Our courses will inspire you to explore your creativity.
- Learn skills for your own satisfaction or to start a new career
- What our learners say
- Careers and opportunities
- About us
- Start a course
Learn skills for your own satisfaction or to start a new career
You can learn all sorts of arts and crafts with us: jewellery, drawing, silkpainting, printmaking, screen-printing, ceramics and more!
Keen on fashion? We can help you develop skills in sewing, garment-making, pattern-cutting, textile crafts, appliqué, patchwork, tailoring, felt-making, soft furnishings and embroidery.
Our courses are at several levels and held on various days and times. We offer day and evening courses, taster sessions, short courses and accredited courses.
Our exciting range of courses are taught by qualified and experienced lecturers. Our courses are at our main learning centres and at venues across Waltham Forest including community centres, heritage sites, libraries, housing estates and Leyton Green Fashion Hub. We also deliver bespoke courses for local partners.
Starting with a taster: If you’re not sure which course to take, start with a short taster course. This can help you build the confidence to continue learning.
Core skills: English, maths and digital skills are embedded in our creative courses so you will also improve these core skills.
Learning with us: Our courses are in-person at a learning location, online or a blend of both online and in-person learning.
What our learners say
‘I have taken various Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service courses including floristry, millinery, print- making, lampshade-making and pottery, which led me to eventually start my own business. It’s great to have an institution which provides a wide range of courses for adults.’
Toshiko, creative courses learner
‘I came knowing nothing – Lisa changed that! Clear explanations, patience, positive and constructive feedback – more courses like this please!’
Learner, Painting with oils and acrylics
Careers and opportunities
‘The creative economy accounts for one in six jobs. These jobs often use skills that can be transferred from other industries, like carpentry, coding or crafts. Many of these jobs are ‘future-proof’ because 87 percent of creative jobs are at low risk of automation.’
Skills for Londoners Strategy
Creating futures: Learners can display their work at our annual craft fair, art exhibition and fashion show. At our craft fair, learners can make and sell their own goods to test the market for their business.
About us
Our team of experienced tutors are accomplished artists, crafters, business owners and lecturers. From fine art, garment-making and jewellery, to ceramics and up-cycling, their industry and educational experience means they can support new learners as well as those who want to make and sell their own work.
Our partners include libraries, community centres and organisations in Waltham Forest and beyond: from Lloyd Park Community Bowls Pavilion and Walthamstow Wetlands to Ellingham Employment Services and Waltham Forest Disability Resource Centre.
Start a course
Find your course today: explore our prospectus and course listings