Welcome to the Craft Arena website!

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At Craft Arena we sell needlecraft, knitting, crochet, mixed media, craft supplies, Brother sewing machines, wool, threads, haberdashery, beads, craft books, gifts and textile art. You can access our online shop by clicking the Shop menu item above.

We have a wide range of Brother Sewing and Embroidery machines on demonstration, and offer a full personal consultation so that you can choose the right machine for you. We give FREE training on most machines.

We hold workshops and training classes in needlecraft, knitting, crochet, mixed media, printing and textile art design in our large workshop area. You can see details of upcoming workshops and training classes below or click here for a full list.

We showcase the work of local artists and design groups in frequently changing exhibitions in Alchemy, our dedicated Textile Art Gallery.

We publish a regular newsletter containing special offers, details of upcoming workshops and everything Craft Arena. If you would like to subscribe, simply click on the blue "Subscribe" icon above. Our newsletters are usually sent out weekly.

We look forward to seeing you in the studio soon.

Craft Arena is upstairs at the Barleylands Craft Village, Billericay, Essex, Studios 49 - 51. We are open 10am - 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10am - 4pm Sundays and most Bank Holidays.

We either use or personally recommend the items we sell. If you have a specific requirement please contact us and we will do our best to help.

Workshops - coming soon

Machine Embroidery Group Sunday 3rd February

Sunday, 3 February 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

This is our popular series of informal monthly discussion sessions to help you get the most from your embroidery machine.

We cover a different machine embroidery technique every month

Price: 
£10.00

Goldwork Flowers with Wendy Mansfield Saturday 9th February

Saturday, 9 February 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Another of our popular workshops with Wendy.

Suitable for both beginners and those who with to refresh their skills, Wendy will show you how to use simple flower shapes appliqued onto silk and embellished with couched threads. There will be a choice of flowers for you to stitch.

All materials included.

Price: 
£65.00

Crochet Dreamcatcher with Sue Broughton Sunday 10th February

Sunday, 10 February 2019 - 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Join Sue and use your crochet skills to make this delightful Dreamcatcher.

All materials included in the workshop price

Price: 
£40.00

Crewelwork with Marion Wood Friday 15th February

Friday, 15 February 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

Marion will be showing you how to use fine wool thread with traditional embroidery stitches to create a beautiful crewel work design. This class is suitable both for beginners and those who would like to expand their needlework skills.

Price: 
£45.00

Dyeing with Nick Kimber Saturday 16th February

Saturday, 16 February 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Join Nick Kimber for more dyeing fun. You will be using Procion dye to create beautiful fabric and threads which you will be able to use for your textile work. Materials are provided, but you might like to bring some found objects to include with your fabric to enhance the look of your fabric. More details to follow.

Price: 
£65.00

PE Design for Beginners with Lisa Sunday 17th February

Sunday, 17 February 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

This class is for those who are new to Brother PE Design software or need a refresher.

Make the most of your embroidery machine by learning to digitise your own designs.

This class will take you through the basics, showing you how to move around the programme and begin the design process. Just bring a pen and paper to take notes!

Further classes will follow.

Price: 
£35.00