Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns reviews

1 Oct 19'

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

"A very fullfilling, enjoyable course. Annis is a great tutor, very supportive and enthusiastic. Anne at Quirky Workshops is inspiring, arranging these courses, providing the venue and great lunches. 5 plus stars all round"

1 Oct 19'

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

"You can teach an old dog new tricks!! Thank you Pip for an excellent 3 days in which I learned an enormous lot of new skills. When I've acquired my new stone chisels etc. I will be finishing the lettering on my house sign and displaying it for the whole world to admire. Pip is a splendid tutor, always with positive comments and encouragment. Three days passed too quickly, though my hammer wielding shoulder knew it had been exercised. It was great to be working in a group where we were all doing our own thing but subtly gaining from seeing what each of the group were doing on their own pieces. And last, but not least, many thanks to Annie for the organisation and also her participation in the course. Next time I pass through Greystoke I will look for her new Poplin Dub stone on the gate. And where would we have been without the coffee, tea, biscuits, scones with cream and jam and the excellent lunches every day. The kitchen staff must not be forgotten! A wonderful course!!! Edwin"

30 Sep 19'

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

"It was my first time attending a course and I found everything first rate. The whole place has a wonderful atmosphere and everything is organised to enable participants get as much as possible from the course. I got a lot out of attempting to carve letters on a piece of sandstone from the garden. Thank you Annie and Pip."

30 Sep 19'

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

"Yet another great day out at Quirky workshops! Annie is a wonderful and welcoming host, nothing is too much trouble for her. The home cooked lunch was delicious, this time served in the very welcoming kitchen. What a patient lady and tutor Annis is. I broke so many needles! My Herdwick doorstop is fabulous and now has pride of place. I would not hesitate to recommend this course."

30 Sep 19'

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

"Fabulous course. Very patient and clear instructions. All easy steps leading to a beautiful doorstop to take home. Delicious home cooking in a beautiful relaxed setting. Couldn’t be better"

30 Sep 19'

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

"Annie's courses are always brilliant in this wonderful venue, and this is no exception. Annis is patient and helpful, providing all the materials for a very reasonable price, and her precise instructions and use of 'stage' examples in the process of building the sheep are excellent for novices and more experienced needle-felters alike. I would recommend this course and venue without hesitation, and plan to be doing more to build up my menagerie of needlefelt animals!"

30 Sep 19'

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

"Thoroughly enjoyable day in a lovely venue with great company, and food. Annis was an excellent tutor, and we all went home happy with our herdy doorstop under our arm, I look forward to returning!"

2 Sep 19'

Sally P reviewed: Relief Carving in Stone with Pip Hall ...a 3 day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Dear Pip, We both wanted to say a big thank you for the wonderful weekend we spent with you, beginning to learn how to letter carve. We had a really great time despite the achy muscles and heads crammed to bursting with new knowledge. Neither of us realised just how physically tiring it would be and I certainly hadn’t banked on brain overload by day three! You’ve definitely turned us into fledgling carvers, keen to do more, so internet purchases will be made in the next few days, if not this evening. It was certainly a very different journey home, with lettering and stone leaping out at us from every angle. Thank you so much."

2 Sep 19'

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

24 Aug 19'

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

"Fantastic course not only for beginners in wood carving, but also for those with more experience. Alister talks you through all the basics, and is on hand to provide guidance, advice and assistance whenever needed. All the required tools were provided, and we even got a lesson on tool sharpening techniques thrown in. I was delighted with what I produced on the day. Catering at the venue was also excellent with tea, coffee, water and homemade lemonade available throughout the day, a tasty, filling 2 course lunch, plus afternoon scones! Highly recommend both this course and the Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns."

23 Aug 19'

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

"Had a fabulous two days and came away with a proven working longbow! Tony is an excellent tutor, very knowledgeable and offering practical skills where required. The venue is just perfect and even the second days rain didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm. The group were great and gelled really well, so if you're looking for something different this workshop comes highly recommended. Many thanks to all concerned"

18 Aug 19'

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

"Hi Annie, Thanks for sending the photos through. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day, and lunch was lovely. My husband and son were very impressed with the pots we made, and we plan to do more courses with you in the future. Best wishes, Janice & Amy."

18 Aug 19'

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

"Thanks Annie and Dave! Thanks for a brilliant day, course was excellent and you've created such a magical spot and so enjoyed sharing it for a day. Ella"

18 Aug 19'

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

"Hi Annie, Jo & Pam, We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ for today. We all three enjoyed the workshop and are all amazed at producing wearable items!! Also, could pass on our thanks to whoever cooked and prepared the food, it was lovely. Many thanks once again, Shirley B"

18 Aug 19'

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

"Thank you for a great weekend, I was on the bow making course. You and your lady helpers did a magnificent job in catering to everyone's needs and the food was fantastic. Please pass on my thanks to your team."

17 Aug 19'

Sue B reviewed: Specialist furniture painting effects: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Hi Annie and Sonja Just a quick email to say how much I enjoyed my Furniture Painting day on Wednesday. The course was excellent as was the food. I look forward to attending another one soon. Kind Regards Sue"

16 Aug 19'

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

"What can I say but fantastic..... My son and I attended the course run by Tony and we had a great time. Tony has a great depth of knowledge and supports students throughout. The venue was brilliant, great food and great people. Both my son and I are motivated to take these new found skills forward..... Thank you Tony for a great experience."

15 Aug 19'

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

"Relief Carving in Wood Workshop Me and my boyfriend recently attended a 1-day workshop at the Cafe, it was a wonderful experience, we will definitely repeat next time we're around Greystoke and maybe try another workshop. Alister was an excellent teacher, patient and kind and very able...we were both so pleased with our pieces at the end of the day. The food, homemade and organic, was fantastic and the service received during the day couldn't have been better. I 100% recommend it to anyone around the area, even if you're not a cyclist! The perfect place to enjoy a quiet tea and eat some delicious scones."

12 Aug 19'

Steve A reviewed: Cob clay pizza and bread oven building with David Alty: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"I just wanted to drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed yesterday's oven course with David. It didn't matter that the weather was less than perfect; it was good fun and no one seemed to mind. There was a lot of enthusiasm amongst the course group and we all had a good laugh as well as learning something. Thank you to you both for providing the fab food throughout the day. Keep up the good work! Steve"

12 Aug 19'

Carly A reviewed: Needle-felt a Hare - with Annis McGowan. A 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Hi Annie, Thanks for organising today, it was fabulous and your lovely workshop definitely lives up to its name! see you again another time"

6 Jul 19'

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

"Thanks Pip and Annie from us both for such an inspiring course in stone letter carving. Your teaching was excellent - we're so pleased with our pieces and what a great group and perfect setting; the food was a real treat too. After my house name I feel inspired to carry on and have a go at something else, maybe like the relief carving that Dave did. I might try that - if I manage to I will send you a photo! With thanks again, Cath."

4 Jul 19'

Nick S reviewed: Cob clay pizza and bread oven building with David Alty: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"Hi Annie & Dave, Thanks for a great day yesterday - David was a great tutor, the pace was great, his instruction clear and well explained. The food was lovely as well, and the setting was beautiful. I look forward to visiting again in October."

16 Jun 19'

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

"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Silver Clay day on 8th June. Jo the tutor was excellent, offering the right amount of guidance and help throughout the day and I'm thrilled with the pendant I made. Also the food was brilliant and a wonderful addition to a great day. I would certainly recommend you to others and will look out for the new dates for maybe more silver clay....maybe a class for those who have already done one, or for the silver jewellery course. Thanking you"

5 Jun 19'

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

"Hello Annie, My sisters and I would just like to thank you, and Dave, for the wonderful day we had whittling our birds. Everything was fantastic, from your amazing food to us completing our birds with brilliant instruction from the very patient Dave. We are still reeling from what we achieved and some of us are still whittling and improving our birds further. Please will you pass on our thanks to Dave, we hope to come back to your lovely home to learn something new soon. Regards Susan, Christine, Liz and Linda"

3 Jun 19'

Sarah B reviewed: Cob clay pizza and bread oven building with David Alty: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"This was just a one day course, very busy and hands on, a really fun day with Dave and 5 others learning how to tread the cob, make the 'loaves' and create a full size pizza oven between us. Fab food, great fun and the afternoon topped off with cooking fresh pizzas in another oven alongside the one we'd built. Would highly recommend."