Learning – It’s not just for kids…

We’re so focussed on the idea of expanding the minds of our children and students that we often neglect and overlook the importance of our own adult learning and continued professional development.

I’m a firm believer in the motto, ‘Want to be happier? Learn something new!’ And when I do treat myself to a creative course or event I always come away feeling inspired and creatively charged!

This got me pondering, what is it about learning a new skill that can have a positive impact on our lives?

Firstly there’s evidence that proves that learning can help improve confidence, wellbeing and a sense of self-efficacy. Connecting with others and being a part of something is hugely beneficial and I believe everyone has a natural desire to learn and progress. Learning something new, in one area of our lives, fuels our creativity and can have a knock on effect, triggering ideas in another. Curiosity and creative thinking go hand-in-hand.

But the idea of returning to a ‘school learning’ environment would have most of us running for the hills…. It needn’t be that way though… Lifelong learning isn’t just about academic studies and formal qualifications. A fun way of expanding your creative learning is to take part in a workshop or taster session like we programme in at Making Space.

The huge variety of craft workshops we book in throughout the year ensures that something will appeal to everyone. I know that for many adults the idea of trying something creative is scary, memories from school art lessons or once being told they’re ’not good enough’ are hard things to shake off, but our courses offer a safe and friendly environment to learn where actually you can’t go wrong!

All of our sessions are taught by professional, practising makers, and take place in small group sizes, so individual needs can be addressed. When trying out something new creatively, participants needn’t worry about doing it wrong, or being different as individual responses are encouraged and are a way of expressing yourself. We just want people to enjoy themselves, try something new and step outside of their comfort zone… you’d be surprised how good it feels when you’ve accomplished something you didn’t think you could do!

So, with that in mind, what can you learn over the next few months at Making Space?

Next week we have some fantastic taster sessions booked in. These are perfect for anyone wanting to dip their toe in before diving straight in. Tenant Peter Levy is running a ceramic vessels taster and our lovely associate Sharon Justice is leading a session in precious metal clay. At only £40 for a 2hr taster these sessions won’t break the bank either. More information on all these courses and online booking can be done by clicking on the links below.

CERAMIC VESSELS    |    PRECIOUS METAL CLAY
For those that feel a little more confident, and are keen to jump straight in, why not consider a whole day class or even a longer course. From now till July, Making Space are running workshops in Paper Sculpture, Gilding, Embroidered Jewellery, Forged metal bangles, Tunnel books, Design, Silver jewellery and more! Take a look on this page of our website for more information and full listings.

So there you have it… With a little help from Making Space, it’s never been easier to learn something new.