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Key details

Course area
Art and Design
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Part-time Further Education course
Course level
Other
Start date
End date
Monday 7th December 2026
Time
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Ellis Guilford School Hub
Fees
£125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C057589 Child course code: Q057590
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Course introduction

Community courses are “first steps” for adults to learn new skills, develop confidence, meet others in welcoming classroom. The purpose of courses is to support students into further learning or employment (paid or voluntary).

This course is perfect if you enjoy being creative and want to make meaningful, handmade items for Christmas. It’s ideal for beginners looking to learn new craft skills in a friendly, supportive environment, as well as more experienced crafters seeking fresh festive ideas and inspiration. The course suits anyone who prefers personalised decorations and gifts over shop-bought alternatives, and those who would benefit from a relaxing, mindful activity during the busy winter season. It’s also great for people interested in sustainable crafting and upcycling, and for individuals who want to meet like-minded people while building confidence, trying something new, and enjoying a warm, social, and creative space in the lead-up to Christmas.

You will learn a wide range of festive craft skills, from making personalised Christmas cards and tree ornaments to creating wreaths, table décor, and handmade gifts. You will develop practical techniques in paper craft, textiles, upcycling, and decorative finishes, while also learning how to use tools and materials safely and effectively. The course will guide you in combining colours, textures, and embellishments to create unique, professional-looking pieces, and will introduce sustainable practices such as recycling and reusing materials. Along the way, you will gain confidence in planning and completing independent projects, express your personal creativity, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of crafting in a supportive and social environment. By the end of the course, you will have a collection of beautiful handmade items ready to decorate your home, give as gifts, or simply enjoy.

You can expect a fun, hands-on, and creative experience each week. Sessions will guide you step-by-step through a variety of festive projects, including cards, ornaments, wreaths, table décor, and handmade gifts, while giving you plenty of room to personalise your creations. You’ll learn new techniques in paper craft, textiles, upcycling, and decorative finishing, all in a friendly and supportive environment. The course combines practical skill-building with opportunities for experimentation, social interaction, and relaxation, and emphasizes sustainable crafting practices. By the end, you’ll leave with a collection of beautiful, high-quality Christmas items and the confidence and inspiration to continue crafting beyond the course.

You should attend regularly and arrive on time to make best progress on course.

You will complete a short diary weekly in class time, to record your progress and receive written tutor feedback.

You will use Microsoft Teams whilst on the course. Microsoft Teams is a free, safe online app used by Nottingham College for tutors to contact students.

Using Teams will also enable you to develop and feel confident using digital skills.

For more information on using Microsoft Teams and the induction process, please visit our Induction Information for Community Students page.

Course information

Non-accredited

No formal qualifications or experience is required. 

You should attend regularly, be punctual and have a good standard of written and spoken English. 

All students are required to complete a mandatory course workbook (Unique Learning Programme) each week, with the support of their course tutor.  

Tutors will give regular verbal and written feedback.  You will be required to complete a short workbook and encouraged to set your own personal targets as part of this course.  

The course tutor can discuss appropriate opportunities for if you wish to further your learning in this subject area. Information will be made available to you about other course opportunities at Nottingham College.  You will have the opportunity to access external Careers Guidance to aid your next steps. 

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Art and Design Route) (19+) - Full-time

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