atmosphere for us, and the group were very friendly. I traveled all the way from Yorkshire for this workshop, and it was more than worth the early start! :)

penny georgiadis

I had the best day! Totally absorbing, satisfying, creative and addictive paper cutting with Tracey English. Tracey was full of enthusiasm and happy to share her techniques and genuinely seemed to care that everyone had a really constructive, educational and artistic experience. The studio was an artists dream! I would live there if I could. 

Join Tracey English for an inspirational day paper cutting and making your own collage picture

Zoë Burt is an artist, collaborative designer, educator and author with a passion for botanical colours and sustainability. As well as having her own studio & arts practise she tutors and tailor makes creative events for museums, schools and design meets horticulture venues.

Explore a sample of natural dyes made from Bio-waste or Madder & Weld

Discover the links to food and medicine and a brief history of natural dyeing and the resurgence of interest in contemporary practise

Learn how to prepare fabric for dyeing

Create a mini swatch card of modified natural dye colour samples

Naturally dye and uniquely pattern a 35cm piece silk scarf

July 15th - Dyeing with the ancient plants MADDER & WELD
Sept 16th - Dyeing with KITCHEN BOTANICALS

Natural Dyeing with Zoe Burt

A practical introduction to Natural Dyeing  

Led by artist Lottie Cole our After-School sessions are designed to be a break from the school day, a chance for children to explore and develop at their own pace.  They can bring along a sketch book or journal and develop a personal project or use the resources in the studio and experiment or with paper provided, work at different scales and try out new materials. At the end of each session we’ll review what we’ve done and share our thoughts. Suitable for ages 8+    The studio is only 5 minutes walk from Kentish Town Tube Station.  

Young Artists 10-14yrs

Gaelle

The Young Artists class is a magical moment for my daughter.  She is looking forward to entering the wonderful studio every week. Lottie is an excellent and attentive teacher and Eva has made great progress in her technique.

Learn the art of block printing with Louisa Loakes

 Louisa's Studio is based in Peckham, London. Her hand block printed textiles are recognizable by their simple use of geometric form and sparse colour pallet along with a signature dash of hand-painted colour. From studying Fine Art Painting at Wimbledon School of Art, to her work as an artist it has seen a cross over between abstract paintings and textiles. Block printing has been the focus of her work for some years now and she is particularly drawn to Traditional Indian printing techniques. 

Louisa’s work can be seen in Liberty’s and The New Craftsmen. She will share her love of contemporary pattern and colour with you. 

Come and enjoy a day with her, designing and printing a 1m length of material to take home with you and make in to an item of your choice at a later date.

Block Printing with Louisa Loakes 

Allisyn James

Esther

I really enjoyed this workshop. Louisa was a great teacher full information and encouragement. 

Lottie was a fabulous hostess and I will definitely be back for more workshops

Learn the art of block printing with Louisa Loakes

Traditional Stretch Lampshade with a Balloon Lining

Come along and learn the art of making the traditional tailored lampshade with a balloon lining

You will learn all the skills you need to make your own traditional lampshades, fully lined and finished to a high standard. You will then be able to go on to make more shades, either professionally or for your own use.

DAY ONE:

Binding your Scalloped or Plain base lampshade frame

You will learn how to bind your frame

Tailoring and making a soft balloon lining for the lampshade

Stretching and tailoring your fabric, attaching and start hand sewing it onto the frame

Between the end of Day One & Day Two there may be some hand-sewing to complete in your own time, however you are welcome to stay a little later on the day, after the tutor departs, to keep sewing if you would like, or arrive early for the 2nd session. 

DAY TWO:

Completing any hand sewing your outer fabric onto the frame 

Hand sewing your lining onto the frame

Making and attaching a self bias binding for your lampshade

You will leave with your lovely lampshade and full hand outs

The tutor will also take time to demonstrate how to go about making hand sewn trims, adding a fringe or tassel to the base of your frame, and what to consider when buying the trims etc.

You do not need any previous experience, although a love of hand sewing or an intention to have one is ideal! There is a lot of hand sewing required to make these lampshades using traditional methods 

WHAT TO BRING:

Please bring your own fabric - approximately 1m - we recommend that you bring a **medium weight cotton or cotton mix or silk fabric**. Too thin or too thick (such as velvet or heavier upholstery fabrics) and jersey stretch fabrics should be avoided for your first lampshade make.  Please note that we will be using the fabric at a 45degrees (ie on the bias)to get a good stretch, so think about the pattern (eg if your fabric has dogs printed, they will end up at a 45 degree angle!). We will supply white stretch lining.  If you would prefer a different colour please contact us, and we can advise where you can purchase your preferred colour from. 


All courses are 2 days, some run over 2 consecutive weeks, some run 2 days in a row - please be sure to note dates when booking.  

Traditional Soft Lampshade with a Balloon Lining

Adriana Dote 

I super enjoyed the traditional lampshade making workshop with Claire and learned a lot from her in a super comfortable and slow paced environment. The patience, knowledge and super easy going nature of the trainer, Claire, was totally amazing. Claire got me involved in every stage of the process, even in the sewing machine part, which I was completely unfamiliar with - she was happy for me to try and and I was happy to be introduced into sewing. The workshop was a super experience in itself. I was concerned about the length but it turned out that we extended the workshop by almost an hour to get the lapmshade into an almost final stage. The workshop was super enjoyable and super relaxing for me. And glad to know this traditional lampshade making  method now. Thanks a lot!

Learn how to make a beautiful Traditional Soft Lampshade complete with a Balloon Lining

Traditional Stretch Lampshade with a Balloon Lining

Over this short course you'll be introduced to Annie Sloan chalk paint and learn how to maximise the effect of this hugely versatile paint. 

You'll learn a range of painting techniques including how to apply paint, age products and apply finishes to ensure your furniture or walls looks good for years to come.

You will paint the techniques on a board, to take home and use as future reference.

You will use various chalk paints, waxes and finishes.

You will receive 10% off any Annie Sloan paint that you purchase on the day.

An introduction to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint 

Joanna Brogan-Higgins

Great introduction to chalk paints, how to use them and how the different waxes are an integral part of the finished colour.

Great workshop
Very helpful and enjoyable for a total novice 
I learnt so much
Great location with on street parking and easily accessible
Will be back for more

Rhiannon  Nally

Lovely time and enjoyed experimenting with different paints . 
Would be nice to paint a small piece of furniture as well ? 

Julia

A great way to spend an afternoon in a heatwave. Lottie was really welcoming, very informative about Annie Sloane paints and techniques and very interested in my own projects. A great teacher with a lovely sense of humour. Thank you!

Susan Douglas

A very enjoyable afternoon learning lots about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  Our tutor was very knowledgeable and we all came away learning lots.  The other ladies on the workshop were a joy to be with and would totally recommend.

S. O.

I had a lovely time learning all about Annie Sloan's chalk paint and techniques. Lottie is a great teacher - she made us feel comfortable to ask questions and develop our techniques and ideas. She was a wealth of information not just on chalk paints but other materials too. The class was paced just right with enough time to explore the main paint colours and methods. I feel ready to start painting my own furniture now! 

Eleanor Davison

I attended the Annie Sloane workshop to try out the paint, the colours and learn all about techniques.  And it is easier than you think. Lottie (my teacher) was an inspiration- full of painting tips and ideas - and super patient and kind.  She has a great relaxed space to paint in and I so enjoyed the workshop and valued her advice.

renate ridings

The Introduction to Annie Sloan Chalk paint was brilliant, thoroughly enjoyable. 
Such a lovely group and Lottie talked us through all the possibilities as we tried it all ourselves. Thank you Lottie for a great session. I'd highly recommend it to anyone of any ability looking to discover Annie Sloan Chalk Paints. 

Sarah Monk

What a brilliant workshop this was! Lottie was welcoming and her workshop space was neat, well laid out and with deference to Covid with fresh air flowing. The workshop was fascinating and in a morning session we learnt so many great painting techniques for up-cycling furniture. Lottie was attentive and answered all our questions fully and patiently. Such a happy experience. Definitely recommend it and will be booking another Minerva Studios course very soon!

Donna Scott

This was a most enjoyable afternoon. We learned many techniques for using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and waxing, sanding and finishing. Many thanks

Sandra Wall

Sarah  Callis

What a gorgeous afternoon. There were only 2 of us so it was like a private 'masterclass'! A great introduction to get started. We learned the basics & I can't wait to experiment. Lottie was fun, thorough & such a great teacher. It was such an enjoyable few hours.  

Sheila  Berryman 

A fantastic afternoon! I learnt so much in a fun and relaxed environment. Lottie is a great teacher and I would highly recommend this workshop.

Theo Svoronos

Lovely day course, we really enjoyed the introduction - and we now feel inspired to start our DIY projects :)

Jay Bee

A good introductory course, inevitably leading to one’s imagination running wild for future projects…😊

Jane Sudders

Very informative and fun too!  Came away confident to use the paints and eager to practice some of the techniques shown.  Lovely atmosphere with small group and so felt there was time for specific questions about my own projects and also interesting to hear what others plan to do.  Would highly recommend.

James Dutta

Very good, informative. Good group size. Learnt a lot about the application of Annie Sloan paint and the finishing options. Can I have a certificate of attendance? 

Thanks again 

Danielle

Maria Coles

Excellent workshop . Very informative and interesting. Lottie the tutor was friendly and knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend this for anyone wanting to learn how to use chalk paints properly

Sara Welbrock

Thoroughly enjoyed An introduction to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  Lottie was a great teacher,  there were four of us so plenty of time for us all to ask questions as we tried out the various finishes.  Good fun and informative. Would highly recommend. Thank you Lottie 

Lorraine Wilder

My intro to Annie Sloan paint at Minerva was really good fun,  hands-on, informative and inspiring.  Thank you, 

Come and bring your own small furniture project and let us help you paint it and transform it.

This class is suitable for absolute beginners and those who just want a little help in tackling their transformation! We’ll help you prepare and paint your piece.  We’ve got a wide range of AS chalk paint for you to use as part of the workshop and a small range of stencils etc that you are also welcome to use.  Some specialist items like pearlescent glaze, new stencils etc are not included in the workshop but may be purchased on the day.  All purchases on the day are 10% off.

We have parking so you are welcome to drive. Pack a blanket or sheet so that when you take it home nothing smudges.

Size of piece of furniture – Please be realistic!!  We want to work alongside you to finish all the steps on your piece in one day, which means it should be fairly small.  So……. if you need help to carry it…..it’s too big!

Paint A Piece of Furniture

Anne Kajava

Loads of know how; very inspirational; fosters a warm and inclusive environment…❣️

I really enjoyed the Paint of Piece of Furniture class. There were 4 of us and everyone had a different item of furniture so we learned a lot. Lottie makes the whole day very relaxed and fun. She is very artist so gives good advice on colours etc. I will definitely be returning for more classes. Thank you! 

Sophie Fletcher

I loved the Paint a Piece of furniture course at Minerva Workshop. Lottie is a great teacher, sharing her extensive knowledge, giving guidance and advice that allows your own ideas to fly. As a mum of two young boys it was also an amazing way to treat myself to a bit of Me Time and reconnect with my creativity.  Loved it. 

I would highly recommend this superb course which I absolutely loved!  Lottie is an excellent tutor and consequently I learnt so much, thank you.   Furthermore the studio is bright and airy and well located for easy access.  

Bring your own small piece of furniture and spend the day with expert help, upcycling it from ugly duckling to a swan.

The Vine Pub

You will be taken step-by-step guided by high quality pre-recorded videos, showing you exactly how to make your own beautifully Gathered Lampshade with a Balloon Lining.  

The course is hosted on a platform called Thinkific.  It will ask you to register your email, then proceed to purchase the course and when it asks for the coupon enter "Obby" which will give you free access.  

On Demand Gathered Lampshade Course with Kit

We've taken all our knowledge of running in-person classes to record an On-Demand course showing you step-by-step how to make a beautiful Gathered Lampshade.

Over the course of this on-demand course Tracey will share her knowledge and inspiration with you.  She'll then show you step-by-step how to complete three increasingly complex projects.  

Follow the link and register for the course, when you come to the check out enter the code "ObbyTracey" and it will automatically make the cost £0

Collage & Illustration Masterclass with Tracey English

During this on-demand pre-recorded masterclass Tracey will share the materials she uses and with which she gets great results & guide you through 3 projects

We'll supply you with a vine rattan 20cm frame
pine cones, oranges, paper covered wire
a length of string  for hanging and you'll be able to create your own bespoke wreath with what we supply you.  If you have some treasured Christmas decorations of your own these can also be added to your wreath for a really personal touch.  You can choose to use the wreath as a table centre rather than door decoration. 

Christmas Wreath in a Box

Make your own wreath with foraged foilage - everything you need delivered to your door.

Pleated Lampshades with a Pleated Lining

Age Requirement