Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns reviews

Sarah reviewed: Silver Jewellery Workshop - '3 Silver Rings in a Day' - a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"First time at Quirky workshops and making silver rings. Had the best time and looked after by Annie with marvellous home baked goodies and lovely lunch. Melinda was a very patient tutor and helped where you needed it. Highly recommend taking any of the courses here, as it has a fabulous friendly vibe and some very funky chickens and gorgeously handsome Kofi. Xx"

Joanne reviewed: Mosaics at Christmas with Helen Clues, a Quirky Workshops at Greystoke, nr Penrith, Ullswater & Lake District

"Wonderful course, everything provided & Helen the tutor was brilliant. Nothing too much trouble & so helpful. Venue was fab as usual. Just the weather, snow ,but can't control that."

Julia B reviewed: Stained glass panel 2-day course: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"A fabulous two-day course. Lizzy was an excellent teacher and so attentive to the various demands of the group. The Swallow Barn was a lovely comfortable environment, despite the atrocious weather outside. Annie's catering was plentiful and delicious. I'm so tempted to do the course again in the future."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"thank you Julia for taking the time to submit this review. We agree, Lizzie is an excellent tutor and always manages to inspire exceptional results from her students. It's also a course i enjoy sitting in on too, so you never know, i may well see you if you do come again. You are always welcome! "

Helen Parr reviewed: Needlefelted Garden Birds at Christmas - The Robin

"What a fantastic day of crafting in a beautiful setting! Helen, the tutor was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. It was lovely to be taught how to make the felted robin using skills which can be adapted to make other things too. Annie kept us going with tea, coffee, delicious lunch and snacks. Thank you "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"What a lovely review, thank you Helen - and having popped in to see the class a few times over the day i was really taken with all the beauitful robins. Helen is an excellent tutor and very happy to share all her skills and knowledg. Thank you again for submitting this, we look forward to welcoming you to Greystoke another time :) "

Alison Brunsdon reviewed: Amazing Raku - a pottery firing with flames half day workshop with Dave Norman at Quirky Workshops, Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns

"Very enjoyable and tutor very helpful. "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you Alison, we're very glad to hear you enjoyed your workshop. Annie and the team."

Jonny Arnold reviewed: Discovering Pen and Wash - with Margaret Jarvis - a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"The course begins at this wonderful venue in the Cumbrian countryside with you being greeted by a cup of tea and homemade biscuits and lots of smiles. As an absolute beginner this course was ideal, giving the basics on paper, paints, brushes and techniques. But not just beginners enjoyed it - there were people rekindling lost skills and others who wanted to hone their talents. Margaret showed a variety of techniques and styles and there was plenty of time to try any and all of them if you wished. After a fantastic picnic lunch you were free to roam the wonderful gardens for inspiration or to practice whatever you fancy. There was a great atmosphere full of friendly people, tons of encouragement and advice. And to end the day you received a gorgeous homemade aga baked scone and some paper and pens to get you started at home. Overall it was a fantastic day and an amazing experience that I can’t recommend enough. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me. "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Jonny thank you for your lovely review, we appreciate the time taken to post it! We're so glad you enjoyed all aspects of your day so much. We look forward to seeing you here again in the future. Annie and the Team."

Pat Sutherland reviewed: Urban Landscape in Mixed Media fast & free with Roy Simmons: a Quirky workshsop nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"A lovely relaxed day with friendly and knowledgeable tutor Roy and the whole class. The venue was great. I totally recommend this course and I will be looking into attending again in the future. "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you Pat for your kind review. So pleased you enjoyed your day and I agree- Roy is a great tutor- so relaxing and inspiring. Keep up the painting and maybe see you another time here in Greystoke ! :) "

Bethan reviewed: Stained glass panel 2-day course: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"I’ve wanted to do a stained glass workshop for a long time and I am so pleased I chose this one. Lizzy was a brilliant teacher and had so much skill. The whole experience including Annie’s hospitality and the garden made all of it extra special. I am also incredibly happy with my finished piece! "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Dear Bethan, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this review, it was a lovely surprise as we're always too busy on the workshop days and forget to ask our students who come from Craft Courses to leave us feedback - so that makes it even more appreciated. Thanks so much and looking forward to seeing you soon, as I think you've already booked another course! :) xxx"

Helen Parr reviewed: 'Make a framed, needle-felted Wren' with Helen Hammond a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"My daughter and I attended this workshop together and had a fabulous day. The tutor, Helen, is knowledgeable, encouraging and inspiring. She demonstrated each stage clearly, then helped us to overcome any difficulties so that everyone in the group went home with a completed piece, as well as the skills to continue with their new hobby. Our wrens are something to be proud of, despite never having done needle felting before. The venue is in a beautiful setting, with Annie providing tea, coffee and delicious food throughout the day. Thank you for a great day"

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you so much Helen - it's great to know you enjoyed the day so much and also the food too. Helen is certainly an excellent tutor and comes incredibly well prepared. We hope you both enjoy your Wren pictures for a long time to come :) . I've sent your other half a note via CC messaging - thank you again x"

David Bell reviewed: Willow 'Curlews' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"Very enjoyable course. As a complete novice I was able to produce a curlew at the end ( as everyone else on the course did as well). I think this is due to Phil's skill, patience and clarity of explanation"

Karen Ray reviewed: 'Gorgeously Swirly Christmas Calligraphy' with Claire ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

"Excellent course, lovely location and friendly host and tutor. Many thanks 😊 "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed your day here Karen. We agree, Claire is an excellent tutor and we look forward to her joining us here at a Quirky Workshop in Greystoke again. Mny thanks you for your kind feedback. Annie "

Imelda reviewed: Relief carving & sculpture in hardwood with Alister Neville: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Many thanks Alister and Annie. Thoroughly enjoyable and productive day! A new hobby has been found."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"thank you Imelda for your kind comments, we're so pleased you enjoyed the course so much - Alister knows how to make it all happen ..enjoy your new found skills - onwards and upwards, as they say! :) "

Helen reviewed: Line & Wash ... 'Painting buildings in the Landscape'. A Quirky Workshop at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns

"Beautiful environment. Lovely, friendly group. We were well looked after by tutor and hosts. As a complete beginner I was supported and felt accepted by all which encouraged me to produce work that exceeded my expectations. Lunch in the garden was lovely too. Thank you"

Alan Wilkes reviewed: Traditional Spoon Carving with David Alty: A 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"The Course organiser tested positive for Covid and did not give us the option to cancel. My wife and I decided that the risk to us was too great due to our age and medical conditions so we did not attend the course. This decision was also based on the fact that the organiser stated in the first email that she may be seen in the garden, and Covid is an airborne virus."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"For clarity, below is the email to all students which was sent two days before this outdoor Spoon Carving course took place on Thursday 23.June 22. All other students were delighted with the change of arrangments and had a wonderful day. In addition, according to latest Govt. 'Living with Covid' guidelines, and being on Day 8 of contracting the virus, having been asymptomatic throughout, I 'could have' already have been back on site and serving students and customers would have been none the wiser. However, there were due to be 8 students and 1 tutor on the spoon carving course, and we wanted to continue to 'do the right thing' for the safety of students, staff and tutors alike, and keep the workshop at distance at all times - even though it was actually taking place outside. Dear Spoon carvers, The owner of the venue which has organised your below Quirky Workshop (i.e. me) has unfortunately just recently tested positive for Covid. Despite this, we’re very happy to confirm that your spoon carving course with David is taking place in the Garden and will therefore be largely unaffected. However, we will need to make some changes to catering arrangements for the day, as we usually work out of our house kitchen and obviously this will now be closed. Therefore, we’re asking all students to bring their own lunch/ sandwich for their workshop day. We can provide tea/ instant coffee and milk and a kettle up in the studio – where there is also a sink. We will provide a £5 cash refund to each student on the day, to reflect this change. You might see me in the distance in the garden as you arrive, but I will stay away from you all and will use a separate entrance to the house so that you can safely use the loo. You may notice that some remnants from the Building work still in evidence… the forecast is wonderful so hopefully you will be able to sit outside and enjoy your lunch over the day! Thank you for your understanding and I look forward to giving you a brief wave on Thursday morning. Kind regards Annie"

Helen Hammond reviewed: 'Make a framed, needle-felted Wren' with Helen Hammond a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"Thankyou for your very kind review! I was delighted with both the lovely teaching space and facilities . The catering was perfect all day as was the company. Covid issues were in place and comfortable for us all to work together in as near normal conditions as pre pandemic times. I was delighted to be invited to run the workshop at Quirky Workshops."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you Helen for an excellent course!"

Helen reviewed: 'Make a framed, needle-felted Wren' with Helen Hammond a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"I attended the workshop this week and have nothing but praise for it. The venue - Swallow barn at Quirky Crafts - was delightful and in spite of the freezing weather was kept warm. Helped also by the delicious refreshments, we were fuelled inside and out. Having only dabbled with needle felting before, this was an ambitious make in a day, BUT teacher Helen Hammond had all the stages worked out and gave us all the instruction and confidence that we needed to complete it - and we did. Each wren a masterpiece and delightfully different. A superb course."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review Helen and am so glad you enjoyed the day. I agree it was an excellent course! Everyone's piece was brilliant, with the gorgeous wrens enjoying such attention to detail thanks to Helen, who was very organised with her teaching stages and materials. A lot of work had been put into the prep for the course and it evidently paid off! Hopefully see you here another time in Greystoke! x"

Sally Adams reviewed: Hand rolled drum lampshade making am or pm - a Quirky Workshop @ Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith & Ullswater

"Very easy to follow the instructions . Great welcome, would recommend this work shop"

Sandra D reviewed: Intro to Glass fusing : a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Fused Glass workshop with Marilyn, I am really looking forward to collecting my pieces and seeing how they turned out. Please pass my thanks to Marilyn for her patience, knowledge and exceptional skill. Also thanks to you for all your hard work not just for setting up the course but for making sure that the venue is 'Covid' safe, it can't have been easy. The barn is a special place to work with a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The food and drinks you provided were most welcome, the scones were particularly delicious"

Richard E reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Hi Annie and Tony I Just wanted to say thanks again for an excellent 2 days making the longbows, I really enjoyed it and thought the tutoring and organisation of the event was first class, as was the food... complements to the chef. Fantastic job, especially coping with the weather and the last minute move indoors, and what a great group of students ... everyone seemed to greatly enjoy the whole experience. Meant to say the camping facilities at Gillhead Farm were great, so thanks for the contact info."

Ian Horn reviewed: Needle Felt a Herdwick doorstop with Annis McGowan: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"A thoroughly good day where I learnt loads and gained the confidence to progress on my own. Gill is a very good teacher and made the whole experience interesting as well as informative. We had a great mix of people on the course, who all got on well. I would highly recommend the experience for anyone."

Karen Sienkiewicz reviewed: Needle Felt a Herdwick doorstop with Annis McGowan: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"Great day with Gill (and Annie) making artisan bread and scones. We had such a fun day but very productive at the same time! The time just flew by helped by our fellow students being good fun too. Gill is a great teacher and definitely knows her soda bread from her scones! Would highly recommend the course, especially if the thought of making bread scares you a little as Gill makes it all look so easy!"

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

"What a fantastic day! Poker much admired and has a perfect home. Thank you all, will be back! Annie, a special thank you for a delicious and sustaining lunch….. couldn't think of a nicer way to cheer up an unpromising November day. All the best Robert"

Jill Flatt reviewed: Letter and Relief Carving in stone with Pip Hall ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns north Lakes & Cumbria

"Pip provided a wonderful introduction to the world of letter sculpting which nicely complemented my previous experiences doing 3D sculpting in stone. I was fascinated to hear about her own work and to see examples of what letter carving should look like! Pip provided a broad range of stone types to choose from to ensure we were suitably challenged, or protected, depending on our individual projects. It is rare that someone who is a skilled practitioner, can also teach effectively, but Pip has that rare capability. Many thanks for a new experience"

Val Rosbrook reviewed: Letter and Relief Carving in stone with Pip Hall ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns north Lakes & Cumbria

"Thank you Pip for a wonderful 3 days. As well as the lettering techniques I really enjoyed the design element and it was great that you brought so many resources with you for us to take inspiration from. I thought, before I arrived, that I had an idea of what I might have worked on - an autumnal theme maybe, but it turns out that it can be the stone itself which helps decide. I loved working on the river stone and the challenges it gave. I've continued working on it at home and will send photos to Annie once complete. I've also been able to pick up 2 of the books from your list and have been working on my lettering on paper as well as practising serifs on the reverse of a piece of limestone. Tuition was great and it seemed that everyone took home something to be proud of. It's always nice to get to know the others on a course as it progresses and as usual Annie's hospitality and that of her helpers made us all feel welcome (and well fed). Thank you"

Chris B reviewed: Letter and Relief Carving in stone with Pip Hall ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns north Lakes & Cumbria

"A brilliant introduction to what will become a new hobby! The wide variety of stones brought along by Pip allowed an equally broad range of ideas to be realised. Pip's skill ensured that while the designs remained 'ours' the ideas both matched the style of lettering and the shape of the stone. Three days were gone in a blink of an eyelid. Many many thanks"