.png)
UPDATE: As the Aldanat Community Hub isn’t often booked in the evenings right now, we’ll be closing earlier on some nights. If the Hub is booked for the sensory rooms, cinema, or hydro pool, we’ll remain open until those sessions finish. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we get fully up and running!
Arts & Crafts
Express yourself with art and imagination.
Our Arts and Crafts courses are designed to spark creativity and build confidence at every level. The Foundation course is perfect for beginners, introducing a range of techniques and materials in a supportive, step-by-step way. For those with some experience, the Intermediate course offers the chance to develop skills further, experiment with new methods, and work on more detailed projects. Whether you’re painting, crafting, or exploring different forms of design, these courses provide a welcoming space to learn, express yourself, and enjoy the process of making.
Term 1 starts 5th January 2026
▼
Term 2
Term 3
-
-
13th April
31st August
2027
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
-
-
-
4th January
12th April
30st August
Foundation
Foundation Arts & Crafts Course
Course Length: 10 weeks
Session Duration: 1 hour per session
Group Size: Maximum of 8 learners
Support: 1 x facilitator and 1 x workshop assistant both with experience of working with Adults with learning difficulties and sensory impairments.
Aims:
To encourage creativity and self-expression throuh seasonal crafts.
To develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
To explore different materials, textures and techniques.
To enjoy working individualy and as part of a group.
To build confidence and pride in making and sharing artwork.
Week 1 - Autumn Hedgehog
Craft: Collage using autumn leaves and a hedgehog cot-out.
Focus Skills:
Using scissors safely.
Gluing and sticking.
Recognising autumn colours and textures.
Following simple visual steps.
Week 2 – Autumn Wreaths
Craft: Create an autumn wreath using various media.
Focus Skills:
Hand–eye coordination.
Layering different resources.
Strengthening fine motor control.
Matching colours and patterns.
Week 3 – Halloween Card
Craft: Create a card using a simple template and sensory painting.
Focus Skills:
Folding a card.
Using templates.
Sequencing steps in order.
Working with black/white contrast.
Week 4 – Firework Picture Using Mixed Media
Craft: Create a firework picture on black card using straws to paint.
Focus Skills:
Fine motor skills.
Painting using feathered straws for various effects.
Experimenting with colour contrasts.
Exploring cause and effect.
Week 5 – Remembrance Poppy Suncatcher
Craft: Tissue paper suncatcher.
Focus Skills:
Tearing and layering tissue paper.
Covering cut out holes in a template with tissue paper.
Creating patterns with symbolic colours (red/black/green).
Exploring remembrance through art.
Week 6 – Air-Dry Clay Hedgehog
Craft: Clay hedgehog with inserted seeds for spikes.
Focus Skills:
Rolling, shaping, and pressing clay.
Choosing seeds to create a 3D effect.
Exploring textures (smooth/rough).for sensory input.
Making a 3D craft piece.
Week 7 – Bird Feeder
Craft: Simple feeder made from recycled materials (pine cone or carton).
Focus Skills:
Spreading sticky mixtures (honey/peanut butter).
Rolling in seeds.
Threading string for hanging.
Linking craft to caring for wildlife.
Week 8 – Snow Globe
Craft: Homemade snow globe with jar, glitter, and water.
Focus Skills:
Assembling materials safely.
Pouring liquids carefully.
Using fine motor skills to glue/seal jar.
Creating movement and sparkle effects.
Week 9 – Christmas Tree Canvas
Craft: Painted/stuck canvas with Christmas tree design.
Focus Skills:
Painting with brushes and sponges.
Cutting and sticking shapes for decorations.
Exploring symmetry and patterns.
Working on a larger surface.
Week 10 – Christmas Cracker
Craft: Handmade festive cracker with decorations and small gift.
Focus Skills:
Rolling paper into tube shapes.
Tying ends with ribbon/string.
Decorating with festive materials.
Teamwork – making and pulling crackers together.
Teaching Approach:
Use clear step-by-step visual examples.
Provide adapted scissors, glue sticks, and large tools where needed.
Encourage repetition and hands-on practice.
Celebrate creativity – there are no “wrong” results.
Outcomes:
By the end of 10 weeks, learners will:
Experience a variety of craft techniques (cutting, sticking, painting, threading, shaping).
Improve fine motor control and coordination.
Follow simple instructions to complete seasonal craft projects.
Create a collection of artwork to take home or display.
Gain confidence, pride, and enjoyment in creative expression.
Intermediate
Intermediate Arts & Crafts Course
Course Length: 10 Weeks
Session Duration: 1 hour per session
Group Size: Maximum of 8 learners
Support: 1x Facilitator and 1 x workshop assistant both with experience of working with Adults with Learning Disabilities and sensory impairments.
Aims:
To develop greater independence in creating craft projects.
To follow simple written and visual instructions with support.
To improve accuracy in measuring, cutting, and assembling.
To explore a wider range of textures, materials, and techniques.
To combine skills to create more detailed seasonal crafts.
Week 1 – Autumn Trees and Hedgehog
Craft: Layered autumn tree collage with 3D hedgehog.
Focus Skills:
Following a written/visual step sequence.
Cutting leaves to a template size.
Layering and overlapping for depth.
Combining flat and 3D elements.
Week 2 – Lacing Owl
Craft: Threaded owl with patterned feathers.
Focus Skills:
Threading with even spacing and patterns.
Tying knots or bows.
Using written prompts to follow a threading sequence.
Combining materials (felt, wool, buttons).
Week 3 – Skeleton Paper Chain
Craft: Skeleton chain with coloured backgrounds.
Focus Skills:
Folding paper accurately.
Cutting with precision along outlines.
Sequencing skeletons in a repeating pattern.
Mounting artwork neatly on backing card.
Week 4 – Firework Picture Using Wax
Craft: Multi-layer wax-resist fireworks with silhouette skyline.
Focus Skills:
Following a written step-by-step guide.
Creating layered effects with wax and paint.
Cutting and adding silhouette buildings for contrast.
Blending colours for background effects.
Week 5 – Remembrance Poppy Light Jars
Craft: Tissue light jar with poppy and text design.
Focus Skills:
Cutting tissue into uniform shapes.
Overlapping tissue neatly with minimal gaps.
Adding symbolic text or stencilled words.
Finishing with a varnish layer for strength.
Week 6 – Air-Dry Clay Hedgehog
Craft: Detailed clay hedgehog with painted features.
Focus Skills:
Measuring clay portions for size consistency.
Using tools for fine detail (eyes, spikes).
Painting clay once dry using brushes.
Combining natural materials (leaves, twigs) with clay.
Week 7 – Bird Feeder
Craft: Painted/recycled bird feeder with hanging string.
Focus Skills:
Measuring and cutting recycled materials accurately.
Reading instructions for assembly.
Strengthening joins with glue or tape.
Painting and sealing for outdoor use.
Week 8 – Snow Globe
Craft: Personalised snow globe with 3D model inside.
Focus Skills:
Measuring liquids and glitter amounts precisely.
Assembling 3D model (clay/figurine).
Sealing lid securely.
Adding label or tag with written message.
Week 9 – Christmas Tree Canvas
Craft: Textured mixed-media Christmas tree design.
Focus Skills:
Using multiple materials (paint, fabric, sequins).
Following design ideas or sketches.
Layering for textured effects.
Balancing colours and symmetry.
Week 10 – Christmas Cracker
Craft: Decorative cracker with written message/gift inside.
Focus Skills:
Measuring paper size before rolling.
Adding decorations in repeated patterns.
Writing a short festive message to include inside.
Teamwork – preparing crackers for a shared celebration.
Teaching Approach:
Encourage learners to read and check steps before starting.
Provide simple written and pictorial instructions for each activity.
Support learners to plan, measure, and problem-solve.
Focus on neat finishing and presentation.
Outcomes:
By the end of 10 weeks, learners will:
Follow simple written and pictorial craft instructions with support.
Accurately measure, cut, and assemble materials.
Combine different textures and techniques in their artwork.
Produce more detailed, polished crafts.
Share and present their work with confidence in a group celebration.
Foundation
Foundation Arts & Crafts Course
Course Length: 10 weeks
Session Duration: 1 hour per session
Group Size: Maximum of 8 learners
Support: 1 x facilitator and 1 x workshop assistant both with experience of working with Adults with learning difficulties and sensory impairments.
Aims:
To encourage creativity and self-expression throuh seasonal crafts.
To develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
To explore different materials, textures and techniques.
To enjoy working individualy and as part of a group.
To build confidence and pride in making and sharing artwork.
Week 1 - Autumn Hedgehog
Craft: Collage using autumn leaves and a hedgehog cot-out.
Focus Skills:
Using scissors safely.
Gluing and sticking.
Recognising autumn colours and textures.
Following simple visual steps.
Week 2 – Autumn Wreaths
Craft: Create an autumn wreath using various media.
Focus Skills:
Hand–eye coordination.
Layering different resources.
Strengthening fine motor control.
Matching colours and patterns.
Week 3 – Halloween Card
Craft: Create a card using a simple template and sensory painting.
Focus Skills:
Folding a card.
Using templates.
Sequencing steps in order.
Working with black/white contrast.
Week 4 – Firework Picture Using Mixed Media
Craft: Create a firework picture on black card using straws to paint.
Focus Skills:
Fine motor skills.
Painting using feathered straws for various effects.
Experimenting with colour contrasts.
Exploring cause and effect.
Week 5 – Remembrance Poppy Suncatcher
Craft: Tissue paper suncatcher.
Focus Skills:
Tearing and layering tissue paper.
Covering cut out holes in a template with tissue paper.
Creating patterns with symbolic colours (red/black/green).
Exploring remembrance through art.
Week 6 – Air-Dry Clay Hedgehog
Craft: Clay hedgehog with inserted seeds for spikes.
Focus Skills:
Rolling, shaping, and pressing clay.
Choosing seeds to create a 3D effect.
Exploring textures (smooth/rough).for sensory input.
Making a 3D craft piece.
Week 7 – Bird Feeder
Craft: Simple feeder made from recycled materials (pine cone or carton).
Focus Skills:
Spreading sticky mixtures (honey/peanut butter).
Rolling in seeds.
Threading string for hanging.
Linking craft to caring for wildlife.
Week 8 – Snow Globe
Craft: Homemade snow globe with jar, glitter, and water.
Focus Skills:
Assembling materials safely.
Pouring liquids carefully.
Using fine motor skills to glue/seal jar.
Creating movement and sparkle effects.
Week 9 – Christmas Tree Canvas
Craft: Painted/stuck canvas with Christmas tree design.
Focus Skills:
Painting with brushes and sponges.
Cutting and sticking shapes for decorations.
Exploring symmetry and patterns.
Working on a larger surface.
Week 10 – Christmas Cracker
Craft: Handmade festive cracker with decorations and small gift.
Focus Skills:
Rolling paper into tube shapes.
Tying ends with ribbon/string.
Decorating with festive materials.
Teamwork – making and pulling crackers together.
Teaching Approach:
Use clear step-by-step visual examples.
Provide adapted scissors, glue sticks, and large tools where needed.
Encourage repetition and hands-on practice.
Celebrate creativity – there are no “wrong” results.
Outcomes:
By the end of 10 weeks, learners will:
Experience a variety of craft techniques (cutting, sticking, painting, threading, shaping).
Improve fine motor control and coordination.
Follow simple instructions to complete seasonal craft projects.
Create a collection of artwork to take home or display.
Gain confidence, pride, and enjoyment in creative expression.
Read more ▼
Intermediate
Intermediate Arts & Crafts Course
Course Length: 10 Weeks
Session Duration: 1 hour per session
Group Size: Maximum of 8 learners
Support: 1x Facilitator and 1 x workshop assistant both with experience of working with Adults with Learning Disabilities and sensory impairments.
Aims:
To develop greater independence in creating craft projects.
To follow simple written and visual instructions with support.
To improve accuracy in measuring, cutting, and assembling.
To explore a wider range of textures, materials, and techniques.
To combine skills to create more detailed seasonal crafts.
Week 1 – Autumn Trees and Hedgehog
Craft: Layered autumn tree collage with 3D hedgehog.
Focus Skills:
Following a written/visual step sequence.
Cutting leaves to a template size.
Layering and overlapping for depth.
Combining flat and 3D elements.
Week 2 – Lacing Owl
Craft: Threaded owl with patterned feathers.
Focus Skills:
Threading with even spacing and patterns.
Tying knots or bows.
Using written prompts to follow a threading sequence.
Combining materials (felt, wool, buttons).
Week 3 – Skeleton Paper Chain
Craft: Skeleton chain with coloured backgrounds.
Focus Skills:
Folding paper accurately.
Cutting with precision along outlines.
Sequencing skeletons in a repeating pattern.
Mounting artwork neatly on backing card.
Week 4 – Firework Picture Using Wax
Craft: Multi-layer wax-resist fireworks with silhouette skyline.
Focus Skills:
Following a written step-by-step guide.
Creating layered effects with wax and paint.
Cutting and adding silhouette buildings for contrast.
Blending colours for background effects.
Week 5 – Remembrance Poppy Light Jars
Craft: Tissue light jar with poppy and text design.
Focus Skills:
Cutting tissue into uniform shapes.
Overlapping tissue neatly with minimal gaps.
Adding symbolic text or stencilled words.
Finishing with a varnish layer for strength.
Week 6 – Air-Dry Clay Hedgehog
Craft: Detailed clay hedgehog with painted features.
Focus Skills:
Measuring clay portions for size consistency.
Using tools for fine detail (eyes, spikes).
Painting clay once dry using brushes.
Combining natural materials (leaves, twigs) with clay.
Week 7 – Bird Feeder
Craft: Painted/recycled bird feeder with hanging string.
Focus Skills:
Measuring and cutting recycled materials accurately.
Reading instructions for assembly.
Strengthening joins with glue or tape.
Painting and sealing for outdoor use.
Week 8 – Snow Globe
Craft: Personalised snow globe with 3D model inside.
Focus Skills:
Measuring liquids and glitter amounts precisely.
Assembling 3D model (clay/figurine).
Sealing lid securely.
Adding label or tag with written message.
Week 9 – Christmas Tree Canvas
Craft: Textured mixed-media Christmas tree design.
Focus Skills:
Using multiple materials (paint, fabric, sequins).
Following design ideas or sketches.
Layering for textured effects.
Balancing colours and symmetry.
Week 10 – Christmas Cracker
Craft: Decorative cracker with written message/gift inside.
Focus Skills:
Measuring paper size before rolling.
Adding decorations in repeated patterns.
Writing a short festive message to include inside.
Teamwork – preparing crackers for a shared celebration.
Teaching Approach:
Encourage learners to read and check steps before starting.
Provide simple written and pictorial instructions for each activity.
Support learners to plan, measure, and problem-solve.
Focus on neat finishing and presentation.
Outcomes:
By the end of 10 weeks, learners will:
Follow simple written and pictorial craft instructions with support.
Accurately measure, cut, and assemble materials.
Combine different textures and techniques in their artwork.
Produce more detailed, polished crafts.
Share and present their work with confidence in a group celebration.
