Craft weekend workshops in Devon | Creative holidays UK in contemporary Crafts
In this blog post, we'll delve into the allure of craft weekends in Devon, exploring our alternative experiences that allow you to embark on a creative journey like no other! So, are you looking for a craft weekend away, creative holiday, craft workshop or just want to look for an alternative retreat. Maybe, we can help?
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a novice enthusiast, we believe we have something which will cater to your needs that help you discover this captivating corner of England. The Weld Space is based in Plymouth, in the SouthWest of England. Named as Britains Ocean City, Plymouth is the perfect crafty weekend break, with the White sandy beaches 20minutes away, Britains largest National Marine Park and Moorland of Dartmoor on its doorstep. We think this corner of Devon is the ideal place for a craft holiday and those looking to explore, discover, make and create!
Join us at The Weld Space an Award-Winning Business that runs hands-on workshops, and unforgettable experiences that teach people about the craft of furniture making and welding. We offer crafty weekend workshops or just a one-day experiences. Whatever options suits you, we promise your get a chance to learn something new, make a piece of furniture and discover the beautify of the Southwest in the process. So, If you are after a getaway, seeking a hands-on learning experience, a chance to connect with like-minded individuals in a social way, or simply a moment of creative rejuvenation amidst the coastal landscape of the Southwest. Read on!
Why pick Plymouth in Devon?
Come rain or shine, Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City offers a stunning coastal experience, home to breath-taking views, plenty to see and do, delicious food and drink and idyllic places to stay, and of course, lots of arts and culture and fresh air. You can explore the historic waterfront or immerse yourself in creativity, culture and the arts.
As a city full of makers, creatives, artists, and innovators, Plymouth is a vibrant hub of creativity and originality. It's teeming with wonderful places where people come together to do incredible things, making it an inspiring and dynamic community.
One of the growing Community Spaces is The Weld Space, which offers individuals the chance to use metalwork and welding machinery in a creative, safe and social way through guided craft courses. Our courses have been commended by the Devon Tourism Awards and our Main tutor Richard, is an Award-Winning business person and active designer-maker.
You're find our workshop, located in Alma Yard which is a revitalised rope factory, comprising of a series of buildings dating back to the mid 19th century and home to a community of creatives drawn to Plymouth’s burgeoning arts scene. It is one of the newest attractions in Plymouth and has trendy facilities to host groups or individuals. Whether your taking part in a welding lesson or just visiting we Alma Yard can you with a different area to explore in the City.
Craft workshop Devon | Our One-Day Stool making workshop
(Above) Is the stool you make on this workshop.
If you are looking to explore a new craft. Why not join, one of Plymouth top creative courses and explore the the craft of welding by learning to make furniture as part of your creative weekend away. Our Stool Making Course, lets individuals explore the art of welding and metal fabrication in order to make your own Stool. This course, has been recognised as one of the Top experiences in the Southwest by the Devon Tourism Awards - and definitely an experience not to be missed.
Want to find out more? See what you will get up to on this unforgettable craft course.
The morning starts with a warm welcome and an insightful introduction led by our seasoned Tutor, Richard. Richard has a wealth of knowledge to share - trust us, read our lovely customer reviews - he will guide you through the day's itinerary, demystifying the workings of welding machines and ensuring we're equipped with the necessary safety gear – rest assured, we've got you covered on that front!
With Richard's guidance, the group will embark on an immersive hands-on journey into the art of welding. Through personalised instruction and hands-on practice, you'll unlock the secrets of this craft, honing your skills and embracing the simplicity of glueing bits of metal together.
As the morning unfolds, we dive headfirst into the realm of furniture making, exploring the intricate techniques required to fashion the components of for your stool. With each spark, you'll be able to slowly master the art of welding, seamlessly fusing two pieces of metal into one. When the time comes to tidy up your components by learning about angle grinding machines that will help shape, smooth and polish metal. You're be using finesse and force to work this process.
We will pause for lunch around mid-day after needing a well-deserved break! There are an array of local lunch options but, why not treat yourself to the tasty delights of Heyl Bakery on-site here at Alma Yard.
We will reconvene after lunch to explore the intricate art of tube bending. Using the tube bender will allow you to bend hard, straight steel into shape by hand. Carefully, you will shape the legs of your stool. As the pieces fall into place, you will start the final assembly, employing our newfound welding skills to fuse the elements together with precision.
Once assembled, we will use the angel grinders to smooth, finish and Polish the stool. Finally, it will be crowned with a wooden seat ready to take home.
Want to know more? Check out our website page or video for more details or contact us directly. We are happy to help answer your questions.
The team from R-tech Welding (The people who supply our machines). Visited The Weld Space to see what the studio Stool course was all about. See for yourself what you’ll get up too.
Book our One-Day craft experience.
Tickets: £140.00
If you are visiting with a friend and buy two tickets, you both ticket holders receive 10% OFF. This day runs from 10:00 - 16:30. All the materials, Equipment and PPE are included into the price.
Craft Weekends in Devon | A weekend of contemporary craft.
The Workshop Chair you make on this two-day craft weekend.
Are you in the Southwest for a little longer and do you want a deeper dive into contemporary craft to develop new-skills? Well, why not join our popular two-day craft course, which looks at making and welding.
Our Chair Making course; is a popular welding workshop than runs over weekend and is designed to help individuals take an in-depth look at welding using different processes creating a chair in the process using metal box section. This craft workshop is a brilliant way to explore what welding process you like the most. Great if you are thinking about buying a welder of your own. As you will discover, some welding methods are costly and slow but extremely precise whilst others are faster, slightly more simple to master but not suitable for every job.
This course is suitable for a beginners and those wanting to learn in more detail about welding and making as a whole.
The First day of this two-day welding course, is all about immersing yourself in the world of metalwork. We introduce you to the three main welding processes, each offering its own unique charm and challenges. With hands-on guidance, you'll dive deep into the art of welding, mastering the basic skills needed to fuse metal with finesse and precision. But that's not all – we'll also delve into the realm of metal joinery techniques, exploring the secrets behind crafting furniture from this hard and forgiving material.
On Day two, your need to get ready to roll up your sleeves, as you embark on a journey of skill based learning and creative exploration. With a focus on practical application, you'll learn the ins and outs of crafting your very own metal chair. Armed with hand tools for marking out and workshop machinery for precision cutting, you'll bring your vision to life with expert guidance and use technical drawings as your trusted guide. Then when it comes time to assembly your creation, you'll wield power tools - like an angle grinder - with confidence having learn how to use them safely to prepare your metal parts with care before proudly welding it all together. Once finished, you'll step back to admire your handiwork!
We hope by the end of this hands-on crafty break, you'll be equipped with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience. Whether you're dreaming of crafting metal furniture, embarking on classic car builds or repairs, or simply seeking the perfect welder for your next project. We think you'll leave feeling empowered and inspired to tackle whatever metalworking crafts lie ahead.
Book our Two-Day Craft Weekend
Tickets £299.00 pp
Our 2 Day experience runs regularly with a 10% discount available if your bring a friend. Your have plenty of time to explore what Plymouth has to offer with both days start at 10:00 and finishing 16:00. All materials, PPE and Equipment are included in the price.
If you require more information please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
Where to stay on a Craft Weekend in Devon?
The Craft House, front the outside.
If you are visiting the Devon for a craft weekend or a longer break away your of-course need a place to eat and sleep for the night. The Weld Space is pleased to have built a relationship with The Craft House in Plymouth. Where there aim is for you to relax, make yourself at home, explore our fabulous City and create some great memories along the way.
As an independently run hotel with licensed bar. There awesome location is just a stone’s throw away from one of the most breathtaking views Plymouth has to offer, the beautiful Plymouth Sound – a stunning view you are likely to never forget. The Hotel itself was built in 1879, and has been lovingly refurbished, whilst retaining many original features to highlight the impressive traditional craftsmanship of its day.
We are pleased to recommend a stay here and The team behind the Craft House, hopes to inspire their guests and visitors by curating many of the hotels spaces with local craftspeople wears, and promoting their workshops in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
As you have read, The Weld Space is showcasing one exciting part of the ever evolving craft community, but we hope you have been inspired to take up the challenge of welding whilst exploring the wider area.
You can book your stay at The Craft House by visiting there website
Book directly with them and your receive 5% discount on your stay.
Things to do in Plymouth | Local Trips for a crafters.
As, you have read about taking a break doesn’t necessarily mean slowing down, you can of-course hone a new craft and build experience making, However, what else can you do in Plymouth. Below is a small list of things to do in Plymouth, for those looking to enhance there creative trip.
Walking:
Nothing beats getting your walking boots on and heading out for a stomp along the coast, Plymouth is blessed to be on the SouthWest Coast Path.
Once the day is over at The Weld Space, head for the Mount Batten Ferry in the Barbican. In a short while, your be over at the Mount Batten Beach looking at the Sun setting over the City. Follow the SouthWest Coast Path up to the hill for 20minutes and your be on top of Jenny Cliff looking over the City.
Additional Information: Visit Plymouth
Cost: Ferry £3.00 Return. Walking Free
Beaches:
If you have a car and want to explore the the wider area. Jump in the Car and head out to Whitsands Bay and Tregantly Beach. This beach with white sand and stunning views of the sea will provide you with something to remember.
If you can, Drive on the coastal road it’s got to be one oft the best in the Southwest. Driving to Whitsands beach takes about 20-30minutes depending on traffic.
Additional Information: Visit Plymouth
Cost: Fuel
Cycling:
Pop over to our friends at Rockets and Rascals in Plymouths historic Barbican. They have a good ranger of bikes for hire which you can use to escape & explore the City.
A popular route is around Plymouth’s Waterfront down to Royal William Yard and back or head on the Plymouth Valley Trail and up onto edges of Dartmoor. It’s car free and mostly flat.
Additional Information: Rockets and Rascals
Cost: From £20.00
Eating Out:
During your stay I’m sure your be looking for a bite to eat in the evening. Plymouth has plenty of food outlets to chose from. if you are staying in the City Centre.
Visit the Barbican as it has plenty of Restaurant to chose from. Other areas to eat out and explore would be Royal William Yard.
Additional Information: Visit Plymouth
Cost: Various
Boat Trips
You won't be suprised to learn that the best way to appreciate Britain's Ocean City is from the water.
A 10min walk from The Weld Space you with find Plymouth’s Historic Barbican. Where you can board a Ferry for a trip around Plymouth Sound’s National Marine Park, to Royal William Yard or even further field to Calstock In Cornwall.
Additional Information: Plymouth Boat Trips
Cost: £5.00+
Explore: Royal William Yard
Royal William Yard blends Plymouth’s historic naval past with award-winning design. Home to a stunning collection of Grade I listed buildings, the yard has been reanimated to offer something new to experience on every visit, making it one of the best places to eat, shop, work, stay, relax and play in the heart of the South West.
Surrounded by water, Royal William Yard offers breath-taking views over Plymouth Sound and across to Cornwall. You're see the links between the two yards!
Additional Information: RWY Website
Cost: Free
