Craft & Create – Artisan Workshops, Candles and Handmade Crafts in Basingstoke

Craft & Create is a working craft studio at Folly Farm near Basingstoke, offering hands-on workshops alongside handmade candles, soaps and other artisan products.

The Hampshire studio brings several traditional crafts together under one roof. Visitors can learn skills including candle making, soap making and upholstery, while the wider studio also offers professional upholstery and longarm quilting services.

If you are looking for creative things to do in Hampshire, an experience to enjoy with friends or an unusual gift idea, Craft & Create is one to have on your radar.

Get creative with a Hampshire workshop

Craft & Create runs small, hands-on workshops from its Basingstoke studio.

The candle-making workshops take guests through the process of creating their own candles. Materials, wax and fragrance oils are provided, alongside refreshments including tea, coffee and pastries.

You can also learn the traditional process of cold-process soap making. Beginners are welcome, and the workshop covers blending, colouring, pouring and decorating natural botanical soaps.

For anyone interested in interiors and furniture, Craft & Create also runs upholstery workshops covering practical techniques and traditional skills.

Workshop dates vary, so check availability before planning your visit.

Handmade candles, soaps and home fragrance

Craft & Create isn't just about workshops. The team also creates its own collection of artisan products from the Basingstoke studio.
Its candles are hand-poured in small batches using a natural rapeseed and coconut wax blend. The range includes signature fragrances alongside changing seasonal collections.

The studio also produces traditional cold-process soaps, with bath salts, soaks and other home fragrance products forming part of its growing collection.

Founder Vedia brings around ten years of formulation experience across candles, soaps and cosmetics. Products are developed and tested from formulation through to the finished packaging.

Upholstery and longarm quilting

There is more happening behind the scenes at Folly Farm too.

Craft & Create offers a bespoke upholstery service, working on everything from sofas and armchairs to dining chairs, footstools, headboards and antique furniture.

There is also a longarm quilting service, using an APQS machine with Intelliquilter technology and a library of more than 400 designs.

Creative experiences for groups

Craft & Create can take its workshops beyond the studio.

The team creates candle and soap-making experiences for corporate events, team building, client entertainment and staff wellbeing days. Groups can range from intimate gatherings to events for 40 or more people.

The business also collaborates with hotels, hospitality venues, independent retailers, spas and other businesses to create special workshops and events.

Gifts, weddings and special occasions

If you are searching for an alternative gift experience in Hampshire, a Craft & Create workshop could make an interesting option for someone who enjoys making things.

The studio also produces handmade candle and soap favours for weddings and celebrations. These can also work for occasions including baby showers and christenings.

For anyone searching for the best family days out specifically, it is worth noting that many Craft & Create workshops are aimed at older teenagers and adults rather than younger children. Age requirements vary depending on the activity.

At a glance

What: Working craft studio, workshops and handmade products
Where: Folly Farm, near Basingstoke
Address: Unit 8, Folly Farm, Kingsclere Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG26 5GJ
Workshops: Candle making, soap making and upholstery
Also offers: Bespoke upholstery and longarm quilting
Products :Handmade candles, soaps and other bath and home fragrance products

Good to know before you go

Craft & Create is a working studio rather than a drop-in craft café, so book your chosen workshop in advance.

Some workshops have minimum participant numbers and specific age requirements. For example, soap making is restricted to ages 16 and over because participants work with lye and hot oils.

Check individual workshop information before booking for the latest dates, timings and requirements.

FAQs

Where is Craft & Create?

Craft & Create is at Unit 8, Folly Farm, Kingsclere Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG26 5GJ.

What workshops does Craft & Create offer?

Its programme includes candle making, soap making and upholstery workshops.

Do I need craft experience?

Not necessarily. Some workshops, including the cold-process soap class, are specifically described as beginner friendly.

Does Craft & Create offer private or corporate workshops?

Yes. The team offers creative experiences for corporate groups and collaborates with other businesses and venues on special events.

Can I buy Craft & Create products?

Yes. Craft & Create produces handmade candles, soaps and other artisan products alongside its workshops.