Welcome to the Craft Arena website!

Click here to subscribe to our email Newsletter!

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

Textures & Memories with Alysn Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th Nov - Deposit

Saturday, 16 November 2019 - 10:30am to 4:30pm
Sunday, 17 November 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

We are very excited to host a workshop by Alysn, one of Denise's favourite Textile Artists, while Alysn is in the UK on her 2019 workshop tour of the UK.

The workshop will run over two days and will include a design element based on your photographic memories, incorporating image transfer, texture using mixed media, felting, burning, stitch and beads.

The total cost of the workshop is £150 for two days including most materials although you may wish to include some of your own.

The requirements list can be downloaded by clicking the link below. Find out more about Alysn here

This workshop is now full. Please contact us to be placed on our waiting list

PDF icon Click here to download the requirements list for this course

Yarn Forward - Wednesday 20th November

Wednesday, 20 November 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

Our regular Yarn Forward knitting and crochet group.

Bring your own yarn work along to knit or crochet and if you have any challenges, there will sure to be someone here who can help.

For complete beginners, and those who are a bit more experienced, you can work that yarn and chat at the same time, and you always leave with a free gift!

Price: 
£10.00

Christmas Zentangle Friday 22nd November

Friday, 22 November 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

For those who have attended one of our Zentangle® workshops before, this class will take your knowledge further and give you the opportunity to make a seasonal design. The project will be different to that shown, as we want to keep it a surprise!

Caroline McNamarra, a certified Zentangle® tutor, will help you extend your skills..

Look out for news of beginner sessions coming soon.

Price: 
£65.00

Christmas Powertex with Denise - Saturday 23rd November

Saturday, 23 November 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Join Denise for our annual Christmas Powertex class. Using fabric, Powertex and mixed media, plus wood and clay inclusions, you will make a Christmas themed item. All materials are provided, and you are welcome to bring your own items to include with your work.

This workshop is aimed those who have used Powertex before and will feature new designs to decorate.

Although Denise is not an accredited Powertex trainer, she enjoys using and exploring the possibilities of this versatile medium, incorporating different media to expand and extend its potential

Price: 
£70.00

PE Design with Lisa - Sunday 24th November

Sunday, 24 November 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

Join Lisa to learn more about using Brother PE Design Software.

This class is for those who know the basics of PE Design software for Brother Embroidery machines. On this class we will be covering Applique and Badges.

Ask about our next Beginners session.

Price: 
£35.00

Christmas Goldwork with Wendy - Saturday 30th November

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

Create this beautiful goldwork Christmas design with Wendy Mansfield, Suitable for beginners, returners and those who would like to extend their stitching skills. All materials included.

Price: 
£65.00