The new winter programme of creative short courses at West Dean College is now live online and first time students can benefit from a 10% discount. Head for the warmth of the studios and workshops this winter and spend time getting to grips with a new skill or develop an existing one. Between November and April there are 92 NEW short courses, including 29 one day Taster Courses, in art, craft, gardening, music, textiles, photography and much more to choose from. In addition to your favourite tutors we also welcome a further 18 new expert tutors. With courses lasting from 1 to 7-days there is something to suit everyone. During your stay you will have access to the award-winning West Dean Gardens to enjoy some brisk winter walks and be inspired by the beautiful South Downs landscape.

Mary Crabb will show you how to weave pod forms in a range of sizes and with texture, colour and pattern, using a variety of materials from rope to threads. Textile basketry - exploring twined pod forms (NEW 27 - 29 November £230 Beginners/Intermediate).

Translate the sensory experience of walking through the winter landscape into artwork in Sensory Landscape - walking and drawing with Caroline Wendling (NEW 11 - 14 December £335 Suitable for all).

Discover the possibilities of glass bead design and learn how to apply decorative effects in Making glass beads - an introduction with Barbara Mason (22 - 25 January £415 Beginners).

Experiment with earth materials in Chalk and Clay Week (14 - 19 February). The week features six short courses including Experimenting with metal clay - silver, copper and bronze NEW with Sarah Macrae (£534 suitable for all) and Draw, print, scratch and cast - exploring surface qualities NEW with Joanna Veevers (£563 Suitable for all).

Examine the style, form and techniques involved in writing poetry for children and develop your own writing in a supportive and constructive environment. Children's poetry writing (NEW 18 - 20 March £222 Suitable for all) with Rachel Rooney.

Experience the satisfaction of producing your own pair of coloured soft leather or suede moccasins as you learn the basics of handmade shoe making. Leather shoe making - summer moccasins with Bernadette Hehenberger (NEW 20 - 23 March £340 Suitable for all).

Andy Vernon, award-winning author, will share his passion and knowledge in a talk and demonstration Delight in Dahlias (NEW 26 March Garden Talk £25 Suitable for all).

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Combine your portfolio of art and design skills with the extended FDAD. The Diploma is awarded when you have successfully completed 10 short courses and submit a 2000-word essay.

Bursaries

West Dean College offers a range of bursaries to talented students who would not otherwise be able to study at the college. For further information on the FDAD and West Dean College bursaries and to browse the online brochure see www.westdean.org.uk

ACCOMMODATION AT WEST DEAN

Wake up to beautiful views over the Sussex Downs in the stately splendour of a country mansion. The bedrooms are a mixture of contemporary and traditional styling. From £102 per twin room for two nights.

FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information about Short Courses at West Dean and to browse the digital brochure visit www.westdean.org.uk. First time bookings receive a 10% discount (telephone bookings only call +44 (0)2143 818300.

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Notes to editors

• West Dean College is part of The Edward James Foundation which also comprises West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.
• West Dean College is internationally renowned for teaching in Conservation and Creative Arts.
• All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.
• Any journalist interested in visiting the Gardens, attending a course or an event for news or review purposes or filming at West Dean should contact the Media Relations Team.
• West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.