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£65 per guest
ClassBento money-back guarantee
Our mission is to improve mental wellbeing through our workshops and experiences. We curate our teachers and hosts carefully to ensure that they are of high quality.
That's why we provide a money-back guarantee*: If you're unsatisfied with this experience, just leave it at least 20 minutes before it ends, and tell us (the ClassBento team) the reason for your dissatisfaction within 4 hours of that time, and we'll provide you with a refund.
* We may choose to limit our refund per customer at £500. In some rare cases, we may also require you to show us your photo ID before we process the refund.
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ClassBento money-back guarantee
Our mission is to improve mental wellbeing through our workshops and experiences. We curate our teachers and hosts carefully to ensure that they are of high quality.
That's why we provide a money-back guarantee*: If you're unsatisfied with this experience, just leave it at least 20 minutes before it ends, and tell us (the ClassBento team) the reason for your dissatisfaction within 4 hours of that time, and we'll provide you with a refund.
* We may choose to limit our refund per customer at £500. In some rare cases, we may also require you to show us your photo ID before we process the refund.
How can we help?
Q: What's the cancellation policy?
A: Free to cancel or reschedule up until 30 days before the class
Q: How long does the class run for, and what's the price?
A: 2.5 hours, £65 per guest
New Brewery Arts usually responds
by the next business day
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Need a thoughtful gift idea?
card_giftcard Gift an experienceStraw Plaiting Workshop
Explore straw plaiting techniques at this hands-on straw art workshop in Gloucestershire.
ClassBento donates
50p
with every booking to
2.5 hours
1 to 9 guests
£65
(PayPal Pay in 3 available)
What you'll do
Join straw artist Penny Maltby for a half-day straw art workshop in Gloucestershire and discover the timeless craft of straw plaiting. You’ll learn traditional techniques to create your own harvest knot or Corn Dolly, exploring heritage wheat and the rhythms of this historic art form!No prior experience is needed. Penny will guide you step by step, from preparing the straw to mastering a variety of plaits. This workshop is suitable for anyone curious about heritage crafts or looking for a mindful, creative experience.What to expect:
- Learn how to tie a straw worker’s knot and prepare straw for crafting.
- Corn Dolly techniques: compass plait, multi-strand hair plait, and diamond plait.
- Harvest Trophy techniques: universal hair plait and arrow plait.
- Discover the history and cultural significance of corn dollies and harvest knots.
- Create your own hand-plaited Corn Dolly or harvest knot to take home.
- A calm, mindful environment perfect for slowing down and enjoying the process.
info
This class is not available for purchase
What you'll get
- Leave with your own hand plaited corn dolly or harvest trophy!
- All materials and equipment are included.
- Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly, some manual dexterity is required.
What to bring
You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.
Your teacher
Penny Maltby
Penny Maltby is an artist and maker with a passion for materials and experimental making. Inspired by the narrative within traditional crafts and its role in preserving cultural heritage, she enjoys exploring new ways of using traditional materials and skills to create contemporary work.
A tutor in straw work and mixed media, she loves to teach craft skills and encourage cross disciplinary use of materials and techniques. In 2021 she founded the Ministry of Straw to raise awareness of the creative potential of straw and regularly gives talks and teaches at Summer schools, public and private events. Recently she has combined her love of straw working and textiles to design a range of luxury silk scarves which celebrate the shapes and aesthetics of this traditional craft.Penny is a graduate in Creative Arts and holds a City and Guilds Certificate and Diploma in Stitched textiles. She exhibits regularly as part of Prism Textiles and has attended Handmade Oxford and the GNCCF in Manchester. Other projects include making straw costumes for the BBC as well as creating straw props TV production/photo shoots. She is a member of Prism Textiles, Oxfordshire Basketmakers, The Basketmakers Association, Strawcraftsmen, Modern Makers Collective and Design Nation.
Your host
New Brewery Arts is Cirencester’s creative heart — a vibrant cultural charity housed in the historic buildings of the former Cirencester Brewery. After the brewery’s closure in 1937, the site fell into disuse and was nearly lost to demolition. Thanks to a visionary local group, two of the remaining buildings were restored and transformed into craft workshops, opening as Cirencester Workshops in 1978. Its mission is to champion craft — making it, learning it, and supporting the people who do it. Its courses, workshops, makers’ studios, 100% UK-made craft shop, and café all contribute to a vibrant creative hub at the heart of Cirencester.
Book on ClassBento and enjoy exclusive perks:
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Earn loyalty points
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Money-back guarantee* for peace of mind
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Local support from our UK-based team, rated 5 stars by customers
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Public liability insurance included for your protection
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ClassBento donates 50p to Mental Health UK with every paid booking
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