Welcome to the Craft Arena website!

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 below. 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.

Click here to subscribe to our Newsletter!

Featured

Craft Arena nominations!

We'd like you to nominate us for the 2018 International Craft Awards.

We'd love your support - please click below to nominate us. You could win prizes too, just by participating!

Workshops - coming soon

Mixed Media Travel Journal with Nick Kimber Friday 20th July

Friday, 20 July 2018 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Using several different types of mixed media, papers, paints and stitch, you will make a journal which can be used to record your travels.

You will leave the workshop with a book having coloured and textured pages for you to finish and add to at home or away.

The illustration shows how the book may look once it is completed

PDF icon Click here to download the Travel Journal Requirements list
Price: 
£65.00

Repeat Lino Printing with Lynne Sunday 22nd July

Sunday, 22 July 2018 - 10:30am to 4:30pm

Join artist & printmaker Lynne Blackburn of Essex Print Studio for a one day ‘Repeat Pattern Lino Printing’ workshop.

You will learn how to design a repeat pattern and transfer it to the lino block for cutting; how to use the tools and inks used in linocut printing, and how to hand carve a design and take prints from it. Linocuts can be printed easily by hand or with a simple press.

Lynne will bring a number of designs based around a theme of ‘Patterns’ for you to choose from but you are welcome to come along with your own ideas as well.

6 sheets of printmaking paper are included in the workshop price, with additional sheets available to buy if you would like to print more.

This is an ideal opportunity to learn the skills to create your own editioned prints, artist books, or posters.

While this workshop will focus on paper prints, the techniques are ideal for use with fabrics and textile art and there will be fabric available for you to try.

Price: 
£65.00

Accessory Bag with Lisa Friday 27th July

Friday, 27 July 2018 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Never lose those sewing machine accessories again! Using ‘In the Hoop’ machine embroidery techniques,

Lisa will show you how to make a sewing pouch to keep all those hard to find essentials.

With line work on the one side, appliqué on the other and made in four 'hoopings' with just a touch of ordinary machine stitching and a tiny bit of hand stitching, you will go away with this terrific bag.

The design for the bag is included in the cost of the class, so you will be able to stitch it again at home. (Contents not included). You can bring your own machine which must be capable of in the hoop emmbroidery and have a 5 x 7 minimum hoop (ask if you aren't sure) or borrow one of ours.

Price: 
£60.00

Powertex for Beginners With Denise Saturday 28th July

Saturday, 28 July 2018 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Create beautiful fabric works of art and take your skills forward using fabric, inclusions, paint and Powertex to make a textured panel. All materials are included in this workshop, but please feel free to bring your own embellishments to add to your work.

This workshop is suitable for beginners

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: 
£65.00

Beading: Ladder Stitch with Janette Bright Friday 3rd August Morning Session only

Friday, 3 August 2018 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

In this first of a planned series of beading workshop you will learn ladder stitch and will begin a pretty bracelet to finish at home. Click on the picture above to see more detail of what you can do.

You can also book for the whole day here to finish off your bracelet and try additional techniques.

All materials are included in the workshop price.

Price: 
£45.00

Beading: Ladder Stitch with Janette Bright Friday 3rd August All day workshop

Friday, 3 August 2018 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

In this first of a planned series of beading workshop you will learn ladder stitch and will begin a pretty bracelet. Click on the picture above to see more detail of what you can do.

If you prefer, you can book for just the morning session and finish your bracelet at home.

All materials are included in the booking price but if you finish your bracelet, you may wish to purchase more beads to try out more techniques in the afternoon.

Price: 
£65.00