Contact Details: Tel: +44 [0] 17684 83984 E-mail: annie@greystokecyclecafe.co.uk Occasionally our server hiccups & emails don't get through to us - we always reply - please send your message again if we don't respond within 48 hours . THANK YOU

Welcome to Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Cycle Cafe Tea Garden                 For all  Art, Textile,  Cookery and Beekeeping workshops please see individual pages above in the top menu. All other workshops in variety are detailed below on this long page -- to help there is a drop down menu above for 'Other Quirky Days' This page also contains the definitive MAIN workshop timetable covering courses from all pages.       You are warmly invited to enjoy an informal & relaxing day with others at our 17th Century Cumbrian farmhouse discovering new skills from experienced artists & professionals in friendly surroundings. Our Quirky Workshop Days take place in our cosy converted barn- with oak floor & open ceiling it is a perfect space to work in .... or in the garden on warmer summer days. Cookery Days are held in our farmhouse kitchen.     ALL the PHOTO ALBUMS from each day All our day workshops include a lovely   two course lunch, coffees, teas & a cream tea Lunch is served in our farmhouse kitchen around one large table or in the garden. Afternoon and evening courses include tea & scones We hope you can find some days that appeal.       Main Programme table containing availibilty & above information

Return to top We have limited parking at the Cycle Café but can offer some spaces in our driveway to those unable to take the 150-350 yd short walk from the village (4 to 8 mins)   Welcome to the new 2013 programme  Recent changes to programme are added in yellow : added details for Stool Making course -  Sat Sun morning of 6th 7th July  8/04  Added details of  Sat 15th June 'Bee Aware Day' with TV's Brigid Strawbridge  8/04  Added details of Chutney and Mincemeat for Christmas Day October Sat  5 Cot 14.04...NEW Dry Stone Walling Dates Sat and Sun 18th and 19th May 9.30 -3.30  £40 inc special price 2 day Blacksmith course on 13th 14th July changed to 1 day course on Sun 14th July- Candle Holders  18.04    Dry stone walling days moved to weeknd Sat 15 th Sun 16th June   18.04  Brigit Strawbridge day moved to Sat 27th July 21.04  Added child friendly prices to Silver Jewellery , Blacksmithing, Wood Carving and Pottery days in May Click below to print our new leaflet. (If painfully slow - on top right of page is option to Open using different viewer. Click here and select - Open with Adobe Reader) Top      How to Book                   How to give a Voucher Feb 2013 space Sat 23 Hands On  ‘Strip & Build A Bike’ Day full £74 9.30-3.30 Steve Woods MIA Sun 24 Build Your Own Warré Bee Hive Yes £215/£145 9.30-5.30 Neil Cruickshank   Sun 24  Blacksmith for a Day       Chestnut roasters, candle holders or hooks full £115 9.30-4.00 Adrian Woods Mon 25 Rag Rug Day                            Reconvening for Rug finishing  Yes £28 11-   2.30 Emma Tennant Wed 27 COOKERY   hands on             Scrumptious Scones Day            full £68 10.0-2.30 Gill Harris     March     Tue 12 Willow  'Living Willow -              Arbours and Lattice Screens '  few £66 9.30-3.30 Phil Bradley Wed 13 COOKERY  hands on               Bread by Hand Day    1 £70 10.0--2.30 Gill Harris Thu 14 Design and Weave a scarf on your own Hand Loom   Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Jan Beadle Wed 27 Artisan Cheesemaking at Home full £77 9.30-2.30ish  Wardhall Dairy     April Tue 2 Drawing and painting the Horse  U 18  rates apply Yes £65/45/25 9.30-4.00 Alex Jakob-Whitworth Wed 3 Scone Making                  Have a Go family morning   Yes £30/18 9.45-12.30 Gill Harris Wed 3 Scone Making                  Have a Go family afternoon            Yes £30/18 1.30 -4.15 Gill Harris Sa-Su 6-7 Beginners Beekeeping         16 hour Weekend Course few £145 9.30-5.30 Neil Cruickshank Tue 9 Beginners Knitting                             Wrist Warmers   U18 rates apply Yes £64/25 9.30-3.30 Marion Woolcott Tue 9 Green Wood Pole Lathe Turning    - Have a Go family - morning      Yes  £35/20 9.30-12.30 Chris Helliwell Tue 9 Green Wood Pole Lathe Turning    - Have a Go family - afternoon          Yes  £35/20 1.30-  4.30 Chris Helliwell Wed 10 Watercolours in Spring - for Beginners/ intermediates  under 18 rates apply Yes £64/25 9.30-3.30 Margaret Jarvis Thu 11 Family Pottery  Have a go session       - Ducklings & more Yes £25/12 9.30-12.00 Claire Farley Thu 11 Traditional Coracle Building Workshop 'In a day'. . . . few £85/45 9.15-5.30 Mark Aplin Sun 14  Blacksmith for a Day  Candle Holders full £115/55 9.30-4.00 Adrian Woods Sat 20 Hands On  ‘Strip & Build A Bike’ Day full £74 9.30-3.30 Steve Woods Sat 20 Bike Maintenance for Beginners   early evening yes £24 4.45-7.15 Steve Woods Sun 21 Hands On  ‘Strip & Build A Bike’ Day full £74 9.30-3.30 Steve Woods Mo-Tu 22-23 Cane and Sea Grass Seating Restoration few £135 9.30-3.30 David Bowen     May Sat 4 Introduction to Meditation 2 £28 9.30-3.30 Dave Stones Su-Mo 5-6 Beginners Beekeeping     16 hour 2 day Bank Hol course few £145 9.30-5.30 Neil Cruickshank Mon 6 Pole Lathe Turning workshop             Yes £75 9.30-4.00 Chris Helliwell Mon 6 Wild Food Day                      Nettles Firebread & Bunny Burgers Yes £70/45 9.30-3.30 David Alty Fri 10 Willow Sculptures                          Wigwams         few £66 9.30-3.30 Phil Bradley Sat 11 Pottery Green Man                        Wall Plaques few £68/40 9.30-3.30 Roma Short Sun 12 Relief Woodcarving in Hardwoods     few £74/45 9.30-4.00 Alister Neville Sun 12 COOKERY  hands on              Gluten Free Breads and Pastries    full £72 10.0 -2.30 Gill Harris Mon 20 COOKERY   Hands on       Cupcake Piping  Class - the basics          yes £36 10 - 1 pm Vicky Hoskins Tue 21 Artisan Cheesemaking at Home 1 £77 9.30-2.30ish  Wardhall Dairy Fr Sa 24-5 Make a Stained Glass Panel            full £145 9.30-4.30 Jackie Hunt Sat 25 Blacksmith for a Day  Dragon hooks, roasters, pokers & more  full £115/55 10.0-4.30 Adrian Woods Su-Mo 26-27 Two Day Silversmith Jewellery Making with sp stones 2 £145/95 9.30-4.00 Melinda Scarborough Tue 28 Pottery Wall Plaques – The Pilgrims Journey Yes £68/40 9.30-3.30 Roma Short Wed 29 Scrumptious Scone Making Day full £68/30 9.30-3.30 Gillian Harris Thur 30 COOKERY   Hands on       Cupcake Piping - the basics          yes £36/24 10.0 -1.00 Vicky Hoskins Thur 30 COOKERY   Hands on       Novelty Cupcake Decorating          yes £28/22 2.00 - 4.30 Vicky Hoskins June Wed 5 Willow Sculptures              Sheep – life size    full £85 9.30-4.00 Phil Bradley Thu 6 Willow Sculptures              Hares  – life size    full £68 9.30-3.30 Phil Bradley   Fr-Su 7-8-9 Stone Carving Workshop    3 day course  - Begs & Intermediates                      full £190 9.30-3.30 Pip Hall   Sun 9 Far Eastern Brush Painting   Animal & Flower Studies Yes    £60 9.30-3.30 Irene Sanderson     Wed 12 Botanical Illustration in Watercolours few    £70 9.30-3.45 Kay Rees Davies Thu 13 Botanical Illustration in watercolours few    £70 9.30-3.45 Kay Rees Davies Fri 14 Introduction to Pen and Wash - Beginners /Ints few £64/25 9.30-3.30 Margaret Jarvis  Top Sat 15 Dry Stone Walling Workshop with World Champion Steve Allen few £40 9.30-3.30 Steve Allen Sun 16 Dry Stone Walling Workshop with World Champion Steve Allen Yes £40 9.30-3.30 Steve Allen Sun 23  Blacksmith for a Day  Birdfeeders  few £115/55 9.30-3.30 Adrian Wood Sat 22 Introduction to Mixed Media  Yes £70 10.00-4.30 Frances Winder   Fri 28 Felt Slipper Workshop                                                                      WOOLFEST.CO.UK Yes £66 9.30-3.30 Debra Esterhuizen   Sat 29 Rag Rug Day                                                                       WOOLFEST.CO.UK few £68 10.00-4.00 Heather Ritchie   Sun 30 Rag Rug Day   with Heather Ritchie www.rugmaker.co.uk          few £68 9.30-3.30 Heather Ritchie   Sun 30 Green Wood Pole Lathe Turning                    Yes  £75 9.30-3.45 Chris Helliwell   July     Mon 1 Design & Weave a scarf on a Hand Loom  - Leno Scarves Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Jan Beadle   Tue 2 Dyeing fine merinos silks & more with natural plant dyes  Yes £74 10.00-4.00 Helen Melvin   Wed 3 Eco Dyeing- ‘green’ dye techniques for contemporary textile artists Yes £74 10.00-4.00 Helen Melvin   Wed 3 Traditional Coracle Building Workshop 'In a day'..  Yes £85/45 9.00-5.30 Mark Aplin   Thu 4 new Felt Art /Corsages OR Nuno Felt Scarf/Corsages with Debra Esterhuizen yes £66 9.30-3.30 Debra Esterhuizen   Fri 5 FELT ART -               A day with Debra Esterhuizen - see aboveThu 4th full £66 9.30-3.30 Debra Esterhuizen   Sat/Suam 6 / 7 Family Stool Making course -  family friendly 1 1/2 days Yes £115/55 9.30-3.30 Dave Corrie Mon 8 Willow Sculptures                     Make a small Deer     full £68 9.30-3.30 Phil Bradley Fri 12 Brush up on your Watercolours in Summer's Garden Yes £64/25 9.30-3.30 Margaret Jarvis Sa-Su 13-14 Rush Seating Restoration  2 day course Yes £135 9.30-4.00 David Bowen Sat 13  Be a Blacksmith for a Day  Candle Holders, few £115/55 9.30-4.00 Adrian Woods Fri-Sat 19-20 Make a Stained Glass Panel            Yes £135 9.30-4.00 Jackie Hunt Sun 21 Hands On  ‘Strip & Build A Bike’ Day few £74 9.30-3.30 Steve Woods Sun 21 Bike Maintenance for Beginners   early evening Yes £24 4.45-7.15 Steve Woods Tue 23 The Art of Spinning on a Spinning Wheel & Drop Spindle  -multi course offer Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Marion Woolcott Tue 23 Pole Lathe Turning                    Yes £75 9.30-3.30 Chris Helliwell Thu 25 Drawing and painting the Horse  yes £65/25 9.30-4.00 Alex Jakob-Whitworth   Sat 27 'BEES, Biodiversity and Pollinator Gardening' Workshop with TV's Brigit Strawbridge - all we can do to combat Bee decline Yes    £ 38 9.30 - 4.00 Brigit Strawbridge Sun 28 Painting the Layers within Nature  -  Mixed Media few £70 10.00-4.00 Fiona Clucas   Sun 28 COOKERY  hands on               Real Bread by Hand Day    few £70 10.0-2.30 Gill Harris Tue 30 Botanical Illustration in Watercolours                               Yes £70 9.30-4.00 Simon Williams Wed 31 Wildlife Illustration in Watercolours    with Gouache         Yes £70 9.30-4.00 Simon Williams August                         Thu 1 Wildlife or Botanical Illustration in Watercolours          Yes £70 9.30-4.00 Simon Williams   Fri 2 Dyeing with Natural Dyes                                            multi course offer Yes £68 9.30-4.00 Marion Woolcott   Wed 7 Scone Making                  Have a Go family - morning   Yes £30/18 9.45-12.30 Gill Harris   Wed 7 Scone Making                  Have a Go family  afternoon            Yes £30/18 1.30 -4.15 Gill Harris   Fri 9 Crochet for Beginners – Hand Warmers        multi course offer Yes £64/25 9.30-4.00 Marion Woolcott   Sat 10 Traditional Coracle Building Workshop 'In a day'. . . .  Yes £85/45 9.00-5.30 Mark Aplin   Sat 10 Water in the Landscape Workshop Yes £70 10.00-4.30 Frances Winder   Sun 11  Blacksmith for a Day                   TBD Yes £115 9.30-4.15 Adrian Woods   Sun 11 A foray into the World of Dowsing Yes £64 10.30-4.30 Eleanor Burke   Fri 16 Garden Wire  Sculptures - Geese full £85 10.30-5.00 Susan Nichol   Sat 17 Garden Wire  Sculptures - Hens full £75 9.30- 4.00 Susan Nichol   Tue 20 Relief Woodcarving in Hardwoods     Yes £74 9.30-4.00 Alister Neville   Wed 21 Hands On  ‘Strip & Build A Bike’ Day Yes £74 10.0 - 4.00 Steve Woods   Wed 21 Bike Maintenance for Beginners   early evening Yes £24 5.30 -8.00 Steve Woods   Wed 21 Creative Canapes               Have a Go family - morning   Yes £30/18 10 - 12.30 Gill Harris   Wed 21 Creative Canapes               Have a Go family  afternoon            Yes £30/18 1.30 -4.00 Gill Harris   Thu 22 Green Wood Spoon Carving      Yes £66 9.30-3.30 David Alty   Thu 22 Artisan Cheesemaking at Home few £77 9.30-2.30ish Wardhall Dairy   Fri 23 Wild Food Day                              Pigeons Fish & Smoking Yes £78/45 9.30-3.30 David Alty   Sat 24 Skep Making Day - for bee keeping and bee swarms few £55 9.30-3.30 Martin Buckle Sept                 During September we shall be a Gallery for C Art- Trail . . . more details to follow         October             Sat 5   Cookery Hand On  - Chutneys and Mincemeats for Christmas Yes £70 10.0-2.30 Gill Harris   Tu 8 Artisan Cheesemaking at Home Yes £77 9.30-2.30ish Wardhall Dairy   Wed 9 Pottery Green Man Yes £65 9.30-4.30. Roma Short   Thu 10 Far Eastern Brush Painting      Animal & Flower Studies Yes    £60 9.30-3.30 Irene Sanderson   Mon 14 Felt Making- Nuno Scarves Day Yes £65 9.30-3.30 Linda Chapman   Mon 14 Pole Lathe Turning  - making a bowl                       (limited places) Yes £90 9.30-4.15 Chris Helliwell   Tue 15 Wonderful Weaving on a hand loom - a Winter Scarf Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Jan Beadle   Thu 17 Willow Sculptures                   Sheep         Yes £85 9.30 3.30 Phil Bradley   Fri 18 Willow  Sculptures                  Hares                         few £68 9.30-3.30 Phil Bradley   Sat 19 Pottery Have a Go session             Ducklings, other animals & more Yes £25/12 9.30-12.0 Claire Farley   Sat 19  Blacksmith for a Day       TBD Yes £115 9.30-3.30 Adrian Wood   Tue 22 Rag Rug Day    - traditional floor rugs few £68 9.30-3.30 Emma Tennant   Sat- Su 26-27 Two Day Silversmith Jewellery Making with sp stones Yes £145 9.30-4.00 Melinda Scarborough   Tue 29 Drawing and painting the Horse  Yes £65/25 9.30-4.00 AlexJakob-Whitworth   Thu 31 Rag Rug Day    with Heather Rtchie www.rugmaker.co.uk Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Heather Ritchie                 November                             Wed 13 Felt Making- Nuno Scarves Day Yes £65 9.30-3.30 Linda Chapman   Thu 14 Rag Rug Day    making traditional floor rugs   Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Emma Tennant   Fri 15 The Art of Spinning on a Spinning Wheel and a Drop Spindle  Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Marion Woolcott   Sat 16 COOKERY   hands on             Scrumptious Scones Day            Yes £68 10.0-2.30 Gill Harris   Tu-We 19-20 Make a Stained Glass Panel  2 day course     Yes £135 9.30-4.15 Jackie Hunt   Tue 26 Willow Sculptures                     Hens         full £68 9.30-3.30 Phil Bradley   Wed 27 Wonderful Weaving making a Sumptuous Scarf Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Jan Beadle   Fri 29 Flower Fairies from the Garden Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Fiona Clucas                 December             Fri 6 Christmas Cards in Pen and Wash Yes £65 9.30-3.30 Margaret Jarvis   Sat 7 Christmas Cards in Pen and Wash Yes £65/25 9.30-3.30 Margaret Jarvis   Wed 11 Willow Sculptures                 Angels       Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Phil Bradley   Thu 12 Willow Sculptures                 Angels    Yes £68 9.30-3.30 Phil Bradley                    Coming soon with spaces Top   Stained Glass Panel Fri Sat 24/25th £145 inc lunch etc Silver Jewellery 2 day course Begs/Int Int  £140 inc lunch etc Sun 26 Mon 27th May ' Hot Sooty & Hooked' Blacksmith for a Day Sat 25 May  £115 inc lunch etc (& £55)                How to book a Course at Greystoke (see below for giving Workshops as PRESENTS and buying Open Vouchers ) Firstly, please either phone 017684 83984 or email with your initial requirements (using the grey table below if you can Your name will be pencilled in and full payment will be required before your place can be confirmed. See below for Ways to pay RETURN TO courses TABLE   + + + + + + + + + + + + + + (If you're able, please copy and paste this grey table into an email to us - make sure you start the copying process including both lines of  + + + + signs   Course Name Course Date Course Cost / payment method if known Attendee Attendee phone number(s) Attendee email Attendee Home town & county Any food reqs? - all lunches are veggie anyway Do they need one of the few parking spaces in our driveway ? **                                                               **WALKING- Can they walk 150yds - 350yds of flat country lane walking through Greystoke or do they need  to reserve one of the 3 spaces here in our driveway - or they can be dropped off   + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Return to top     For booking a course there are 2 ways to pay  . . . 1      By cheque -  full amount please payable to Greystoke Cycle Cafe, post to same  @  Greystoke , Penrith Cumbria  CA11 0UT                                  (please let us know if you wish to spread payments) ALWAYS write course date / attendee on the back  of each cheque 2.   By OnlineTransfer  -  this is a free and fast method of payment- please email us for BACS details                   Your booking will be confirmed by email with details of parking/walking maps/times etc                  For buying Open Vouchers you can use paypal as below (which also offers a card option for those without a paypal account)   For certain workshops we hold a waiting list if a date is not in evidence. We reserve the right to cancel any workshop -  in which case a full refund will be given or an option to transfer to another course.When at all possible we will give you plenty of notice. REFUNDS . . . . If you find you cannot attend your workshop, ideally try to send a friend. Refunds will be given only at our discretion; sometimes. Some future courses are offered in lieu at short notice.  An adminstration fee will be charged accordingly .                Giving Workshops as presents & buying Open Vouchers We're told people love receiving Quirky Days as gifts - there's no guilt of self indulgence and there will be a lovely day out to look forward to (including Aga lunch & cream teas ) new people to meet and nearly always a finished (master)piece to take home showing off your newfound creativity. We hope you will leave with a happy smile.   To book a course please call or email us using the grey table if poss stating what its for- or phone us  017684 83984 for info etc and we will email your tailor made voucher at no extra charge   . . .or     Simply choose your amount , pay and print off your Voucher from the choice below-  and if you cant see a voucher you need just ask & we will send you an voucher/ open voucher with the message/ type you choose. f you prefer not to pay by paypal just let us know Return to top       How to Buy/ Download a voucher 1,2,3                   1 choose the amount you want to spend from below 2 If you know the recipient's details it helps tremendously if you can tell us at this stage -  thank you . . .then pay the relevant amount using below boxes through paypal  Add to Cart there is a View cart below 3 Now YOU PRINT OFF your chosen voucher when you pay - we are notified by paypal & we will then email you a Verification Code to write (by hand) on the base of the voucher This shows you've paid.   don't forget to  Print off a Programme Leaflet TOO             Quirky Workshop  Open Voucher £15 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and/  your tel no: Quirky Workshop Open Voucher £25 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and/ your tel no: Quirky Workshop Open Voucher £40 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and your tel no: Quirky Workshop  Open Voucher £50 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and your tel no: Quirky Workshop  Open Voucher £60 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and your tel no: Quirky Workshop  Open Voucher £75 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and your tel no: Quirky Workshop  Open Voucher £100 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and your tel no: Quirky Workshop  Open Voucher £130 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and your tel no: Quirky Workshop  Open Voucher £160 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and your tel no: Quirky Workshop  Open Voucher £200 Open Recipient's name and tel no, and your tel no:     Open vouchers will be valid for 2 years from Validation date and code .     Some feedback from Voucher gift holders and givers   Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the fantastic day out yesterday for Jo and I at the Willow Angel workshop. We had an absolute ball and your hospitality was amazing. What you have going there is utterly inspiring and long may it continue! We both look forward to coming back again and again to do different things and I will certainly be bringing back others who I know would love it too. And although it was quite a drive from Leeds, the scenery coming up yesterday morning was stunning and a real bonus. So many thanks again, take care of that knee and have a very happy Christmas and a PROSPEROUS New Year! I have only had chance to briefly speak to my parents as I away working but my mum seemed over the moon with her day, especially by the mars bar scones, i am intrigued. Thank you ever so much for making my christmas present to them a wonderful experience. Hopefully in the summer we may be doing some cycling in the lakes so i will be sure to come and find you............ it's a pleasure to support places like yours that are doing something different and interesting.  Most people I have told about it have been surprised such a day exists and most have been interested so i have directed them to your website Kindest regards .... R. D   Art Courses at Greystoke Cycle Cafe Tea Garden (click on pictures to take you off this page to the dedicated Art page - see top menu)              Return to top     Beginners & Intermediates Watercolour/Pen & Wash with Margaret Jarvis   Wildlife Illustration Simon Williams Reduction for 18-24 yrs   Botanical Illustration Simon WIlliams SBA Reduction for 18-24 yrs     Paintng Layers within Nature Fiona Clucas     Water within the Landscape Frances Winder     Pen & Wash         Watercolours         Painting the Horse Alex Jakob-Whitworth Concessions for juniors     Eastern Brush Painting Irene Sanderson       Introducing Mixed Media Frances WInder     Painting Layers  within Nature Fiona Clucas         RETURN TO TABLE Click below to print our new leaflet . (If this appears painfully slow - on top right of page is an option to Open in a different viewer. Click here and select - Open with Adobe Reader - then it will be fast. and complete In fact , more ' No read' initially than  'Easy read' )   All 'other' Quirky Workshops    (make a cup of tea & keep scrolling . . . it's a very long page)   Willow Weaving and Willow Sculpture Days ...with Phil Bradley   Courses are suitable for all abilites     All willow days incur an extra charge payable directly to Phil for the willow used. This is variable and usually falls between £4 and £10 Please arrive with this ready to give Phil before the end of the class   When not teaching, creating, demonstating or weavng baskets, Phil manages and harvests his own organic willow beds near Cockermouth   Cumbria's organic Willow Master   We are very happy that Phil runs several courses here at Greystoke- his days are always popular, inspirational and relaxing.  People find it hard to believe that, by the end the day,  they will tbe taking away their very own willow creation.   All courses take place in our cosy barn during colder months, though we 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 .       Main Programme table containing availibilty & above information   Living willow 'Arbours and Lattice Screens'   Tuesday 12 March 2013 will take place at a lovely location with Greystoke village   This living willow day will show you how to create either a willow arbour/ child's den andr a  lattice screen in your own garden. Once you have learned the technique and built something with Phil  you will feel confident to go home and build almost anything . living willow make fast growing permanent structures that can screen off unsightly areas quite quickly ... they are leafy green structures in the summmer and can be really interesting architecturally in the winter garden.  You may wish to order recently cut willow from Phil to take home and make in your own garden Click above for phots of previous living willow workshop           Top   Wiilow Sheep Wed 5th June or Thu 17th Oct 2013 Phil has been responsible for creating several life size sheep around the north of England and for the last 2 years r been running very popular Sheep weaving days here .   The group size will be smaller,  it may be a bit of a longer day - perhaps until 4.30 or 5pm and the material costs a little higher- However, by the afternoon you will have created something quite unique - that will without a doubt be a fraction of what Phil charges for the same. Hopefully you will be incredibly proud of this impressive sculpture,       See the link below for photo s of a recent sheep day here         Top RETURN TO TABLE         These photos show how Phils excellent tutoring ensures even Beginners can make a willow sheep       Pictures below of our last Hens and Cockerels day     Spend another relaxing day with Phil sculpting your own farmyard birds…in vogue hens and cockerels busying themselves in your borders or exploring in your orchard  … those who are enthusiastic manage to make both in a day …also perfect indoors against a white wall and especially for fireplaces. !!           Hens and Cockerels   Tue 26th Nov 2013     How to Book   PIctures below of a past wigwam workshop     Willow Wigwams Friday 10th May 2013 with optional Helter Skelter or Standard Bindings   Although all the willow courses are suitable for Beginners - the wigwam is by far the easiest course on offer and so will render the best results for any nervous beginners -Phil is a brilliant tutor and will keep you all on track Wigwams add structure ,make great statements in the  veg patch and can be used for climbing flowers and peas/beans etc in all areas of the garden. They can also be put into large 1/2 oak barrels to support sweet peas or and other climbing veg or flowers - even clematis.        Wigwam and Angel Days are both  quite structured and so make ideal days for nervous beginners         Main Programme table containing availibilty & above information   Return to top   Willow Deer Monday 8th July 2013 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 lucky enough to have one!),   hide in your herbaceous border, luxuriate on your lawn - or if you want it to last forever it could watch you from a windowsill      PIctures below of a past deer workshop     How to Book     Willow Hares Thu 6th June 2013 - full Friday 18th October 2013  Make a life size hare to nestle in your garden border - looking alarmed - as they do.                        Willow Angels    Wed 11th or Thur 12th 2013 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 be tempted to keep them on dispay. Just remove the Christmas connections and they’ll be happy in a special corner and watching over you and looking elegant.  Ours is in the loo ! (the room).  Hopefully she’s happy.   Wigwam and Angel Days are both  quite structured and so make ideal days for nervous beginners     ALL the PHOTO ALBUMS from each day - scan of recent workshops     Click below for photos of a past Angels workshop How to Book         Top RETURN TO TABLE       Make a Stained Glass Panel ....with Jackie Hunt  - Two day course designing and making wonderful Stained Glass WIndow Panels                 Jackie Hunt is an extremely accomplished tutor of Stained Glass with a wealth of experience behind her - she has created some beautiful commissions across the country and we are delighted that she comes to Greystoke despite having moved to Dorset in 2012. Glass is an ancient art of using colour and light to create atmosphere and to depict images and stories.  Traditionally, stained glass windows tend to be associated with cathedrals, churches and country houses, but these days it is also used in homes for decoration and there are many ways to manipulate glass to provide colour, texture and pattern. The course involves working with coloured, clear and textured glass; learning how to handle and cut it safely and to 'lead up' a small (approx 200mm or 8" square) panel.  All glass, tools and equipment will be provided for use on the course. No experience is needed.  This is an informal workshop with a small number of participants and there will be demonstrations and practical help throughout.     This course is suitable for all abilites Materials charge payable directly to the tutor of £15 will cover the cost of a panel 8" x 8"   If students choose to make larer panels there may be an extra charge pro rata       Fri 24th Sat 25th May 2013 Fri 20th Sat 21st July 2013 Tue 19th Wed 20th November 2013   The panel you make could be for a place in your house and could be built into a window or frame as a hanging panel. Please bring any ideas you may have (with my own paws - proud! ) Main Programme table containing availibilty & above information   Health and safety issues - please read  . . . Lead and lead solder will be used   these are toxic substances both to handle and to breathe in the solder fumes.        Pregnant women are advised not to handle lead or breathe in fumes.  A health and safety briefing will be a part of the course and the use of safety equipment which is provided , e.g. safety goggles while glass cutting, will be required – this is not onerous, just sensible!   How to Book   A Day discovering Meditation - this exceptional value One Off opportunity is unlikely to be repeated with Dave Stones - Saturday 4th May £28 inc simple lunch   (other such workshops using Transcendental mediation cost around £200 +)     Please note- this course will show you how to meditate.  Althoughit is run with Buddhist leanings you don't need to be a Buddhist to attend - we will be sitting on chairs, please wear comfortable clothes. This course is an ideal opportunity to find out whether meditating is something for you and whether it could help and have relevance in every day life. In this modern world we all lead very busy, stressful lives and never seem to have the time to truly relax. Our mind is always full to the brim with all the things that we need to do, racing from one situation or object to the next. No matter what we do we never seem to find any calm or peace. It doesn't seem to matter where we go, what we do, how much money we have or haven't got, we never seem to find the happiness and contentment we want. Buddha teaches that this is because we are looking in the wrong place!   Happiness is a state of mind. Therefore we need to look at our own mind in order to find the peace and happiness we are all searching for. So it is with our problems and suffering. They too are states of mind. These states of mind are caused by delusions, negative states of mind such as anger, attachment, jealousy etc. If we can identify and remove these negative states of mind by replacing them with positive states all our problems will naturally cease.   How does meditation help?   Meditation is a mind that focuses on a virtuous, positive object and is the main cause to experience inner peace and happiness. Through meditation we can learn to identify the suffering and difficulties within our own mind and remove them by changing our inner experience and understanding. In a meditation there must always be an object upon which to focus. Only then can there be any real change in our mind. In our classes you can learn to meditate on such beneficial objects as love, compassion and patience.     Dave Stones is a highly respected sports massge therapist in Penrith (expect a long booking wait for your first appointment)  He also runs very popular meditation sessions both locally and in the new Buddhist Centre in Carlisle Anyone can attend this course      BIKE MAINTENANCE courses with Steve Woods of Adventure Cycling    MIAS Top   Hands On Strip & Build Bike Day £74 inc 2 course lunch and all refreshments DATES Sat 23rd Feb 2013 full Sat 20th April 2013 full new dates Sun 21st April  spaces Sun 21 July  spaces Wd 21st Aug  spaces Class Max 6   Your bikes should be thoroughly cleaned before you arrive,  Each be provided with a bike work stand and set of tools and then will be shown how to remove all the components piece by piece.   Covering Gears, Brakes, Chains, Cable Replacement, Headsets, Bottom Brackets,Wheels and Hubs. . Finally , with the bike set up correctly we will have a short test ride. If your bike requires new parts this will be an additional cost .   If you know of any particular problems or you would like to upgrade a certain component please feel free to bring the parts required along with you. Lovely 2 course lunch and refreshmetns included       The Strip & Build Course is designed for those who are familiar with the parts of a bike and atleast know how to chnage an inner tube. t You will learn how easy it is to fix small problems or up-grade a component, saving you both time and money in the long run. It might not rule out a trip to the bike shop but will certainly help reduce bills . S How to Book 'Beginners  Bike Maintenance & Set Up' £24 inc tea and scones served half way through DATES Sat 20th April 4.45 -7.15pm Sun 21st July 4.45 - 7.15pm Wed 21 Aug 5.30 - 8pm Class Max 10 Juniors welcome with adults but sadly no discount available   Wed 25th April Beginners Maint 6-8.30pm Sat 16th June Beginners Maintenance 5-7.30pm Sat 28th July Beginners Maint pm 5-7.30pm This short evening course includes some hands on work.It covers things you need to know about your bike & how to mend them in order to be self sufficient when you're out on a day bike ride on your own.  Starting with the basics Steve rapidly moves through most common problems with tyres, punctures as necessary , wheels, brakes, gears etc ..the list is quite comprehensive   Includes drink & cakes. Click above for recent Bike workshop pictures...   Main Programme table containing availibilty & above information Top   Dry Stone Walling Workshop with Cumbrian Steve Allen - professional Dry Stone Waller (& World Champion)   Steve points out to the group the parts he is most impressed with- the choice of stone is everything!   Dry Stone Walling Days with Steve Allen NEW   Saturday 15 June & Sunday 16th June 9.30 - 3.30 pm each day This day will take place at the Cycle Cafe where we will be rebuilding a wall for a new parking area and accordingly the day is offered at a special price of £40 inc lovely lunch   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. This course is suitable for all abilites     FITNESS to PARTICIPATE Dry Stone Walling is very physically demanding, at times ground is unsafe, uneven rocky and precarious Stones are heavy , unwieldy and need lifting to around 3 or 4 ft     Lakeland Bee Boles We have recently organised a SKEP MAKING COURSE for traditional Beekeeping please see Bee Keeping page on top menu   Only those who are fit to participate should sign themselves up to this course- there will be a safety briefing at the beginning and you will be asked to sign a disclaimer before the day. (Those with previous or existing back problems or who are pregnant of course should not consider this day Please bring safety goggles & suitable gloves and safety boots     A Taster in the World of Dowsing - Eleanor Burke BSOD                 Sunday 11th August 2013 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 and is situated on a roman road) 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 travelling across from North Yorks. to join us for the day and will donate her fee to a charity that she and the BSoD actively support, involved in helping Mozambique villagers locate pure sources of drinking water.  How to Book         Main Programme table containing availibilty & above information   Relief Carving in Hardwoods with Alister Neville Top   You name it and Alister can carve it  within the existing wood of a tree - quite brilliant Sun 12th May  (same day as Gluten Free cookery) Some spaces available for 16 - 21 yrs old at £45 Tues 20th August  - new date Alister Neville has been carving exciting designs and sculpting in Hardwoods for many years and recently carved this fab cyclist for the Cycle Cafe entrance       On his Greystoke days he arrives in a large van weighed down with 3 workbenches which are lovingly extracted and moved under canopies outside the Cyclists barn (if it look like rain)  - 4 people to each bench and plenty of space still,  and so solid you wouldnt know others were chiselling away.  Next out comes the wide selection of woods he brings for people to choose from -  sycamore  ash  oak  birch -  many people opt for house name boards but other items are carved aswell - animals- numbers and sayings - anything is possible - - time allowing - in the day. Material Charges There will be a small charge for the piece of hardwood you choose to work on during the day payable to Alister at the end of the course       This course is suitable for all abilites                 How to Book Pole Lathe Turning with Chris Helliwell Top   Be a Bodger for a Day! Tues 9th April  9.30 -12.30  or 1.30-4.30pm  £35 adult £20 under 18 Mon 6th May 2013   Sun 30th June 2013             alongside a Rag Rug Day Tue 23rd July 2013                 " a Spinning Wheel & Drop Spindle Day Thu 10th Oct 2013 - turning a bowl - ltd spaces £90 We are really happy to welcome the Yorkshire Bodger Chris Helliwell , to Greystoke along with his 8 portable lathes.    Join him to learn the process of working with green wood- the importance of choosing the right sections and making the right cuts. Working on a pole lathe is very relaxing and perfect to de-stress it also requires a reasonable level of fitness. Where a Pole Lathe Day runs alongside a second workshop there may be an opportunity to have a go during a drinks break.                 How to Book         Chris will teach you to prepare the wood from a freshly cut log section, which part to use and how to reduce it in readiness for the lathe using a draw knife and the saw horse Once you get on the pole lathe you ll realise why it helps to have cycling legs - it's quite physical but also extremely satisfying - you ll burn a few calories but you might not notice as you'll be concentrating too - totally different from an electric lathe it is alll leg power The bodgers’ lathes had to be portable to carry out to the woods and this is why courses such as these can run -  Chris , can bring his many lathes with him  they are each driven and worked by one person n     Thu 10th Oct Bowl Making on a Pole Lathe     Bush Craft Days with David Alty - Greenwood Spoon Carving & Wild Food Days Top   Greenwood Spoon Carving Thu 22nd Aug same day as Cheesemaking From a variety of timbers you will learn how to choose, prepare and split timber and the various methods and styles of carving you could incorporate into your piece. This will entail using a variety of specialist tools which are all provided.   Juniors The use of sharp knives etc in this class means it is only suitable for sensible over 14's when accompanied by a responsible paying adult.   Below is a wonderful article from HOME FARMER magazine an invaluable monthly publication for those interested in starting their own smallholding      Your Bush Craft Tutor Long before we were inspired by the likes of Ray Mears to learn about Bushcraft ,  David Alty was in the woods! He currrently works in woodland management and green woodworking and runs courses and demonstrations to introduce people to spoon and bowl carving, wild food preparation, cooking and bushcraft.    How to Book   Spoon Carving These are natural forms, in tune with nature and reminiscent of how we formed our first eating implements. It is a widely accepted fact that the actual carving of the spoon is incredibly relaxing and theraputic   Main Programme  table containing availibilty & above information     Wild Food Days 'Nettles, Firebread & Bunny Burgers' £70/45 for 12 to 21 yr olds Mon 6th May 2013  Your day with David will start with foraging  for nutriitous greenery for lunch - cooking will be using a dutch oven and skillets over an open fire  You will prepare and make a selection of bannock, damper and risen bread  as accompanioment  to your lunch You will then clean, skin and butcher (using the Jacket and Trousers method) locally sourced wabbits , prepare the bunny burgers and cook them on the open fire . Alternatively as a true hunter gatherer, you could take home your bounty to your starving underfed family (iIn a box- not your mouth) Wild Food Day 'of Pigeons, Fish & Wild Smoking ' £70/45 Fri 23rd Aug 2013 Another day with David with more open fires, dutch ovens, skillets and frames made from green hazel.. Learn how to gut fish including the 'through the mouth' Preparing fillets for cooking and smoking using the ponass native american method. All done in time to complement your lunch. Learn the "rip and flip method of preparing pigeon breasts for cooking followed by exploring different cooking options- perhaps a pigeon pie in the dutch oven, pigeon kebabs or yet more smoking.   1 1/2 day weekend Stool Making Workshop - open to adults or adults with children         Material Costs You can choose which type of wood you use to make your own stool Dave will brng a range of hardwoods to choose from for £15 extra or you can use natural hazel legs and softwood for £9 These are payable to Dave directly on the day       This day is with our local green wood worker, Dave Corrie who has extensive experience in teaching both children and adults and has been working with green wood for years.   Stool Making Course with Dave Corrie   Saturday 6th July  9.30 -3.30pmm Sunday 7th July 9.30 - 12.30 Adult price  £115 Child price £55 This includes all drinks and a 2 course lunch on Saturday amd drinks Sunday morning     Day One you will choose your pieces of wood learn how to split them and spend the day using various techniiques preparing the surfaces and even possibly carving There will be a choice of the way you wish to finish your stool legs - you can choose either natural legs or legs shaped and shaved on the shavehorse. The overnight period is necessary to allow the legs and top to dry out to dry out a little before assemling the stool on the Sunday morning and finshing off the top - perhaps with more carving !           Stone Letter Carving with Pip Hall Top   The Honesty Stone ALL the PHOTO ALBUMS from each day - scanning - scroll down throughout the years   Material Charges You are welcome to brng your own stone although Pip may tell you if it is unsuitable for your purpose. . She will bring a variety of stone pieces for a small charge will be made on the day..     Pip Hall is a nationally renowned professional Stone Carver of many years experience Her work can be ween widely throughout the north of England as letter carving,  poetry walks and beautiful additions to many of our city centres-  at the time of writing towards Christmas 2012 she is currently working hard on new carving projects in Sheffield During late Spring & Summer 2012 she worked many long cold hours carving the Stanza Stones on the North Yorks Moors - commssioned by national poet for Simon Armitage for Ilkley Literature Festival. Not only a wonderful craftsman , she is also a great tutor and has a wonderful eye for layout- she will help you set out your words and pictures so they look really professional - and teach you how to carve them. She comes with stone carving equipment and easels for a whole class. 3 Day Stonecarvng Course Fri 7th  to Sun 9th June 2013   Beginners Class 2012 above     The June Stonecarving course  will be suitable for Beginners and those with previous experience There will be a slightly staggered start on Day One to accomodate both ability groups.   "Shy Bairns get nowt "           Pip's three day beginners course is suitable for all abilties,  perfect for anyone with enthusiasm and a little patience     An introductory slide show is followed by demonstrations of lettering styles, drawing techniques and methods of carving with chisels, followed by individual  tuition.  People love these 3 days with Pip - many come back time and time again to be lost in the stonemasons space ... see above left for many pictures of previous courses held at  Greystoke over the last few years      How to Book   After 2012's intermediate class, Andrew even managed a celebratory headstand on his piece!.     Top RETURN TO TABLE Main Programme table containing availibilty & above information         Sterling Silver Jewellery Course for Beginners or Intermediates - Melinda Scarbrough     2 day Silver Jewellery Course with Sterling Silver, Pearls and Semi Precious Stones.  Next course - Bank Holiday Weekend Sun 26th & Mon 27th May A few spaces may be available to 16 - 21 yrs @ £95 Sat 26th Sunday 27th Oct   On this two day workshop you will have a variety equipment to hand to make as much as you can under Melinda's guidance - of course everyone works at different paces and so the number of things you make may vary and the cost for materials used will be payable to Melinda at the end of the 2 day course         Beginners pieces from October's workshop          Your design will be individual to you and in the process will learn techniques including cutting, forming, doming, soldering, texturing and polishing. Lindy brings an array of tools and equipment  - gas bottles, polishers etc and each person has a saw frames and special jewellers bench vice which are all pre requisites for any proper silver jewellery course. Once people become familiar with the tools that are available they become more confident and designs start flowing once they realise the possibilities. People will be able to work at their own pace and make the most of workshop time .   Beginners piece 'I've always imagined a silver hare looking up to a silver moon'    Said on arrival for a w/end Beginners' course  Ellie made the above on the Sunday Aug 2012   Beginners pieces August Workshop   No previous experience is necessary for either course . All equipment and tools will be provided , though perhaps it may be  a good idea to bring a sketchbook for ideas and notes.  Also , if appropriate, don’t forget a good pair of glasses to enable close detailed work. Material Charges Will be payable to the tutor directly on the day and will be from around £20 and charges may be more for the two course depending on how much is made. How to Book   Melinda trained for 4 years acquiring a  BA Hons in Jewellery at Middlesex University and a 2 year Diamond Mounting course at London Met.  She previously exhibited at The Goldsmiths’ fair and was‘Winning Student Designer of the Year’ at British Jewellery Association Awards and a 1st Goldsmiths Craft Council design award.    Melinda Scarborough is a talented award winning designer maker jeweller with over 30 years experience who specialises in precious metals and gems. Her beautiful contemporary designs use all the  traditional jewellery making techniques and her website is testament to the quality and calibre of her work;  she is a  bespoke jewellery designer.

Top Stencilling Nature into Enamel  with Tilly Wilkinson      Combines images from nature with enamel and copper to produce these stunning and  unique items ranging from jewellery and small dishes to wall pieces.                  Please tell us if you are interested in this course     Most of these examples are beginners student pieces  from last summer 2012 Tilly is a trained fine artist and taught Design & Technology and Fine Art for 23 years on Merseyside. In 2005 she joined the Guild of Enamellers and was appointed the Region 3 Representative for the North West of England in 2008. She gained her Craftsman status (CGE) with the Guild in 2009. Currently Tilly is also Chair  of the Guild of Enamellersand is retiring to become Past Chair in Easter 2012       This delightful enamel piece makes a brooch of apparently 40 mm by 35 mm Sensible clothing and footwear essential, students may wish to bring their own stencils also please bring an Apron and notebook A small charge will be made payable to the tutor for the copper and enamel used     Using powder enamels and sifting techniques, stencils and riso screens you will learn how to fire and finish your own hand made enamel pieces on this one day course   Tilly's work was selected for exhibition at the Glass museum in Ravenstein in the Netherlands in 2009 and 2011. She has been demonstrating enamelling techniques at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight, The Wirral.   She was visiting tutor in enamelling at Merchant Taylors boys school Crosby 2009-10     RETURN TO TABLE Top Blacksmith for a Day with Adrian Wood - One and two day courses       Classes take place under cover outside What to bring please wear old clothing sensible shoes, preferably leather (plastic trainers can melt ) strong gloves and do bring a heavy duty apron if you wish... canvas/leather-  however this is hot work and in doing so you are adding to your layers.   The cost of materials is included on most of the courses- except for the wine bottles holders that are made per piece     Adrian Wood is a university graduate with a degree in fine art sculpture from The University of London.     Adrian successfully completed his training at a blacksmiths forge in York, after which he worked for Brian Russell, widely regarded as one of the finest blacksmiths in the UK. Brian's approach and processes to creating bespoke and uniquely designed metalwork has an enormous effect on the sculptures and designs created byAdrian Wood Artist Blacksmiths.       Take Artistic Blacksmith Adrian Wood arriving with his father Bill from Cleveland equipped with 4 portable blacksmithing furnaces, 8 anvils and many tools and you have the ingredients for a perfect blacksmithing day Hooks and staples, fire pokers, a chestnut roaster,a toasting fork, dragon hooks, leaf hooks, scrolled hooks, candle sticks, bird feeders are some of the items that can be made during the one day course. These days are suitable for all abilties 16 - 18 year olds can attend these days if accompanied by a paying adult  - 1 - 2 places per course @ £55 How to Book After a safety talk and with furnaces ready Adrian goes through the basic principles, the colours of hot metals, its malleability, temperatures and the important of getting just the right temperature for the right task.         One Day Courses £115 inc lunch /materials + ltd £55 16- 21yr spaces The most popular Blacksmith days - learn the basics, then move on to Candle holders, Dragons Hooks, Pokers, Bird feeding stations, or Chestnut roasters Adrian brings the correct metals for the below course types - though it may be that he can accommodate a different subject on a certain date. It will depend of degree of difficulty or material requirements  - please enquire.     Sun 14 April   Candle Holders   Sat 25th May     Hooks and Pokers    Sun 23 June  Bird Feeders    Sun 11th Aug  Majority request TBD Sat 19th Oct  Majority request TBD Please note- 16 - 21 year olds can attend these days if accompanied by a paying adult  -one to two places per course @ £55 or £65 unattended 18-21         Top RETURN TO TABLE Making Wire Garden Sculptures with Susan Nichols        WHAT TO BRING ON THE DAY For those coming please bring 3 things A pair of needle nosed pliers Strong gloves - but not so thick as to be clumsy - the green type textured gardening gloves from B & Q are ideal  Something to protect your lap - a strong/ thick apron is good- or a piece of leather if you happen to have one? The cafe has some strong aprons you may borrow. .     Dates for 2013 Fri 16th August  Geese £85 Sat 17th August Hens £75 We hope to have some dates for autumn during the summer Main Programme  table containing availibilty & above information         Susan Nichols works from Holmfield Nurseries near Driffield, East Yorkshire and has been running courses making Wire Sculptures for the last seven years Three times a year she braves the long journey over to the Lake District to teach those west of the Pennines how to make her fabulous sculptures Made out of pre cut sectioned galvanised chicken wire. they are solid, sturdy, and designed to last for years and years in your garden.  If the weather is fine we usually work in the garden . Material charges payable to the tutor on the day are dependent upon wire prices at the time see right WIRE DUCKS DAY Indian Runner Duck Make either the above or below Aylesbury Duck in 2012 charges were £12 per duck/hen Geese  @  £15 per bird Herons @ £17 per bird Susan brings it precut and section in ready to use pieces.     Click below for hundreds of recent workshop pictures   How to Book .         Top RETURN TO TABLE   Pottery Wall Plaques with Roma Short  -      Green Man Plaque and The Pilgrims Journey Roma will be taking two different days this year - her very popular Green Man Wall Plaques & new for 2013 - The Pilgrims Journey .     Material Charges There is an additional materials charge payable directly to the tutor of  £10 per green man to cover clay costs, oxide and subsequent firing . If you are visiting the Lakes and unable to collect the piece a few weeks later then it can be posted at an additional charge of £10 In ancient times the 'Green Man' was the god of the forest and growing things.  Nowadays we consider him to be a good luck symbol,  a link to nature and all things 'green'. Main Programme  table containing availibilty & above information            The Pilgrim's Journey Plaque day Tue 28th May £68 aduts £40 for accomp 14 - 21 yr olds such spaces are ltd   The Pilgrims Journey Wall plaque looks lovely both indoors or out - with Roma's guidance you will make your own similarly styled plaque in a day.   How to Book     The Green Man was considered a god of the forest, of nature and rebirth Sat 11th May    Green Man Wed 9 Oct          Green Man £68 aduts £40 for accomp 14 - 21 yr olds such spaces are ltd   Roma Short is a ceramic artist and teacher with many years experience. Crank clay will be used for modelling and the green men will be fired to 1260 degrees centigrade to make them frost-proof and suitable for use outdoors. www.romashort.co.uk       Your finished plaque wlll be fired to stoneware temperature to vitrify the clay and make it frost proof. You can choose between a matt green glaze or more natural oxide finish. The drying, firing and glazing processes will take a month, after which you can collect your green man or have him posted to you. See charges above left for this Roma Short Ceramic Artist~ Pottery workshops in schools and handmade stoneware for the home and garden www.romashort-ceramics.co.uk     Wildlife Pottery Days with Clare Farley     Top         How to Book   Ducklings, Hedgehogs & Pottery Tags   Create your own handbuilt ceramic sculpture, perhaps your favourite animal from a photograph or your imagination, Dragons, a farm animal, or a favourite pet. Or have a go at a person or small group, the possibilities are endless. Your sculpture can then be fired and returned or collected - or take it away and find a potter local to you for firing           Clare runs Pinfold Pottery   just west of Penrith   Material Charges   Clare digs some of her clay from nearby Berrier & uses local wood ash in her glazes -which (like Roma's above) give this lovely rustic finish . There will be a material charge for the cost of the clay and subsequent firing and will depend upon how much is produced- probabaly around £5-10 - OR you can just pay for the clay and take away your piece to find a potter local to you for firing             Dates for 2013 Thursday  11th April 9.30- 12 am  Sat 19th October 9.30-12am £25 adults/ £12 child -ltd child places per session Thissession is suitable for all abiltiies - our favourite are the duckling figures however it will also be possible to make all sorts of other animal or even your own ceramic labels for your veg patch if you wish All these items would make lovely presents     Coracle Building in a Day . . . .with Mark Aplin Top RETURN TO TABLE     Coracles on the River Teifi, West Wales 1972. The two people pictured are John (forefront) and Will Davies of Cenarth — the last two legitimate Coracle fishermen in Cenarth. They are both using the single arm method of propulsion — a way of gliding downstream in a controlled way. They carried their boats (and their fish) home on their backs.   Covering a wide range of skills as we proceed through the build: laminating timber to form the gunwale; weaving and then steaming, bending and fixing timber strips; installing the seat and supports; attaching the material covering. The visit to the Lake at the end should be around 5pm though this depends on the speed of the group. Coracle Building in a Day  (9am - 6pm ish) with Mark Aplin of Overwater Boats          Thu 11th April 2013   ~     Wed 3rd July 2013   ~    Sat 10th Aug 2013          12-21 yr olds can attend along with a full paying adult for £45 inc lunch     The Coracle is an ancient form of boat found throughout the British Isles and elsewhere in the world. They are surprisingly light and capable craft, easy to carry and transport in the back of an average size car, and great to paddle - they are simple and fun to build As a rule, most Coracle Building Courses (real wood- not willow) are expensive 2 day courses . . some would argue the building & first paddling experience the best bit .& do we need more to store in our garage ? This day is designed for those who would most relish the opportunity to build a coracle in just one day- using a vast span of DIY and team building skills  . We will build 2 or 3 coracles, each using teams of 3-4 in a fast paced day finishing with a short drive to Ullswater for a paddle and photo opportunity ( and celebratory drink! ).  Each coracle will be for sale at the end for an extra £100 to cover material costs .   Coracle Building Days make Fabulous Family Days below is a resumee of a recent Coracle day kindly sent by Patch Middleton, (middle right below ) Their grandmother's Christmas present to each was a coracle day together this Easter - a truly inspirational gift resulting in a brilliant and productive family day together having fun,  learning and leaving at the end with 2 boats to take home. Patch writes .. Grey clouds covered the sky and a chill wind pulled at my ( in hindsight)   stupidly thin jumper as I walked up the drive of the Greystoke Cycle Cafe. In the usual Cumbrian way, the weather was turning out to be decidedly disappointing. But, having been excited for this workshop for a while, I was determined to have a fun day. I was instantly greeted with a warm welcome by both the tutor, Mark, and the owner of the cafe, Annie. There was much smiling and shaking of hands, and I knew that the weather did not matter anymore: today was going to be a good day. We got started on building our coracles almost straight away. Everyone was willing to do their part, working as a team gluing, sawing and measuring the pieces assorted lengths of wood that would somehow, we were told, become an actual floating boat. I know they say ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, but we only had a day, and this seemed next to impossible. However, with the patient help and instruction of Mark guiding us along every step of the way, it didn’t take long for our creation to take shape and we all knew that our coracle was going to be the best coracle anyone had ever seen. My brothers and I began discussing names for them, race techniques and who would get a go first. Soon, lunch time came. And boy, was it a well deserved one. Laid out on the table before us was an array of delicious breads and soups that I could scarce take in. Silence befell the room as everyone tucked in. No one wanted to talk, they were too busy eating. My brother had been skeptical of whether you could actually have a good solely vegetarian meal before hand, but I have never seen anyone eat so much in my life. It was not long before we were back outside again, crafting our beautiful boats. As the day went on, the clouds cleared and the sun shone. It seemed even the heavens were on our side. Several weary cyclists stopped in for sustenance while on their C2C journey. And by several, I mean what looked like a million. We talked with them and asked about their day, and they stared on amazed at what we were creating. I had done the C2C before, and, being a bit of a cycling enthusiast, was interested to chat with anyone who rode in on two wheels. But work had to be done, and soon they had all gone on their way. Finally, our coracles were finished. Hands were shaken and photographs were taken. We all felt an immense sense of achievement. About to set off back home again, to our surprise Mark called us back. The day was not over yet. Our next adventure was taking our coracles out onto the water. I held my breath was excitement and got into the car. Would they sink or would they float? I had no idea. But to be honest, I didn’t care.              Thank you Quirky Workshops. This won’t be the last you see of me!     Team Building Days Stag or Hen Days   This day is ideal as any team event     How to Book Instructor for the course is Mark Aplin of Overwater Boats (front above) , boat builder and an experienced paddler of canoes, kayaks and coracles. See www.overwaterboats.co.uk or www.facebook.com/overwaterboats     What to wear Old clothes, and a boiler suit or apron which you don't mind getting paint or  glue on It's also worth bringing a change of clothes and towel in case you decide to stay on at the end and go to the Lake and get wet . Also wellington boots and a suitable lifejacket/ if you wish to paddle at the end  - conditions allowing   Experimental Print Making - Intaglio - .....the Collagraph Plate technique - new course This organic technique builds up layers on a flat matrix or base (referred to as a ‘plate’). creating a form of ‘intaglio’ printmaking. Derived from the Italian ‘tagliare’ to cut, preceded by ‘in’.   Top   Paula has exhibited nationally and internationally and is currently a member of Artlab Contemporary Print Studio at UCLAN.   Experimental Printmaking   No date is yet set for this course- please enquire if you would like us to organise one  for your group     This two day course will introduce you to 'the Collagraph Plate' and its new and experimental use in printing techniques. As the name suggests textures are collaged or glued onto a flat base or matrix, called a plate, which is generally made from card, metal or ply. .   The diversity of this process will enable you to easily adapt your own creative ideas and images during both plate making and printing. Materials are relatively cheap to buy and found organic forms and delicate plant materials can be collaged onto your plate, along with textured papers and fabrics. The course runs over two days to allow you to fully exploit the process through plate making and printing.       Paula Smithson studied Fine Art printmaking at the University of Central Lancashire and has extensive teaching experience in Art & Design. She has taught printmaking workshops at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal and the Bluecoat Arts Centre in Liverpool.   This is an exciting and experimental form of printmaking that is particularly suited to landscape and natural forms. Artists working in this medium create highly visual and stimulating images that are then printed in colour or in black and white.   One of the aspects of this exciting printing technique that is hard to portray in a photo is the impressive Textural effects that can be created - so adding another dimension to the already vibrant colours of the print        What to Bring? Please bring along aprons and your images images/ and ideas to work from.  Approximate additional cost of materials is £5.00 payable to the tutor         Top RETURN TO TABLE     'CHARCOAL MAKING IN GREYSTOKE FOREST WITH CHARLES STEWART'     No date is yet set for this course- please enquire if you would like us to organise one This is a unique opportunity to have' hands on' experience in the whole process of charcoal making with an expert who works two charcoal burners within the Greystoke Castle forest grounds. Charles will have started a charcoal burn in one of the kilns in the days previous to the course so during the day you will be able to experience all aspects of the charcoal burning process ans understand all -  a bit like the Blue Peter moment- here's a charcoal burn I made earlier !!      Charles has been working in the woodland for many years and is a  great source of knowledge .   A lovely earthy and organic experience - though don't come in your best clothes as you may finish the day challenging the best biological washing powders.   Charles will provide all hot drinks a la Campfire during the day and you'll return to the cafe for a lovely 2 course lunch and then again for a cream tea at the end of the day .   This is a true' Boys back to the Basics in the Forest' day  - but girls are also welcome ! Participants will be able to take home a bag of charcoal each at the end of the course. Boots and gloves (for handling wood) are essential as are old clothes/overalls etc.  Face masks will be provided.     Chair Restoration 2 Day Courses  . . . Rush Seating or Cane/Seagrass with David Bowen     David Bowen is a professional seat restoration expert adept at tackling the most intricate of chairs and designs . He even restores the famous Lloyd Loom Chairs (interestingly built out of wire covered with painted kraft paper)  sadly this wouldn’t be suitable for a beginners workshop.   There will of course be an element of preparation of the old chair before you can start creating the new rush base    Cane or Sea Grass Restoration 2 day course 2013 Mon 22nd & Tue 23rd April £135 inc materials   Seagrass How to Book   Rush Seating Restoration Fri 12th & Sat 13th July 2013 £135 inc materials David will need to know the exact sizes of the chairs so he can bring sufficient materials.  He will also advise on  what can be done to existing chairs before the  start of the course.     Cane       In making your own chair seat you’ll learn how to create the continuous strands of rush and different ways to patch in and add new strands. This could be followed by the stuffing of the chair and the importance of the bridge formation for a really professional finish  At the start of the day you will learn al about the historical background of rush and the various types and countries of origin  and the traditional English methods of rush seating.    All materials and tools will be provided – you only need to bring yourself, a chair and a smile.   Main Programme  table containing availibilty & above information Top HOW TO BOOK A QUIRKY WORKSHOP    see here     For enquiries about particular workshop places please either phone or email to register your interest/ check there is space Send an email Your name will be pencilled in, we will ask you to send a cheque and confirmation will then be sent Please make cheques payable to ‘Greystoke Cycle Café ‘ and post to Greystoke Cycle Café , Greystoke ,Penrith  CA11 0UT ** Your booking will be confirmed by email / post and contains details of parking/walking map/venue/times etc   Online transfers are also an option - please ask for our account details.  For certain workshops we hold a waiting list if a date is not in evidence. We reserve the right to cancel any workshop -  in which case a full refund will be given or an option to transfer to another course. If you find you cannot attend your workshop, ideally try to send a friend.     [Poplin Dub, Greystoke, Penrith. CA11 0UT] [+44 [0] 17684 83984] [annie@greystokecyclecafe.co.uk]