Do you have gifts to get for people that are hard to buy for? Are you trying to buy more ethically and support local and independent businesses? Do you believe in the wellbeing benefits of engaging in creative activity? Then we're here to help!
Here is our 2022 guide to creative gift giving, especially for those who love to learn how to make their own.
For planet-friendly skincare seekers
Buy them the gift of a soap and skincare making workshop with The Scottish Soapworks. They can choose to learn how to make traditional, cold process soap, or to melt, pour and blend their own soaps, shampoo and hand & body cream (more 2023 options coming soon). Whichever class they choose, they will learn all the need to know to continue making their own skincare at home. Prices start from £95.
For the jewellery lover
Treat them to a silver jewellery making class with Anna Campbell. They will learn how to use silver clay to make unique silver jewellery for themselves (or maybe even for you if you’re lucky!). There are two options for beginners, and three intermediate level classes for those who have previous experience of working with metal clay. Classes start from £60.
For the beach comber
Who doesn't love to collect sea-washed stones and glass, or to repurpose a beloved, broken china tea cup? We have the perfect solution for what to do with those lovely found objects - mosaic making! Jacky from Mossy Mosaics has a host of options to choose from for beginners upwards, and will be bringing more workshops to The Arienas Collective in 2023. Prices start from £30.
For the writer
We believe in the joys of writing by hand, and in its value for our wellbeing - as well as the recipient’s. Be it writing letters to our future selves as a way of recording history, learning the art of calligraphy, or creating our own journals, there's a workshop for the letter writer, budding journal writer or bookbinder. Anyone who values the benefits of taking time out to write will welcome any of the workshops below as a gift. Prices start from £65.
For the budding sketcher or painter
We have lots to choose from for the budding artist. From a sketching tour with the Edinburgh Sketcher, to a fun art and wine evening with friends, or a weekend still life painting course. These are suitable for beginners and those who would like to practise their skills with some hands-on help. Prices start from £30 for a single space (less if you book for a plus one at the same time).
For the budding designer maker
For those who dream of designing and printing their own print editions and products, we've a range of printing options for learning how to print onto paper or fabric. Prices start from £95.
For the creatively curious
For those looking for a deeper dive into growing their creativity, Eugenia Rosa will be back running her Your Life, Your Way workshop and The Artists’ Way Women’s Circle, a 13-week course based on Julia Cameron’s internationally acclaimed methodology, here in 2023. Prices start at £55. Concessionary prices will be available on request.
For the lovers of interiors
We've some new workshops coming in 2023 which will delight those who love to make their own home interiors. This will include new dates for macramé classes with Lucy Wayman, a new lampshade painting workshop, and furniture painting. If you think this might make the perfect gift, why not buy a gift voucher so the recipient can choose their own and suggest they sign up for our newsletter to get details of all new workshops as soon as they're added.
Still not sure what to choose?
Would you really like to gift a creative class but you're not sure which one they’d like best, or which date to book? Don’t worry you can choose an Arienas Collective gift voucher and let them decide for themselves!
Our gift vouchers can be used for full or part payment towards the workshop and date of their choice. Vouchers are available from £5, which we hope fits most people’s budget.
Printed gift vouchers can be bought from our online shop and will be sent by post (or can be collected in person by arrangement). Or if you're a little concerned about things arriving in time and would prefer an e-voucher, then you can choose the 'gift vouchers' option on any of our individual workshop options.
Or pay our Online Shop a visit and see what's available there. We'll be adding any items that remain unsold after our Open Day Pop Up Shop on 26 November.
Happy shopping! And thank you for supporting independent, small creative businesses this Christmas.