Get Creative this Christmas
Get creative this Christmas with festive workshops at The Base Greenham
The Base Greenham is getting into the festive spirit this November and December with a packed programme of creative workshops, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to learn new skills, make unique decorations and create something special to take home.
From willow weaving and wreath making to stained glass, candle making, calligraphy and festive printmaking, this year’s programme offers a wide variety of creative experiences for adults, children and families.
Workshops are led by talented local artists and experienced practitioners, offering opportunities to try traditional crafts, discover new techniques and enjoy some hands-on festive creativity.
The festive programme begins on Sunday 15 November with Weave a Willow Reindeer, led by Judith Needham.
Participants will learn traditional willow-weaving techniques to create their own reindeer, perfect for displaying on a windowsill or table throughout the festive season.
On Saturday 28 November, visitors can embrace two traditional Christmas crafts.
Christmas Wreath Making with Caroline Thomas offers the opportunity to create a beautiful handmade wreath, while Make a Willow Star with Judith Needham introduces random weaving techniques to create a large willow star, finished with fairy lights.
The creativity continues on Sunday 29 November with a selection of festive workshops.
In Create Your Own Festive Soaps, participants can make seasonal gifts using festive fragrances and moulds, while Gold Leafing Festive Baubles, led by artist Ellie Kerr-Smiley, introduces the traditional art of gilding to create beautiful, unique Christmas decorations.
Christmas Calligraphy with Jodie Rose will explore the basics of calligraphy, from strokes and the lowercase alphabet and simple flourishes, helping participants to develop their own festive lettering style.
Meanwhile, Festive Candle Making offers the chance to create a beautiful jar candle using real pressed flowers and leave, scented soy wax and a choice of festive fragrances.
On Friday 4 December, Silk Painted Christmas Cards provides an opportunity to explore a range of techniques using iron-fixed silk paints before creating personalised Christmas cards from pre-outlined designs.
Craft enthusiasts can create their own Christmas Copper Garland on Saturday 5 December, learning the art of enamelling onto coloured foil with artist Flora Gare.
Mosaic artist Denise Jaques will also lead Mosaic Garden Robin, where participants can create a shimmering robin suitable for displaying in the home or garden.
Younger visitors can get involved too. Festive Snowflake Decorations on Saturday 5 December, invites children aged 4 – 12 to make their own hanging snowflake decorations from clay, perfect for the Christmas tree or as a handmade gift.
On Sunday 6 December, young people can join Children’s Christmas Soap Making, creating their own hand-crafted Christmas soaps using festive silicone moulds.
The programme continues on Saturday 12 December with Weave a Willow Christmas Tree, where participants can work with Judith Needham to create a 3D willow Christmas tree.
Families can also enjoy making festive decorations together in the Family Willow Decoration Making workshop, creating trees, stars and mini reindeer to take home.
The festive programme comes to a close on Sunday 13 December with two family-friendly workshops. Festive Storytime and Craft will bring the magical story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to life through interactive storytelling, followed by a guided festive craft activity.
Budding young artists can also join artist Charlotte Adcock for Children’s Festive Printmaking, an introduction to easy-to-carve foam and the process of creating their own seasonal prints, suitable for children aged 6 – 11.
With such a diverse programme of creative activities, there is plenty to discover at The Base Greenham in the festive run-up.
Whether visitors want to learn a traditional craft, make handmade decorations, create a thoughtful gift or simply enjoy some creative time with family and friends, the workshops offer a chance to step away from the Christmas shopping rush and embrace the festive season through creativity.
For full workshop details and to book, visit The Base Greenham website: thebasegreenham.co.uk
The base
The Base opened on Friday 8 February 2019 in partnership with Greenham Trust and the Corn Exchange.
It became a registered charity in 2022 (charity no. 1199188) and is dedicated to improving access to the arts whilst bringing quality visual art to the local area.
Situated in a purpose-built arts and craft building, The Base’s £1.7M venue was designed by Sutton Griffin Architects of Newbury.
The space comprises of a 110sqm gallery, artists’ studios and a workshop for participatory classes.
There is also a café facility managed by Honesty Café group.
Striving to be a flagship visual arts venue in West Berkshire, The Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year 54 exhibition launched the inaugural gallery programme.
Displaying some of the best wildlife photography from across the globe, the exhibition comprised of 100 photograph across 7 categories and is renowned for attracting millions of visitors around the world every year.
The Base is also home to 8 visual artists and craft makers as well as Open Studios West Berkshire and North Hampshire, who present their annual INSIGHT exhibition at The Base every May.
GALLERY OPENING TIMES
The gallery opening times and days vary depending on which exhibition is being presented.
Please check the exhibition pages before you travel to ensure the gallery will be open.
Purchase a Base Pass and gain unlimited access to their Gallery for 12 months – find out more here
Honesty Cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm and 9.30am – 4pm on Sundays.
From a fully accessible building to relaxed visit days, they are dedicated to making their venue and exhibitions accessible for everyone.
Please visit the Accessibility page for information about the facilities at The Base.
Tickets for all exhibitions and workshops at The Base can be booked via the Corn Exchange Box Office: 01635 522733
Their phone lines are open daily: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm (or until 7pm if there is a performance on), Sunday, 10.30am to 4pm
The Base Greenham, Greenham Business Park, Communications Road, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 6HN
Please contact admin@thebasegreenham.co.u
Throughout the year, The Base attracts high quality touring exhibitions from the likes of the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and more.
They know that sometimes one visit just isn’t enough to take in all the talent on show.
So they bring you the Base Pass, enabling you to come and go as often as you like to each exhibition for a whole year!
Unlimited entry to The Base Gallery for 12 months*
10% off at Honesty owned cafes
PLEASE NOTE: Your new Base Pass card will be ready to collect on your next visit to The Base!
