Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

Details

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns is a unique creative venue offering an inspiring range of art, craft and heritage 'Quirky Workshops' from our C17th listed farmhouse in the village of Greystoke. We're placed 5 miles equidistantly from Penrith, Eden Valley and Ullswater, on the northern fringes of the Lake District, in beautiful Cumbria, north west England. We have been running courses since 2005.

During May 2020, we renovated an old hay loft and are now delighted to be able to host our indoor courses and workshops in this wonderful, new, light, airy and spacious ‘Swallow Barn’. Single and double tables are available and well distanced with tutor demonstrations live streamed onto a large screen at the front, allowing students to stay safe in their seats over the workshop day. Tables for 2 to 4 are available for bubbles. Fresh coffees, teas and a tasty 2 course lunch are delivered carefully and safely to your workshop table, or taken in the garden during summer months. We look forward to welcoming you here and hope you can find something that appeals.

See our website https://www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk/quirky-workshops-cumbria for full details of what courses are coming soon.

Workshop days are relaxing, friendly and informal. They are delivered by hand picked professional and or expert tutors, many leaders in their chosen fields. Students often travel considerable distances to take part, staying in this lovely village of Greystoke or finding somewhere special close by . . .Keswick, Ullswater, Penrith and the Eden Valley are all within easy driving distance.

One, two or three day courses in:

traditional English longbow making, cob pizza oven building, artist blacksmithing, stone carving (relief or letter carving), wood carving, c

Lino cut printing, garden willow sculptures, garden Wire sculptures, fused or stained glass, Sterling Silver jewellery weekends or silver clay jewellery days, porcelain ceramics with Gwen Bainbridge.
Many textile courses including weaving, Needle felting and Pet Portraits, Felt art, Pattern cutting, Paint Print and Stitich, Felt Slippers and Bags, Lampshade Making, Ceramic Porcelain Christmas Decorations and Pottery Green Man days
Art courses : Introduction to pen and Wash , discovering watercolours , botanical and wildlife illustration painting courses, Art courses with John Harrison, Frances Winder, Margaret Jarvis, Simon Williams and Roy Simmons.
Cookery days include Artisan Cheese making, Gluten free baking (Breads and pastries), Artisan bread making, Scrumptious scone making, but have been put on hold since March 2020 as they took place in our farmhouse kitchen.

Days include fresh coffees, home made biscuits and a lovely two course home made Aga lunch. Workshops usually close with a freshly made Aga cream tea.

Our workshop days are popular as gifts for special occasions. Quirky Open Vouchers make perfect and original presents and mean a lovely day can be shared together if preferred. Our Christmas Open vouchers are especially popular.

A full list of our courses can be found at www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk or please phone 017684 83984

We look forward to welcoming you on one of our workshop days.

Location

We are in the picturesque village of Greystoke, just 5 miles west of Penrith/Junction 40 of the M6 and a few miles north of the A66 and Ullswater. Keswick is approx 15 minutes further west

Greystoke boasts several B B's, as well as self catering options. We have a playing field, an outdoor heated swimming pool open from June through to August, a Castle, a church, a shop and post office and a pub serving evening meals.

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Events

Dressmaking for Beginner's /Intermediates - Spring Series

'Dressmaking for Beginners' and Improvers' 5 week course - Spring 23 Series ~ with 'Jane Makes'

There is nothing quite like the pride and joy that comes from making your own clothes! This course with Jane, held over 5 Monday mornings will help you experience just that.

This course will provide the skills and confidence to begin making your own clothes. There will be demonstrations, sample making, times for one to one help and of course lots of sewing!

You will learn to understand and become confident in following a pattern, choose your fabric and construct an actual garment ~ (or maybe smaller project if you prefer) ~ whilst improving your sewing machine skills, as well as lots of other useful tips and techniques needed for dressmaking.

Learn about different fabrics, their properties and uses, how to follow commercial patterns, lay them out, make and interpret markings, carry out pattern alterations, cut fabrics, finish edges, (including demo and use of an overlocker) and sew different types of seams, darts and hems.

You will need to bring along your own working sewing machine together with with threads and spare needles, plus hand sewing needles and sharp dressmaking scissors. You will also need to have practiced threading your machine numerous times, so that you are proficient at it, as well as refilling a bobbin and changing the needle (please bring spares) You should be able to sew a straight lina backwards and forwards.

Tracing paper (or thin grease proof paper) maybe required to transfer your pattern, and your chosen fabric.There will be an opportunity to contact the tutor prior to the course for advice about pattern types and what type of fabric to buy.

Discovering Pen and Wash with Margaret Jarvis Monday PMs Spring Series

Course cost £120 (deposit £20)

A series of Monday afternoon workshops 1.30pm -4.00pm in Spring, avoiding School Hols and Bank Hols

Join Margaret Jarvis in the first floor Swallow Barn for the next stages of Pen & Wash in Nature

Another of these popular offerings , a short series of 5 classes with Margaret, continuing to explore the possibilities of Pen and Wash. This is for those who, ideally, have some grounding in Pen and Wash, and would welcome a chance for more practice along with gentle guidance and instruction. Looking at how to put a composition together and including how to apply pen work to your watercolours as well as water and washes to intricate pen work; both yielding very different results.

This is a collaborative workshop series. After receiving your deposit we will forward your details to Margaret who will collect the balance from you directly.

Please use the Monday 13th March link to book this series

From Fleece to Spin to Skein' with Susan Denham-Smith

Join Susan Denham-Smith of 'Wild Wool Workshops' in one of the studios for a 'Hands On' day learning the techniques & processes in turning raw fleece into a useable skein of yarn (wool) using traditional Spinning Wheels and Drop Spindles!

This promises to be a fascinating day learning how to process wool from the raw fleece. You will discover the parts and functions of a spinning wheel, how to thread, adjust and maintain it. How to spin fibre to create yarn, using both a drop spindle and a treadle spinning wheel, and how to finish the yarn into a skein for use in your own projects.

During the first coffee and biscuits, Susan will begin to tell you ...

Why Do we Spin? Hand spun yarns, twists, drafting fibre and creating a basic yarn using a drop spindle (Park and draft)

Getting to know your wheel! History of spinning wheels, parts of the wheel & how they work, about treading, and different wheel types.

Fibres and Sheep ...the amazing properties of wool, wool breeds and what this means for different spinning styles including Staple length

Preparation of Wool for Spinning Washing – to wash or not to wash! Preparing, Hand Carding, Drum Carding, Hand Combing and Drafting Fibre

Spinning with the Wheel Don’t worry, it won’t take us all day to get to this the exciting spinning part, but the above info and preparing the wool well, just like DIY, is vital for successful spinning! Threading your wheel, tension, drafting and holding the fibre, treading, your drafting triangle, the mysterious 'Z and S', and “Pinch, Pull, Slide”!

Plying Plying with 2 strands of your own spun wool, using a Lazy Kate, using a Niddy noddy (!), and finally, finishing the yarn!

In short, a really comprehensive day workshop learning, from an expert, all aspects of Home Spinning - 'from Fleece, to Spin, to Skein'!

From Fleece to Spin to Skein' with Susan Denham-Smith of Wild Wool Wokshops

During the first coffee and biscuits, Susan will begin to tell you ...

Why Do we Spin? Hand spun yarns, twists, drafting fibre and creating a basic yarn using a drop spindle (Park and draft)

Getting to know your wheel! History of spinning wheels, parts of the wheel & how they work, about treading, and different wheel types.

Fibres and Sheep ...the amazing properties of wool, wool breeds and what this means for different spinning styles including Staple length

Preparation of Wool for Spinning Washing – to wash or not to wash! Preparing, Hand Carding, Drum Carding, Hand Combing and Drafting Fibre

Spinning with the Wheel Don’t worry, it won’t take us all day to get to this the exciting spinning part, but the above info and preparing the wool well, just like DIY, is vital for successful spinning! Threading your wheel, tension, drafting and holding the fibre, treading, your drafting triangle, the mysterious 'Z and S', and “Pinch, Pull, Slide”!

Plying Plying with 2 strands of your own spun wool, using a Lazy Kate, using a Niddy noddy (!), and finally, finishing the yarn!

In short, a really comprehensive day workshop learning, from an expert, all aspects of Home Spinning - 'from Fleece, to Spin, to Skein'!

Bird Whittling - two day course with Dave Harter

Complete a beautiful whittled and carved bird over two days with Dave Harter . . . from start to finish.

Whittling is addictive! Many consider it therapeutic - it is relaxing, absorbing, creative and richly rewarding giving a a sense of personal achievement. Another bonus it that it has a small and low tech kit list ~ a lump of wood, a craft knife and your lap. This means whittling can be done almost anywhere in and spare time available- and it is also easily transportable.

During this 2 day course you will start from a lump of wood and Dave will teach you traditional hand carving techniques and whittling skills, using craft knives and other specialist hand tools provided to enable you to complete your beautiful carved bird over the two days . There will also be a chance to make the legs and a realistic stone/ wood base and also have a go at pyrography to create feathered effects. Suitable for all abilities.

The photos below are from last year's one day course. The new two day course will enable students to understand better the entire process and work to greater detail including a chance to try pyrography and creating their own bird legs and base mount. An new example of what might be achieved is the main photo above.

Learn to Draw from Observation

Learn to Draw from Observation ~ a five week Series with local artist, Sarah Alty

Join Sarah in this short series of classes to help you unravel the mysteries of observational drawing to reveal its pleasure and excitement, through structured exercises, gentle feedback, guidance and encouragement.

Drawing from close observation, documenting in marks, pictures and words can distil the essence of the subject matter, but where do you start when faced with a blank piece of paper?

Through a series of guided exercises over 5 weeks Sarah will encourage you to improve your perceptual skills through close study of a variety of subject matter. Together we will cover different drawing techniques which will enable you to learn to record your observations whilst also allowing your individual drawing style to emerge.

We will consider the quality and character of mark-making, linear directional movement, tonal variation, texture, proportion, the relationship between objects and negative spaces.

All materials will be provided and there will be the opportunity to experiment with different drawing mediums.

These drawing classes, suitable for the beginner and improver, will help you to gain confidence in your ability to draw, whether for relaxation, leisure, as a means of self-expression, or in preparation for further creative work, there is always something to learn!

About the Tutor: Sarah is a local artist and experienced teacher, passionate about the value of accurate observation drawing as a fundamental skill underpinning many creative disciplines. The human form, nature and our ever changing landscape are her sources of inspiration; the fantastic colours seen in the natural world, the beauty in layers and shapes, how to represent form, texture, volume, movement and life are all exciting challenges.

Paint Print Stitch - Botanics with Kay Leech

A botanically themed canvas of 'Paint, Print and Stitch' with Kay Leech

A lovely day with Kay being guided through the process of 'creating' using paint, then print, and then stitch. Working in mixed media you will create a picture based on flowers or trees. You can bring your own image or use one of the ones provided for inspiration.

You will paint the background directly onto calico and then add layers with simple stencils and print blocks that you have created. Finally, you will add stitch which can be machine and or hand embroidery and embellish with beads and buttons.

The finished piece will be 30cmx30cm which will fit into a standard 40cmx40cm frame. Kay's work centres on textured pieces using paint, print and collage coupled with hand and machine embroidery with stitch on textiles.

'A Favourite Building in Lino Cut' with Julia Garner

In this workshop you will be creating a unique and personal lino cut of a property that is special to you, be it your home, a holiday venue or a favourite building - from sheds to castles! We will be printing onto high quality paper and you be using both water based and oil based inks. This will allow you to hand colour your prints.

We will begin by discussing the design process. Julia will have examples of her own plates and prints of buildings, as well as commissions that she has undertaken. To create an effective design you will be using photographs of your chosen building that you should bring on the day.

You will learn how to design and transfer your image, cut and print your plate and then hand colour it. If you choose a long building please take several 'face on' photographs that we can stitch together on the day.

You will be making 3 prints from your plate with more paper being available on the day should you wish to make more. Additional paper available at £1-2.50 per sheet depending on size.

Introduction to Photography ~ One day Beginners' workshop with Danielle Ledbury

One day Beginners' workshop ~ learn essential knowledge and practical skills to improve your photography with Danielle Ledbury.

This is a one day beginner's course that gives you the opportunity to learn in a fun practical way, it is a mixture of classroom based tutorials, practical demonstrations and hands on practice with your own camera. Over the day you will build an understanding of your camera's functions and confidence in how to use them to create great images. We like to keep the group size small to ensure that you have lots of help and opportunity for 1-2-1 support.

On arrival you can sit down with a tea/coffee and we will go through your cameras and discuss features. Then in the morning session will talk through each of the various settings and aspects of photography in small bite sized pieces and practical exercises for you to test out with your own camera. Then after lunch (provided) we will head out and about (weather permitted) and develop your photography skills further discussing composition techniques and learning to see creatively. You will be able to practice and receive some 1-2-1 coaching. There will be lots of opportunity to ask questions and don’t worry if it all feels like a lot on the day, you will also receive hand out notes for you to take home. Please note this course is focused on beginners and really getting to grips with the techniques rather than a photo tour. On the course we will cover:

Camera functions: Aperture f-stop, Shutter Speed, ISO, priority modes
Image quality (ISO and file formats)
Exposure triangle and compensation
White balance
Creative compositional techniques
Camera equipment and gear choices
Learning to see creatively

From Fleece to Spin to Skein' with Susan Denham-Smith of Wild Wool Wokshops

During the first coffee and biscuits, Susan will begin to tell you ...

Why Do we Spin? Hand spun yarns, twists, drafting fibre and creating a basic yarn using a drop spindle (Park and draft)

Getting to know your wheel! History of spinning wheels, parts of the wheel & how they work, about treading, and different wheel types.

Fibres and Sheep ...the amazing properties of wool, wool breeds and what this means for different spinning styles including Staple length

Preparation of Wool for Spinning Washing – to wash or not to wash! Preparing, Hand Carding, Drum Carding, Hand Combing and Drafting Fibre

Plying Plying with 2 strands of your own spun wool, using a Lazy Kate, using a Niddy noddy (!), and finally, finishing the yarn!

In short, a really comprehensive day workshop learning, from an expert, all aspects of Home Spinning - 'from Fleece, to Spin, to Skein'!

Make a Stained Glass Mirror

Join Lizzy Hippisley-Cox for a one day Stained Glass 'taster' ... Design and make a beautiful Leaded Mirror.

An opportunity to dip your toe into and try this intensive one day Stained Glass taster day with Lizzy making a leaded stained glass mirror. All glass, tools, equipment, expertise and enthusiasm is provided by Lizzy, who is highly skilled in preserving these jewels of our heritage and has spent many years advising on and restoring original stained glass windows in our cathedrals and churches countrywide

Lizzy will have some prepared design templates ready for you and there will be a choice of coloured glass along with some pre cut panels mirror as needed. Firstly she will explain the various aspects of creating a stained glass panel, and will then let you have a go at learning the safe glass cutting technique. Once practised, you can then choose your template from a selection supplied, depending on your cutting abilities and at this stage you can decide whether you wish to incorporate a mirrored panel within this or alternatively keep the whole panel as glass. If mirror is required Lizzy can cut this for you.

Once all the pieces are cut , the panel is carefully leading up the mirror according to the design. You will then finish by soldering everything together in your panel and finally cleaning and polishing using demonstrated techniques.

You will leave with your own bespoke stained glass (mirrored) panel.

From Fleece to Spin to Skein' with Susan Denham-Smith

During the first coffee and biscuits, Susan will begin to tell you ...

Why Do we Spin? Hand spun yarns, twists, drafting fibre and creating a basic yarn using a drop spindle (Park and draft)

Getting to know your wheel! History of spinning wheels, parts of the wheel & how they work, about treading, and different wheel types.

Fibres and Sheep ...the amazing properties of wool, wool breeds and what this means for different spinning styles including Staple length

Preparation of Wool for Spinning Washing – to wash or not to wash! Preparing, Hand Carding, Drum Carding, Hand Combing and Drafting Fibre

Plying Plying with 2 strands of your own spun wool, using a Lazy Kate, using a Niddy noddy (!), and finally, finishing the yarn!

In short, a really comprehensive day workshop learning, from an expert, all aspects of Home Spinning - 'from Fleece, to Spin, to Skein'!

'Discovering Stained Glass' ..a two day workshop with Lizzy Hippisley-Cox

Design and create your own beautiful Stained Glass panel on this 2 day workshop with Lizzy Hippisley-Cox of Eden Stained Glass

Working with beautifully coloured and clear, textured glass - all provided by Lizzy - you will learn how to handle, cut safely and to 'lead up' a square panel over the two day course of approximately 8 inches square. Obviously all glass, tools, equipment, expertise and enthusiasm is provided by Lizzy, who is highly skilled in preserving these jewels of our heritage and has spent many years advising on and restoring original stained glass windows in our cathedrals and churches countrywide.

Although traditionally stained glass is associated with place sf worship, these days it is increasingly popular when used in homes for decoration. Staining glass is an ancient art of using colour and light to create atmosphere and to depict images and stories.

The panel you make could be for a place in your house or could be built into a window or frame as a hanging panel. Please bring any ideas you may have in terms of design and Lizzy will assess what will be possible in the time allowed.

Learn to Draw from Observation

Learn to Draw from Observation ~ a five week Series with local artist, Sarah Alty

Drawing from close observation, documenting in marks, pictures and words can distil the essence of the subject matter, but where do you start when faced with a blank piece of paper?

We will consider the quality and character of mark-making, linear directional movement, tonal variation, texture, proportion, the relationship between objects and negative spaces.

All materials will be provided and there will be the opportunity to experiment with different drawing mediums.

Dressmaking for Beginner's /Intermediates - Spring Series

'Dressmaking for Beginners' and Improvers' 5 week course - Spring 23 Series ~ with 'Jane Makes'

There is nothing quite like the pride and joy that comes from making your own clothes! This course with Jane, held over 5 Monday mornings will help you experience just that.

This course will provide the skills and confidence to begin making your own clothes. There will be demonstrations, sample making, times for one to one help and of course lots of sewing!

Discovering Pen and Wash with Margaret Jarvis Monday PMs Spring Series

Course cost £120 (deposit £20)

A series of Monday afternoon workshops 1.30pm -4.00pm in Spring, avoiding School Hols and Bank Hols

Join Margaret Jarvis in the first floor Swallow Barn for the next stages of Pen & Wash in Nature

This is a collaborative workshop series. After receiving your deposit we will forward your details to Margaret who will collect the balance from you directly.

Please use the Monday 13th March link to book this series

Rediscovering Pencils in Art - Tulips' with Margaret Jarvis

A lovely opportunity to capture the beauty of some of our favourite tulip blooms using the increasingly popular medium of once humble coloured pencil.

Although considered by many as simply grey and prosaic, the coloured pencil is now re-inventing itself into a much more diverse offering than times past. On this course we will explore the considerable versatility of pencils, a medium which includes an increasingly exciting blend of colours and effects.

We will spend time learning how to use graphite, watercolour, Inktense as well as the vast range of coloured pencils. A wonderful opportunity to try this very versatile media There will be a large selection available for you to try.

This is an ideal course for beginners and improvers - especially those terrified of holding a brush and preferring something more biddable and predictable!

Tote Bags - Two day Bag Making Workshops with Emma of 'Hole House Bags'

This year, we're delighted that Emma of 'Hole House Bags' will be offering some of her unique two day courses here at Greystoke. You can make either 'The Forager Bag' or 'The Walton Tote'

The Walton Tote - 2 days

Fri 21st & Sat 22nd April 2023

10am to 4.00pm each day
£170 inc. a tasty lunch, fresh coffee & home baking

Materials cost : £28/per person (covers interfacing, interlining, hardware, bag base and feet, zips, leather handles)

The Walton Tote is an elegant handbag, not too big but not too small, with a handy zipped dividing pocket in the lining and an elegant twist lock closure. It looks perfect made in tweed, but you could also use a heavy weight linen or canvas and the design allows you to play with two different outer fabrics if you'd like.

It's suitable for those with a little bag making experience or adventurous beginner bag makers! As long as you can use your sewing machine, you will be guided carefully through each step.

The Forager Bag - 2 days

Fri 7th & Sat 8th July 2023

10am to 4.00pm each day
£170 inc. a tasty lunch, fresh coffee & home baking

Materials :£20.00 per person (covers interfacing, interlining, zips, strap hardware)

The Forager is an outdoorsy, cross body bag that looks great made in oilskin and tweed. The bag has a zipped outer pocket as well as optional pockets in the lining and a long, adjustable strap. The top of the bag is designed to slouch a little, while the main body has more structure, so that the whole bag is practical, comfortable to wear and the perfect day to day bag for chucking everything in! It comes in three sizes too, so you can choose whether you want a large messenger bag look, handbag size or handy dog walking bag!

Suitable for those with a little bag making experience or adventurous beginners, if you can confidently use your sewing machine, you can make this!

'Needle Felted Garden Birds ~ 'The Blue Tit' with Helen Hammond (low relief)

An exciting new addition for 2023 from Helen Hammond in her needle-felted Birds series .... creating one of our bird tables' most frequent visitors - the 'colourful and lovable' Blue Tit.

Join Helen for a lovely day being guided through how to make this beautifully detailed garden friend using the needle felting process. Once again, your piece will have a slightly sculpted low relief appearance, subtly enhancing the natural features of this characterful little bird.

Whatever your ability, Helen will provide you with tools, materials, knowledge and guidance to create your own delightful bird over the day, before applying the legs & fixing it to the 'branch'. The birds will then be mounted in a special box frame, for a really professional finish.

You will be using a variety of natural wool fibres and Helen will teach you all about needle felting and how to blend your fibre colours. You will be using specialist needle felting needles (not sewing needles) for this purpose. These specialist tools/ needles are designed to entangle, compact, control and shape the soft carded wool fibres into firm felted pieces. It is a slow and very therapeutic process.

All reference images will be provided and will form an important part of your working process. This course is suitable for all abilities including beginners. This is a dry felted process and a 'clean' method of working. No aprons or gloves are required. However, please bring plasters!

'Gorgeously Swirly Calligraphy' with Claire from by Moon and Tide

Create beautiful lettering using 'Gorgeously Swirly Calligraphy' - with Claire from By Moon and Tide

Join Claire for this friendly and relaxed Calligraphy workshop and learn how to write using this wonderful style of modern Calligraphy to create your own gorgeous cards, gift tags and more! This By Moon & Tide workshops is perfect for absolute beginners as well as those with a little Calligraphy experience - all are welcome!

The workshop will take place in our lovely listed first floor studio, the Swallow Barn, where Claire's every hand movement and flourish will be filmed close up and projected onto a large screen above her, for all to see. This means everyone can enjoy their welcome coffee and biscuit from the comfort of their chairs and take it all in. Of course you can move closer to watch if you prefer!

You’ll have fun getting to grips with a dip pen and copperplate nib in this friendly, relaxed class, from initial scratches and swirls you’ll soon be writing beautiful letters, all in the space of a couple of hours!

By Moon & Tide modern calligraphy workshops are fun, informal sessions, ideal for individuals or for sharing with friends. Please join us if you can – we’d love to help you learn the art of beautiful writing. Everyone will have some personal tuition on the day as well as the opportunity to watch demos and ask questions as you learn.

'Gorgeously Swirly Calligraphy' with Claire from by Moon and Tide

Sterling Silver Jewellery - 3 Silver Rings in a day - with Melinda Scarbrough

Create your own beautiful jewellery with Sterling Silver, Pearls and Semi-Precious Stones

On this popular 2-day workshop you will use a variety of equipment to make as many stunning pieces as you can under Melinda's guidance. The number of items you make will vary according to your pace. Melinda brings all the tools and equipment essential for any proper silver jewellery course.

Once people become familiar with the tools the designs start flowing. Your design will be unique; you will learn cutting, forming, doming, soldering, texturing and polishing. You can work at your own pace and make the most your workshop time. All photos are student pieces from our Greystoke workshop.

Needle Felt an Animal -or Pet - Portrait ~ with Jane Makes

'Paint with Wool' and Needle Felt your favourite Animal or Pet Portrait ~ with Jane Makes

Over the course of the day, with Jane's expertise and guidance, you'll see your beloved pet (or chosen animal) slowly appear beneath your fingertips as a 2D needle felted and 'painted with wool' picture. You will be using the soft wool fibres, special needles and other equipment all provided by Jane; just bring along a favourite image of your pet and she will show you what to do. (see What to Bring)

You will begin by transferring your chosen image from a photograph onto a lightweight hessian or pre felted background to get an accurate outline of your image, you will then be guided through the tools & techniques needed from different breeds of sheep’s wool to which fibres work well and why. Which needles to use for different effects and how to correct mistakes (yes, everyone makes them!) You will build your picture through the manipulation and layout of fibres, using colour choices and shade blending and learn how to create the beautiful intricate expressive eyes, with warmth and realism, to bring your pet to life!

Jane will bring along a selection of 100% real Wool fibres, a foam mat as a working surface, Hessian or pre-felt fabric for your background and 2 felting needles and all these materials will be yours to take home at the end of the day - just in case you feel the need for a final tweaking of your piece. There will be £15 materials charge payable to Jane on the day.

Two Day Sterling Silver Jewellery Course Quirky Workshop

Create your own beautiful jewellery with Sterling Silver, Pearls and Semi-Precious Stones

'Applique & Stitch' Discovering Machine Embroidery with Sarah Ames

Discovering 'Appliqué & Stitch' Freehand Machine Embroidery with Sarah Ames

This course will probably be up a flight of stairs. We can help you with your machine etc. if it is.

Freehand machine embroidery is among the favourite of techniques in the crafting world, it's easy, quick, effective and produces a great range of results. Your day with Sarah will teach you all the basic skills you need to use freehand machining on a variety of projects.

Sarah will come with a host of ideas for you as well as some templates you can use if you feel unsure about your design.

Please bring along any reference materials that inspire you, such a books or magazine pictures that can be traced etc You will need to bring a sewing machine that you are familiar with how to thread, in good working order.

Learn to Draw from Observation

Learn to Draw from Observation ~ a five week Series with local artist, Sarah Alty

Drawing from close observation, documenting in marks, pictures and words can distil the essence of the subject matter, but where do you start when faced with a blank piece of paper?

We will consider the quality and character of mark-making, linear directional movement, tonal variation, texture, proportion, the relationship between objects and negative spaces.

All materials will be provided and there will be the opportunity to experiment with different drawing mediums.

Lino Cut Print - Botanical & Natural forms with Laura Sowerby

Printing in Lino Cut ' Botanical and Natural Forms' with Laura Sowerby.

Laura's evocative designs on cushions, lampshades and gift-ware have recently been widely featured in Country Living, Gardens Illustrated and several Interior design magazine. ‘Discovering that I am a direct descendant of James Sowerby, famous 18th-century botanical illustrator is a delight.’ she smiles.

We are delighted that Laura has agreed to take a ‘Botanical and Natural forms’ Lino Cut workshop here in Greystoke. Students are encouraged to bring any inspiration they can, be it fresh/ pressed leaves or flowers, prints, pictures and any other references that may inspire you. Laura too will bring plenty of material ideas.

Over the day you will learn how to plan your original design, the principles of lino cut and master various cutting techniques with the goal of producing your own multi-coloured linocut print by the end of the day. (up to A4 in size) All abilities are welcome. The print blocks you create can be taken home and used to print onto fabrics and soft furnishings such as cushion covers etc.

Firing Pottery In The Raku Style with Bob Park

Morning session 9.45am to 12.30pm Or Afternoon sessions 1.45pm to 4.30pm

Come and enjoy an exciting workshop experimenting in this ancient Japanese technique of glazing and firing pottery

Exciting and fast moving, using heat, sawdust, fire and smoky bins, this stunning firing technique is irresistible and very much in vogue.

Raku firing is unique and one of the most dramatic and exciting ways to fire pottery. It was developed in Japan in the 16th century for the Japanese tea ceremony. The pieces are glazed with copper based glazes, dried and put directly into a hot kiln outside for half an hour at a temperature of approximately 1000°c. They are then put into a reduction chamber – a nest of sawdust covered with a metal cover- and this atmosphere and temperature changes (‘redox’) produces the wonderfully colourful, lustrous copper, blue and green finishes associated with Raku Pottery.

Every result is different, nothing is predictable and happy accidents are frequent. In fact, Raku lierally translates into 'Happiness in the accident!' You will be using raku glazes combined with oxides, copper wire, leaves and ferns, seaweed and horse hair!

Bob will arrive with a selection of bisque fired pots in varying styles, that he has made and fired in the weeks prior to the course - providing 3 pots for each student. It is this preparedness that enables such a course to be run in a morning or afternoon. The materials charge of £22 (payable directly to the tutor) covers the cost of making these pots, aswell as the glazing and firing costs during your session. Bob and Denise will distribute pots so each student has a similar selection of shapes at the start of each class.

Typically this course runs with around 8 students. Suitable for Beginners

Firing Pottery In The Raku Style with Bob Park

Morning session 9.45am to 12.30pm Or Afternoon sessions 1.45pm to 4.30pm

Come and enjoy an exciting workshop experimenting in this ancient Japanese technique of glazing and firing pottery

Exciting and fast moving, using heat, sawdust, fire and smoky bins, this stunning firing technique is irresistible and very much in vogue.

Typically this course runs with around 8 students. Suitable for Beginners

'Gorgeously Swirly Calligraphy' with Claire from by Moon and Tide

Loose Botanical Water Colours with Lyn Evans

Lyn likes to paint her watercolours largely from life, choosing blooms which will stay open for a couple of days. She likes interesting shapes so Iris, Lilies and Tulips feature largely in her work. Of course sometimes she uses a photograph, as flowers like peonies have a habit of exploding into life when you least expect it and its better to capture a required image in such cases.

Lyn will teach you how to employ loose watercolour techniques, allowing the pigment and water combination to work their own magic without to much interference being necessary and also using other tools, such as pens, inktence pencils, watercolour pencils, salt and twigs to be used along side your paints can also be used to obtain the beautiful effects from the watercolour.

At the end of the day everyone should have at lease one lovely piece of work to take home.

Dressmaking for Beginner's /Intermediates - Spring Series

'Dressmaking for Beginners' and Improvers' 5 week course - Spring 23 Series ~ with 'Jane Makes'

There is nothing quite like the pride and joy that comes from making your own clothes! This course with Jane, held over 5 Monday mornings will help you experience just that.

This course will provide the skills and confidence to begin making your own clothes. There will be demonstrations, sample making, times for one to one help and of course lots of sewing!

Discovering Pen and Wash with Margaret Jarvis Monday PMs Spring Series

Course cost £120 (deposit £20)

A series of Monday afternoon workshops 1.30pm -4.00pm in Spring, avoiding School Hols and Bank Hols

Join Margaret Jarvis in the first floor Swallow Barn for the next stages of Pen & Wash in Nature

This is a collaborative workshop series. After receiving your deposit we will forward your details to Margaret who will collect the balance from you directly.

Please use the Monday 13th March link to book this series

Learn to Draw from Observation

Learn to Draw from Observation ~ a five week Series with local artist, Sarah Alty

Drawing from close observation, documenting in marks, pictures and words can distil the essence of the subject matter, but where do you start when faced with a blank piece of paper?

We will consider the quality and character of mark-making, linear directional movement, tonal variation, texture, proportion, the relationship between objects and negative spaces.

All materials will be provided and there will be the opportunity to experiment with different drawing mediums.

Dressmaking for Beginner's /Intermediates - Spring Series

'Dressmaking for Beginners' and Improvers' 5 week course - Spring 23 Series ~ with 'Jane Makes'

There is nothing quite like the pride and joy that comes from making your own clothes! This course with Jane, held over 5 Monday mornings will help you experience just that.

This course will provide the skills and confidence to begin making your own clothes. There will be demonstrations, sample making, times for one to one help and of course lots of sewing!

Discovering Pen and Wash with Margaret Jarvis Monday PMs Spring Series

Course cost £120 (deposit £20)

A series of Monday afternoon workshops 1.30pm -4.00pm in Spring, avoiding School Hols and Bank Hols

Join Margaret Jarvis in the first floor Swallow Barn for the next stages of Pen & Wash in Nature

This is a collaborative workshop series. After receiving your deposit we will forward your details to Margaret who will collect the balance from you directly.

Please use the Monday 13th March link to book this series

Needle Felt a Herdwick sheep doorstop with Annis McGowan

Create your own gorgeous needle felted Herdwick sheep using soft blended wool, with Annis McGowan.

Create your own unique and characterful heavy Herdwick doorstop, weighing around 3.5kg and measuring 38cm long, using all quality wools including that of the local Cumbrian Herdwick sheep... although this piece heavy enough to hold back a door, most their proud makers allow them to be admired on tables and shelves! .

A full day workshop ideal for beginners or those with experience learning inspiring needle felting techniques. Needle felting is the locking the wool fibres together through repeat stabbing with barbed needles, it sounds complicated but can easily be learned and some beautiful pieces can be created in this way.

Please note that this workshop will take place in a first floor studio up a flight of stairs.

Needle Felt a Hare

Needle Felt a Life Sized sitting hare , with Annis McGowan

Make a lovely hare of sitting height approx 34 cm plus the ears. You can decide your own pose, either with ears up, or "moongazing" with the ears back. We will be using natural brown and grey blended wool, all materials and tools are provided. This course is suitable for ALL abilities, even those who are new to needle felting.

To create such an impressively detailed and large hare in just one day is quite a task! A lot of carefully prepared and detailed instructions are shared and demonstrated to the whole group in managed stages by Annis. Please be aware this course runs until 5.30pm and can sometimes run over to 6pm. This means its not possible to accommodate folk needing to leave early. The class is methodically taught as a whole group, step by step. Please bear this in mind if you have other engagements that evening or a lift organised.

A full day workshop learning new methods which will inspire you to make more felted creations in future. Annis is highly accomplished in needle felting and her work is for sale in local galleries in Cumbria . She also sells needle felt kits online. This type of felt is produced by locking the wool together through repeatedly stabbing it with your needle, it sounds complicated but can easily be learned and some beautiful pieces can be created in this way.

Learn to Draw from Observation

Learn to Draw from Observation ~ a five week Series with local artist, Sarah Alty

Drawing from close observation, documenting in marks, pictures and words can distil the essence of the subject matter, but where do you start when faced with a blank piece of paper?

We will consider the quality and character of mark-making, linear directional movement, tonal variation, texture, proportion, the relationship between objects and negative spaces.

All materials will be provided and there will be the opportunity to experiment with different drawing mediums.

Needle Felt a Herdwick sheep doorstop with Annis McGowan

Create your own gorgeous needle felted Herdwick sheep using soft blended wool, with Annis McGowan.

Please note that this workshop will take place in a first floor studio up a flight of stairs.

Discovering Pen and Wash with Margaret Jarvis

Join Margaret Jarvis for the day and learn the various intricacies of painting in 'Pen and Wash'

This medium is also be known as 'Watercolour & Ink'. This day will touch on colour mixing and using watercolours and it combines the subtle variable nature of the watercolour wash with finer detail picked out in black ink pen, allowing the artist different effects in shading and textures. The type of ink pens used - its water solubility and also stippling intensity and textures employed can create a vast range of effects.

Breaking the rules of Painting' ~ Landscapes with Roy Simmons

Breaking the 'Rules of Painting' with Roy Simmons ... Beginners and intermediates.

This one day course is for anyone who wants to discover their own natural way of painting. We will be using acrylics.
I tend to paint in a very intuitive way, and believe that with guidance you can learn to 'let go' of the limiting beliefs that prevent your own way of painting coming through. If you are completely new to painting – Great! You have the advantage of the 'beginners mind' without trying! If you do paint already, be prepared to adopt that beginners mind to liberate your own style. Forget any 'rules' you may have picked up even without realising. Some rules to break.

'Start by painting the background' ~ 'Carefully draw your subject' ~ 'Only use the best materials' ~ 'Work from a sketch' ~ 'Paint slowly' ~ 'Don't try to paint until you can draw accurately'

Needle Felt a Hare

Needle Felt a Life Sized sitting hare , with Annis McGowan

Needle Felt a Wren'

Needle Felted Garden Birds . . 'The Wren ' with Helen Hammond

Spend a lovely day being guided through how to make this beautifully detailed Wren using the needle felting process. Your Wren will have a slightly sculpted low relief appearance, subtly enhancing the natural features of this little characterful bird.

Nature and Botanics in Lino Cut with Sue Rowland

9.30am – 4.30pm

Nature and Botanics in Lino Cut with Sue Rowland

Spend a lovely day with Sue learning the art of lino cutting with a botanical/wildlife theme. To start the day you will learn various mark making and texture techniques on a small section of lino to become familiar with the tools involved. Students will then design or select their image from references they have bought or using a series of suggested templates/ resources that Sue brings along too, and then learn how to transfer this onto the lino block. The next stage is to cut the design to leave a relief surface which can be carefully inked up in various colours to create several prints, using a hand burnishing technique. You will be working on an A4 size piece of specialist lino and be able to take home your original lino cut plate and prints at the end of the day.

'Needle Felted Garden Birds - 'The Wren' with Helen Hammond (low relief)

Needle Felted Garden Birds . . 'The Wren ' with Helen Hammond

Needle Felt a Herdwick Sheep ~ with Jane Makes

'Paint with Wool' and Needle Felt Your Own Herdwick Sheep ... The iconic breed of the Lake District ~ with Jane Makes

Learn how to paint with wool to create a beautiful Herdwick sheep, crafted with real wool fibres into a hessian background.

Over the duration of the day Jane will show you how to create a 2D Herdwick head using the needle felting technique. You don’t need any drawing skills, and everyone is welcome, from beginners to improvers. Jane will guide you through the tools & techniques needed and go through the various attributes of different breeds of sheep and their wool, which fibres work well and why - as well as which needles to use for different finish’s and effects, and also how to correct mistakes.

You will be working on a hessian background and build your picture through the manipulation and layout of fibres, from colour choices and blending to the beautiful intricate detailed effects to bring your herdy to life!

You will take home a beautiful felted picture, and as a bonus you will also get to keep the tools you used over the day, meaning you can continue your new found love of felting when you get home.

Jane will bring along a selection of 100% real Wool fibres, a foam mat as a working surface, Hessian for your background and 2 felting needles and all these materials will be yours to take home at the end of the day - just in case you feel the need for a final tweaking of your piece. There will be £15 materials charge payable to Jane on the day.

Discover 'Drypoint Etching and Printing' with Julia Garner

Discovering Drypoint Etching and Printing . . . with Julia Garner Arts

Join Julia for the day and learn all about drypoint and the various associated processes to create lovely prints!

Over the course of the workshop you will learn about the process of etching into a drypoint plastic medium and then printing, in an intaglio manner, onto damp paper. You will produce three prints from two different drypoint plates, although of course you may choose to print more! After printing you may then decide to hand-colour one or more of your prints using watercolour paint.

We are taking plants and flowers as our theme for the day and will be working at up to a maximum size of 15 x 20cm. Please bring photographs or sketches to help you, at your chosen size, although there will of course be plenty of inspiration provided. After Julia has demonstrated the technique you will begin by making an experimental small practice piece of drypoint, allowing you to get the feel of the medium before planning your own designs. This kind of etching involves no chemicals and as you are effectively able to trace elements of your design, even those with limited drawing skills with enjoy the process.

All early pre 19th century books were illlustrated using etching techniques - and dry point etching follows a similar process, but now without the downside of caustic chemicals, which now allow this process to be further explored.

All materials are provided, but please bring an apron and any photographs or sketches you wish to use.

Weave a Rush Basket

Weave your very own bespoke beauitful Rush Bag with Rachel Frost

This is a wonderful opportunity to make your own personal woven rush bag in a day, using the native common bulrush (Scirpus Lacustris). Working on wooden blocks, you will learn how to weave this pliable supple material using techniques common to basketry, to create a unique bag to use and treasure.

These are lovely 'hands on and very tactile' courses using natural rush which is harvested by hand from the various special waterways of England such as the Fenns that are slow moving and perfect as a rush habitat. Each is carefully cut and gathered to bolts that are dried in the sunshine and air alongside hedges by the river. The process is an entirely natural one and there are no chemicals used in the rush harvesting process.

Weave Yourself a Rush Bag

Weave your very own bespoke beauitful Rush Bag with Rachel Frost.

Herdwick Hooked Mat' making

Join Susan Denham -Smith from 'Wild Wool Workshops' and craft your own stunning Herdwick Hooked Mat ....or Wall hanging!

You will learn the little known craft of Locker Hooking to create a stunning place mat (approx 10inch x 10inch) with Herdwick sheep design and, fittingly, using Herdwick wool from the oldest flocks in the country. The method is similar to that used to make traditional hooked rugs, but with a specially designed, crochet hook-style needle, threaded with linen to fix the design in place.

Rag rugging originated in the UK as a way to recycle fabric scraps into rugs. The slightly different method we will use is called Australian locker hooking, which was developed in the 1970s and rather than using materials strips, it uses raw fleece pulled through a rug canvas. This slight difference then allows more scope for the blending of colours and effects etc.

We will begin the day with an introduction to the types of wool fibres being used in this technique, and the various methods used to process the wool and different types of carding. You will have a chance to choose your design and colours, and then process the wool with a drum carder. Using the special lockerhooking needle you'll learn how best to draft and hook the fibres through the canvas to start creating your piece. There will be a choice of colours and wool blends to choose from, from recently hand-dyed batches by Susan. Several colours will be available, though choice from a complete colour range cannot be guaranteed.

A Rush Garlic Basket with Rachel Frost

Weave a unique Garlic Basket in rush with Rachel Frost

A really useful basket for your kitchen!

Breathable and beautiful in its own right, and perfect for storing garlic, keeping it both fresh and dry. Your rush basket will be woven by hand, using the native English common bulrush (Scirpus Lacustris). You will learn how to weave this pliable supple material using techniques common to basketry, to create a unique basket to use and treasure.

Build a Cob Pizza Oven Day with David Alty

Learn how to build your own Cob Clay pizza or bread oven with David Alty

Over this busy one day course you will together learn how to build a cob pizza oven and so take the knowledge home with you to recreate your very own outdoor pizza oven in your own garden.

Starting with an existing plinth you will prepare, level and install the fire brick base and learn all about the importance of materials to use and insulation levels. Covering also the clay and material selection and dimension options you will then start mixing the cob with bare feet and others will create a sand forma for the actual oven shape - tasks will be shared to ensure experience of every stage is acquired. Once the cob is ready the group will prepare the loaves to cover the sand form and start creating the oven shape.

Botanical Printing on Textiles & Paper with Marian May

A fascinating day with Marian learning how to create your own Botanical contact prints with real leaves on fabric and paper, printing your own unique silk scarf and paper prints.

Join Marian for a day of botanical discovery and create a beautiful printed silk scarf using fresh leaves, flowers and natural dyes. You will learn all about the printing process involved, how to prepare fabrics for dyeing with vegetables and flowers and how to choose the leaves that will give good prints. And you will prepare some paper prints which you can finish at home.

In this workshop, which is suitable for all abilities, the freshly collected leaves will be wrapped in pure silk, cotton and paper before being steamed to release their natural dyes and tannins in an eco friendly process. Marian will lead you step by step from the preparation of the fabric, the choosing and placement of suitable leaves through to the techniques needed to produce clear and lasting natural leaf prints.

Botanical Printing on Textiles & Paper with Marian May

A fascinating day with Marian learning how to create your own Botanical contact prints with real leaves on fabric and paper, printing your own unique silk scarf and paper prints.

Willow Sculptures with Phil Bradley

A lovely day with Cumbria's Willow master Phil Bradley creating life size Sculptures : Hares, Hens & Cockerels, Curlew or a small Deer for summer or Christmas

It's always lovely to welcome Phil to Greystoke; he runs several courses here and his days are always popular, inspirational and relaxing.

People find it hard to believe that, by the end the day, they will be taking away their very own willow creation. He has been taking his lovely classes at Greystoke since 2005 and they continue to be some of our favourites. These sculptures are suitable for both indoors and out, even if you have had no experience in Willow work, Phil will guide you expertly and patiently through the day. By the end of the workshop you will have created something quite unique to adorn home or garden.

2023

Curlews Thu 29 June

Hens/ Cockerels Fri 30 June

Deer Wed 11 Oct

Hares Thu 12 Oct

Willow Sculptures with Phil Bradley

A lovely day with Cumbria's Willow master Phil Bradley creating life size Sculptures : Hares, Hens & Cockerels, Curlew or a small Deer for summer or Christmas

It's always lovely to welcome Phil to Greystoke; he runs several courses here and his days are always popular, inspirational and relaxing.

2023

Curlews Thu 29 June

Hens/ Cockerels Fri 30 June

Deer Wed 11 Oct

Hares Thu 12 Oct

Build a Cob Pizza Oven Day with David Alty

Learn how to build your own Cob Clay pizza or bread oven with David Alty

Over this busy one day course you will together learn how to build a cob pizza oven and so take the knowledge home with you to recreate your very own outdoor pizza oven in your own garden.

Traditional Spoon Carving with David Alty

Traditional Spoon Carving with David Alty

From a variety of timbers you will learn how to choose, prepare and split timber and the various methods and styles of carving you could incorporate into your piece. This will entail using a variety of specialist tools which are all provided.

The course will take place on the lawn of the original Tea Garden at the venue, if it is raining we will work under gazebos or use the Squirrel Barn

The use of sharp knives etc in this class means it is only suitable for sensible 16 to 18's when accompanied by responsible paying adults.

Tote Bags - Two day Bag Making Workshops with Emma of 'Hole House Bags'

This year, we're delighted that Emma of 'Hole House Bags' will be offering some of her unique two day courses here at Greystoke. You can make either 'The Forager Bag' or 'The Walton Tote'

The Walton Tote - 2 days

Fri 21st & Sat 22nd April 2023

10am to 4.00pm each day
£170 inc. a tasty lunch, fresh coffee & home baking

Materials cost : £28/per person (covers interfacing, interlining, hardware, bag base and feet, zips, leather handles)

It's suitable for those with a little bag making experience or adventurous beginner bag makers! As long as you can use your sewing machine, you will be guided carefully through each step.

The Forager Bag - 2 days

Fri 7th & Sat 8th July 2023

10am to 4.00pm each day
£170 inc. a tasty lunch, fresh coffee & home baking

Materials :£20.00 per person (covers interfacing, interlining, zips, strap hardware)

Suitable for those with a little bag making experience or adventurous beginners, if you can confidently use your sewing machine, you can make this!

Reflections ~ Water in the Landscape with Frances Winder

Creating Reflections ~ Water in the Landscape with Frances Winder

An exciting workshop with this popular tutor, well known for her landscapes, many depicting beautiful reflections on water.

The workshop is suitable for all abilities, and explores both the simpler techniques, as well as the more unusual. Acrylic paint, watercolour, gouache and oil pastel are all demonstrated, although you may choose to focus on just one medium. You will be creating several experimental pieces during the day.

If you are a beginner Frances recommends gouache paint, and you will need basic colours, as well as good paper to work on. The recommended materials list is available on booking (do please message us if you wish to see this before booking )

Frances writes ...I work from sketches, backed up with photos if I need more information. Please bring reference material with you, sketches, photos or just ideas you like. This course is all about exploring techniques for capturing the feeling of water in the landscape and enjoying ourselves. I will be able to help you individually to achieve progress at your own ability level, whatever that may be.

'Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison

'Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison

Try your hand at “line and wash” – the creation of a pen and ink sketch tinted with a wash of coloured ink or watercolour – with landscape artist John Harrison. You will start the day with an introduction to John’s particular style of line and wash, and the importance he places on drawing and sketching.

John's favoured subject matter features built structures in the wider landscape, exploring the contrast between the man-made and the natural.Largely self-taught, he doesn’t consider himself a painter, but uses the unpredictable yet exciting medium of watercolour to high lght his drawings. He is an active Urban Sketcher, and runs many workshops and classes, details of which are posted on his website. His work is in many private collections both in the UK and internationally, he undertakes commissions both private and corporate and has just come to the end of a year-long monthly feature in the Dalesman.

This course is most suitable for those with some experience in Pen/ Line and Wash , even if only a few hours . If you have already taken Margaret Jarvis' 'Discovering Pen and Wash' course you'd be ideally placed. .

'Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison

'Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison

Learn to Needle-Felt and make a 'Freddie Fox' with Annis McGowan

Learn to Needle-Felt and make a 'Freddie Fox' with Annis McGowan

An exciting new workshop with the very talented Annis McGowan, making this wonderful large Needle Felted Fox sitting some 16 inches high and looking forward to acting as sentry in your entrance hall!

Made entirely from natural and blended carded wool, of whites, glorious russets and reds, plus some Swaledale for added texture, to create a fine, plumped-up chest and an extra bushy tail, Freddie can grace a very special corner of your home. Annis' instruction and many resources will help you bring this lovely character to life.

Needle felting is the locking of the wool fibres together, through repeated stabbing with barbed needles. It sounds complicated, but can easily be learned and some beautiful pieces can be created in this way. Although some sewing is required, this day is ideal for both beginners or those with experience of this new and inspiring felting felting technique. Suitable for all abilities.

'Spontaneous Still Life' with Roy Simmons

'Spontaneous Still Life' with Roy Simmons

Still life can be exciting. Often thought of as a way to hone art skills in a controlled manner, still life painting in a spontaneous way can really supercharge your creativity!

We will look into different ways of working, focusing on a speedy and loose approach. Another important idea to understand are ‘lost and found’ edges. The most successful paintings also incorporate elements of ‘chiaroscuro’ (Light and Dark) and counter-change. Counter-change is the deliberate arranging of light against dark, and dark against light.

Oil pastel is an incredibly versatile medium, we will explore different ways of using them. After a short introduction to materials and tools, we will complete an exercise to get used to ways of working.

Next, I will complete a still life painting (demonstrating from the front) using the camera and large screen, so you can remain at your desk as you follow along step by step.

After lunch we will complete more studies, working from supplied photos or, indeed, objects we can arrange. All materials are supplied and at the end of the day each student will take home their favourite painting fixed and mounted, along with all the others. .

Make a Stained Glass Mirror

Join Lizzy Hippisley-Cox for a one day Stained Glass 'taster' ... Design and make a beautiful Leaded Mirror.

You will leave with your own bespoke stained glass (mirrored) panel.

Relief Carving in Hardwood with Alister Neville

Join Alister Neville and learn to carve a design for a decorative plaque, board, bowl, house sign - or another project perhaps!

Arriving in a large van weighed down with 3 workbenches Alister brings a full set of wood carving tools for each student, plenty of resources and pieces of hardwood to choose from including sycamore, ash, oak, birch. Many people opt for house name boards but other items are carved as well; animals, numbers and sayings. Anything is possible - time allowing - in the day. The workbenches are placed under canopies if it looks like rain. Four people to each bench, plenty of space still and very solid.

'Discovering Stained Glass' ..a two day workshop with Lizzy Hippisley-Cox

Design and create your own beautiful Stained Glass panel on this 2 day workshop with Lizzy Hippisley-Cox of Eden Stained Glass

Traditional Spoon Carving with David Alty

Traditional Spoon Carving with David Alty

The course will take place on the lawn of the original Tea Garden at the venue, if it is raining we will work under gazebos or use the Squirrel Barn

The use of sharp knives etc in this class means it is only suitable for sensible 16 to 18's when accompanied by responsible paying adults.

Painting on Silk with Margaret Wilmot

'Painting on Silk' with Margaret Wilmot

Spend an exciting day with Margaret creating a design and painting this onto pure silk, using steam-fix dyes and hot wax. Silk is a protein, like all the animal-based yarns such as cashmere, angora, mohair and wool and Silk painting is hundreds of years old (like felt-making) and has been practised extensively in Europe as well as Asia.

The silk is pinned out evenly on a frame. The colours are diluted to give the desired shade and painted onto the silk with a brush. The dyes soak into and spread throughout the fabric so as to produce a design. Hot wax, applied with a brush, is painted on and used as a resist Once dry, the dye can then be painted within or around the shape. . Successive layers of wax and dye can be built up to give depth and contrast.

All stages will be demonstrated first by Margaret and Students will work at their own pace. We will begin by experimenting with the colours so as to become familiar with the `feel` of painting with a brush and how the dyes move through the silk. We will then move on to using the hot wax and building up patterns and designs. Students will create 4-5 pieces of finished silk. Margaret will take the finished pieces away to steam-fix the dyes. (The silk must be prepared and steamed for approximately 2 hours). She will then return them to you within about 10 days and they cane be framed or used in other textile art.

Relief Carving in Hardwood with Alister Neville

Join Alister Neville and learn to carve a design for a decorative plaque, board, bowl, house sign - or another project perhaps!

'Gelli printing in Nature' with Julia Garner

In this workshop you will be printing using a gelli plate and acrylic paints to create many multi layered images. You will be working with found natural materials such as ferns and leaves, as well as creating your own hand made stencils to act as resists. The prints are finished items, but you may also choose to collage them or add further detail using a range of media.

Gelli printing involves working on around six different prints at a time, working with resists and from a light colour through to darker colours. You will be able to work both on paper and also on fabric, which is ideal if you wish to embellish your print with stitch work. Be prepared to take home many prints! You will be cutting your own re-usable stencils and will also explore 'ghost prints' - especially when using plants as resists. There will be plenty of inspiration on hand, but please feel free to bring photographs or sketches as ideas if you wish, bearing in mind that recognisable silhouettes make the best prints when using a gelli plate. The plates are 15cm x 15cm.

Build a Cob Pizza Oven Day with David Alty

Learn how to build your own Cob Clay pizza or bread oven with David Alty

Over this busy one day course you will together learn how to build a cob pizza oven and so take the knowledge home with you to recreate your very own outdoor pizza oven in your own garden.

Build a Cob Pizza Oven Day with David Alty

Learn how to build your own Cob Clay pizza or bread oven with David Alty

Over this busy one day course you will together learn how to build a cob pizza oven and so take the knowledge home with you to recreate your very own outdoor pizza oven in your own garden.

Discovering Pen and Wash with Margaret Jarvis

Join Margaret Jarvis for the day and learn the various intricacies of painting in 'Pen and Wash'

Herdwick Hooked Mat' making

Join Susan Denham -Smith from 'Wild Wool Workshops' and craft your own stunning Herdwick Hooked Mat ....or Wall hanging!

Willow Sculptures with Phil Bradley

A lovely day with Cumbria's Willow master Phil Bradley creating life size Sculptures : Hares, Hens & Cockerels, Curlew or a small Deer for summer or Christmas

It's always lovely to welcome Phil to Greystoke; he runs several courses here and his days are always popular, inspirational and relaxing.

2023

Curlews Thu 29 June

Hens/ Cockerels Fri 30 June

Deer Wed 11 Oct

Hares Thu 12 Oct

Willow Sculptures with Phil Bradley

A lovely day with Cumbria's Willow master Phil Bradley creating life size Sculptures : Hares, Hens & Cockerels, Curlew or a small Deer for summer or Christmas

It's always lovely to welcome Phil to Greystoke; he runs several courses here and his days are always popular, inspirational and relaxing.

2023

Curlews Thu 29 June

Hens/ Cockerels Fri 30 June

Deer Wed 11 Oct

Hares Thu 12 Oct

Reflections ~ Water in the Landscape with Frances Winder

Creating Reflections ~ Water in the Landscape with Frances Winder

An exciting workshop with this popular tutor, well known for her landscapes, many depicting beautiful reflections on water.

Lino Cut Print - Botanical & Natural forms with Laura Sowerby

Printing in Lino Cut ' Botanical and Natural Forms' with Laura Sowerby.

'Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison

'Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison

'Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison

'Buildings in the Landscape' using Line and Wash - with John Harrison

'Applique & Stitch' Discovering Machine Embroidery with Sarah Ames

Discovering 'Appliqué & Stitch' Freehand Machine Embroidery with Sarah Ames

This course will probably be up a flight of stairs. We can help you with your machine etc. if it is.

Sarah will come with a host of ideas for you as well as some templates you can use if you feel unsure about your design.

Nature and Botanics in Lino Cut with Sue Rowland

9.30am – 4.30pm

Nature and Botanics in Lino Cut with Sue Rowland

Discovering Pen and Wash with Margaret Jarvis

Join Margaret Jarvis for the day and learn the various intricacies of painting in 'Pen and Wash'

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See our website https://www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk/quirky-workshops-cumbria for full details of what courses are coming soon.

One, two or three day courses in:

traditional English longbow making, cob pizza oven building, artist blacksmithing, stone carving (relief or letter carving), wood carving, c

Lino cut printing, garden willow sculptures, garden Wire sculptures, fused or stained glass, Sterling Silver jewellery weekends or silver clay jewellery days, porcelain ceramics with Gwen Bainbridge.
Many textile courses including weaving, Needle felting and Pet Portraits, Felt art, Pattern cutting, Paint Print and Stitich, Felt Slippers and Bags, Lampshade Making, Ceramic Porcelain Christmas Decorations and Pottery Green Man days
Art courses : Introduction to pen and Wash , discovering watercolours , botanical and wildlife illustration painting courses, Art courses with John Harrison, Frances Winder, Margaret Jarvis, Simon Williams and Roy Simmons.
Cookery days include Artisan Cheese making, Gluten free baking (Breads and pastries), Artisan bread making, Scrumptious scone making, but have been put on hold since March 2020 as they took place in our farmhouse kitchen.

Days include fresh coffees, home made biscuits and a lovely two course home made Aga lunch. Workshops usually close with a freshly made Aga cream tea.

A full list of our courses can be found at www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk or please phone 017684 83984

We look forward to welcoming you on one of our workshop days.

Location

We are in the picturesque village of Greystoke, just 5 miles west of Penrith/Junction 40 of the M6 and a few miles north of the A66 and Ullswater. Keswick is approx 15 minutes further west

Dressmaking for Beginner's /Intermediates - Spring Series

27 March 2023

'Dressmaking for Beginners' and Improvers' 5 week course - Spring 23 Series ~ with 'Jane Makes'

There is nothing quite like the pride and joy that comes from making your own clothes! This course with Jane, held over 5 Monday mornings will help you experience just that.

This course will provide the skills and confidence to begin making your own clothes. There will be demonstrations, sample making, times for one to one help and of course lots of sewing!