Latest reviews

Val Rosbrook reviewed: Stone Carving (relief & 3D) sculpture for Beginners/Ints. - 3D- with Simon Keeley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Really enjoyed the 3D Stone carving course; sitting around the kitchen table on the Friday night making our clay maquettes was an easygoing way to introduce ourselves and our ideas and I surprised myself with the end result. Well worth coming with some clear ideas about what you want to produce. Tuition throughout was friendly and informative; as we had all chosen different projects we had the chance to see lots of different techniques at different stages across the remaining 3 days. At times it was hard to think that my inner cockerel would ever emerge from my block of stone but he did; whilst not completely finished as I was a little overambitious I had enjoyed it enough to go on to buy my own tools on returning home and take my time to refine. It was amazing to see the progress across the whole group and the quality of what we had produced in so little time. The course has given me confidence to complete another couple of projects on my own and this year I've had a go at lettering. Thank you Simon and of course I can't finish without thanking Annie and her team for the food and hospitality."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Dear Val Many thanks for submitting feedback about your Quirky course, we appreciate the time and effort this involves. Hopefully, we will see you on another occasion at Greystoke... with best wishes Annie & co x"

K Babbage reviewed: Fisherton Mill in Salisbury - Claire Demetri Glass Fusing Workshops

"Relaxed, informative and fun workshop, and we're both really pleased with what we produced. Would definitely recommend this workshop. Thanks Claire."

Ria reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Such a wonderful weekend! Not only did I create a beautiful bag but Jason and Louise were excellent tutors and kind hosts, it was a pleasure to spend time in their beautiful workshop and I finished the two day course feeling as though I have genuinely gained skills that I will use for years to come. The biggest thanks!"

Suzie reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I enjoyed a great one day workshop with Rosanna on Saturday. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable way to spend a day and productive too! I made 5 items and didn’t ever feel rushed or under pressure. It’s amazing what you can achieve with a great teacher. I’d highly recommend Rosanna’s courses."

Lucy reviewed: Natural Perfumery

"This was something I had wanted to do for a while and it did not disappoint. I came away with two perfumes that I like very much. Really enjoyed creating the different accords of scents that appealed to me; then learning how to blend and adjust them to create my final unique perfume. The banana cake was really a winner with us all, too."

Carol Taylor reviewed: Three day course in upholstery and soft furnishings

"We attended a one day course, luckily just the two of us and Angie which meant we got almost 1 to 1 attention. Excellent course - very friendly, Angie gave us the attention we needed and not any more than that, let us get on with things she felt we could do. Interspersed talking to us about our own projects with insights into Upholstery, history, good examples of what others were doing. Tea and coffee and cakes on tap. We didn’t stop for lunch we were enjoying ourselves far too much. Angie really is a very good teacher. And we had a fun time!"

Gilliam Marshall reviewed: One person - Full day 6 hours sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming course, specialising in insects, fairies

"I loved my day of soldering with my sister. Roger was very patient and gave just the right amount of help to ensure we learnt the correct techniques but still came away with a good start to our project. This is a skill that does take some time to learn and we may have to come back for another lesson if we get stuck later, but a very fun day. Thanks!"

Adele reviewed: Candle making workshops

"We had such a lovely day making candles with Angharad. She made us feel instantly at home with her warm hospitality, and we made a fantastic range of different candles. We learnt about the different types of wax, wicks, scents and dyes and came home with a fabulous box of creations! Angharad is knowledgeable and patient, and I would highly recommend this course."

Katrine reviewed: Wildlife illustration in watercolours (and optional gouache) with Simon Williams SBA ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I have attended 2 of Simon's courses, both of which were wonderful. Simon is not only a gifted artist but an excellent teacher, giving lots of help and encouragement. He will provide assistance to all ability ranges, from the novice to accomplished artists. His manner is relaxed and informal - nothing intimidating about this young man - you never feel your efforts are unappreciated. Whatever your experience of art and watercolour you will learn new skills to take away with you which will stand you in good stead for future painting. The location is lovely and the food fantastic. I feel it is excellent value for money and a wonderful boost to anyone wanting to improve their watercolour painting. Loved every minute!!!!!"

Lesley K reviewed: Artisan bread making day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Excellent atmosphere. Very clear instructions. Lovely variation of different breads. The lunch was delicious and everybody was very friendly. Liked working around the large table. Will recommend."

Ruth A reviewed: Artisan bread making day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Fantastic workshop, great to try and bake a variety of breads. I now have more confidence to experiment at home. Lovely relaxed atmosphere and a great group of people together with a very experienced tutor."

Mary Egerton reviewed: Botanical Illustration Days in Watercolours (and gouache optional) with Simon Williams: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"A really excellent and inspiring course."

Mike H reviewed: Artisan bread making day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Very laid back so lots of fun. Excellent presentation from competent experienced tutor. Such a friendly experience."

Karen B reviewed: Artisan bread making day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Enjoyed the workshop and learnt a lot about making bread! Definitely would come again."

Noreen M reviewed: Artisan bread making day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Very good course. Learnt a lot. Everyone very friendly - lovely lunch and good conversation! Hope to come to more courses!"

Caroline S reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"Inspirational workshop in spite of my willow hare needing some expert attention! Fabulous food - thank you."

Jeremy F reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"Good introduction to willow with careful, clear guidance. Plenty of time to try out a new skill and understand that this is a journey."

Hazel M reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"Took a fair number of years to (make it) fun! Very enjoyable when I sorted my left from my right. Food fab."

Christine B reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"Thoroughly enjoyable introduction to willow weaving. Step by step suited this quite tricky skill.Would love to do more of it in the future. Fantastic food !!"

Patricia D reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"Very enjoyable - an excellent atmosphere. Stepped tuition is just the ticket for me. I will return. Food and drinks provided - superb."

Jenny M reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"The art of willow sculpture is more challenging and technical than I expected. We were very well supported to meet the challenges of the course."

Lesley H reviewed: Blacksmith for a day with Adrian Woods: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Came on the Rams Head Poker course, really good instructors, very helpful and took time to explain everything. Very hands on course, loved it, lunch was amazing! Lovely day all round."

Mike F reviewed: Blacksmith for a day with Adrian Woods: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Enjoyable experience, relaxed atmosphere and good support from experts."

Andrew C reviewed: Blacksmith for a day with Adrian Woods: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Excellent tuition and patience for which I am grateful. Food great, nice that it is all vegetarian."

John M reviewed: Blacksmith for a day with Adrian Woods: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Really enjoyable day. Well worth the money and traveling. Interesting and interactive. Everybody friendly and great crack. Amazing food and drink."