Quirky Workshops Art, Craft and Heritage Skill Courses
Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns is a unique creative venue offering an inspiring range of art, craft and heritage workshops from a C17th listed farmhouse in the pretty village of Greystoke. We're placed 5 miles equidistantly from Penrith, Eden Valley & Ullswater, on the northern fringes of the Lake District, west of Penrith, in beautiful Cumbria, north west England. We have been running around 1440 craft courses each year, since 2005.
During the lockdown of May 2020, we renovated an old hay loft and now host the majority our indoor courses and workshops in this wonderful, new, light, airy and spacious studio - 'the Swallow Barn’ ; although some tutors still prefer the cosy atmosphere and ground floor easy access nature of the original studio, 'Squirrel Barn'. Many of the courses (especially art and calligraphy) feature live streaming of tutor demos onto a large screen at the front, allowing students to watch closely, whilst seated at their desks. This practice was started during Covid but has been continued as very helpful with many workshops.
Please see our website https://www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk/quirky-workshops-cumbria for full details of upcoming courses in date order.
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:
- stone carving (relief or letter carving), wood carving, bird whittling, spoon carving, willow weaving and rush basket making.
- Lino cut printing, Fused glass, Stained Glass panels and Stained Glass mirrors, Sterling Silver jewellery and Silver Ring making courses, Porcelain plates and vases, and inspiring Mosaics
- Many textile courses including weaving, Needle felting Garden Bird pictures (robin/blue tit/wren) , Herdwick sheep and Pet Portraits, Felt art, Paint Print and Stitch, Felt Slippers, Ecoprinting, Leather Bag making, Learn to Spin and Lampshade Making, 'Hole House' bag making,
- Art courses : Introduction to Pen and Wash , Discovering Watercolours , Botanical and Wildlife illustration, Art courses with John Harrison, Frances Winder, Lyn Evans, Margaret Jarvis, Roy Simmons, Lis Bramwell, Calligraphy with Claire of byMoonandTide (our live streamed onto a large screen is especially useful for this course .. no more struggling to see the tutor demo close up from the back of the group!)
All day courses include tasty homemade lunch, fresh coffees and Aga cream teas. Drinks are served at desks do students may continue working Lunches to be taken at desks or in the garden during summer months.
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 https://www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk/quirky-workshops-cumbria or please phone 017684 83984
We look forward to welcoming you here in Greystoke!
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 and has its own website greystokevillage.co.uk 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 cosy pub serving evening meals.
Exploring Expressive Watercolour Techniques' - a 2 day weekend course with Sarah Stokes
'Barn Swallows and Highland Cows' - an immersive weekend of 'Fur & Feathers' expressive Watercolour Techniques with Sarah Stokes - all abilities.
We are delighted to welcome much acclaimed, professional watercolour artist Sarah Stokes, joining us for a fascinating May weekend of painting.
Students will cover a multitude of artistic and specifically watercolour skills which include “wet into wet”, colour mixing, timing, brush strokes, looseness of approach, and pigment control. Sarah will also teach you how to see and depict tone effectively, in both black and white, as well as in colour.
Firstly in the morning of day one, you will get to explore the importance of tone, as we draw a cross section of a highland cow’s face, capturing its soulful gaze. We will use charcoal concentrating on creating convincing fur, eyes and expression.
After a tasty home made lunch - hopefully in the garden - we will finish this characterful and lovable breed, before starting our main watercolour piece painting a pair of beautiful barn swallows perched on a branch. During the session you will learn how to simplify your palette down to just the 3 primary colours to create a myriad of hues and tones. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to establish the first layer, “wet into wet” and then to build up the piece with a mixture of brush strokes and techniques
On our second day we will finish off and perfect the barn swallows. You will learn how to paint convincing feathers, to paint “white” breasts and to bring life and energy to a piece through energetic brush strokes.
I will also show you handy ways of correcting a piece if the wrong consistency or colour has been applied or if a piece has become “muddied”.
We will also discuss what makes a good reference photo and the best places to obtain them.
On this workshop, you will learn the following skills:
Better understand the role of shape, tone and brush strokes in creating texture to wildlife, whether it be a bird, a mammal or still life.
- Get to grips with timing and pigment control needed to make the most out of watercolour
- Create any colour of your choice and harness the power of de-saturated colours
- Use warm and cool colours to bring interest and harmony to your artwork
- Find a harmony between loose and tighter brush strokes
- Paint from a series of prepared reference photos
- Create a whole range of colours from primary colours
- Add finishing touches such as splashes, pen and ink and acrylics
- Depict the colour “white”
- Capture a sense of fluidity and spontaneity to your work.
As this is a collaborative workshop between Sarah Stokes and Quirky Workshops, it will be Sarah taking payments for this workshop. Please note there are slightly different T&C's regarding cancellations, which are detailed below**. Quirky Open Vouchers cannot be used towards payment on this particular course.
'Design & Planting Tips for a small Garden' with Shelagh Todd - lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman.
Design and Planting Tips for a Small Garden with Cumbrian Based lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman Shelagh Todd.
Shelagh is widely known and highly respected throughout Cumbria's gardening fraternity. She has been both the familiar face, and 'lead' of Horticulture at Newton Rigg for well over 30 years, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our 2025 Quirky programme. She brings a wealth of gardening expertise and teaching experience, which over the years, will have gently inspired (literally) thousands of 'would-be gardeners’ to create and nurture their own individual outdoor spaces.
During this one day course Shelagh will share garden design advice, hints and tips on how you can make the most of your small garden. We will explore how you can achieve atmospheric and all year interest in your small space.
Subjects covered:
- Site assessment
- Design inspiration for small spaces
- A walk & talk around the gardens at Poplin Dub created over the last 25 years.
- Privacy & screening solutions for a small space
- Choosing the right plants for a small space
By the end of the day you will have:
- An understanding of how to choose the correct plants for your small garden
- A list of plants that will create impact and interest but not outgrow their space
- A list of plants that are suitable for the atmosphere that you want to create
'Hearts of Flowers' in fused glass with Michelle of 'Lakeshore Arts'
Join Michelle and create your own beautiful fused glass Flower Heart - suitable for all abilities.
Michelle will arrive with her ready prepared heart shapes and will talk you through the various design aspects and techniques of creating the lovely flowes and leaves for your piece to assemble together to create your own beautiful floral heart.
You will learn about different types of glass used in fusing work and also about the all important COE (Coefficient of expansion) – vital to understand in glass fusing as it makes sure the right types of glass are used and fuse together. Your finished heart designs will then be taken away and fired and returned to Greystoke. If there is time you maybe be able to make a second heart for additional materials cost tbc). The flower hearts can be collected from here a few weeks later, once they have been fired and fused. Alternatively Michelle can post these directly to your home for approx £5.50
We first saw Michelle's beautiful fused glass pieces at a local farm show and just loved them. We are absolutely delighted she has agreed to take some workshops here at Greystoke.
You will learn how to cut and trim the flowers and leaves and get an idea of what can be done with glass in a kiln in terms of fusing, stacking, tack fusing and slumping. You will also learn about various inclusions and their different applications, using frits, stringers, glassline pens and sheet glass along with other fragments.
9.45 - 12.45pm or 2pm -5pm
£45 inc a fresh coffee and home made biscuits
Material Charges £25
'Hearts of Flowers' in fused glass with Michelle of 'Lakeshore Arts'
Join Michelle and create your own beautiful fused glass Flower Heart - suitable for all abilities.
Michelle will arrive with her ready prepared heart shapes and will talk you through the various design aspects and techniques of creating the lovely flowes and leaves for your piece to assemble together to create your own beautiful floral heart.
You will learn about different types of glass used in fusing work and also about the all important COE (Coefficient of expansion) – vital to understand in glass fusing as it makes sure the right types of glass are used and fuse together. Your finished heart designs will then be taken away and fired and returned to Greystoke. If there is time you maybe be able to make a second heart for additional materials cost tbc). The flower hearts can be collected from here a few weeks later, once they have been fired and fused. Alternatively Michelle can post these directly to your home for approx £5.50
We first saw Michelle's beautiful fused glass pieces at a local farm show and just loved them. We are absolutely delighted she has agreed to take some workshops here at Greystoke.
You will learn how to cut and trim the flowers and leaves and get an idea of what can be done with glass in a kiln in terms of fusing, stacking, tack fusing and slumping. You will also learn about various inclusions and their different applications, using frits, stringers, glassline pens and sheet glass along with other fragments.
9.45 - 12.45pm or 2pm -5pm
£45 inc a fresh coffee and home made biscuits
Material Charges £25
Create your own Botanical Prints in full colour, linocut for beginners and intermediates, with Laura Sowerby
Create your own Botanical Prints in full colour, linocut for beginners and intermediates with Laura Sowerby
Spend a lovely day creating your own original botanical lino print in full colour, under the careful guidance of lovely artist and printer Laura Sowerby. Using professional quality materials and and some clever carving, you will turn your seed of an idea into a print to be proud of.
Laura Sowerby creates intricate botanical prints and handmade wallpaper in linocut at her picturesque studio in the Langdale Fells. Her evocative designs on cushions, lampshades and gift-ware have recently been widely featured has been featured in Country Living, Gardens Illustrated, Country Homes & Interiors and The English Home magazines and shown in galleries both locally and nationally.
‘Discovering that I am a direct descendant of James Sowerby, famous 18th-century botanical illustrator is a delight.’ she smiles.
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 also could be used to print onto fabrics and soft furnishings such as cushion covers etc.
Design & Plan your own Garden - 2 days with Shelagh Todd - lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman
"Learn to design your own garden… just the way you want it" with leading Cumbrian Garden Designer, Lecturer and Plantswoman, Shelagh Todd.
Shelagh is widely known and highly respected throughout Cumbria's gardening fraternity. She has been both the familiar face - and 'lead' - of Horticulture at Newton Rigg College for well over 30 years, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our 2025 Quirky programme. She brings a wealth of gardening expertise and teaching experience, which over the years will have gently inspired literally thousands of 'would-be gardeners’ to create and nurture their own individual outdoor spaces. This two-day course is an ideal starting point for beginners, garden enthusiasts and anyone who wants to re-design their garden space.
Day 1 will cover the design process, including surveying, analysing & soil testing your site. Using your own design brief, you will learn to create a functional layout plan that you can apply to your garden, including consideration for hard landscaping materials as required. We can explore both the established and newer areas of the garden at Quirky Workshops which is maintained on a largely organic basis with wildlife at its heart.
Day 2 Shelagh will show you how to design the planting for your garden to achieve colour, interest and atmosphere; how to choose and combine the right plants for your soil conditions, and for best effect. You can decide on the style of planting and the types of plants you wish to grow, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of different plants, what to look for when you are buying plants and how to source good plants locally.
*In advance of the workshop we'll send you an 'easy to follow' guide on how to measure up your garden. This means you can arrive on the first day of the course with a plan of your plot ready to begin the design process. With illustrated talks & drawing exercises, by the end of the 2 days you will have completed some planting schemes and have the skills to continue designing at home.
Your enquiry will be sent directly to Quirky Workshops Art, Craft and Heritage Skill Courses. Please fill in as much detail as you can.
Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns is a unique creative venue offering an inspiring range of art, craft and heritage workshops from a C17th listed farmhouse in the pretty village of Greystoke. We're placed 5 miles equidistantly from Penrith, Eden Valley & Ullswater, on the northern fringes of the Lake District, west of Penrith, in beautiful Cumbria, north west England. We have been running around 1440 craft courses each year, since 2005.
During the lockdown of May 2020, we renovated an old hay loft and now host the majority our indoor courses and workshops in this wonderful, new, light, airy and spacious studio - 'the Swallow Barn’ ; although some tutors still prefer the cosy atmosphere and ground floor easy access nature of the original studio, 'Squirrel Barn'. Many of the courses (especially art and calligraphy) feature live streaming of tutor demos onto a large screen at the front, allowing students to watch closely, whilst seated at their desks. This practice was started during Covid but has been continued as very helpful with many workshops.
Please see our website https://www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk/quirky-workshops-cumbria for full details of upcoming courses in date order.
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:
- stone carving (relief or letter carving), wood carving, bird whittling, spoon carving, willow weaving and rush basket making.
- Lino cut printing, Fused glass, Stained Glass panels and Stained Glass mirrors, Sterling Silver jewellery and Silver Ring making courses, Porcelain plates and vases, and inspiring Mosaics
- Many textile courses including weaving, Needle felting Garden Bird pictures (robin/blue tit/wren) , Herdwick sheep and Pet Portraits, Felt art, Paint Print and Stitch, Felt Slippers, Ecoprinting, Leather Bag making, Learn to Spin and Lampshade Making, 'Hole House' bag making,
- Art courses : Introduction to Pen and Wash , Discovering Watercolours , Botanical and Wildlife illustration, Art courses with John Harrison, Frances Winder, Lyn Evans, Margaret Jarvis, Roy Simmons, Lis Bramwell, Calligraphy with Claire of byMoonandTide (our live streamed onto a large screen is especially useful for this course .. no more struggling to see the tutor demo close up from the back of the group!)
All day courses include tasty homemade lunch, fresh coffees and Aga cream teas. Drinks are served at desks do students may continue working Lunches to be taken at desks or in the garden during summer months.
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 https://www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk/quirky-workshops-cumbria or please phone 017684 83984
We look forward to welcoming you here in Greystoke!
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 and has its own website greystokevillage.co.uk 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 cosy pub serving evening meals.
Exploring Expressive Watercolour Techniques' - a 2 day weekend course with Sarah Stokes
'Barn Swallows and Highland Cows' - an immersive weekend of 'Fur & Feathers' expressive Watercolour Techniques with Sarah Stokes - all abilities.
We are delighted to welcome much acclaimed, professional watercolour artist Sarah Stokes, joining us for a fascinating May weekend of painting.
Students will cover a multitude of artistic and specifically watercolour skills which include “wet into wet”, colour mixing, timing, brush strokes, looseness of approach, and pigment control. Sarah will also teach you how to see and depict tone effectively, in both black and white, as well as in colour.
Firstly in the morning of day one, you will get to explore the importance of tone, as we draw a cross section of a highland cow’s face, capturing its soulful gaze. We will use charcoal concentrating on creating convincing fur, eyes and expression.
After a tasty home made lunch - hopefully in the garden - we will finish this characterful and lovable breed, before starting our main watercolour piece painting a pair of beautiful barn swallows perched on a branch. During the session you will learn how to simplify your palette down to just the 3 primary colours to create a myriad of hues and tones. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to establish the first layer, “wet into wet” and then to build up the piece with a mixture of brush strokes and techniques
On our second day we will finish off and perfect the barn swallows. You will learn how to paint convincing feathers, to paint “white” breasts and to bring life and energy to a piece through energetic brush strokes.
I will also show you handy ways of correcting a piece if the wrong consistency or colour has been applied or if a piece has become “muddied”.
We will also discuss what makes a good reference photo and the best places to obtain them.
On this workshop, you will learn the following skills:
Better understand the role of shape, tone and brush strokes in creating texture to wildlife, whether it be a bird, a mammal or still life.
- Get to grips with timing and pigment control needed to make the most out of watercolour
- Create any colour of your choice and harness the power of de-saturated colours
- Use warm and cool colours to bring interest and harmony to your artwork
- Find a harmony between loose and tighter brush strokes
- Paint from a series of prepared reference photos
- Create a whole range of colours from primary colours
- Add finishing touches such as splashes, pen and ink and acrylics
- Depict the colour “white”
- Capture a sense of fluidity and spontaneity to your work.
As this is a collaborative workshop between Sarah Stokes and Quirky Workshops, it will be Sarah taking payments for this workshop. Please note there are slightly different T&C's regarding cancellations, which are detailed below**. Quirky Open Vouchers cannot be used towards payment on this particular course.
'Design & Planting Tips for a small Garden' with Shelagh Todd - lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman.
Design and Planting Tips for a Small Garden with Cumbrian Based lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman Shelagh Todd.
Shelagh is widely known and highly respected throughout Cumbria's gardening fraternity. She has been both the familiar face, and 'lead' of Horticulture at Newton Rigg for well over 30 years, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our 2025 Quirky programme. She brings a wealth of gardening expertise and teaching experience, which over the years, will have gently inspired (literally) thousands of 'would-be gardeners’ to create and nurture their own individual outdoor spaces.
During this one day course Shelagh will share garden design advice, hints and tips on how you can make the most of your small garden. We will explore how you can achieve atmospheric and all year interest in your small space.
Subjects covered:
- Site assessment
- Design inspiration for small spaces
- A walk & talk around the gardens at Poplin Dub created over the last 25 years.
- Privacy & screening solutions for a small space
- Choosing the right plants for a small space
By the end of the day you will have:
- An understanding of how to choose the correct plants for your small garden
- A list of plants that will create impact and interest but not outgrow their space
- A list of plants that are suitable for the atmosphere that you want to create
'Hearts of Flowers' in fused glass with Michelle of 'Lakeshore Arts'
Join Michelle and create your own beautiful fused glass Flower Heart - suitable for all abilities.
Michelle will arrive with her ready prepared heart shapes and will talk you through the various design aspects and techniques of creating the lovely flowes and leaves for your piece to assemble together to create your own beautiful floral heart.
You will learn about different types of glass used in fusing work and also about the all important COE (Coefficient of expansion) – vital to understand in glass fusing as it makes sure the right types of glass are used and fuse together. Your finished heart designs will then be taken away and fired and returned to Greystoke. If there is time you maybe be able to make a second heart for additional materials cost tbc). The flower hearts can be collected from here a few weeks later, once they have been fired and fused. Alternatively Michelle can post these directly to your home for approx £5.50
We first saw Michelle's beautiful fused glass pieces at a local farm show and just loved them. We are absolutely delighted she has agreed to take some workshops here at Greystoke.
You will learn how to cut and trim the flowers and leaves and get an idea of what can be done with glass in a kiln in terms of fusing, stacking, tack fusing and slumping. You will also learn about various inclusions and their different applications, using frits, stringers, glassline pens and sheet glass along with other fragments.
9.45 - 12.45pm or 2pm -5pm
£45 inc a fresh coffee and home made biscuits
Material Charges £25
'Hearts of Flowers' in fused glass with Michelle of 'Lakeshore Arts'
Join Michelle and create your own beautiful fused glass Flower Heart - suitable for all abilities.
Michelle will arrive with her ready prepared heart shapes and will talk you through the various design aspects and techniques of creating the lovely flowes and leaves for your piece to assemble together to create your own beautiful floral heart.
You will learn about different types of glass used in fusing work and also about the all important COE (Coefficient of expansion) – vital to understand in glass fusing as it makes sure the right types of glass are used and fuse together. Your finished heart designs will then be taken away and fired and returned to Greystoke. If there is time you maybe be able to make a second heart for additional materials cost tbc). The flower hearts can be collected from here a few weeks later, once they have been fired and fused. Alternatively Michelle can post these directly to your home for approx £5.50
We first saw Michelle's beautiful fused glass pieces at a local farm show and just loved them. We are absolutely delighted she has agreed to take some workshops here at Greystoke.
You will learn how to cut and trim the flowers and leaves and get an idea of what can be done with glass in a kiln in terms of fusing, stacking, tack fusing and slumping. You will also learn about various inclusions and their different applications, using frits, stringers, glassline pens and sheet glass along with other fragments.
9.45 - 12.45pm or 2pm -5pm
£45 inc a fresh coffee and home made biscuits
Material Charges £25
Create your own Botanical Prints in full colour, linocut for beginners and intermediates, with Laura Sowerby
Create your own Botanical Prints in full colour, linocut for beginners and intermediates with Laura Sowerby
Spend a lovely day creating your own original botanical lino print in full colour, under the careful guidance of lovely artist and printer Laura Sowerby. Using professional quality materials and and some clever carving, you will turn your seed of an idea into a print to be proud of.
Laura Sowerby creates intricate botanical prints and handmade wallpaper in linocut at her picturesque studio in the Langdale Fells. Her evocative designs on cushions, lampshades and gift-ware have recently been widely featured has been featured in Country Living, Gardens Illustrated, Country Homes & Interiors and The English Home magazines and shown in galleries both locally and nationally.
‘Discovering that I am a direct descendant of James Sowerby, famous 18th-century botanical illustrator is a delight.’ she smiles.
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 also could be used to print onto fabrics and soft furnishings such as cushion covers etc.
Design & Plan your own Garden - 2 days with Shelagh Todd - lecturer, garden designer & plantswoman
"Learn to design your own garden… just the way you want it" with leading Cumbrian Garden Designer, Lecturer and Plantswoman, Shelagh Todd.
Shelagh is widely known and highly respected throughout Cumbria's gardening fraternity. She has been both the familiar face - and 'lead' - of Horticulture at Newton Rigg College for well over 30 years, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our 2025 Quirky programme. She brings a wealth of gardening expertise and teaching experience, which over the years will have gently inspired literally thousands of 'would-be gardeners’ to create and nurture their own individual outdoor spaces. This two-day course is an ideal starting point for beginners, garden enthusiasts and anyone who wants to re-design their garden space.
Day 1 will cover the design process, including surveying, analysing & soil testing your site. Using your own design brief, you will learn to create a functional layout plan that you can apply to your garden, including consideration for hard landscaping materials as required. We can explore both the established and newer areas of the garden at Quirky Workshops which is maintained on a largely organic basis with wildlife at its heart.
Day 2 Shelagh will show you how to design the planting for your garden to achieve colour, interest and atmosphere; how to choose and combine the right plants for your soil conditions, and for best effect. You can decide on the style of planting and the types of plants you wish to grow, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of different plants, what to look for when you are buying plants and how to source good plants locally.
*In advance of the workshop we'll send you an 'easy to follow' guide on how to measure up your garden. This means you can arrive on the first day of the course with a plan of your plot ready to begin the design process. With illustrated talks & drawing exercises, by the end of the 2 days you will have completed some planting schemes and have the skills to continue designing at home.
Your enquiry will be sent directly to Quirky Workshops Art, Craft and Heritage Skill Courses. Please fill in as much detail as you can.