Spinning, weaving and dyeing courses, craft kits and handcrafted gifts

At Cowshed Creative, we run an extensive range of art, craft and heritage workshops in our beautifully converted art studio. Treat yourself to a creative experience on our traditional family farm in the heart of the Lake District. From the fantastic and consistent feedback we have received, you are sure to have a great day! Shibori is the wonderful Japanese art of indigo resist dyeing. In this hands-on workshop you will learn the basics of Shibori inspired folding, binding, clamping and stitching techniques. Dipped in indigo, you will create your...

Want to try something new a try your hand at tartan design? This course will consist of 2-hour tutorials over two-sessions - 4-hour on-line tutorial in total. This course will be using Zoom conferencing. The first part of the course will start by giving you an introduction to tartan and the design process. Over the course, I will present my tartan portfolio and explain how tartan can reflect modernity and freshness in modern tartans. I'll introduce you to various design tools and give you ideas on how to develop your...

If you have always longed to create your very own hand spun yarn then I am here to help you do so. In-person workshops are not always convenient but with my online course, you can work at your own pace enabling you to take your time to master the basic techniques of hand spinning. The course is delivered in the same format as my in-person workshops using a series of step-by-step videos and presentations to reinforce the information by re-watching the content at your own pace. However, you will not...

Large Weaving Kit With Yarns & Instruction Booklet (3-5 business day dispatching time) Discover The Art Of Weaving With Your Own Large Weaving Kit, 34-page Beginners Guide & unique beautiful yarns! This kit has been designed to inspire and help get your creative juices flowing, whether you’re embarking on a new hobby or looking to hone your skills. Some aspects of woven textiles can appear tricky to get your head around, this is why you will get a booklet with illustrated instructions. I hope to make them accessible and fun...

Live Hand Spinning on a Wheel Course on Wednesday evenings. This course will be delivered over 4 weeks presented as zoom meetings. This will allow for lots of interaction between us to assist your learning and I hope that you will feel as though you are with me here at The Spinning Barn. Each lesson will last for 1 ½ hrs however if time requires, we shall continue longer at no extra cost. I shall talk you through and demonstrate each aspect of the spinning process to ensure you fully...

Amanda Rayner will run this shopping basket making workshop in the New barn at Usk Castle Chase. Making this beautiful basket is a very enjoyable process using different coloured willows. Perfect for a trip to town or a country stroll to the village shop this basket can be used for many outings even a quick forage in the hedgerows! From selecting youe base sticks to putting on the handle you will be guided through the various techniques of this time-honoured basket. The beautiful and tranquil surroundings of the Usk Castle...

This Beginners Spindle Spinning course will take you though all the basics that you need to create your first three yarns using a drop spindle. The course is made up of recorded videos and live zoom calls so you get the best of both worlds, time to learn at your own pace and an interactive session to ask questions and meet fellow beginner spinners. A kit with all you need to complete the course is included in the price. Course breakdown Introduction- how to set up your spindle Week 1-...

Enjoy a half day learning the ancient craft of weaving in our studio in the historical village of Writtle in Essex. This creative weaving workshop allows participants to gain a basic understanding of the principles of hand-weaving, whilst creating their own unique woven artwork or fabric. Under Pamela’s expert guidance you will learn how to warp up a frame loom and to weave a variety of basic weave structures, such as plain weave and twill, as well as some decorative tapestry techniques including rya knots and soumak stitch. You will...