Swallows & Artisans reviews

Philippa Lewis reviewed: Half day - 3D Needlefelt Christmas Tree Decorations

"I spent an afternoon felting Christmas decorations in the gorgeous Swallows and Artisans workshop. I was new to needle felting and this was a great introduction. I left with an angel and Christmas pudding and the knowledge and skills to go away and continue the craft. Hanne was an excellent tutor who is clearly passionate about her craft and took time to assist everyone when needed. I stayed overnight in the adjacent Lanehead which I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a crafty break."

Pippa Lewis reviewed: Beginners modern calligraphy with a Christmas twist at Swallows & Artisans

"Spent a lovely day at this gorgeous venue learning modern calligraphy with a Christmas twist. I left with a bundle of gift tags that I had created, a gift box, wrapping paper, card and bauble. More importantly I left with the skills, knowledge and tools to continue practicing the craft. A fabulous tutor who gave individual attention, assistance and encouragement and has inspired me to continue. The venue is amazing, I stayed overnight in the adjoining Lanehead and enjoyed a really restorative and mindful couple of days. Highly recommended."

Linda Logie reviewed: 2 day course to learn illuminated lettering at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Very good instruction. Many techniques were explained clearly and carefully by Sarah, with all materials provided to try out a wide range of gold and metal illumination. The venue was excellent with Karen ensuring a pleasant lunch and delicious homemade cake and biscuits kept our concentration and energy levels intact!"

Hannah reviewed: Half day - 3D needle felt toadstools & mushrooms

"Absolutely loved it! A lovely welcoming atmosphere in a beautiful space. I've since ordered my own extra materials so that I can continue with what I learnt at home."

melanie Reardon reviewed: 1 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hen or duck at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Really enjoyed the day My hen is in the garden and much admired. Thanks Melanie."

Julie Linton reviewed: 2 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hare at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"I had a wonderful time at Swallows and Artisans where I attended a 2 day chicken wire workshop with artist Chris Moss. The whole experience was fabulous and surpassed all my expectations! Both the accommodation and studio were wonderful and bright with stunning views in a beautiful location. The event was hosted by the lovely Karen who was very attentive and assisted by her equally lovely mum who provided us with scrumptious food. Tutor Chris was very attentive and provided us all with clear instructions in a relaxed, informal manner making the experience very enjoyable and rewarding especially when we all managed to create a uniquely different hare to take home! I had such a wonderful time, met some amazing souls and can't wait to return! Julie Linton"

Susan Lim reviewed: 2 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hare at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"This was truly an amazing experience. I stayed at Swallow and Artisans which hosted the course event 3d Chicken Wire taught by Chris, a renowned artist and teacher in her craft. The location was superb.. nature, Lake Coniston, fabulous modern accommodations provided by Karen who hosted together with Chris, our gifted and inspiring teacher .. it was magic ... The studio, property, and views were gorgeous, away and in nature, but easily a walk into the lovely town of Coniston for dinner. I came away with a stag head and a hare. Under Chris’ attentive manner and love of nature she helped me create a realistic piece of art I will treasure forever... Planning to return first chance I get.."

Susan McGahan reviewed: 2 day course to learn illuminated lettering at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"I attended this course earlier this year, it is very good venue, drinks available at any time, with cake and nice lunch. It was a good course for beginners and improvers, Sarah explained things well and everybody seemed very pleased with what they had achieved. All materials were provided."

Audrey Steele reviewed: Hand embroidery in the Lake District - Make a lavender bag using 3 techniques in 3 days

"Sarah Dennis is a true artist with thread. Be prepared to learn embroidery by a classically trained tutor. The course was fabulous and I feel I learned much more about the classical way to embroider and do goldwork. It was intense and close work, so really make sure you bring close work specs if you need them, or a magnifier. The venue is spectacular! Karen is a wonderful host. The accommodation is very comfortable with en suite facilities in every room. The bed was the most comfortable I've ever slept in. The rooms are very spacious so there is room for your family to come too if you wish. My break was respite so I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful location, wonderful views and the glorious weather. The food was delicious, varied and thoughtfully presented. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough. There is a lot of thought going into the development of the venue as a "go to" location for recharging your batteries."

Swallows & Artisans responded:

"Thank you for your amazing review Audrey. So pleased you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you and I'm looking forward to seeing you again. x"

Lisa-marie Newman reviewed: Combined 1 day beginner's modern calligraphy & brush lettering at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Beautiful venue and friendly people. The course was accessible to all levels and I really enjoyed it. Will definitely visit again."

pam lee reviewed: Beginner's modern calligraphy at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"A lovely morning with a fab teacher. I really enjoyed it and shall be back for more later on this year"

Jill Pakenham reviewed: 1 day Introduction to Illuminated Lettering at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"A highly enjoyable day in all respects. Sarah was a superb tutor, bringing this fascinating and ancient craft to life and inspiring me, a complete novice, with many ideas and much encouragement. All materials were provided, and attendees couldn’t ask for more. Our host and organiser Karen had thought of everything to make the day perfect. The venue is outstanding, with its purpose built studio adjacent to the beautiful Lanehead house where we enjoyed a delicious home-cooked lunch. Highly recommended, and I will definitely be returning."

Elizabeth Chaloner reviewed: 2 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hare at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"I had the most wonderful time, learning to sculpt a hare. The tutor Chris was amazing and informative. The location and view are wonderful and the lunch and homemade cakes were scrumptious. I am confident that I would be able to recreate another hare at home with the skills that I have acquired. I would recommend this two day course and will certainly be doing further courses at Swallows and Artisans!"

Swallows & Artisans responded:

"Hi Liz Thanks so much for your kind review. It was great to meet you and I look forward to welcoming you again soon."

Mary Allison reviewed: 1 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hen or duck at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"I had a really enjoyable day making my duck amidst the beautiful Cumbrian scenery. The tutor was friendly, very well prepared and had time for everyone who needed individual help. The lunch that was provided was delicious, and so, too were the cakes at break-time. My duck is now happily living in her new home on our patio!"

Swallows & Artisans responded:

"Hi Mary, thank you for your kind review. I'm pleased to hear that your duck is safely settled at home and that you enjoyed your day. The sun came out to give you a perfect view of the Old Man of Coniston too! I hope to welcome you again soon. Karen"

Fiona Julian reviewed: Beginner's Papercutting at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Well what an amazing day I have had at Lanehead, learning a new skill of paper cutting. I had never been on a course before and what a lovely place for my first course. Such a peaceful relaxing place with amazing views of the Lake District. The craft room was decorated to a high standard, you could tell a lot of thought had gone into it. I was made to feel very welcome by Karen (the host) as soon as I arrived and until I left, there was plenty of drinks and home made cakes!! What can I say about the course itself, Melissa the course tutor was so enthusiastic it rubbed off onto me. She was very patient and gave one on one time if needed to make sure you could master the new skill. It was lovely to achieve a cutting by the end of the day and to take home templates to be able to continue paper cutting. I will definitely be going back to learn more."

Swallows & Artisans responded:

"Thank you very much for the review. I'm pleased you had a great time - hopefully I will see you again soon!"

Carol Bolton reviewed: Beginner's modern calligraphy at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Really enjoyed my recent calligraphy course at Swallows and Artisans. The stylish new workshop was the perfect venue. Caron our tutor was really helpful and we were soon making lovely greetings cards and gift tags to take home with us. This course is a great introduction to the craft and I came home bursting with enthusiasm and ideas. The venue is in a truly stunning location and I look forward to returning for another event sometime in the near future."

Pippa Lewis reviewed: Beginner's modern calligraphy at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Fantastic course at the beautiful Swallows & Artisans. Caron was a great tutor - helpful, encouraging and informative, and clearly passionate about her craft. We left with some beautiful hand made cards, a box of tools to keep us going, and a real sense of achievement! We were well fed and looked after by our host Karen. Do stay if you can, Lanehead is idyllic and it's the perfect venue to 'get away from it all'. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course and venue to anyone looking for a crafty getaway."

Flora reviewed: 2 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hare at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Fabulous course, wonderful hosting and delightful accommodation. Can not praise highly enough! Possibly the most attractive studio space ever. I look forward to going back."

caroline Salt reviewed: Beginner's Papercutting at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"This is the first time I had been to Lanehead and it won’t be the last. I went on the course with a friend who like me hadn’t done papercutting before. It was an opportunity to relax, catch up and seek out my crafty side which I had forgotten I had. The paper cutting course was a real joy. Melissa was a great teacher who is clearly very skilled and passionate. Her enthusiasm was catching-so much so I bought one of her lovely packs and have since been converted to paper cutting! The venue is absolutely stunning, Karen has such a great eye for style and her fabulous work shop where the course was held was perfect. Calming, cosy, yet practical and modern. The food was great, simple but hearty and informal. The accommodation is ideal. Immaculate, comfy, home from home atmosphere and you can’t fail to be taken away with the breathtaking views surrounding Lanehead. I had 24 hours at Lanehead and left knowing that next time, I will definitely be taking more time to appreciate what is on offer there and learning new skills with new friends. Thank you Karen!"