Gillian Arnold | Bishop Auckland Christmas Town | 2025 Workshops

Creative Christmas Workshops with Gillian Arnold at Number 43

Celebrate Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town with an inspiring series of creative workshops led by surface-pattern designer Gillian Arnold, all held inside Number 43, The Auckland Project’s vibrant new arts venue (formerly Home Bargains). These hands-on sessions invite you to learn professional techniques, craft beautiful pieces to take home, and enjoy a warm festive atmosphere in the heart of the town.

Workshop Types Included

Design & Print Your Own Table Lamp

Create your own bespoke lamp from start to finish in this inspiring hands-on workshop hosted by Gillian, where you will design a unique pattern using hundreds of nature-inspired vintage motifs, print your artwork onto high-quality lightbox-effect fabric, and construct your completed lamp with light fittings all in the same session. Gillian will guide you through composition, pattern layout and fabric printing techniques, ensuring you gain the skills needed to produce a professional, personalised lighting piece for your home. This workshop is fully accessible to all skill levels, requiring no preparation or materials from you—we provide everything you need, fabric, tools, and extensive motif library—so you can simply come ready to create, enjoy, and leave with a stunning illuminated lamp crafted entirely by you.

Make Your Own Lampshade Workshop (Bring Your Own Fabric or Use a Gillian Arnold Design)

In this hands-on session, you will learn how to construct a professional-quality lampshade using either a beautiful Gillian Arnold fabric from our studio collection or a fabric you bring from home. Whether you want to match an existing room scheme or showcase a favourite textile, Gillian will teach you the complete process, from preparing your materials to assembling and finishing your lampshade. This accessible workshop is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, and you will leave with a stunning custom-made shade ready to display in your home.
You will make a 20 cm lampshade with the option to upgrade to bigger size shades for a small additional cost. other sizes available are 30cm, 35cm and 40 cm.

Recycled Lampshade Revamp Workshop

Bring along your old lampshade frame and a fabric you love, and learn how to completely rebuild and transform it into a fresh, beautifully finished new shade. Gillian will guide you through preparing your materials, reconstructing your frame, and achieving a professional finish using sustainable, creative techniques. To get the most from this workshop, please send images of your lampshade project beforehand so Gillian can prepare and advise on the best approach for reconstructing your shade. A wide selection of trims, fabrics and lampshade-making essentials will also be available, ensuring you leave with a beautifully upgraded and professionally refreshed lampshade.

Anodised Aluminium Jewellery Workshop

Design and print your own artwork onto anodised aluminium, then transform it into beautiful earrings, pendants or cuff bracelets in this highly creative, unique and enjoyable workshop suitable for all abilities. You’ll learn how to work with aluminium sheets, apply your designs using a range of printing methods, inks, markers and stamps, and then cut and shape your pieces into jewellery you’ll be proud to wear. This expressive, hands-on workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, offering a fun and inspiring introduction to the art of anodised aluminium jewellery.

How to Book

Select your preferred workshop and date using the dropdown menu above. All materials are provided unless otherwise stated. Each session is taught by Gillian Arnold, who brings over 20 years of teaching experience and a nationally and internationally recognised design career.

Why Choose a Gillian Arnold Workshop?

• Professional-quality techniques taught in an accessible, enjoyable format
• Unique, personalised items to take home at the end of each session
• Creative, festive atmosphere inside the newly opened Number 43 arts venue
• Small, friendly groups with hands-on guidance throughout
• A perfect activity for individuals, friends, families, and creative Christmas days out

Join us at Christmas Town Bishop Auckland and enjoy an inspiring creative experience with workshops designed to spark imagination, develop new skills, and celebrate the season through making.