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

A Credence of Stitchers Sunday 16th June

Sunday, 16 June 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

Join our new 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

Yarn Forward Wednesday 19th June

Wednesday, 19 June 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 for Beginners with Angela - Saturday 22nd June

Saturday, 22 June 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

This will be a taster session where you will be able to give tambour beading a try to see how you get on with this delicate technique.

You will also be able to look through samples of Angela's work to see what can be achieved once you have a little experience.

This workshop is now full.

Please contact us to go on our waiting list or join us on our one day Tambour class on Saturday 20th July.

Price: 
£45.00

PE Design with Lisa Sunday 23rd June

Sunday, 23 June 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

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

Price: 
£35.00

Mixed Media Glass Plate with Denise Saturday 29th June

Saturday, 29 June 2019 - 10:30am to 1:00pm

Using rice papers and mixed media products from Stamperia and Pentart, you will be decorating a glass plate.

You will have choice of designs to work with. 

Price: 
£45.00

Design Day with Denise Friday 5th July

Friday, 5 July 2019 - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Does the 'D' word make you anxious? Do you want to take your work forward and produce your own designs but don't know where to begin?

Denise will take you through the process she uses in her work and help you to feel comfortable working with themes and to develop your own ideas.

You can bring your own inspiration or Denise will have plenty of imagery to get you going.

All materials are provided.

Price: 
£65.00