Gillian Arnold Bishop Auckland Christmas Town 2026 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

In this exciting workshop you will design your own unique pattern using a wide range of nature-inspired motifs, print your bespoke artwork onto high-quality fabric, and then transform it into a fully finished table lamp within the same session. Guided by Gillian, you will explore composition, layout and fabric printing techniques before assembling your lamp, giving you a truly personalised lighting piece to display proudly in your home.

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.

Recycled Lampshade Revamp Workshop

Breathe new life into your interiors by bringing along your old lampshade frame and a fabric you love. Gillian will guide you step-by-step through reconstructing your shade, teaching you how to prepare your materials, rebuild your frame, and create a fresh, professionally finished new lampshade using sustainable crafting techniques.

Anodised Aluminium Jewellery Workshop

Design and print your own artwork onto anodised aluminium and transform it into stunning earrings, pendants, or cuffs. Learn how to work with aluminium sheets, apply your designs, cut and shape the metal, and create jewellery pieces you will be proud to wear. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as experienced makers looking to develop new creative skills.

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.