Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

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.

Contemporary Landscape Painting' in Oils with Hester Berry

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

Contemporary Landscapes Painting in Oils ~  with Hester Berry

Hester's work and her stunning interpretation of landscapes is widely admired  - we're thrilled that she will be travelling up from her Devon studio in October 2023, to take this creative and inspiring workshop. Students will be looking at tonal values, colours and marks to create mood and atmosphere in your work.  As well as giving a full demonstration, Hester will encourage you to develop any ideas you may have for your own oil (or acrylics if you prefer)  landscape project. The course is suitable for all abilities.

Hester will vary the subjects for each of her teaching days, meaing those who wish can attend both workshop days.


Contemporary Landscape Painting' in Oils with Hester Berry

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

Contemporary Landscapes Painting in Oils ~  with Hester Berry

Hester's work and her stunning interpretation of landscapes is widely admired  - we're thrilled that she will be travelling up from her Devon studio in October 2023, to take this creative and inspiring workshop. Students will be looking at tonal values, colours and marks to create mood and atmosphere in your work.  As well as giving a full demonstration, Hester will encourage you to develop any ideas you may have for your own oil (or acrylics if you prefer)  landscape project. The course is suitable for all abilities.

Hester will vary the subjects for each of her teaching days, meaing those who wish can attend both workshop days.


Willow Sculptures 'Hares / Deer/Curlews/Hens ' with Phil Bradley

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

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 'Hares / Deer/Curlews/Hens ' with Phil Bradley

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

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 


Reflections ~ Water in the Landscape with Frances Winder

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

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.


Firing Pottery in the Raku style with Bob and Denise Park

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

Morning session      9.45am to 12.30pm     arrive 9.30am for coffee

Afternoon session  1.45pm to 4.30pm       arrive 1.30pm for coffee
£45 inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits
Material Charges : £25 on the day

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 literally 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 and Denise 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 £25 (payable directly to the tutor) covers the cost of making these pots, as well 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. 


Firing Pottery in the Raku style with Bob and Denise Park

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

Morning session      9.45am to 12.30pm     arrive 9.30am for coffee

Afternoon session  1.45pm to 4.30pm       arrive 1.30pm for coffee
£45 inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits
Material Charges : £25 on the day

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 literally 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 and Denise 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 £25 (payable directly to the tutor) covers the cost of making these pots, as well 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. 


Lino Cut Print - Botanical & Natural forms with Laura Sowerby

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

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 and Denise Park

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

Morning session      9.45am to 12.30pm     arrive 9.30am for coffee

Afternoon session  1.45pm to 4.30pm       arrive 1.30pm for coffee
£45 inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits
Material Charges : £25 on the day

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 literally 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 and Denise 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 £25 (payable directly to the tutor) covers the cost of making these pots, as well 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. 


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

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

'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

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

'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. .


Nature and Botanics in Lino Cut with Sue Rowland

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

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.


Sterling Silver Jewellery 2 days with Melinda Scarborough

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

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.

10.00am – 4.30pm
£195 Lunch included
Material Charges from approx £25 in 2023


Lampshade Making short course with Sonja Tilleard

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

Morning              10.00am - 12.45pm  inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits at the start 

Afternoon           1.15pm - 4.00pm   inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits at the start

£37 inc 25cm shade kit & drinks/biscuits above. See below for optional extras including double sided shades and larger shade kits.

 

Make a professional Hand rolled Drum lampshade from your chosen fabric with Sonja Tileard


These are two separate courses taking place on the same day - choose either morning or afternoon. If you wish to make two shades, enrol for both and bring some sandwiches for the midday break between 12.45pm and 1.15pm

You are welcome to bring your own material - or alternatively choose some from Sonja's lovely selection - and learn how the professionals make that perfect hand rolled drum lampshade.  The price includes a 25cm lampshade kit and you can bring your own material (full width, half metre). If you wish to upgrade to a larger shade size, use double-sided kits (so that material is used on the inside of the shade too)  or purchase any of Sonja's lovely fabric there may be a few £'s extra charge. Remember, if you choose the double sided option you will need twice as much material


'Applique & Stitch' Discovering Machine Embroidery with Sarah Ames

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

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, with feed dogs that drop and also an embroidery foot.

 

We have a machine to borrow if needed. Please just ask.


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

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

10.00am-12.40pm  OR  1.30pm to 4.10pm
£55 inc fresh coffee/tea/home made biscuits
Material Charges : included , and to take home

 

Create beautiful Christmas 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.


Funky Felt Slippers with Debra Esterhuizen

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

Design and create your very own bespoke, warm and funky felt slippers from 100% merino wool, with Debra Esterhuizen.

Join Debra on this fun and soap-filled felting day that can't fail to leave you smiling. Make yourself a beautiful pair of bespoke, warm and seamless felt slippers, using the wet felting technique, moulded cleverly to your feet. Each slipper is unique and made to fit,  as plain or as fancy as you like.  Do feel free to bring any special small inclusions which it might be possible to use, very fine silk for example or anything else you treasure that could be incorporated into the felt fibres.  Due to social distancing we ask students to bring their own washing up bowls and be sure they are agile enough to spend a good time at the end of the day massaging their own bare slippered feet over the bowl - or resting your foot on your knee. For the comical effort of soapy rubbing and afternoon acrobatics,  your just reward will be not only a pair of lovely slippers,  but you'll also be heading home with feet scented and laundered as never before!


Loose Botanicals in Watercolours for Christmas ... with Lyn Evans

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

0am – 4pm
£85 Lunch included
Material Charges : Please bring your own materials - see below. .

 

Painting a Looser Botanical for Christmas ... in Watercolour with Lyn Evans

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

Although Lyn usually likes to paint her watercolours from life, (and you are welcome to bring specimens if freely available)  we will be using references photos for this course as well. During the morning,  Lyn will teach, step by step, the techniques she employs and builds on for different effects - and although some basic experience of watercolours is preferred, it is by no means essential, especially as the painting style is relaxed and loose. Students will need to provide their own materials as outlined below.

The iconic shapes of winter's Christmas foliage and flowers ...  holly, ivy, berries, snowdrops, hellebores and pointsettia - along with their festive colours, make lovely subjects for this festive workshop.  Your pieces could later be 'reproduced' (at the local print shop) and used along with 'blank card/ envelope sets' (widely available online)  to make some really special hand painted Christmas cards this year.

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


Mosaics at Christmas 'Angels & Robins' or 'Trees and Stars' with Helen Clues

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

10.00am – 4.00pm
£78 inc fresh coffee, home made lunch and cream teas

Materials charge £25

 

 

Mosaics at Christmas~  with Helen Clues 

Sunday 3rd Dec  'Angels & Robins'    or   Wednesday 6th Dec  'Xmas Trees & Stars'

A festive version of this lovely, inspiring day with Helen creating some beautiful mosaic pieces, using a combination of vintage broken crockery  (known as 'picassiette' in the trade) , coloured glass and ceramic tiles.

The Sunday workshop will be Angels and Robins -  followed by Wednesday making Christmas Trees and Stars. Simply choose the day you would most prrefer and look forward to a lovely festive day out. Students will be working with a variety of mosaic materials, using the direct method of creating mosaics for interior display.

There will be a choice of projects and during the session you will learn how to plan your design, choose, cut, shape and assemble your piece. The afternoon will be for grouting and polishing to finish your projects. All materials and fixings for hanging finished pieces are provided. During this session students can choose to make up to two projects. You are welcome to bring any crockery of your own to incorporate into your work.


Discovering Pen and Wash with Margaret Jarvis

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

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.


Mosaics at Christmas 'Angels & Robins' or 'Trees and Stars' with Helen Clues

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

10.00am – 4.00pm
£78 inc fresh coffee, home made lunch and cream teas

Materials charge £25

 

 

Mosaics at Christmas~  with Helen Clues 

Sunday 3rd Dec  'Angels & Robins'    or   Wednesday 6th Dec  'Xmas Trees & Stars'

A festive version of this lovely, inspiring day with Helen creating some beautiful mosaic pieces, using a combination of vintage broken crockery  (known as 'picassiette' in the trade) , coloured glass and ceramic tiles.

The Sunday workshop will be Angels and Robins -  followed by Wednesday making Christmas Trees and Stars. Simply choose the day you would most prrefer and look forward to a lovely festive day out. Students will be working with a variety of mosaic materials, using the direct method of creating mosaics for interior display.

There will be a choice of projects and during the session you will learn how to plan your design, choose, cut, shape and assemble your piece. The afternoon will be for grouting and polishing to finish your projects. All materials and fixings for hanging finished pieces are provided. During this session students can choose to make up to two projects. You are welcome to bring any crockery of your own to incorporate into your work.


Hand Printed Christmas Cards & Tags in Lino Cut with Sue Rowland

Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

9.30am – 4.00pm
£82 Lunch included
Material Charges  £20

 

 Hand Printed Lino Cut Christmas Cards & Tags with Sue Rowland . . . Nature and Foliage

A lovely, festive printmaking day with Sue, suitable for beginners or improvers, learning the basics of cutting and hand printing of your own unique lino design to create an edition of stunning Christmas cards on a selection of different coloured backgrounds and using different inks. Friends and family always love to receive handmade cards and they are fun to make!

You will also have the opportunity to create a range of hand printed gift tags to use on your Christmas presents. You can use your card design for this or if there is time you can cut a new image to use.

You will learn how to plan out your design and transfer this to a piece of lino approx. 15 x 15 cm before learning how to cut your design using lino tools. Sue will demonstrate importance of mark making and texture which you will use first in a sample piece and then in your own design. The close up demonstrations by Sue will be live streamed and projected to a large screen, meaning everyone will be abe to follow instructions from the comfort of their desks with ample spacing.

You will learn hand printing and burnishing techniques so that you will be equipped with the skills and confidence to repeat this process after the course at home if you like the technique. Sue will arrive with many ink colours, so you'll be able to produce both one colour and multicolour designs by varying the inking up. Plus there will be some exciting and festive metallic inks to use as well.

The course will be fun and informative and allow for developing your creative ideas.Please bring along some of your own Nature / Foliage based ideas, 'though don't worry if you're feelng uncreative,  Sue will be able to supply some simple templates too.

Please note:  People with arthritis in their hands/ arms or severely strained wrists or hands may struggle with cutting the lino and find this course difficult.


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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.

Contemporary Landscape Painting' in Oils with Hester Berry


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
04 October 2023

Contemporary Landscapes Painting in Oils ~  with Hester Berry

Hester's work and her stunning interpretation of landscapes is widely admired  - we're thrilled that she will be travelling up from her Devon studio in October 2023, to take this creative and inspiring workshop. Students will be looking at tonal values, colours and marks to create mood and atmosphere in your work.  As well as giving a full demonstration, Hester will encourage you to develop any ideas you may have for your own oil (or acrylics if you prefer)  landscape project. The course is suitable for all abilities.

Hester will vary the subjects for each of her teaching days, meaing those who wish can attend both workshop days.

Full Details »

Contemporary Landscape Painting' in Oils with Hester Berry


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
04 October 2023

Contemporary Landscapes Painting in Oils ~  with Hester Berry

Hester's work and her stunning interpretation of landscapes is widely admired  - we're thrilled that she will be travelling up from her Devon studio in October 2023, to take this creative and inspiring workshop. Students will be looking at tonal values, colours and marks to create mood and atmosphere in your work.  As well as giving a full demonstration, Hester will encourage you to develop any ideas you may have for your own oil (or acrylics if you prefer)  landscape project. The course is suitable for all abilities.

Hester will vary the subjects for each of her teaching days, meaing those who wish can attend both workshop days.

Full Details »

Willow Sculptures 'Hares / Deer/Curlews/Hens ' with Phil Bradley


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
11 October 2023

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 

Full Details »

Willow Sculptures 'Hares / Deer/Curlews/Hens ' with Phil Bradley


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
12 October 2023

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 

Full Details »

Reflections ~ Water in the Landscape with Frances Winder


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
14 October 2023

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.

Full Details »

Firing Pottery in the Raku style with Bob and Denise Park


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
14 October 2023

Morning session      9.45am to 12.30pm     arrive 9.30am for coffee

Afternoon session  1.45pm to 4.30pm       arrive 1.30pm for coffee
£45 inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits
Material Charges : £25 on the day

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 literally 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 and Denise 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 £25 (payable directly to the tutor) covers the cost of making these pots, as well 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. 

Full Details »

Firing Pottery in the Raku style with Bob and Denise Park


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
17 October 2023

Morning session      9.45am to 12.30pm     arrive 9.30am for coffee

Afternoon session  1.45pm to 4.30pm       arrive 1.30pm for coffee
£45 inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits
Material Charges : £25 on the day

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 literally 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 and Denise 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 £25 (payable directly to the tutor) covers the cost of making these pots, as well 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. 

Full Details »

Lino Cut Print - Botanical & Natural forms with Laura Sowerby


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
17 October 2023

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.

Full Details »

Firing Pottery in the Raku style with Bob and Denise Park


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
18 October 2023

Morning session      9.45am to 12.30pm     arrive 9.30am for coffee

Afternoon session  1.45pm to 4.30pm       arrive 1.30pm for coffee
£45 inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits
Material Charges : £25 on the day

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 literally 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 and Denise 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 £25 (payable directly to the tutor) covers the cost of making these pots, as well 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. 

Full Details »

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


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
19 October 2023

'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. .

Full Details »

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


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
20 October 2023

'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. .

Full Details »

Nature and Botanics in Lino Cut with Sue Rowland


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
11 November 2023

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.

Full Details »

Sterling Silver Jewellery 2 days with Melinda Scarborough


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
17 - 18 November 2023

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.

10.00am – 4.30pm
£195 Lunch included
Material Charges from approx £25 in 2023

Full Details »

Lampshade Making short course with Sonja Tilleard


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
17 November 2023

Morning              10.00am - 12.45pm  inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits at the start 

Afternoon           1.15pm - 4.00pm   inc fresh coffee/home made biscuits at the start

£37 inc 25cm shade kit & drinks/biscuits above. See below for optional extras including double sided shades and larger shade kits.

 

Make a professional Hand rolled Drum lampshade from your chosen fabric with Sonja Tileard


These are two separate courses taking place on the same day - choose either morning or afternoon. If you wish to make two shades, enrol for both and bring some sandwiches for the midday break between 12.45pm and 1.15pm

You are welcome to bring your own material - or alternatively choose some from Sonja's lovely selection - and learn how the professionals make that perfect hand rolled drum lampshade.  The price includes a 25cm lampshade kit and you can bring your own material (full width, half metre). If you wish to upgrade to a larger shade size, use double-sided kits (so that material is used on the inside of the shade too)  or purchase any of Sonja's lovely fabric there may be a few £'s extra charge. Remember, if you choose the double sided option you will need twice as much material

Full Details »

'Applique & Stitch' Discovering Machine Embroidery with Sarah Ames


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
19 November 2023

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, with feed dogs that drop and also an embroidery foot.

 

We have a machine to borrow if needed. Please just ask.

Full Details »

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


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
25 November 2023

10.00am-12.40pm  OR  1.30pm to 4.10pm
£55 inc fresh coffee/tea/home made biscuits
Material Charges : included , and to take home

 

Create beautiful Christmas 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.

Full Details »

Funky Felt Slippers with Debra Esterhuizen


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
29 November 2023

Design and create your very own bespoke, warm and funky felt slippers from 100% merino wool, with Debra Esterhuizen.

Join Debra on this fun and soap-filled felting day that can't fail to leave you smiling. Make yourself a beautiful pair of bespoke, warm and seamless felt slippers, using the wet felting technique, moulded cleverly to your feet. Each slipper is unique and made to fit,  as plain or as fancy as you like.  Do feel free to bring any special small inclusions which it might be possible to use, very fine silk for example or anything else you treasure that could be incorporated into the felt fibres.  Due to social distancing we ask students to bring their own washing up bowls and be sure they are agile enough to spend a good time at the end of the day massaging their own bare slippered feet over the bowl - or resting your foot on your knee. For the comical effort of soapy rubbing and afternoon acrobatics,  your just reward will be not only a pair of lovely slippers,  but you'll also be heading home with feet scented and laundered as never before!

Full Details »

Loose Botanicals in Watercolours for Christmas ... with Lyn Evans


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
02 December 2023

0am – 4pm
£85 Lunch included
Material Charges : Please bring your own materials - see below. .

 

Painting a Looser Botanical for Christmas ... in Watercolour with Lyn Evans

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

Although Lyn usually likes to paint her watercolours from life, (and you are welcome to bring specimens if freely available)  we will be using references photos for this course as well. During the morning,  Lyn will teach, step by step, the techniques she employs and builds on for different effects - and although some basic experience of watercolours is preferred, it is by no means essential, especially as the painting style is relaxed and loose. Students will need to provide their own materials as outlined below.

The iconic shapes of winter's Christmas foliage and flowers ...  holly, ivy, berries, snowdrops, hellebores and pointsettia - along with their festive colours, make lovely subjects for this festive workshop.  Your pieces could later be 'reproduced' (at the local print shop) and used along with 'blank card/ envelope sets' (widely available online)  to make some really special hand painted Christmas cards this year.

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

Full Details »

Mosaics at Christmas 'Angels & Robins' or 'Trees and Stars' with Helen Clues


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
03 December - 12 September 2023

10.00am – 4.00pm
£78 inc fresh coffee, home made lunch and cream teas

Materials charge £25

 

 

Mosaics at Christmas~  with Helen Clues 

Sunday 3rd Dec  'Angels & Robins'    or   Wednesday 6th Dec  'Xmas Trees & Stars'

A festive version of this lovely, inspiring day with Helen creating some beautiful mosaic pieces, using a combination of vintage broken crockery  (known as 'picassiette' in the trade) , coloured glass and ceramic tiles.

The Sunday workshop will be Angels and Robins -  followed by Wednesday making Christmas Trees and Stars. Simply choose the day you would most prrefer and look forward to a lovely festive day out. Students will be working with a variety of mosaic materials, using the direct method of creating mosaics for interior display.

There will be a choice of projects and during the session you will learn how to plan your design, choose, cut, shape and assemble your piece. The afternoon will be for grouting and polishing to finish your projects. All materials and fixings for hanging finished pieces are provided. During this session students can choose to make up to two projects. You are welcome to bring any crockery of your own to incorporate into your work.

Full Details »

Discovering Pen and Wash with Margaret Jarvis


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
03 December 2023

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.

Full Details »

Mosaics at Christmas 'Angels & Robins' or 'Trees and Stars' with Helen Clues


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
06 December 2023

10.00am – 4.00pm
£78 inc fresh coffee, home made lunch and cream teas

Materials charge £25

 

 

Mosaics at Christmas~  with Helen Clues 

Sunday 3rd Dec  'Angels & Robins'    or   Wednesday 6th Dec  'Xmas Trees & Stars'

A festive version of this lovely, inspiring day with Helen creating some beautiful mosaic pieces, using a combination of vintage broken crockery  (known as 'picassiette' in the trade) , coloured glass and ceramic tiles.

The Sunday workshop will be Angels and Robins -  followed by Wednesday making Christmas Trees and Stars. Simply choose the day you would most prrefer and look forward to a lovely festive day out. Students will be working with a variety of mosaic materials, using the direct method of creating mosaics for interior display.

There will be a choice of projects and during the session you will learn how to plan your design, choose, cut, shape and assemble your piece. The afternoon will be for grouting and polishing to finish your projects. All materials and fixings for hanging finished pieces are provided. During this session students can choose to make up to two projects. You are welcome to bring any crockery of your own to incorporate into your work.

Full Details »

Hand Printed Christmas Cards & Tags in Lino Cut with Sue Rowland


Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns
07 December 2023

9.30am – 4.00pm
£82 Lunch included
Material Charges  £20

 

 Hand Printed Lino Cut Christmas Cards & Tags with Sue Rowland . . . Nature and Foliage

A lovely, festive printmaking day with Sue, suitable for beginners or improvers, learning the basics of cutting and hand printing of your own unique lino design to create an edition of stunning Christmas cards on a selection of different coloured backgrounds and using different inks. Friends and family always love to receive handmade cards and they are fun to make!

You will also have the opportunity to create a range of hand printed gift tags to use on your Christmas presents. You can use your card design for this or if there is time you can cut a new image to use.

You will learn how to plan out your design and transfer this to a piece of lino approx. 15 x 15 cm before learning how to cut your design using lino tools. Sue will demonstrate importance of mark making and texture which you will use first in a sample piece and then in your own design. The close up demonstrations by Sue will be live streamed and projected to a large screen, meaning everyone will be abe to follow instructions from the comfort of their desks with ample spacing.

You will learn hand printing and burnishing techniques so that you will be equipped with the skills and confidence to repeat this process after the course at home if you like the technique. Sue will arrive with many ink colours, so you'll be able to produce both one colour and multicolour designs by varying the inking up. Plus there will be some exciting and festive metallic inks to use as well.

The course will be fun and informative and allow for developing your creative ideas.Please bring along some of your own Nature / Foliage based ideas, 'though don't worry if you're feelng uncreative,  Sue will be able to supply some simple templates too.

Please note:  People with arthritis in their hands/ arms or severely strained wrists or hands may struggle with cutting the lino and find this course difficult.

Full Details »

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