For just £28, you can learn a new skill from some of Scotland’s best makers and creatives
Now, more than ever, we’re looking for more fulfilling ways to spend our time, and this ingenious new Scottish business is making it easier to do just that—for a mere £27.99.
Last year we told you about the The Village School, a new project kickstarted by Scottish experiential event specialists Rogue Village. Giving you access to some of Scotland’s most knowledgeable experts in the craft, baking, floristry, and wellbeing sectors, The Village School offers some of the best online workshops and masterclasses we’ve seen and, for a limited time only, you can enjoy one of these classes for just £27.99.
Their eye-catching platform, which launched in October 2020, features a range of beautifully shot workshops from some of the UK’s most exciting creatives where participants can learn new skills, as well as gaining an insight into the lives of the mentors—all from the comfort of their own home. Workshops are pre-recorded and participants will have lifelong access to the course so they can work through it at their own pace as well as return to it whenever they want.
As the news of our third lockdown broke, The Village School understood the toll this would take on so many of our mental wellbeings. As such, they’ve decided to offer these expert-led courses at a reduced rate until Monday 11th January 2020.
‘With the new lockdown restrictions announced across the UK, we wanted to make sure you had access to something positive,’ explains The Village School. ‘We’re here to help you on this journey over the next few months. Whether you’re looking for a hobby, exploring career options, seeking some “me” time, or know someone who needs a pick-me-up. Use the code WECANDOTHIS at the check out and buy ANY course (with lifelong access) for £27.99.’
If you’re looking to make the most of the lockdown and potentially upskill, head to Thevillageschool.co.uk and secure your course now. Keen to learn more about the workshops on offer? Scroll below.
Mentor’s include the Great British Bake-Off’s youngest ever runner-up and owner of ARAN Bakery, Flora Shedden; Trinidadian Calligrapher Paul Antonio – one of the Queen’s four scribes and go-to scribe for the world’s leading fashion brands; Ceramics with Channel 4’s Great British Pottery Throwdown finalist Matt Cronshaw, and Pyrus Botanicals whose locally sourced and seasonal approach to floristry and botanical installations has been lauded by US Vogue, The Telegraph, The Times, and Fashionista.
Co-director Jenny Maniam explains, ‘We live in such a busy world, and right now in very strange times. It’s more important than ever to ensure we’re taking time for ourselves and decompressing. So many of our mentors talk about the benefit of learning and being creative to their wellbeing and mental health. When was the last time you tried or learned something new? It can be so empowering and uplifting.’
Whilst online courses boomed during lockdown, The Village School recognised the ‘webcam-in-the-spare-room’ style, that many out-of-work creatives resourcefully pivoted to. Often, these have felt two-dimensional and uninspiring, doing talented workshop leaders no favours. Inspired by lifestyle publications such as The Selby, The Village School has created beautiful, visual learning experiences that take viewers on a journey into the lives of charismatic artists and artisans—visiting their homes, their workspaces, their environments, and seeing what makes them tick. A window into the world of these inspiring creatives and more than just a workshop.
Co-director, Peter Maniam explains, ‘Through our events we work with so many amazing independent artists from a range of backgrounds who, like us, found themselves stuck and struggling to work as a result of COVID. We were keen to develop something that could help both us and others develop some long-term stability in these tricky times as well as showcasing a rich breadth of independent British talent. We know the public are keener than ever to support local and independent businesses—we hope that we’re providing a really unique and valuable way to do exactly that. Everyone’s a winner!’.