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

Yarn Forward - Wednesday 17th July

Wednesday, 17 July 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

Tambour Beadwork with Angela - Morning only Saturday 20th July

Saturday, 20 July 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

Join Angela Woodget for Tambour Beading. This delicate form of beading onto fabric can be used to enhance garments, make accessories or pictures.

Angela will show you the basics in the morning. You can also book for the whole day and carry on to learn more advanced techniques in the afternoon.

This class is perfect for beginners or those who wish to refresh their skills.

Price: 
£45.00

Tambour Beadwork with Angela - Saturday 20th July

Saturday, 20 July 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Join Angela Woodget for a whole day of Tambour Beading. This delicate form of beading onto fabric can be used to enhance garments, make accessories or pictures.

Angela will start with the basics in the morning and show you more advanced techniques in the afternoon. If you prefer you can attend just the morning session by booking here.

This class is perfect for beginners or those who wish to refresh their skills.

Price: 
£65.00

PE Design training with Lisa - Sunday 21st July

Sunday, 21 July 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

Join Lisa to learn more about using Brother PE Design Software. If you know the basics and wish to find out more, this class is for you. In this session Lisa will show you how to produce a design of your own.

This class is for those who know the basics of PE Design software for Brother Embroidery machines. 

Our next beginner's class is on Sunday 20th October. Click here to find out more

Price: 
£35.00

Machine Embroidery Group - Sunday 4th August

Sunday, 4 August 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

A series of informal monthly sessions to help you get the most from your embroidery machine.

In this session we will be demonstrating Puffy Foam.

Price: 
£10.00

A Credence of Stitchers - Sunday 11th August

Sunday, 11 August 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

Join our stitching group where you can stitch, chat and get a bit of advice if you need it!

Any type of hand embroidery is welcome.

You will receive a gift worth at least £5 when you attend, this will consist of hand embroidery related items - it may be threads, patterns or accessories or a combination of both.

In case you were wondering, Credence is a 15th Century collective noun for a number of stitchers!

Price: 
£10.00