Life-long learning has always been at the very heart of the WI. In January 2024, the WI launched the new & exciting Learning Hub, providing members with the opportunity to take part in an abundance of free online courses and workshops including creative crafts, talks & interests, exercise & wellbeing, business & training and digital & technology.
Some courses and workshops can be access 'live' and others can be accessed at any time. Members can log-in to see the wide range of accessible and inclusive learning experiences on offer and are certain to find something they will enjoy.

 Our own Creative Crafts
​Workshops

Shrewton & District WI offers its members a huge variety of regular creative craft workshops. Our Workshops Co-ordinator Gemma Sharrock, works hard to ensure that members are able to access a full and diverse programme of activities, suitable for all abilities. The majority of our workshops and our regular craft club are tutored 'in-house' by Gemma and Hilary (our President), both of whom have a vast amount of knowledge and expertise that they are willing to share. 

Zip-up Pouches - September 2024

This workshop, facilitated by Hilary and Gill, gave members the opportunity to practice inserting zips using a zipper foot, lining, binding seams, boxing corners and bagging out, all the skills required to make two different zip-up pouches. Although challenging at first, after a little bit of practice, a lovely selection of pretty, very handy little pouches were created.

Scented Sachets - August 2024

Another thoroughly enjoyable workshop delivered by Hilary. Members had a very relaxed and fun morning making a selection of Scented Sachets filled with locally grown lavender.

Air Dry Clay - July 2024

This workshop, delivered by Gemma, gave participants the opportunity to experience working with this versatile modelling material. Everyone was given their own 1kg block of clay and a large selection of cutters, rolling pins, modelling tools and stamps were made available for all to use. Gemma shared some useful techniques and a display of beautiful creations that she had already made, just in case we needed some inspiration.

Mosaic Pavers - June 2024

Guest tutor Joanna Dewfall, introduced members to the ancient craft of decorative mosaics. Attendees were shown how to create a design and reproduce it using glass and porcelain mosaic tiles on a paving stone. Once grouted the paver can be used as a piece of art for the garden.

Thread Catcher & Pincushion - May 2024

This workshop, delivered by Hilary, gave members the opportunity to use their sewing machines to create an attractive scrap caddy, (a small but decorative rubbish bin). Once constructed, the top piece acts a pincushion and is also a counter weight for the caddy which hangs from the edge of a table or work station. A very useful addition to any sewing room or craft space.

Silk Painted Fans - April 2024

This workshop, lead by Gemma, provided members with another opportunity to try some silk painting. Members were able to choose from a variety of images and shown how to trace their chosen image onto the silk fan using a gutta pen. Once dry, coloured inks were used to create a beautiful selection of Chinese inspired fans.

Bunny Bags - March 2024

Members took part in this Easter themed workshop, delivered by Hilary. Attendees were shown how to make two different sized bunny shaped bags, ready to be filled with lots of lovely Easter treats.

Quilling 'Show the Love' Hearts - February 2024

This workshop, delivered by Gemma, gave members the opportunity to try their hands at the art of Quilling, curling thin strips of coloured paper into decorative shapes. In recognition of the WI's annual 'Show the Love' campaign which celebrates everything we care about and want to protect from the worst impact of climate change, members created greetings cards decorated with quilled green hearts.

Christmas Wreath - December 2023

Our annual opportunity to take part in the ever popular Christmas wreath making workshop. Attendees came armed with an abundance of greenery from their gardens, to share with friends and use to create a living wreath to hang on the front door or use as a festive table decoration. Gemma and Hilary were on hand to give guidance if needed and get us all into the festive spirit.

Gift Bag Making - November 2023

This workshop, delivered by Nicola Sage, provided members with the opportunity to create their own paper gift bags. All tools and materials, including an instruction leaflet, were provided and Nicola demonstrated how to fold the paper to create several bags in various shapes and sizes.

Willow & Rush Christmas Tree Decorations
​October 2023

Yanina Stockings from Green Spiral Willow provided this workshop. Members learned about this ancient craft and were shown how to use locally sourced willow and rush to create a selection of Christmas Tree Decorations including a reindeer, a Christmas Tree, a star, a mini wreath and an rush angel for the top of their Christmas tree.

Indian Block Printing - September 2023

This workshop, tutored by Clare Walsh, gave members the opportunity to try the traditional craft of Indian Block Printing. Attendees were encouraged to experiment with printing borders and repeating patterns, on paper and textiles, using hand carved wooden blocks and coloured inks. Once they had acquired the technique, members chose to use their skills to print either a tea-towel of a bag to take home.

Foundation Paper Piecing - August 2023

Hilary demonstrated the technique required to complete this project. Fabric is sewn directly onto a paper foundation allowing very small pieces of awkwardly shaped fabric can be sewn together to create a patchwork design.

Silk Painting - July 2023

This workshop, delivered by tutor Nicola Davis, offered members the opportunity to experience silk painting. Attendees were given a piece of fine silk mounted in a hoop and Nicola demonstrated how use a gutta pen to draw an outline on the silk. Once dry, the gutta outline was filled with coloured inks to create a beautiful suncatcher to hang in the window and let the sun shine through.

Fabric Tidies - June 2023

A simple but effective sewing workshop delivered by Hilary. Members were shown how to sew a pair of tidies from co-ordinating fabrics, shaping the corners to create trays that can be used to store keys, spare change, napkins, chocolates etc.

Beeswax Wraps - May 2023

Hilary showed attendees how to make food safe wraps. By coating pieces of fabric in a mix of beeswax, pine resin and jojoba oil we were able to make four eco-friendly wraps to use to preserve food and reduce the need for single use plastic in our homes.

Fused Glass Trinket Tray - April 2023

Another opportunity for members to attend a fabulous fused glass workshop organised by Hilary and Gemma. Attendees were each provided with a everything they needed to create a pretty trinket tray.

Christmas Wreaths - December 2022

A lovely festive workshop to create a living wreath to hang on a door or decorate the Christmas table. Attendees were asked to bring greenery from their gardens to share with fellow wreath makers. It was a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit and everyone enjoyed some very tasty festive fayre at coffee time.

Christmas Creations - November 2022

This workshop provided members with the opportunity to create various festive makes. Gemma and Hilary explained the different creations on offer and members made their way around the tables in small groups to complete their projects. The creations included a Suffolk puff Christmas tree made from circles of fabric, an orange pomander decorated with cloves and ribbons, a bag of festive chocolate bark embellished with pretzels and sprinkles and a set of 6 Christmas cards decorated with buttons. Everyone was delighted with their creations. It was really great to have such a large selection of goodies to take home.

Pretty Pumpkins - October 2022

​Gemma showed members how to create an attractive decoration for the home. Members were given a pumpkin which had already been hollowed-out and was ready for use as a vase. A large selection of cut flowers, where available to create a stylish floral arrangement in Autumnal tones.

Fused Glass Christmas Decorations - October 2022


​Another wonderful Fused Glass workshop organised by Gemma and Hilary. Attendees were each given a kit containing everything required to make a selection of beautiful hanging decorations. Members were able to choose from stars, snowflakes, Christmas trees, robins and snowmen.

Mosaic Decorations - September 2022


Attendees were each given a kit containing everything needed to make an eye-catching mosaic decoration. Gemma and Hilary were on hand to give help and guidance where needed.
​Finished creations included bees, dragonflies, poppies, birds and the Union flag.

Fused Glass Suncatcher - July 2022


A fabulous workshop provided by Hilary and Gemma giving members the opportunity to try their hands at the creative craft of fused glass. Attendees were encouraged to design their piece and then replicate the design in glass using a mix of transparent & opaque glass frit and stringers.
​Glue was used to attach the tiny pieces of glass to clear glass base and once dry our creations were sent away to be fired and turned into beautiful, colourful pieces of art.

Repurposed Cutlery Roll - June 2022


​This fusion workshop, tutored by Hilary, combined textile crafting techniques with upcycling/repurposing.
​Attendees used clothing items destined for landfill to make a cutlery roll, ideal for Summer picnics and al-fresco dining. Bamboo cutlery was provided to complete the eco-friendly idea.

Quilling (Not Quilting) - March 2022

Members were introduced to the art of quilling by tutor Karin Meek. Karen demonstrated the technique and showed members how to coil, roll and fold strips of coloured paper into shapes that resembled petals, leaves etc.

​Doll making - January 2020.

Christmas wreaths with Sarah - December 2019

​​​Members met at Maddington Church Rooms armed with all sorts of greenery and decorations ready, under Sarah's expert tuition, to create a fabulous Christmas wreath. Judge for yourself if we succeeded.

Pasta making with Dianne - November 2019

Tin Casting with Claire - June 2019

Chocolatiers workshop - April 2019

Flower Arranging with Ann - March 2019

Bread Making with Dianne - February 2019

Sugarcraft Christmas cake decorations with Margaret - December 2018

Christmas Decorations with Elaine - November 2018

Bag making with Hilary - October 2018

Mosaic Pavers - September 2018

Hanging basket in Jean's garden - June 2018

Fabric pictures with Elaine - 2018

Tin Casting with Claire - 2018

Indian Block printing and Kathne stitching at
​W.I. House in devizes - 2017

Felting - 2017

Flower Arranging - 2015

Stone-Carving

Some of us attended the Stone Carving course at Churchfields Industrial Estate with Moria Ross at her studio. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. 
We started off with a square or oblong chunk of Maltese limestone and, using a special hand file (flat one side and curved on the other), turned our cubes into cylinders.  We could then either make an apple or a pear. I found it very therapeutic and, whilst it was not an elegant pear, I was happy with it. 
Moira supplied tea/coffee and lots of biscuits if we wanted them (we did!). She gave very helpful tuition and advice along the way. 
​Margaret​