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WILLOW DAYS with PHIL BRADLEY Cumbrian Willow Master ... Organic grower and creator of all things willow ……..Certainly very much in demand throughout the north of England and spending a lot of time at the Harlow Carr Horticultural College in Harrogate, Phil’s courses are
always extremely popular, inspirational and relaxing. People find it hard to believe that, by the end the day, they will themselves have created their very own willow animal sculpture, angel or other woven piece such as wigwams or spheres. These day tend to be the most popular for those celebrating a birthday , there’s always plenty of time to chat …come with friends and have a lovely day out together, enjoy the treat over lunch and then take home a lasting memory to remind you of the day .
All willow days incur an extra charge payable directly to Phil for the willow used. This is variable
and usually falls between £3 and £8 pppd .
All courses take place in our cosy barn durring colder months .. though we all make a beeline for the garden as soon as it’s warm enough in the spring (so dress suitably in middling weather) ….the exception being the LIVING willow, which by nature has to happen in the early spring while the willow is still dormant and is always outside – usually in March .
Living willow…Arbours and Lattice Screens … This living willow day will show you how to create either a willow arbour or a . . lattice screen, or both, in your own garden. These structures add real architectural interest into your garden, provide leafy greenery in the summer and structural interest in the winter.
You may wish to order recently cut willow from Phil to take home and make in your own garden.
Hens and Cockerels Sculptures Spend another relaxing day with Phil sculpting your own farmyard birds…in vogue hens and cockerels
to be busy in your borders or exploring in your orchard …those who are enthusiastic manage to make both in a day …
also perfect for fireplaces. !!
Helter Skelter Wigwams These are a contemporary twist on the original wigwam with a helix type binding .
Wigwams add structure ,make great statements in theveg patch and can be used for climbing flowers and peas/beans etc
Willow Deer Sculptures Spend your day creating your very own life size small willow deer – some 2 ½ - 3ft high - to graze in the corner of your orchard (if you’re luckyenough to have one!), hide in your herbaceous border or just to luxuriate on your lawn !!
Herons and Storks Sculptures
Another new workshop creating your own elegant life size wading bird, whether it be a heron, stork or egret,
perhaps to grace your water feature, but they look equally lovely anywhere in the garden
with a backdrop of luxuriant vegetation.
Willow Spheres - adding a contemporary feel to the garden spheres are quite 'Andy Goldsworthy like' (of Cumbrian Sheepfold fame) -they will make a true statementwherever they are placed- in the garden - on the patio, - or use them in mixed borders to take the eye from fading bulbs. A variety of sizes are possible and they look equally lovely inside in an alcove. Just perfect for Christmas with lights in the centre . Almost any size possible, though if you wish to make a really large one you are governed by the length of available willow and Phil will need prior warning, You may also need to finish it at home with the knowledge learned during the day. Also, will it fit in your car?
Willow Stars and Garlands Phil will join us yet again for this busy Christmas fortnight. In this workshop you’ll be creating willow stars in avariety
of sizes, they look lovely as a large feature on mantelpiece/wall etc or garlands made from willow, silver birch, holly and ivy as a lovely alternative to the traditional Christmas wreath.
Willow Angels
These Angel days are traditionally our last workshops before the Christmas break and are full of the festive spirit . They provide an opportunity to produce your own 2/3ft high Angel to grace a special corner of your room at Christmas. Made to Phil’s own design they are unique and look great with candles burning at their base and their wings lit up with stars/lights/tinsel which shimmers in the rising heat. . They are so beautiful you may not want to put them away. Simply remove the Christmas connections and they’ll look lovely looking out from a special corner and will happily watch over you all year. Ours is in the loo (room). Hopefully it’s happy there! The ones in the photo are stilll awaiting heads and halos
 
Hares Sculptures
Another exciting new course and another interesting subject to inspire.
Making a life size hare to nestle in your garden border – looking alarmed- as they do !.
The inspirations for this day comes from two celebrated local HARE sculptors Elizabeth Waugh (left) and Libby Edmondson (right) …to whom we are grateful for providing these photos .
Though different in style both hares display their unique pose and character as if just waiting to be captured in willow
It is hoped that soon we will hold a Clay Sculpture Day with Hares as a subject here at the café with Elizabeth Waugh (see www.elizabethwaugh.co.uk) …please let us know if you would be interested in such a day.
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Susie
will bring along some of her colourful rugs and exciting materials to inspire
you to create your own design. She will guide you through two of the most
popular techniques of producing a rag rug- the 'Hookie' and the 'Proddie'
& help you to create your own piece of work. You will be working on frames
of 2.5ft x 3ft and are welcome to bring your own materials if you have a
particular colour scheme in mind. Enjoy the relaxing day learning
this local craft. All materials are provided.
'Basic Bike
Maintenance & Set Up' - 
Learn
this age old technique of creating a solid stone wall without the use of
any cement/ mortar- Steve will guide you through the setting out & various
stages of wall construction -he is the existing & many times World Champion
Dry Stone Waller& we are lucky to get him to commit to these workshops -
he spends a lot of time in America working with Andy Goldsworthy - so will
have a lot of knowledge to share. Please bring safety goggles & suitable
gloves/safety boots. Please contact us if you would like to add your name
to a course list- when we have enough names we will contact you regarding
a new date.
DOWSING AND WATER DIVINING FOR BEGINNERS
- Eleanor Burke B.So.D
Enjoy
a memorable day discovering and practising the fascinating art of dowsing,
a skill which has been used widely for thousands of years to locate hidden
water courses and other unknown underground features. Eleanor will show
you first how to build your own rods and put together other dowsing tools
that may be used, you will then be guided through the various aspects of
dowsing and exploring the gardens at the Cycle Cafe (which once used to
be part of the Greystoke Castle Estate) you will start using the things
you have learned. You'll be amazed by your unknown intuitive skills. A lot
of time will be spent outside, so please come prepared. If you are able
please bring 2 wire coat hangers. Eleanor is a well known member
of the British Society of Dowsers and has spent many years using dowsing.
She will be traveling across from North Yorks. to join us for the
day.
GIANT WILLOW HOVERFLIES....., BUTTERFLIES....... AND BEES