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

Beginner's PE Design training with Lisa - Sunday 20th October

Sunday, 20 October 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

If you have challenges using Brother PE Design software for your embroidery machine, then this class is for you. Lisa will take you through the programme, showing you where to find the basic features and how to use them. Once you have attended this training, you will be able to join Lisa's more advanced sessions.

This class is suitable for complete beginners and those who wish to refresh their skills with either PE Design 10 or 11.

This workshop is now full. Please contact us to go our waiting list

Price: 
£35.00

Needlefelting with Denise - Wednesday 23rd October

Wednesday, 23 October 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Join Denise for a day of needlefelting.

You will learn the basics and explore ways of using different thread, fibres and fabric, utilizing colour to make 2D pictures.

We will discuss 3D modelling and have a play with the Baby lock Embellisher. 

Price: 
£65.00

Zentangle with Caroline - Friday 25th October

Friday, 25 October 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

For those who have tried Zentangle before, this class will take your knowledge further.

Caroline McNamarra, a certified Zentangel tutor, will help you extend your skills as part of her international Zentangle exhibition.

Look out for news of beginner sessions coming soon.

Price: 
£65.00

Williams Leaves and Morris Birds with Wendy - Saturday 26th October

Saturday, 26 October 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Wendy will give you a choice of designs to work with in this Goldwork class, inspired by William Morris.

All materials will be provided. The class is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who are more advanced and wish to extend their skills.

Price: 
£65.00

Aurifil Weekend - Saturday and Sunday 26th/27th October

Saturday, 26 October 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm
Sunday, 27 October 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Following the resounding success of our Aurifil Event last year, we are holding another Aurifil weekend on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October.

Entry is free.

We will be concentrating on machine stitching on Saturday and will feature hand embroidery on Sunday.

There will be free goody bags, free patterns, demonstrations and workshops so look out for more details soon.

Beginners Zentangle - Saturday 2nd November

Saturday, 2 November 2019 - 10:30am to 12:00pm

Caroline McNamara will be introducing you to basic techniques in this session.

Your designs will be perfect for translating into hand or machine stitch and mixed media work.

The examples shown here were made at a previous Craft Arena workshop

Caroline is a certified Zentangle® tutor.

Price: 
£20.00