Workshop FAQs

How many people will there be in each workshop?

You will find group sizes vary from between 5 to 10 participants.

Do I need prior experience to book onto a workshop?                         

All our workshops are suitable for beginners, with no prior experience. For those with some experience, please be assured that our tutors are accustomed to working with mixed ability groups. You may wish to contact the tutor to discuss this directly; participant’s contact details will be passed on to the tutor so any information needed can be sent prior to the workshop.

When attending a workshop, you are guaranteed to have a great time creating with like-minded people.

Will I need to bring materials or equipment?         

Materials are provided in all workshops. It is usual in our workshops for the equipment to be provided however, there may occasionally be specific items that you need to bring yourself e.g. your own apron. This is clearly stated on the information page for each website.             

Participants are responsible for their belongings at all times. designermakersCIO cannot accept liability for loss or damage to personal items.

Participants must take all work and belongings with them at the end of the class.

Is there parking available?

We do not have parking available on site, however, there are several car parks within easy walking distance of designermakers21.

Heritage Triangle Car Park, 24 Shelfanger Road, Diss IP22 4EH is a 2 minute walk to designermakers21

Mount Street Car Park, 1 Weavers Court, Diss IP22 4QG is a 5 minute walk to designermakers21.

There are parking bays for Blue Badge Holders on St Nicholas Street, opposite designermakers21, and more situated in nearby car parks.

Getting here by Public Transport                                                

designermakers21 is situated on St Nicholas Street, at the heart of the Heritage Triangle in the market town of Diss, South Norfolk. We are approximately a 25 minute walk from Diss Train Station, and a 7 minute walk from Diss Bus Station.

Accessibility                                                                                             

Most workshops take place on the first floor of designermakers21, which is currently not wheelchair accessible. Access is via stairs only.

If you have any physical disabilities or special learning needs, please notify us in advance by emailing workshops@designermakersCIO.org.uk , and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Toilet facilities are available on site. An accessible toilet is available at The Corn Hall, opposite designermakers21.

Minimum age for Workshop participation                                            

designermakersCIO workshop programme is aimed at an adult audience, and for most workshops the minimum age is 16yrs. Please check the minimum age in the workshop info when booking. Those aged under 18yrs must be accompanied at all workshops with a participating adult.

What will the tutor be like?

All our tutors are experienced artists, or crafts makers, and are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft/art. They will be on hand throughout the workshop to support and inspire you.

What happens on the day?

Workshops are a great way to have fun, and learn a new skill in a relaxing environment. See the information page of each workshop to get an idea of what to expect from your day.

Please be aware that for some workshops the tutor may need time to finish outcomes made by participants after the workshop. This will be clearly stated in the workshop information, and explained by the tutor on the day. In these instances, participants will be contacted when outcomes are ready to be collected from designermakers21.

Photography Permissions

During the workshop, the tutor, or a team member of designermakersCIO, may take photographs for use in future advertising. All participants will be asked if they give permission for their photograph to be taken/used by the tutor and/or designermakersCIO.

What sort of refreshments will there be?

Tea/coffee and biscuits are provided in all workshops.

Can I bring my own refreshments?                                                       

You are welcome to bring your own refreshments with you. In the full day workshops, there will be a break for lunch of approximately 45mins. You can bring a packed lunch with you, or sample treats from one of Diss’ lovely independent cafes.

About Workshop Bookings

How do I book a place/s on a workshop?

Simply browse the list of workshops on designermakers21 website to see what is on offer in our current schedule. Here, you can see more information, including a course description, what to expect from the day and what you’ll need to bring with you. Clicking Book will take to our secure payment gateway. You can see if places are selling out, or whether the workshop is full. You can book multiple places at a time. Please enter the name of each attendee in the ‘Notes’ section.

What online payment methods are available?

You can pay using our secure payment gateway using most credit or debit cards.

What if I don’t want to pay online?

If you prefer not to pay online, you can pay at the front desk at designermakers21 using most credit or debit cards. Please note that workshops cannot be paid for with cash.

When will I need to pay the workshop fee?

You will need to pay the full fee at the point of booking.

About Workshop Fees, Terms & Conditions

What does the workshop fee include?

The fee shown includes the cost of the tutor/s, all materials, and light refreshments.

What if I change my mind about my booking and want to cancel?

If you change your mind after booking, we will be more than happy to transfer your full fee to any other workshop (subject to availability), or provide a refund minus an administration charge providing that this is not within 3 weeks of the start of the workshop, in which case, no refunds or transfers are permitted. Please read our Booking Terms for more information.

Can someone else come in my place?

Yes, of course you can always nominate a friend to come in your place at any point before the start of the course. Please email workshops@designermakersCIO.org.uk with the contact details of the person attending in your place.

What if designermakersCIO is able to resell the cancelled place?

If we can resell your cancelled place within 3 weeks of the workshop, we will transfer your fee to another workshop minus a £20 administration charge.

Is the workshop likely to be cancelled?

There are rare occasions when a workshop does not attract enough bookings to make it viable. In such cases we would aim to give you as much notice as possible and either a full refund would be given or a transfer of the value to another workshop would be made.