Top Picks
10 “Try This” Top Picks: Creative Courses Across Cornwall
Looking to get creative, learn a new skill, or just try something different?
From pottery and eco-photography to singing, weaving, and silversmithing, our top picks of workshops and courses across Cornwall will spark your curiosity and get your hands moving.
Whether you’re a total beginner or building on what you already know, these experiences are a brilliant way to dive into something new, meet like-minded people, and explore your creative side in inspiring surroundings. Plus, you’ll walk away with more than just new skills — think fresh ideas, real connections, and maybe even something beautiful you made yourself.
Read on for our favourite ways to learn, create, and explore this season!
1. Introduction to Digital Painting
Fri 25th July, 2025
Falmouth University, Falmouth Campus
If you’re curious about digital art or want to level up your creative skills, this hands-on course in digital painting is a must-try. Hosted on the beautiful Falmouth campus and led by experienced artist Cally Gibson, this one-day workshop introduces you to the world of digital painting using a Wacom Intuos Pro tablet.
You’ll get to grips with setting up and using a tablet, creating your own digital brushes from real-world media, and experimenting with texture and Mixer brushes for realistic blending techniques. The course also explores how to build limited colour palettes to elevate any digital artwork, regardless of subject or style.
Perfect for beginners and creatives alike, this course offers a practical, inspiring introduction to digital painting in a supportive studio environment.
2. Eco-Photography
Thu 24th July — Thu 14th August, 2025
Mount Pleasant Eco Park, St Agnes
Immerse yourself in a four-week eco-photography course led by photographic artist Josie, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Pleasant Eco Park near Porthtowan. With sweeping views of the valley and ocean, it’s the perfect setting to explore sustainable, nature-inspired image-making.
Designed for both beginners and experienced creatives, the course offers a hands-on introduction to camera-less photography techniques using natural materials and processes. Whether you’re looking for time out from busy summer schedules or want to try something new, this course offers space to slow down and reconnect with your creativity.
3. Future Makers & Community Makers
Until Thu 31st July, 2025
Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre, Liskeard
Sterts Arts Centre has rolled out a vibrant new programme of creative workshops designed to inspire, build confidence, and get imaginations soaring! Whether you’re a budding young performer or an adult eager to try something new, these sessions offer a fun, supportive space to explore the performing arts.
With workshops tailored for all ages and experience levels, it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop stage skills, express yourself, and connect with others through creativity.
4. Tapestry Weaving Workshops
Until Sat 2nd August, 2025
Krowji, Redruth
Looking for a mindful, creative escape? This Tapestry Weaving Workshop offers the perfect introduction to a calming and expressive craft. Using natural materials and traditional techniques, you’ll learn how to design and weave your very own small wall-hanging – no experience needed.
Guided step-by-step, you’ll explore how to warp a wooden frame loom, choose colours and textures, and weave a unique piece to take home. It’s a great way to unwind, try something new, and gain the skills to continue weaving long after the workshop ends.
5. Mixed Media Workshop
Thu 14th August, 2025
St Ives School of Painting
Step into a more expressive way of making art with this inspiring collage and paint workshop, where landscape and imagination come together. Perfect for artists of any level, this session encourages a looser, more playful approach to mark making and image creation.
Working both outdoors and in the studio, you’ll experiment with a rich mix of materials – including ink, wax, crayon, papers, and paint – to explore how different media interact. The focus is on freeing up your creative process, adding texture and individuality to your work, and discovering new ways to build dynamic, layered images inspired by your surroundings.
6. Stacking Rings Silversmithing Workshop
Sat 16th August, 2025
The Poly, Falmouth
Fancy trying your hand at jewellery making? This beginner-friendly silversmithing workshop is the perfect place to start. Guided by tutor Joelle Poulos, you’ll learn the basics of working with silver and create a set of four beautiful stacking rings to take home.
You’ll also have the chance to add texture or decorative touches to personalise your pieces. All tools and materials – including silver – are included in the ticket price, making it a relaxed and accessible way to explore a new craft.
7. One-day Introduction to the Wheel
Fri 15th — Wed 27th August, 2025
Leach Pottery, St Ives
Ever wanted to throw your own pot? This immersive full-day workshop offers the perfect introduction to working on the potter’s wheel, giving you the time and support to truly get a feel for the craft.
With just five participants per session, you’ll benefit from plenty of individual tuition, making it ideal for beginners or those looking to develop their technique. You’ll finish the day by selecting a favourite piece to be fired and kept – a lasting reminder of your creative experience.
8. Botanical Casting
Sun 17th August, 2025
Trebah Garden, Mawnan SmithAcademy of Music and Theatre Arts, Penryn
Celebrate the beauty of the natural world in this botanical casting workshop led by Falmouth-based artist Hazel Oliver of Badger and Bird Studio. Set within the inspiring surroundings of Trebah Gardens, you’ll learn how to press, cast, and finish your own piece of botanical art using eco resin, a sustainable, plaster-like material.
Using seasonal plant specimens foraged from the gardens, you’ll create a unique casting to take home. Hazel’s work is known for its connection to nature and her use of reclaimed, natural materials, making this workshop a thoughtful and creative way to explore texture, form, and sustainability
9. One-day Vocal Intensive
Tue 12th & Tue 26th August, 2025
Academy of Music and Theatre Arts, Penryn
Aspiring young singers, this is your chance to develop your voice and build performance confidence in a dynamic, one-day course designed just for you. Set in the professional music studios at Falmouth’s Academy of Music and Theatre Arts, this workshop is ideal for ages 14–17 who want to take their vocal skills to the next level.
Led by expert tutors, the day includes vocal warm-ups, breath control techniques, pitch and harmony exercises, and creative ensemble singing. You’ll work on vocal blend, explore musical expression through harmonisation, and finish with a collaborative group performance that brings it all together.
10. Handkerchief Vase Making Workshop
Sat 2nd August, 2025 — Fri 12th September, 2025
Wheal Martyn, St Austell
With summer flowers in full bloom, why not create a beautiful handmade vase to show them off? In this relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop at Wheal Martyn, you’ll learn a simple slab-building technique to form a unique draped vase, inspired by the elegant shape of a handkerchief.
Using coloured slips and decorative tools, you’ll customise your clay slab before shaping it over a former to create that flowing form. Once complete, your vase will be twice fired and glazed, ready for collection or delivery within 10–20 days.