Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns reviews

9 Oct 17'

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

"Good Day. Excellent food & drink to go with the course"

9 Oct 17'

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

"Really enjoyable day - fun, learned something new and pleased with the results despite being very non-creative. Great Instruction."

4 Oct 17'

Making felt slippers reviewed: Felt art and hand stitch with Marieke Tomlin a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"What a great course! Beautiful location; delicious, healthy lunch and refreshments; excellent, friendly tuition, complete with dashings of science and history (local and global) of felting.... this course takes your knowledge and skills of felting to a higher level. It would be suitable for the beginner or the experienced alike as there is always room for improvement. Marieke and demonstrates the process in an unrushed, clear, step-by-step fashion, resulting in beautiful, unique, warm slippers. The other ladies on the course were lovely to be with. We shared ideas, thoughts and knowledge. Ideas for embellishment were shared and observed. Annie made us feel very welcome, even offering childcare at the end after school pick-up in order to finish the slippers. I would recommend this course to anyone needing an uplifting day...and desiring special slippers! I still feel a warm glow from it nearly 2 weeks later. Thankyou."

1 Oct 17'

Ros sanders reviewed: Felt art and hand stitch with Marieke Tomlin a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I thought that making a pair of felt slippers would be so easy - just sew up some felt and hey presto ! But no we had to make the felt ourselves ... Lovely Marieke helped us to gradually build up layers of merino wool and patiently explained how to create patterns and colours. We worked so hard rolling and soaping and throwing and massaging and chatting -but what a result. An amazing pair of very cosy slippers which I designed and made myself ! A lovely day - helped by delicious soups and 2 puddings for lunch and scones with jam and cream for tea. Highly recommended!"

1 Oct 17'

Caroline Warlow reviewed: Felt art and hand stitch with Marieke Tomlin a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"What a fun day. We went home exhausted, each with a very different pair of wearable slippers. Annie joined in and happily supplied bundles of towels to mop her floor as we added more and more lovely organic soap and water to our creations as we rolled and rolled trying to remember which way up it was and how many layers we'd done. (Future sessions could do with some sort of chart to mark off as one goes along - all the chatting takes one's mind of the job at hand.) Annie's helpers provided a choice of three delicious soups (I tasted all three!) and two puddings for lunch at a table set out in the sunshine in the garden - time to gather our energies for the afternoon. Thanks especially to Marieke who managed to get her instructions across against all the chatter, while making her own perfect pair."

18 Sep 17'

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

"Just a quick message to say how much we enjoyed our two days learning Raku recently. The people, place, food and Dave's great tuition all made for a really lovely couple of days of our holiday. We are back in Cumbria again for two weeks at the beginning of August next year and hope we might be at the right time to enjoy another day (or two) with you and Dave. 5"

29 Aug 17'

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

"Had A great day at the whittling yesterday. Dave is a great tutor. The venue is lovely and the food was wonderful. The people were very nice and friendly. Thank you Graham"

20 Aug 17'

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

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable and was delighted with the results. Jo is any excellent friendly tutor and the hospitality was excellent. Would definitely recommend, and go back."

14 Aug 17'

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

"A wonderful two days having a great deal of fun making a lot of sawdust and a bow I'm very happy with! Tony is excellent giving just the right amount of coaching when needed and leaving you to learn the best ways without endangering your bow. The location is wonderful and the scones to die for. Highly recommended!"

17 Jul 17'

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

"Hi Annie, Thanks very much for the Blacksmith workshops yesterday - I really enjoyed it! Also lunch and afternoon tea were excellent. Kind regards MHT"

30 Jun 17'

Karen reviewed: Felt art and hand stitch with Marieke Tomlin a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Dear Annie, I had such a splendid time at the café last Saturday I wanted to write and say a special thank you. I've never been to a craft workshop before, and, given the extensive and interesting range, had trouble deciding which one to choose having received a voucher for Christmas. The felting choice was great. Marieke was lovely and a great tutor. The day was a joy from the moment of arriving and getting a cuppa with the yummy warm-from-the-oven biscuit until it was time to go. The venue was excellent, food fantastic and welcoming friendly atmosphere spot on. My partner was delighted that his gift to me had made me so happy and I'm hoping that future birthdays and Christmases might result in more vouchers coming my way! With very best wishes Karen"

22 Jun 17'

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

"A great day making some surprisingly lovely things! Dave was great fun, providing clear instructions and sharing his experience. He allowed us to be as hands on, or off, as we wanted, with lots of opportunities to learn & practice each stage of the process. Annie's hospitality was wonderful, with a delicious lunch, scones, biscuits and copious amounts of tea. Thank you!"

5 Jun 17'

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

"Thanks for a great day. The course was great but also the setting, lunch and gardens were equally enjoyable and all contributed to the lovely experience of the day. Thank you. I shall definitely return for another course and recommend you to fellow crafters"

29 May 17'

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

"I attended the 'whittle a bird in a day' workshop with Dave. It was fabulous. Clear and friendly instruction enabled us all to produce quality birds. Lunch was excellent too... soup, Greystoke mess...yummy! Highly recommend."

29 May 17'

Jackie H reviewed: Rag rug making for rugs, wall hangings and cushions with Heather Ritchie ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Yesterday was my first visit to Greystoke for a rug making course with Heather Ritchie. It was fabulous!!. Great teacher, inspirational woman, and a very TALENTED. Her rugs are amazing when you actually see them. The whole day was fabulous shared with other lovely women. The refreshments and lunch were exceptional and the overall hospitality..just warm and lovely. The day was filled with laughter... I travelled over 2 hours to get there and am already choosing my next course. Can't find fault with anything. ...loved it. Thank you."

29 May 17'

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

"Annie, Adrian Thanks for a fantastic day, I had a great time and loved both the hospitality and the course. The course was perfect as an introduction to blacksmithing and I'm really happy with the dragon. Dont worry Adrian i think I'm a long way off setting up my own forge! I'll definitely be back for more in the future. Thanks again john"

30 Oct 16'

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

"Thank you Annie and Janet for a really enjoyable day at Greystoke for the reduction lino cutting workshop. I hadn't done anything like this for many years and it was so rewarding to have excellent instruction and something to show for it at the end of the day. I feel motivated to continue and plan my next print. Annie's hospitality was wonderful, the food delicious and the company was stimulating."

20 Oct 16'

Rosie S reviewed: 'Botanical Watercolour ' 2 day course 'realistic to abstract' with Karen Innes : a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Thank you so much for the cheese making course at Greystoke last week - i really enjoyed it. Can't wait to try the cheese we made - its in the fridge next to the one I've made at home. I'm really getting into it - the family will have to eat a lot of cheese I think! thanks again for generating a lovely friendly atmospshere - lots of fun!"

20 Oct 16'

Chrstine W reviewed: 'Botanical Watercolour ' 2 day course 'realistic to abstract' with Karen Innes : a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Rachael, just to thank you for such a good course. I learned lots and have used the whey for bread and scones, both of which were lovely. I've told everyone who will listen what a super day it was and I hope lots more people enjoy your courses in future!"

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

"I have been twice now for willow weaving and the whole day is amazing from start to finish. Thank you so much"

18 Oct 16'

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

"Just done a 2 day Longbow making course here with Tony Saunders of YnotCoppice. The venue is absolutely excellent! Non stop stream of tea, coffee, home made biscuits, flapjack, soup,puddings and scones! The views are fantastic as well. Thanks Annie and your helpers."

18 Oct 16'

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

"Had a great weekend making a long bow. Very welcoming place with great food and a lovely host. Thanks for the gluten free cookies too Annie"

18 Oct 16'

Diana H reviewed: Make a Marvellous Messenger Bag with 'Hole House' Bags: A 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"The best course I have ever been on and the welcome and food was fabulous! Thank you"

18 Oct 16'

Jean H reviewed: Make a Marvellous Messenger Bag with 'Hole House' Bags: A 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Had a fantastic day with wonderful people, Emma and the whole course was great and the food was amazing - thank you"

18 Oct 16'

Joanne T reviewed: Introduction to Photography ~ One day Beginners' workshop with Danielle Ledbury : a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Did a weaving workshop then a stone carving workshop. Wonderful tuition and fab food."