Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns reviews

18 Oct 16'

Izzy R reviewed: Whittling Birds in Wood ... the Woodpecker - with Dave Harter, a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"Greystoke cycle cafe is set in such a beautiful location. Annie and all the staff were so welcoming. The food made me want to move in with them. The 'bird in a day' course was so much fun, David is such an incredible teacher and artist. I would highly recommend a visit and doing a course, I will definitely be back. Thank you xx"

18 Oct 16'

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

"My sister and I visited today to take part in the Willow Deer making course and we loved it. Phil Bradley was great at guiding us through the process of willow weaving and the lunch and refreshments we received from Annie were great. The glorious weather certainly helped make it a great day too, but best of all we got to take home our finished deer sculpture. We will definitely be back!!!"

18 Oct 16'

Serena SB reviewed: Create your own pattern for Dressmaking '- the Tunic Block' a Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Hi, I've just attended the pattern cutting day. It was wonderful. Very enjoyable, great tuition and brilliant food. Highly recommended."

17 Oct 16'

Verna Brodie reviewed: Making large traditional Floor Rag Rugs with Emma Tennant: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Hi Annie Once again a really lovely day at your lovely home. You are so welcoming and I will be back again, I actively lok for what I can fit in next. Emma was a fabulous instructor and I feel well eqipped to make a rug from start to finish (which hopefully will be a thing of beauty-but no matter, I will still be immensely proud of it!) With kind regards Verna"

16 Oct 16'

hannah kozich reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"An excellent course that was a lot of fun, as well as packing a lot into the day to make a great Herdie doorstop. As ever the setting of the Quirky Workshops at the Cycle Cafe was welcoming, with a delicious lunch."

15 Oct 16'

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

"I had been meaning to visit this place for a long time but the catalyst to actually do so was being given a voucher for one of the courses that are run here. The bread making course was what I chose although I do bake my own bread and have attended other courses. It was a day well spent! Very well planned and organised by the tutor, Gill. I learnt a lot as well as having a great day! In the joining instructions I was advised to make sure I had plenty room in my freezer for what I would take home. I thought I had plenty room but just managed to squeeze everything in! (That is not counting what I have kept out to use immediately!). The lunch was great as well!"

15 Oct 16'

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

"Just attended the Bread Making day and came back with a bag laden with fresh baked hand made bread of all shapes and sizes. If you want to learn something new in a friendly atmosphere, with great food and in a wonderful location, look no further."

15 Oct 16'

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

"I attended this course making a longbow from a 7 foot stave of ash over two days. The refreshments provided were all delicious. From freshly baked biscuits and coffee on arrival to homemade soups, bread and butter pudding, crumbles, scones and cakes the food was lovely. The regular cyclists popping in on their coast to coast route were all warmly welcomed and left refreshed. A lovely venue with great food and fun craft courses. Perfect."

15 Oct 16'

Claire M reviewed: Discovering Watercolours - all abilities: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I attended the August Watercolour Workshop and was inspired. Margaret is a magnificent coach, imparting tips and techniques with patience and humour. I have been painting ever since. Fellow students were great company and the food was fantastic home cooking."

15 Oct 16'

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

"Spent a wonderful day at the Cycle Cafe learning how to make Artisan bread. A thoroughly enjoyable day, excellent teacher and lovely lunch. I'll be back soon."

14 Oct 16'

Val R reviewed: Reduction linocut printing with Janet Dickson : a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Thank you so much for this excellent day Janet and Annie. I was amazed at the quality of work that everyone produced in such a short time, which reflected totally the quality of and style of teaching from Janet that we could produce such diverse pieces of art that we could all be proud of. I am now busy sourcing materials now for my next project... Thank you everybody!- we both had a really relaxed but productive day amongst a lovely group of people with Annie's hospitality, good food and of course cuddly chickens- who could ask for more?"

14 Oct 16'

Ellie reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Textures in Nature' with Jo Dix: a 'Quirky Workshop'

"Silver clay workshop today. Fantastic, delighted with the results. Food & hospitality wonderful, as ever! Xx"

14 Oct 16'

M Hewitt reviewed: Bud Vases & Tea Lights in Porcelain with Gwen Bainbridge: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater- Cumbria

"I had a wonderful day at the Quirky Workshop. I'd never worked with porcelain before but Gwen explained everything really well, was very helpful when I struggled with delicate pieces. I managed to produce four items, plus a few trinkets, which I'm very proud of! The venue was a very relaxing place to be, food was excellent and kept me going. I'd recommend this course to anyone, and a voucher for a Quirky Workshop is on my Christmas wish list!"

11 Oct 16'

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

"Gill was very helpful and informative and the bread we made was super tasty! I felt I learned a lot and I am confident enough to attempt making different types of bread at home. There was maybe one too many people on the course as oven space was limited resulting in some damaged loaves. The course could maybe have been longer as we ran out of time to attempt all breads planned. Overall the course was good fun and I am looking forward to trying other courses in the future."

6 Oct 16'

Isabel Pinder reviewed: Making large traditional Floor Rag Rugs with Emma Tennant: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"A thoroughly enjoyable day in a delightful setting! Emma provided excellent tuition throughout. Her rugs are inspirational and I appreciated seeing her at work. Being able to use and purchase both the hessian/frame and hook there and then, facilitated the whole process and the acquisition of tools for a new adventure. The hospitality was super with good homemade fare and much appreciated. Even the cream scones at the close slipped down a treat! Many, many thanks for a most memorable day. Hector says, "Wuff!""

3 Oct 16'

Rosemary reviewed: Discovering Pen and Wash - Christmas Card Making Workshop:'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"My first experience. It was a most delightful and rewarding day because of the encouragement of our tutor. This inspired confidence that only grew as we acquired useful skills that helped me improve my own style. Excellent food, company and range of techniques all contributed to a rewarding experience. Thank you."

3 Oct 16'

Jane Gibson reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"Greatly enjoyed it although it was sometimes a bit difficult following instructions from the other end of the table"

1 Oct 16'

Anna Wolfe reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"Had a wonderful day, I have no hesitation in recommending this course, was great fun learning a new craft amongst like-minded people, eating lovely food and sharing banter in a perfect setting. Annie is awesome and the Quirky workshops at the Cycle Cafe are a real treat day away from it all, can't wait to return!"

30 Sep 16'

Sallie Anderson reviewed: Wire garden sculptures - Geese with Susan Nichols :a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Perfect setting for a perfect course and lovely food- all homemade - if I lived nearer I would be there every month"

30 Sep 16'

Aine Kelly reviewed: Wire garden sculptures - Geese with Susan Nichols :a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"This course is fab - I had no idea what a large and lifelike goose I would be making. I also thought mine would never look like the course leader's model. But it does. I am so proud of it and love having it in my garden. The course was extremely well managed, great fun and totally absorbing. I plan to do more."

29 Sep 16'

Gill George reviewed: Bud Vases & Tea Lights in Porcelain with Gwen Bainbridge: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater- Cumbria

"This course was a retirement gift to push me outside my comfort zone- I have never been known for any artistic ability! I had heard so many glowing reports about Quirky Workshops. Gwen was a legend, patient, reassuring, completely understanding about my need to have everything explained several times! Other course members had some artistic skills and we were all able to produce finished articles at our own level. I loved the different techniques we learnt for creating patterns on porcelain- I had only previously used clay at school. My husband was amazed to see what I had produced. We were also well looked after with tea, biscuits and lunch, a real treat. I would recommend anyone to have a go at a Quirky Workshop whether you are experienced or not."

29 Sep 16'

Jane Greenwood reviewed: Bud Vases & Tea Lights in Porcelain with Gwen Bainbridge: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater- Cumbria

"I LOVE this workshop! I have worked in Art & Design all my life, but with very limited experience of ceramics. Gwen is an excellent and patient tutor, who has been able to help my naturally clumsy self to develop some skill in working with porcelain (I need a lot more experience though!) Greystoke Cycle Cafe is a lovely venue - and the refreshments provided throughout the day are wonderful. I would highly recommend both Gwen's workshop and Quirky Workshops at Greystoke to anyone interested in Arts and Crafts"

29 Sep 16'

Ann Stupple reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"I have been on a number of courses here and they have all been excellent. My herdwick doorstop is lovely and even admired by James Rebanks of "shepherds life' fame. The food is lovely too, I always eat too much!"

29 Sep 16'

Patricia Davies reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"What a great day ! The venue is lovely, with a great atmosphere. The course was excellent, all the materials required were provided. The tutor showed all the steps and no sewing is required. We all went home with our own doorstop - wonderful. There are so many courses available, I will be returning. Vouchers are available which make great gifts."

29 Sep 16'

Roslyn reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"Excellent and fun course. Great tutor with easy to follow steps. Amazing lunch and treats during the day. One of many great courses offered by the cycle cafe st greystoke. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and would even attend this course again!"