FAQs
Q: Where is RE Treats Plymouth and what are the parking and accessibility arrangements?
RE Treats: We are based in a purpose-built craft studio in Plymouth. Full address and detailed directions are provided once your booking is confirmed.
By car: Free street parking is available close to the studio.
By public transport: The studio is accessible by bus and local rail. The nearest bus stop is a short walk away, and the nearest local rail station is approximately a 2-minute walk from the studio.
Accessibility: There are two steps from street level onto the property and the main craft studio is located upstairs. If you are unable to use the stairs, your session can usually be arranged downstairs instead. Please be aware, however, that the toilet facilities are upstairs and require the use of the stairs.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking so that we can discuss what you need and make appropriate arrangements wherever possible.
Q: What is a sensible first workshop if I’m a complete beginner?
RE Treats: If you are completely new to a craft, look for one of our Beginner workshops. These are designed to start with the basics, so you don’t need any previous experience.
If you already know which craft you would like to try, take a look at our Workshop Skills Guide, where you can see the different stages and find the best starting point.
Not sure which craft is right for you? Visit our Help Me Choose a Craft page to explore the different options and find something that appeals to you.
And if you’re still unsure, please get in touch (info@retreatsplymouth.co.uk) — we’re always happy to help you choose a workshop that suits your experience and what you would like to learn.
Q: I've never done this craft before – can I still come?
RE Treats:Absolutely. Many of our workshops are designed for complete beginners, so you don't need any previous experience. Workshops are clearly marked by level, and our Workshop Skill Guide can help you choose the right place to start. Our groups are small, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, receive individual guidance and learn at your own pace.
Q: Do I have to be skilled to book onto your courses?
RE Treats: That depends on the course you are booking. If you are trying a new skill or don't feel confident in a particular craft, you might want to book on the beginner / introductory level workshop first and build up to advanced / expert. Why not look at the RE Treats Workshop Skill Guide to find out what level you are in your chosen craft? You can find the guide on our workshop page underneath the workshop list.
Q: I'm nervous about coming to a workshop on my own – is that okay?
RE Treats: Of course. Lots of people come to a workshop on their own and you won't be expected to know anyone else. We keep our groups small and you'll have time to settle into the studio before we begin. The emphasis is on learning, making and enjoying being creative in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Q: What if everyone else is better than me or I need more help?
RE Treats: You don't need to keep up with anyone else. Everyone learns differently and develops skills at their own pace. Small groups mean there is time for individual guidance, questions and demonstrations when you need them. The aim is for you to develop your own skills and confidence, rather than compare what you're doing with somebody else.
Q: What happens if I find the workshop more difficult than I expected?
RE Treats: Don't worry. Workshops are deliberately kept small so that you can receive individual support and work at a pace that suits you. Learning something new can take time, and you are not expected to get everything right first time. If you need more time to develop your skills, we can help you decide on the best next step.
Q: How do your craft workshops run?
RE Treats: Our workshops take place in our purpose-built craft studio in Plymouth and are kept deliberately small so that you have plenty of opportunity for individual guidance.
We recommend arriving around 10 minutes before your session so that you can settle into the studio and get comfortable. We'll welcome you, offer you a hot drink and explain anything you need to know before we begin.
During your workshop you'll have time to learn and practise new techniques, ask questions and work on your project with guidance when you need it. We'll take a comfort break at a suitable point and, at the end of the session, there will be time for final questions and to discuss possible next steps if you'd like to continue developing your skills.
Q:How do I know if a workshop is the right level for me?
RE Treats: Each workshop description explains the skills you will be learning and whether you need any previous experience. Some crafts and projects take longer to master than others, and some stages may take more than one session. If you're unsure where to start, take a look at our Workshop Skills Guide or contact us and we'll help you choose the most suitable starting point.
Q: How much time and practice will I need to learn or develop my skills?
RE Treats: Everyone learns at a different pace, some skills take longer to develop than others. During your workshop you will be taught the skills and techniques you need, with practical, hands-on tuition and support.
Afterwards, practising those skills at home will help you become more confident and independent. You don't need to have mastered everything before moving on but regular practice will make learning the next stage easier.
Some stages may take more than one workshop to complete, and where this is likely, we will make this clear. There is no pressure to progress at a particular speed — you can develop your skills at a pace that works for you.
Q: Do I need to bring my own equipment to a workshop?
RE Treats: This depends on the workshop, and the workshop description will clearly tell you what you need to bring.
For workshops involving your own sewing machine, embroidery machine or Cricut machine, you will usually need to bring your machine, its accessories and manual. Learning on your own machine means you can continue using the skills you've developed when you get home.
For many other workshops, the equipment required during the session will be provided. Your booking information will explain what is included and anything you need or may wish to bring with you.
Q: Can I bring my own craft project to work on?
RE Treats: Absolutely. If you have a project you're already working on and would like some individual guidance or help developing your skills, you can book a Bespoke Workshop.
Tell us a little about your project and what you'd like help with when you make your request, so we can make sure the session is suitable for you. Click the link below to message us.
Q: What is Open Studio?
RE Treats: Open Studio gives you dedicated time to work on your own craft project in the RE Treats studio.
Bring along something you're already working on and enjoy time and space to make in a relaxed creative environment. Elaine will be available during the session if you have a question or need a little guidance, but unlike a workshop or bespoke session, Open Studio is not structured tuition. Click the link: Open Studio to view / book our Open Studio dates and times
Q: Can I come back and do the same workshop again?
RE Treats: Of course. Repeating a workshop can be a great way to practise and consolidate your skills.
Let us know when booking that you've attended the workshop before and, where appropriate, we can help you build on what you learned previously or work on a different project using similar skills.
Q: What if the workshop I want is fully booked?
If your chosen workshop is full, take a look at our other available dates or contact us to let us know what you're interested in. You can also sign up for our newsletter to hear about new workshop dates and opportunities as they're released: RE Treats News
Q: Can I book a workshop if the craft or technique I want isn't currently listed?
RE Treats: Yes. If there's a particular craft or technique you'd like to learn, or you'd prefer to learn on your own, email us about Bespoke Workshops. We'll do our best to accommodate your request where the appropriate tuition and facilities are available.
Q: Why should I book a workshop in advance?
RE Treats: Our workshops are deliberately kept small, usually with no more than four learners, so that everyone receives plenty of individual support. This means there are only a limited number of places available on each workshop date. Booking ahead secures your place on the date and workshop you would like. If a particular workshop isn't currently available, please get in touch and let us know what you're interested in.
Q: How much are workshops at RE Treats Plymouth?
RE Treats: Our standard small-group workshops have three options:
£80 – Workshop + basic kit
£120 – Workshop + deluxe kit
£150 – Workshop + deluxe kit + video tuition
The options available and what is included are clearly shown when you book.
Open Studio and bespoke tuition are priced separately, so please check the relevant booking information for current prices.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel the workshop I have booked onto?
If you are unwell on the day of your workshop, please contact us as soon as you can. If you don't attend and haven't contacted us, you may lose your workshop place and fee.
RE Treats Plymouth reserves the right to use discretion where appropriate.
Q: What happens if RE Treats has to cancel my workshop?
RE Treats: We make every effort for workshops to go ahead as planned, but occasionally circumstances outside our control may mean that a session has to be cancelled. If this happens, we will contact you as soon as possible and offer you an alternative suitable session.
