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
You are warmly invited
to enjoy an informal & relaxing day with others
at our 17th Century Cumbrian
farmhouse in Greystoke 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.
Cookery at the Cycle Cafe on the TV and
'CHRISTMAS BREADS FROM
AROUND THE WORLD'
Hands On Cookery Class
filmed by Border TV 2008
All day workshops
include a lovely two course lunch, coffees, teas & homemade cakes.
Lunch
is served in our farmhouse kitchen around one large tableor in the
garden.
Afternoon and evening courses include tea & cakes
We hope you
can find some days that appeal.
Many photos
of all recent workshops
and new and extra workshop dates
Our QUIRKY WORKSHOP programme is constantly being updated and new courses added - joining the database is one of the best way to keep in touch - don't worry - we won't plague you
with constant emails or
share your details with anyone . CUSTOM QUIRKY... If you find that
a day appeals but is full or on an unsuitable date (or no date is
evident) and you can raise a minimum number of people -
we may be able
toarrange a special day just for you or start a new day with your group.
PARKINGWe have
limited parking at the Cycle Café but can usually accommodate those who feel
unable to take the short walk from the village
car park (8 mins)
..please don't let this deter you from enjoying a day here.
Some Workshops coming up soon with Spaces
RAG RUG DAY
Sat 7th August
10.30-4.30pm
Illustration with Graphite pencils
Julie Small SBA Tues 7th Sept
An opportunity to explore the Autumn Textures of various botanical subjects available at this time of year. There will be examples of pencil work techniques and a variety of pencils to try. This course is suitable for beginners and those with some experience.
Mon 2nd to Wed 4th Aug
Beginners Stone Letter Carving with Pip Hall
These were made by beginners on our 1 day course under the watchful eye of Adrian and Bill Woods - next date with spaces Fri 27th August
2 Day Jewellery & Silversmithng
New Weekend Dates
Sat 21st Sun 22nd Aug
2 Day Jewellery Making Workshop
for the Beginner
with Sterling Silver,
Pearls and Semi Precious Stones.
Early Booking recommended
Recent Courses here at the Cycle Cafe
Botanical Illustration with Paul Fennell
June 2010 Next course
Watercolour for Beginners/ Refreshers
Sunday 11th July
Willow Days with Phil Bradley -
summer and again in the autumn
see table
Basic Bike Maintenance Class - Wed 21st July evening 6pm-9.30pm £20
Bike Strip & Build Day Wed 21st July 2010 £50
next course Wed 25th August 9.30-3.30PM
followed by evening course suitable for those wishing to know how to mend punctures and perform simple repairs
Artistic Blacksmithing Day
July 2010
with Adrian Woods
next Beginners Artistic Blacksmithing Day
Fri 27th August ...then
2 day course Sept 2010
1 day course Oct 10
for many more pictures please see below
Botanical and Wildlife Illustration Classes
All visiting Botanical Artists are
Distance Learning Tutors for the SBA
(Society of Botanical Art)
Botanical & Wildlife Illustration Days run
9.30am - 3.45pm and cost £54 per day including all refreshments and a lovely 2 course lunch.
Be original ....It's easy ..A Quirky Workshop Day or Vouchermakes a Special Present
Open or Specific
Be different this year and give a Special Day to remember
If you would like to purchase a SPECIFIC DAY for ANY AMOUNT from £20 (or type of day)
contact us to check there is space Once you have chosen a day we can email you the voucher quite quickly. You can then print out this voucher and slip it into your card.
Alternatively if you're not sure,it may simpler to just give an open voucher (example right) ....decide how much you want to spend and then email us with details.
Alternatively phone us and we can take some details.
We will email you the voucher quite quickly , you can print it out and slip into your Card.
Open vouchers will be valid for 2 years.
If you would like us to print off a voucher for you and post it a £3 admin charge will be added.
Vouchers contain an authorisation code which will only be validated upon receipt of a payment from yourself (by cheque please- payable to Greystoke Cycle Cafe)
017684 83984
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
WILLOW DAYS with PHIL BRADLEYCumbrian Willow Master
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
Phil Bradley, Organic Willow Grower and Creator of all things Willow
Very much in demand throughout the north of England and often over
at the RHS Harlow Carr, College, Harrogate
we are very happy that Phil runs more courses here at the little Greystoke Cafe
than any other venue and we hope he continues to come -
certainly you will not find the selection of courses he offers elsewhere.
His days are always popular, inspirational and relaxing.
People find it hard to believe that, by the end the day,
they will themselves have made their very own willow creation.
These day tend to be the most popular for groups celebrating birthdays , there’s always plenty of time
to chat 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 courses take place in our cosy barn during 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 .
Just before the start of a summer Willow Workshop
in the Garden Greystoke Castle is in the distance .
Living willow…Arbours and Lattice Screens …
This living willow day will show you how to create either a willow arbour, (aka a love arbour or child's den) or a lattice screen, or both, in your own garden.
Once you have learned the technique and built something with Phil
you will feel 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.
I have a lattice screen in my own garden to hide the polytunnel from the road view with 2 clematis growing through it
You may wish to order recently cut willow from Phil to take home and make in your own garden
..
' Hearts and Stars Day'
Come along and make a selection of hearts and stars -
some for yourself and some to give away -
whether a birthday or christmas present -
wedding or anniversary -
giving someone a willow heart or star is
a present with a difference -
neither are difficult to make and quite
a number can be made in a day.
Hens and Cockerels
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
These are a contemporary twist on the original wigwam
with a helix type binding .
Wigwams add structure ,make great statements in the veg patch
and can be used for climbing flowers and peas/beans etc
According to Phil,
one only needs to make a long neck and shorter legs to create a willow giraffe just perfect as a plant support for a clematis or sweet pea to scramble up.
Willow Deer Sculpturesalso Giraffes below left
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 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. They look equally lovely inside in an alcove. Just perfect for Christmas with lights in the centre .
A variety of sizes are 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?
The spheres can be made with or without a hole ... which some say serves as a focal point . !
Willow Hare Sculptures
Making a life size hare to nestle in your garden border - looking alarmed - as they do.
Willow Stars and Garlands
Phil will join us yet again for this busy Christmas fortnight.
n this workshop you’ll be creating willow stars in a variety 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 in a special corner and will happily watch over you all year.
Ours is in the loo ! (the room). Hopefully she’s happy.
Some in the photo are stilll awaiting heads and halos - the dried allium seedhead attached to the halo on the right has come from my own garden -
Phil doesn't provide these. Plant thebulbs of larger allium species in summer and be treated to huge globed flower heads every year and then spectacular seedheads that because of their fragile nature are never available to buy.
Click above for hundreds of recent workshop pictures...
Top
BIKE MAINTENANCE courses
with Steve Woods - MIAS- Adventure Cycling
Hands On Bike ..Strip & Build Day course
Your bikes should be thoroughly cleaned before you arrive,
You will 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 of you who already have a little experience of bike maintenance but would like to increase that knowledge further helping to keep your bike in its best condition. We will show you just how easy it is to fix many 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 to keep them bills to a minimum.
'Basic Bike
Maintenance & Set Up'
This evening course runs from 6pm to 8.30pm with 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.
These shorter evening courses will give you the confidence to feel happy about riding on your own - it takes you through all the theory, gives hands on puncture repair practice and suppies you with a very comprehensive worksheet.
It may be that you're best to attend an evenng course first to get you through the punctures and basic problems encountered when out on a ride - and then attend the full day Strip and Build once you're ready to get your hands dirtier and you realise
you have more questions.
Click above for hundreds of recent workshop pictures...
DIY DAY FOR LADIES
Do you really need to call out a man to put up a shelf ?
You Can Do It ! ......Most ladies can easily master these skills!
There's nothing magic about rawlplugs or silicon seals, but if you never try to get beyond reaching for the phone everytime there s a problem - you ll never learn.
Trawling through the tomb that is the DIY manual you bought from Amazon is useful as a backup - but there's nothing like having it explained, being shown and then trying hands on for yourself.
Being guided by a sympathetic and accomplished tradesman and then having a go is easily
the best way.
Simon Gee is a qualified electrician, a plumber, a master plasterer and more and wil show you how to replace silicon seals, fix leaking taps/ baths, perform small electrical tasks, (aswell as changing plugs), put up shelves, explain wall structures and various fixings needed, patch holes in plaster,
use sanding machines, adjust kitchen cabinets doors and more.
Unusually, but as he is a high tech handyman, Simon has a website and can be contacted directly on the link below if you'd like to know more about the course content - or phone 01434 723633
Make DIY one of your New Comfort Zones for 2010...
the days of DIY being an exclusively male domain
are disappearing fast.
Understand just what you need to do, get down to to your DIY store, pull up your sleeves and plug in the power drill.
DRY STONE WALLING - with Cumbrian
Steve Allen -professional Dry Stone Waller.
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.
Tai Chi in the Garden
Sat 24 July
2pm to 4.30pm
Come and enjoy an afternoon of T’ai Chi Chi Kung at the Greystoke Cycle Cafe.
T’ai Chi exercises the body, quietens the mind and lifts the spirit.
The slow, flowing movement encourages release of muscular tension and the focus of attention allows awareness to develop, of both the body and how we use it and of the environment in which we move.
Hopefully it will be warm and we will be in a quiet corner of the garden enjoying the tranquility and space , if mizzly under a large canopy .
Places may be limited , so please reserve and book by contacting Sheila Aimson on 01768 483970.
Two Day
Jewellery Making Workshop for the Beginner
with Sterling Silver,
Pearls and Semi Precious Stones.
Tutor :
Melinda Scarborough
On this two day workshop you should expect to make and finish at least a pendant. Your design will be individual to you and in the process will learn many jewellery making techniques including cutting, forming, doming, soldering, texturing and polishing. It may be that you progress quickly and are able to move on to a second project such as a pair of ear rings or a bracelet, perhaps to form part of a set. People will be able to work at their own pace and make the most of workshop time .
Material costs up to £15 (approx pendant necklace cost) are included, thereafter additional pieces incur an extra charge payable to the tutor.
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.
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.
She has also discovered over recent years that she enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with others and teaches locally near her home in Herfordshire.
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.
Please see Melinda's website
Making Chicken Wire Garden Sculptures with Susan Nichols
These fabulous sculptures are made out of galvanised chicken wire and are solid, sturdy, and designed to last for years in your garden.
They can be finished in a silver colour, green or bronze.
Early Booking advised.
Materials costs are extra @ £10 per bird payable
directly to Susan on the day
If the weather is fine we usually work in the garden .
These sculptures can be made in a variety of colours .
Simply choose the type of animal you'd like to make and
find the relevant day on the main table above .
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 to borrow. .
Curlews
Susan has been making handmade wire sculptures for the last seven years and takes workshops across Yorkshire, including at RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate.
Indian Runner Ducks
Click above for hundreds of recent workshop pictures...
Click above for hundreds of recent workshop pictures...
Wood Working Taster Sessions with
Peter Toaig
Two one day opportunities to spend a day with this talented craftsman learning some of the finer points of wood working and at the same time making something of your own to take home
Both days are inclusive of materials and
a lovely 2 course lunch and all refreshments and
obviously access to the many wood working machines
and tools available.
For those with no experience this is an ideal opportunity to acquire basic skills and gain confidence; for those who have tried woodwork before it is a chance to refine techniques under expert guidance
and achieve superior results.
The clocks are made from a single piece of hardwood with a recess cut into the back for the quartz mechanism provided.
The hands are cut from thin slices of wood chosen to complement the face and dots are inlayed into the surface to match.
Can be combined with the display shelf course on July 6th.
All materials included in the fee.
The Display shelf can be made from a native hardwood or
oak from recycled whisky casks.
The cask wood has great character and an amazing aroma!
The back is neatly joined to the shelf with a housing joint. The shelf support is screwed to the back and fixed to the shelf with dowels
At the end of the course Peter will demonstrate how to fix the shelf to different types of wall.
Can be combined with the clocks course on July 7th.
All materials included in the fee.
We will cover the basic hand woodworking tools including planes, chisels and saws along with hand held power tools such as
routers, drills and jigsaws.
These will be used to shape the wood, cut joints and prepare the surface for final finishing with a natural oil.
Apply your own creativity to the design or simply allow the piece of wood to speak for itself. You will be able to choose from a beautiful section of native hardwoods and create your own unique piece to
take away by the end of the day.
'CHARCOAL MAKING IN GREYSTOKE FOREST WITH CHARLES STEWART'
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.
piano stool, foot stool or upholstered notice borad.
I will be dealing directly with bookings - so if you have questions please send them to Annie.........annie@greystokecyclecafe.co.uk
and she will forward them..Thank you.
Ideally the frame of your project needs to be in good condition and without any structural work required. You will learn : webbing, how to put the fibre into place, various stitching techniques and how to apply the top cover. I can provide materials at an extra cost. It is possible to bring projects that may take longer as I can show you the steps which you can do to complete your project after the weekend. We may even be able to organise a follow up course.
I will also bring fabric sample books for you to browse to get some ideas about top covers, if you have some fabric in mind that would be great if you could bring it along.
Please dont bring massive projects as we may have to carry them up and down some steps each night to put them away . Items can be dropped off at the cafe by car between 5pm and 8pm on Mon 13th or on the course morning from 8.30am.
I am looking forward to seeing you on the 14th, 15th, 16th of Sept 2010.
One and Two Day Courses on Artistic Blacksmithing/ Iron Forging
Adrian Wood is a university graduate with a degree in fine art sculpture
from The University of, London.
A chance visit to a forge gave Adrian Wood his first taste of blacksmithing
. He recalls; ”From the first moment I hit the hot steel I knew what I wanted to do.”
Adrian Wood has successfully completed 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 by Adrian Wood Artist Blacksmiths.
The courses are for 6 people only sharing 3 mobile gas powered forges . Both courses are suitable for beginners although the 2 day course is more suitable
for those with some experience.
Further details to follow - bookings being taken
Click above for hundreds of recent workshop pictures...
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.
PLEASE NOTE - for our workshops WE
HAVE ONLY LIMITED PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE CYCLE CAFÉ FOR THOSE WHO FEEL
THEY CANNOT WALK THE 350YDS FROM GREYSTOKE VILLAGE CAR PARK. Please let
us know if you need a parking space here at the time of booking. Most
special diets can be catered for - please let us know at time of booking
STONE CARVING - A 3 DAY COURSE WITH PIP HALL see www.piphall.co.uk
…
for anyone with enthusiasm and a little patience...
Many of us who have walked in the various corners of Cumbria have noticed the wonderful work produced by this very talented lady ….. ….poetry, pictures and words flow from and are totally' at one with' the stone in which they are carved …her pieces are unique and beautifully reflective …in every sense. Please look at her website
Beginners Stone Carving 3 Day Workshop
www.piphall.co.uk
Relax and unwind while you carve a poem, a sentiment or a wish into some riven sandstone or buttermere slate and create something totally unique for your garden or home... Apparently this is a wonderfully uplifting, creative and theraputic course where you can get lost in the Stonemasons space.- tutored by Pip Hall who will help you choose a stone, plan your carving, map it out using fabulous calligraphy aids and then Pip will teach you to all the stonemasons skills to make your own piece to take away - she is famed for her beautiful poetry walks & sculptures in the Cumbrian Landscapes and major city centre schemes such as Leeds/ York et .
Click above for hundreds of recent workshop pictures...
The course takes is for up to twelve people .
Consisting of an introductory slide show is followed by demonstrations of lettering styles, drawing techniques and methods of carving with chisels,
followed by individual tuition.
Students are welcome to bring their own stone and project.
The Course Fee includes use of
tools and equipment.
Stones are available for a small charge.
Fee includes home made biscuits , all refreshments , coffees and teas, a delicious 2-course lunch and cream tea on Day One
AN INTRODUCTION TO FAR EASTERN BRUSH INK PAINTING with IRENE SANDERSON
Hens and Cockerels
with Irene Sanderson.
Many of Irene's animal studies, and in particular her colourful farmyard birds
capture everyone's imagination,
the unique brush strokes of Far Eastern Painting with special ink captures the lightness and movement in these birds which is hard to replicate with any other medium.
Spend a wonderfully relaxing day with Irene, first you will learn the techniques of using this fascinating method of ink and brush and then be half way to putting on paper the movement and fluidity of these lovely birds, their colours will shine through.
CHINESE INK PAINTING - ANIMAL STUDIES -
please see
www.irenesanderson.com
Calligraphy 'Symbols and Signs '
Learn to write some secret messages
using these beautiful symbols on special textured paper that make very frameable pieces.
These oriental calligraphic delights are an ideal way to be introduced to the brush stroke techniques needed in brush painting and are a perfect way to start learning if you would like some experience before
During this day Irene will once again recap on the brush and wrist movement techniques used in this painting method which so effectively created such a fluid and natural form of pictures .
RELIEF WOODCARVING IN HARDWOODS - with Alister Neville
I have worked with Alister many times in a
former life as a garden designer and
he is a highly accomplished Wood Sculptor.
He was one of the original creators of the famous bear statues at our local Keswick Derwent Bay Bears and has a gifted eye for recreating the 3 dimensional
animal form from a simple tree trunk or
piece of wood.
Never again remove a dead tree from a garden before consulting him - - he can transform a 6 ft stump into a table, a post adorned with a climbing vine, or carve in woodland animals creeping up it.
Create something really positive and beautiful
out of an unwanted tree stump before it becomes
a bit of an issue.
!
His work is the highlight and focal point of many school playgrounds all over the North of England.
Its fantastic that he is now starting to do adult workshops and arrives complete with
all the tools necessary for a wonderfully
relaxing day of theraputic woodcarving.
He has a site where much of his work can be seen
gallery @ www.alisterneville.blogspot.com
There is something very therapeutic about
carving in wood.
Alister will bring along all the tools, chisels and safety equipment necessary for you to be able to enjoy your day creating a beautiful leaf or flower carved in hardwood, hopefully in the peaceful surrounding of our garden.
Alternatively carve yourself a hardwood house name, door sign or similar. The techniques are the same and Alister will help you bring your ideas to life.
There may be a small charge for the hardwood depending on the size you choose.
WATERCOLOURS & PEN and WASH Days with Margaret JarvisLocal artist Margaret Jarvis has enjoyed painting in watercolours for many years and her courses here continue to be some of our most popular. She has a knack of teasing the best from even those who have never before dabbled in watercolours…there is much to learn in this field and her patience and encouragement and willingness to share her secrets must make a difference . . Recently a 3rd year Fine Art student attended a course and announced at the end she had leaned more in the 6 hour day there about watercolours than her whole time at college.
Discovering Watercolour Pencils Workshop –Spend an enjoyable and relaxing day being guided through and experimenting with the surprisingly accommodating and adaptable medium of watercolour pencils. These can be used in many different ways and Margaret will guide you through various techniques and textures. Moving on, after a lovely lunch, to creating some more substantial pieces.
Beginners’ Watercolours in the Garden
An enjoyable and relaxing day being guided through and experimenting with the wonderful medium ofwatercolour. In the morning you will learn the principles of colour mixing, how to use washes and master various techniques for effects and textures. By lunchtime you may have chosen afeature in the garden, perhaps a stone wall or a section of a flower border, even a single bloom - or possibly even a first landscape across parkland to Greystoke Castle, weather allowing. If it is wet we can work under shelter or use material indoors. Please bring suitable clothing. Paints and brushes can be provided (or bring your own) for which a small charge may be made.
Refreshers' Watercolours in the GardenJoin Margaret and learn yet more tips and techniques of watercolour painting, looking further into textures and colour mixing, leaf and tree techniques, skies and natural features – hopefully in the garden again if the weather allows. Please bring suitable clothing if it looks likely in the seasonal months.
Introduction to PEN AND WASH.
Margaret takes our very popular watercolour days and 'Pen and Wash' could be considered as the next stage on. Using a combination of new watercolour skills you
already have or learn on the day combined with the more punctuating and concise addition of ink …the two together produce a snappier and some would say, more contemporary overall effect. You will to use both material types, from paint brush to pen and ink , investigate ways to splatter, scribble and cross hatch , employing different techniques to create a range of painting and sketches. Useful tools to bring along, if you have them : pencil {h or 2 h}, eraser, Cartridge paper, watercolour paper [ NOT or HP], Pens - dip pens,steel nibbed, ball -point,felt tip , Inks waterproof {indian} and non waterproof { e g quink], paint – watercolours, brushes. These will be available at a small extra charge on the day . A lovely relaxing day with Margaret discovering what’s possible using this combination
Christmas Cards with Watercolour Pencils ’ Margaret will firstly take you through the many possibilities with this versatile and often under estimated simple watercolour tool and will then furnish you with many ideas in order for you to spend the rest of a lovely relaxing day making your own simple yet highly effective Christmas cards ..
Christmas Cards in Watercolours or Pen and Wash
Anther enjoyable and relaxing day being guided through and experimenting with the wonderful medium of watercolour. At first, ifnecessary, you will learn the principles of colour mixing, how to use washes and master various techniques for effects and textures. Perhaps painting a snowdrop, Christmas tree or holly leaf as practice you will find it surprising what effective and presentable Christmas cards you have made by the end of the day. The photos show some of last years and I would gladly buy them had they been for sale in a shop . A lovely pre-festive day. You may be reluctant to give them away… thank goodness for colour photocopiers !
Life Drawing Workshop Remember… the model won’t be embarrassed …so nor should you be !!!
This is a valuable opportunity for artists of all abilities to work from a life model. Please don’t feel uncomfortable or intimidated by this idea…the day is incredibly useful for all existing and aspiring artists . The chance to work in proximity of the human form for a single day with an expert such as Sarah , developing your powers of observation and self expression in such a private and relaxing environment is quite unique. You will also having a wonderfully peaceful day out in lovely surroundings !.
Sarah began life drawing 24yrs ago at art college in Norfolk and still enjoys it as much today, running a variety of workshops all over Cumbria. She will share with you this love of working from the human form through group and 1:1 instruction, discussion and feedback in a supportive and friendly environment! . !! Please bring all your own drawing/painting equipment and materials, including easels and drawing boards if you prefer to work from these. Enjoy! Arrangements for parking will be made to accommodate the logistics of bringing your equipment . Your day will include coffees, teas, home made cakes and a wholesome 2 course lunch (and the cost of the model).
What sort of Artist might you be ?’ with Sarah Manders
It’s almost definite there’s an artist in all of us !! It’s just finding the right medium that’s the tricky bit –
and this day could be the way forward !
Not so much for existing artists who have already found their bent …but for all those who’ve maybe wondered about art but are bemused by the options out there and just not sure where to start. Sarah will bring along many mediums….. acrylics, pen and ink, charcoal , pastels, oils, gouache, watercolours and more . The subject will be something as infallible such as an ammonite (yes, we can all draw a spiral !! ). Try as many mediums as you like under Sarah’s expert guidance, add detail as appropriate and discover not only what works best for you, but also that ……..there is infact an artist within ! You may even produce a large sheet of many ammonites or shells in a variety of mediums…..maybe 6 different studies of the same subject …. a ‘Contemporary Collection’ that may just be worth framing…
So go on ….Spiral positively towards the sort of artist you really are !!!
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE is the oldest system of natural medicine in the world (and the one HRH Prince Charles swears by - for what it's worth !)
The Wisdom of Life
Sonia Allen Wall - as well as being an experienced Yoga therapist and Charini Yoga teacher is also an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant
Ayur means life... Veda means science.... and Ayurveda..... the science of life.
In its simplest form it is looking at our lifestyle and most importantly our diet - the latter of which is most commonly within our control - and how to keep our constitution in balance and what takes us out of balance . When we are out of balance , our system is open to disease, fatigue and depression, among other things.
During this day of introduction to Ayurveda- the Wisdom of Life .. we will be looking at the elements, or' energetics' of food , how they affect us and their relationship to disease.
We will also look at the Ayurvedic perspective on meditation and after lunch will practice mediation in its simplest form . We will move from the gross to the subtle and have a better understanding of our relationship to the world around us!
Ayurveda explains how we can create a customised nutritional protocol .
Don't
spend a lot of money buying a Christmas Door Ring every year.
Come and
join us for a lovely day creating your very own. You'll never buy one
from a shop again! Learn how to work with fresh, dried and artificial
material. You will be shown how to wire nuts, fruit and seed heads and
how to work with ribbon.
As you work the tutor will also explain where
many of our Christmas customs stem from.
Come and enjoy the company,
Annie's mince pies and get into the Christmas spirit.
Prior to the course, you
will be sent a basic material list.
The tutor will supply the ring, for
which there will be an extra charge.
DANISH CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS - Anne-Lise Kryger Plaited hearts & Folded
Stars, Cones & Angels.
In
Denmark everybody used to make their own Christmas decorations rather
than buy them ready made. The tree would be adorned with paper plaited
hearts and intricate 3d stars, as well as paper cones filled with spicy
Christmas biscuits and cut out angels.
A wonderful opportunity
to enjoy a relaxing, cosy & seasonal day creating your own special piece
of Christmas atmosphere rather than buy more from the shops.Take home
the lessons & teach them to your children .Anne-Lise has been making her
own Christmas decorations since the age of 5 & has run craft workshops
in England since the 80's.
Join
us for a lovely relaxing day and create a beautiful beaded tassel using
nothing more than a needle, thread and gorgeous beads. The range of
colours available is beautiful. Make a tassel for your own home, or to
give as a special gift, if you can bear to give it away.
Or, create a
fabulous Christmas Tassel, a treasure to unwrap from its tissue each
year. Be warned though - it's addictive!
Please either phone
or email first to register your interest/ check there is space. Your
name will be pencilled in and full payment will be required before
your place can be confirmed.
Please make cheques
payable to 'Greystoke Cycle Cafe ' and post to Greystoke Cycle Café
, Greystoke ,Penrith CA11 0UT .** Your booking will be confirmed by
email/ post and contains details of parking/walking /venue/times
etc.
We reserve the right
to cancel any workshop- in which case a full refund will be given.
If you find you
cannot attend your workshop, ideally try to send a friend. For
certain workshops we hold a waiting list and may be able to offer a
partial refund. Please phone asap
OUR OAK
FLOORED WORKSHOP IS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE at other times for informal meeting/
workshops etc. Catering optional
Apart from cycle support vehicles, we
only have parking for those attending workshops who feel unable to walk from the village car park and ask all others to take the short walk (8 mins) around the Greystoke Castle Estate
walls (approx 350 yds) to the Cycle café @ Poplin Dub - a map is provided.
Places may be held for a short period until full payment is made. We reserve
the right to cancel a course in the event of unforeseen circumstances and
then a full refund will be made. Please let us know if you need to cancel
or ideally send a friend.
Greystoke
Cycle Cafe opens on: Fridays 12 - 6pm, Saturdays 10 - 6pm & the 2nd
Sunday of the month 10 - 6pm between Easter & end September. We are a family
run tea garden on the C2C cycle route and also welcome
walkers if they are prepared to take the short walk from the village car
park (350yds)
We serve hot and cold light lunches,
using our own organics where possible, home made cakes, large mugs of tea
& real coffee, have spacious cottage gardens ideal for families & enjoy
lovely views out over the parkland to Greystoke Castle. At other
times, if we are in & available we will gladly serve weary cyclists & walkers
with whatever we have- and will open for groups with notice.
Home Page 
First Aid Courses 
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.
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.
It’s almost definite there’s an artist in all of us !! It’s just finding the right medium that’s the tricky bit –
Not so much for existing artists who have already found their bent …but for all those who’ve maybe wondered about art but are bemused by the options out there and just not sure where to start. Sarah will bring along many mediums….. acrylics, pen and ink, charcoal , pastels, oils, gouache, watercolours and more . The subject will be something as infallible such as an ammonite (yes, we can all draw a spiral !! ). Try as many mediums as you like under Sarah’s expert guidance, add detail as appropriate and discover not only what works best for you, but also that ……..there is infact an artist within ! You may even produce a large sheet of many ammonites or shells in a variety of mediums…..maybe 6 different studies of the same subject …. a ‘Contemporary Collection’ that may just be worth framing… 
Sonia Allen Wall - as well as being an experienced Yoga therapist and Charini Yoga teacher is also an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant
Ayur means life... Veda means science.... and Ayurveda..... the science of life.
In its simplest form it is looking at our lifestyle and most importantly our diet - the latter of which is most commonly within our control - and how to keep our constitution in balance and what takes us out of balance . When we are out of balance , our system is open to disease, fatigue and depression, among other things.
During this day of introduction to Ayurveda- the Wisdom of Life .. we will be looking at the elements, or' energetics' of food , how they affect us and their relationship to disease.
We will also look at the Ayurvedic perspective on meditation and after lunch will practice mediation in its simplest form . We will move from the gross to the subtle and have a better understanding of our relationship to the world around us!
Ayurveda explains how we can create a customised nutritional protocol .
DANISH CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Apart from cycle support vehicles, we
only have parking for those attending workshops who feel unable to walk from the village car park and ask all others to take the short walk (8 mins) around the Greystoke Castle Estate
walls (approx 350 yds) to the Cycle café @ Poplin Dub - a map is provided.
Places may be held for a short period until full payment is made. We reserve
the right to cancel a course in the event of unforeseen circumstances and
then a full refund will be made. Please let us know if you need to cancel
or ideally send a friend.
Greystoke
Cycle Cafe opens on: Fridays 12 - 6pm, Saturdays 10 - 6pm & the 2nd
Sunday of the month 10 - 6pm between Easter & end September. We are a family
run tea garden on the C2C cycle route and also welcome
walkers if they are prepared to take the short walk from the village car
park (350yds)