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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: 5th Jan - 27th Mar 2026
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Term 2:
Term 3:
13th Apr - 3rd Jul
31st Aug - 4th Dec
- 2027 -
Term 1:
Term 2:
Term 3:
4th Jan - 26th Mar
12th Apr - 2nd Jul
30st Aug - 3rd Dec
Foundation
Foundation Arts & Crafts Course
Course Length: 12 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 disabilities and sensory impairments.
Course Aims:
This course aims to:
Build confidence, creativity, and independence through accessible art and craft projects.
Develop fine motor skills, coordination, and attention to detail.
Encourage self-expression through colours, textures, and materials.
Explore winter and early spring themes using a range of techniques.
Promote relaxation, communication, and sensory engagement.
Support teamwork, turn-taking, and following simple instructions.
Celebrate learners’ creativity through a class display or portfolio.
Week 1 – Welcome & Winter Collage
Activities:
Introductions and setting group goals.
Create a “Winter Scene” collage using cotton wool, paper, and paint.
Focus Skills: Confidence building, fine motor skills, social interaction, creativity.
Week 2 – Exploring Texture: Snow & Ice Art
Activities:
Create textured snow and ice patterns using salt paint and foil printing.
Focus Skills: Sensory exploration, texture awareness, hand-eye coordination.
Week 3 – Winter Animals
Activities:
Make polar bears, penguins, or owls using collage and 3D craft materials.
Focus Skills: Cutting, gluing, sequencing, creative expression.
Week 4 – Abstract Winter Painting
Activities:
Explore cool colours (blues, whites, greys).
Create abstract art using brushes, sponges, or fingers.
Focus Skills: Colour recognition, experimentation, emotional expression.
Week 5 – Pattern and Printing
Activities:
Learn simple printmaking using shapes, sponges, or fruit/vegetable stamps to create repeating winter patterns.
Focus Skills: Pattern recognition, coordination, concentration, exploring repetition and design.
Week 6 – Textured Collage Boards
Activities:
Create tactile collage boards using a mix of materials such as fabric, sandpaper, foil, string, and buttons.
Arrange by texture, shape, or colour.
Focus Skills: Sensory exploration, decision-making, fine motor skills, creative independence.
Week 7 – Nature Printing
Activities:
Use leaves, twigs, and flowers to make nature prints using paint or pastels.
Focus Skills: Observation, sensory exploration, printing techniques, creativity.
Week 8– Spring Flowers Canvas
Activities:
Paint or collage a spring flower scene using tissue paper and card.
Focus Skills: Fine motor coordination, colour blending, sequencing.
Week 9 – Upcycling Crafts
Activities:
Use recycled materials to make pencil holders, small planters, or wall hangings.
Focus Skills: Problem-solving, environmental awareness, independence, creativity.
Week 10 – Mindful Art: Pattern and Colour
Activities:
Use repeated patterns with pastels, stencils, or shapes to create calming artwork.
Focus Skills: Focus, relaxation, concentration, creative planning.
Week 11 – Spring Animal Masks
Activities:
Create and decorate masks (e.g. bunny, chick, lamb) using pre-cut templates and embellishments.
Focus Skills: Fine motor skills, imagination, following instructions, teamwork.
Week 12 – My Favourite Piece & Art Display
Activities:
Choose a favourite piece of artwork to display.
Prepare for a mini exhibition and share reflections with peers.
Focus Skills: Confidence, communication, pride in achievement, reflection.
Outcomes:
By the end of the course, learners will:
Gain confidence expressing themselves through art.
Demonstrate improved fine motor and coordination skills.
Follow step-by-step instructions to complete creative projects.
Work collaboratively and share ideas with peers.
Explore new materials, textures, and techniques.
Reflect on their progress and celebrate personal achievement.
Intermediate
Intermediate Arts & Crafts Course
Course Length: 12 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 disabilities and sensory impairments.
Course Aims:
This course aims to:
Build confidence and independence using a range of art materials and tools.
Develop creative planning, design, and problem-solving skills.
Encourage self-expression through colour, texture, and composition.
Improve fine motor control, coordination, and sensory awareness.
Foster teamwork and social interaction through shared projects.
Explore nature, pattern, and seasonal themes through creative making.
Reflect on progress and celebrate achievement through personal artwork.
Week 1 – Welcome Back & Exploring Materials
Activities:
Recap previous learning.
Explore a range of materials (paint, pastels, textiles, recycled items) through free creation.
Focus Skills: Independence, creative choice-making, material awareness, communication.
Week 2 – Pattern and Design
Activities:
Learn simple design planning.
Use stencils, shapes, or hand-drawn patterns to create repeating designs on card or fabric.
Focus Skills: Planning, pattern awareness, focus, use of colour and symmetry.
Week 3 – Mixed Media Landscapes
Activities:
Create spring landscapes using paint, collage, and drawn detail.
Explore perspective and layering.
Focus Skills: Composition, fine motor skills, sequencing, artistic expression.
Week 4 – Exploring Colour and Mood
Activities:
Mix colours to show different moods (happy, calm, sad).
Create a “Mood Painting” inspired by spring themes.
Focus Skills: Emotional awareness, colour mixing, decision-making, creativity.
Week 5 – Recycled Art Project
Activities:
Create an individual or group art piece from recycled materials (bottle flowers, cardboard sculpture, wall art).
Focus Skills: Environmental awareness, problem-solving, teamwork, creative reuse.
Week 6 – Textiles and Fabric Art
Activities:
Use fabric, felt, and thread to create a simple wall hanging or decorative patchwork square.
Focus Skills: Fine motor control, pattern planning, sensory awareness, patience.
Week 7 – Nature and Printing
Activities:
Collect natural objects (leaves, flowers) to use in printing and pattern making.
Experiment with different surfaces.
Focus Skills: Observation, printing technique, sensory exploration, independence.
Week 8– Collage and Texture Art
Activities:
Explore texture and layering using mixed materials such as paper, fabric, string, foil, and paint.
Create a “Texture Collage” based on a chosen theme (e.g., garden, seaside, abstract).
Focus Skills: Sensory awareness, fine motor skills, creativity, composition, exploration of texture.
Week 9 – Group Mural or Collaboration Project
Activities:
Work as a group to design and create a large mural or banner inspired by “Spring Growth” or “My Community.”
Focus Skills: Teamwork, collaboration, leadership, shared creativity.
Week 10 – Mindful Art and Pattern
Activities:
Explore mindfulness through repetitive patterns, drawing, or gentle colouring with calming music.
Focus Skills: Concentration, emotional regulation, focus, creative relaxation.
Week 11 – Independent Project: My Own Artwork
Activities:
Learners plan and create a piece of their choice using favourite techniques from the course (painting, collage, textiles, printing, etc.).
Staff support with guidance and encouragement.
Focus Skills: Independence, planning, decision-making, confidence in creative choices.
Week 12 – Reflection and Art Celebration
Activities:
Share and discuss finished artwork with the group.
Reflect on what learners enjoyed and learned.
Take photos of work or create a mini portfolio to keep.
Focus Skills: Confidence, communication, reflection, celebrating achievement, pride in progress.
Outcomes:
By the end of the course, learners will:
Demonstrate greater independence in creating and completing projects.
Use a wider variety of art materials and techniques confidently.
Express emotions, moods, and ideas through creative work.
Plan, design, and reflect on their own projects.
Work collaboratively and communicate within group settings.
Celebrate personal achievements through self-expression and art sharing.
Foundation
Foundation Arts & Crafts Course
Course Length: 12 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 disabilities and sensory impairments.
Course Aims:
This course aims to:
Build confidence, creativity, and independence through accessible art and craft projects.
Develop fine motor skills, coordination, and attention to detail.
Encourage self-expression through colours, textures, and materials.
Explore winter and early spring themes using a range of techniques.
Promote relaxation, communication, and sensory engagement.
Support teamwork, turn-taking, and following simple instructions.
Celebrate learners’ creativity through a class display or portfolio.
Week 1 – Welcome & Winter Collage
Activities:
Introductions and setting group goals.
Create a “Winter Scene” collage using cotton wool, paper, and paint.
Focus Skills: Confidence building, fine motor skills, social interaction, creativity.
Week 2 – Exploring Texture: Snow & Ice Art
Activities:
Create textured snow and ice patterns using salt paint and foil printing.
Focus Skills: Sensory exploration, texture awareness, hand-eye coordination.
Week 3 – Winter Animals
Activities:
Make polar bears, penguins, or owls using collage and 3D craft materials.
Focus Skills: Cutting, gluing, sequencing, creative expression.
Week 4 – Abstract Winter Painting
Activities:
Explore cool colours (blues, whites, greys).
Create abstract art using brushes, sponges, or fingers.
Focus Skills: Colour recognition, experimentation, emotional expression.
Week 5 – Pattern and Printing
Activities:
Learn simple printmaking using shapes, sponges, or fruit/vegetable stamps to create repeating winter patterns.
Focus Skills: Pattern recognition, coordination, concentration, exploring repetition and design.
Week 6 – Textured Collage Boards
Activities:
Create tactile collage boards using a mix of materials such as fabric, sandpaper, foil, string, and buttons.
Arrange by texture, shape, or colour.
Focus Skills: Sensory exploration, decision-making, fine motor skills, creative independence.
Week 7 – Nature Printing
Activities:
Use leaves, twigs, and flowers to make nature prints using paint or pastels.
Focus Skills: Observation, sensory exploration, printing techniques, creativity.
Week 8– Spring Flowers Canvas
Activities:
Paint or collage a spring flower scene using tissue paper and card.
Focus Skills: Fine motor coordination, colour blending, sequencing.
Week 9 – Upcycling Crafts
Activities:
Use recycled materials to make pencil holders, small planters, or wall hangings.
Focus Skills: Problem-solving, environmental awareness, independence, creativity.
Week 10 – Mindful Art: Pattern and Colour
Activities:
Use repeated patterns with pastels, stencils, or shapes to create calming artwork.
Focus Skills: Focus, relaxation, concentration, creative planning.
Week 11 – Spring Animal Masks
Activities:
Create and decorate masks (e.g. bunny, chick, lamb) using pre-cut templates and embellishments.
Focus Skills: Fine motor skills, imagination, following instructions, teamwork.
Week 12 – My Favourite Piece & Art Display
Activities:
Choose a favourite piece of artwork to display.
Prepare for a mini exhibition and share reflections with peers.
Focus Skills: Confidence, communication, pride in achievement, reflection.
Outcomes:
By the end of the course, learners will:
Gain confidence expressing themselves through art.
Demonstrate improved fine motor and coordination skills.
Follow step-by-step instructions to complete creative projects.
Work collaboratively and share ideas with peers.
Explore new materials, textures, and techniques.
Reflect on their progress and celebrate personal achievement.
Read more ▼
Intermediate
Intermediate Arts & Crafts Course
Course Length: 12 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 disabilities and sensory impairments.
Course Aims:
This course aims to:
Build confidence and independence using a range of art materials and tools.
Develop creative planning, design, and problem-solving skills.
Encourage self-expression through colour, texture, and composition.
Improve fine motor control, coordination, and sensory awareness.
Foster teamwork and social interaction through shared projects.
Explore nature, pattern, and seasonal themes through creative making.
Reflect on progress and celebrate achievement through personal artwork.
Week 1 – Welcome Back & Exploring Materials
Activities:
Recap previous learning.
Explore a range of materials (paint, pastels, textiles, recycled items) through free creation.
Focus Skills: Independence, creative choice-making, material awareness, communication.
Week 2 – Pattern and Design
Activities:
Learn simple design planning.
Use stencils, shapes, or hand-drawn patterns to create repeating designs on card or fabric.
Focus Skills: Planning, pattern awareness, focus, use of colour and symmetry.
Week 3 – Mixed Media Landscapes
Activities:
Create spring landscapes using paint, collage, and drawn detail.
Explore perspective and layering.
Focus Skills: Composition, fine motor skills, sequencing, artistic expression.
Week 4 – Exploring Colour and Mood
Activities:
Mix colours to show different moods (happy, calm, sad).
Create a “Mood Painting” inspired by spring themes.
Focus Skills: Emotional awareness, colour mixing, decision-making, creativity.
Week 5 – Recycled Art Project
Activities:
Create an individual or group art piece from recycled materials (bottle flowers, cardboard sculpture, wall art).
Focus Skills: Environmental awareness, problem-solving, teamwork, creative reuse.
Week 6 – Textiles and Fabric Art
Activities:
Use fabric, felt, and thread to create a simple wall hanging or decorative patchwork square.
Focus Skills: Fine motor control, pattern planning, sensory awareness, patience.
Week 7 – Nature and Printing
Activities:
Collect natural objects (leaves, flowers) to use in printing and pattern making.
Experiment with different surfaces.
Focus Skills: Observation, printing technique, sensory exploration, independence.
Week 8– Collage and Texture Art
Activities:
Explore texture and layering using mixed materials such as paper, fabric, string, foil, and paint.
Create a “Texture Collage” based on a chosen theme (e.g., garden, seaside, abstract).
Focus Skills: Sensory awareness, fine motor skills, creativity, composition, exploration of texture.
Week 9 – Group Mural or Collaboration Project
Activities:
Work as a group to design and create a large mural or banner inspired by “Spring Growth” or “My Community.”
Focus Skills: Teamwork, collaboration, leadership, shared creativity.
Week 10 – Mindful Art and Pattern
Activities:
Explore mindfulness through repetitive patterns, drawing, or gentle colouring with calming music.
Focus Skills: Concentration, emotional regulation, focus, creative relaxation.
Week 11 – Independent Project: My Own Artwork
Activities:
Learners plan and create a piece of their choice using favourite techniques from the course (painting, collage, textiles, printing, etc.).
Staff support with guidance and encouragement.
Focus Skills: Independence, planning, decision-making, confidence in creative choices.
Week 12 – Reflection and Art Celebration
Activities:
Share and discuss finished artwork with the group.
Reflect on what learners enjoyed and learned.
Take photos of work or create a mini portfolio to keep.
Focus Skills: Confidence, communication, reflection, celebrating achievement, pride in progress.
Outcomes:
By the end of the course, learners will:
Demonstrate greater independence in creating and completing projects.
Use a wider variety of art materials and techniques confidently.
Express emotions, moods, and ideas through creative work.
Plan, design, and reflect on their own projects.
Work collaboratively and communicate within group settings.
Celebrate personal achievements through self-expression and art sharing.
