Adult Crafting Workshops
Journalling the Countryside
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th September 2021, 10am-5pm
Join artist/bookbinder Cassandra Barron and artist/writer Julie Galante for this two-day countryside journalling retreat that invites you to slow down - to look, listen, reflect, and create – as you are inspired by the stunning natural surroundings At Birkhill House. Experiment with a range of bookbinding and journalling techniques, using handmade journals we have made together and a range of wet and dry media, as we explore the woodlands, fields and country lanes nearby.
This workshop will equip you with a range of bookbinding, sketching and writing approaches that you can revisit and apply in different contexts to give yourself some creative time to reflect and recharge whenever you need it. Most importantly this will be a safe space to play and experiment, perhaps with art materials and techniques you haven't used before, or have been curious about but need some gentle encouragement to try.
Lunches will also be provided, supporting small independent local suppliers Cafe ReCharge CIC and Firebrick Brasserie.
£170 per person, adults only, 12 people max, booking essential
Freestyle Weaving
Sunday 19th September 2021, 10am-4pm
Duns-based weaver Eta Ingham Lawrie leads this beginners workshop in weaving. You will be working with Eta's hand-dyed fleecewool, rugyarns and other natural fibres to create your own wallhanging to take home. All equipment & materials will be provided but please do bring your own scissors, a blunt ended needle and any other bits and pieces you might like to incorporate. Please also bring along a packed lunch, as there will be a break midday. Tea, coffee and cake will also be provided in the afternoon.
£68 per person, adults only, 8 people max, booking essential
Beginner’s Brush Pen Calligraphy
Saturday 25th September 2021, 10:30am-12:30pm SOLD OUT
Saturday 25th September 2021, 2-4pm
Emily Anderson of Inky Nib Designs is coming to Birkhill to run this engaging introductory level calligraphy course. During the workshop, you will be learning the calligraphy alphabet and will then letter a quote. You will be using a Japanese brush calligraphy pen to create modern calligraphy and you will receive a personalised brush lettering kit when you arrive at the class.
Your brush lettering kit includes:
*a printed workbook, including practice sheets
*a brush calligraphy pen
*an A5 quote card, which you will complete and can frame afterwards
£35 per person, adults only, 8 people max, booking essential
Origami Paper Crane Hanging Mobiles
Sunday 26th September 2021, 1-5pm
Tap into the ancient art of Japanese paper folding in this relaxing, mindful afternoon workshop. Learn to fold the iconic paper crane with Lara Armitage. Repeating the process nine times, we will then string our cranes from either copper wires or pieces of wood to create beautiful hanging mobiles, embellished with ceramic and glass beads.
Refreshments provided.
No prior experience necessary.
£28 per person, adults only, 8 people max, booking essential
Embroidered Books
Two Day Workshop
Sunday 3rd October 2021, 2-5pm &
Saturday 23rd October 2021, 2-5pm
Join Textile Artist Susie Finlayson and Bookbinder Cass Barron for this special collaborative workshop that combines embroidery with bookbinding, resulting in a beautifully bound book with hand-stitched cover. Split over two weekend afternoons, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to do some fireside crafting and learn a range of techniques with help and inspiration from two makers who are passionate about their craft.
Your finished book could be used as a diary, photo album, sketchbook or journal and would make a great personalised gift for yourself or a loved one, especially with Christmas around the corner.
£65 per person, adults only, 8 people max, booking essential
Honouring Herman, the resident cock-of-the-walk
Sunday 17th October 2021, 2-4pm
Anyone who has been to Birkhill has probably already met Herman and for those who haven't – there is a first time for everything! Join us for this relaxing stitching workshop dedicated to the bold, beautiful lad. Learn to transfer a simple peacock shape onto cotton fabric and then experiment with stitches and colour. Using your choice of peacock shades, have fun creating your own unique Herman with a combination of simple stitches. Lots of help from artist Lindsay Roberts and suggestions on hand to help you stitch an approx. 15cm square panel. All materials (including sequins) are provided but participants are welcome to bring their needles and embroidery threads if they wish. Extra scissors are useful. No prior experience or confidence required. Refreshments provided.
£25 per person, adults only, 8 people max, booking essential
Previous events
Origami flowers
Origami Christmas Tree Ornaments
Papercutting
Zoom crafting
Wet Felting
Lino cutting
Origami heart bunting
Bookbinding
Upcycle extravaganza!
Willow Plant Supports
Mindful Mandalas
Slate Mosaic
Thistle Workshop
Bookbinding: Sketchbook Selection
Pewter Casting
Felted Strand Necklace
Paisley Pattern Workshop
Slow Stitching' Blues
Mosaic Pendant
Needle Felted Creatures
Outdoor Creative Writing
Bookbinding: Layered Cross Stitch
Oil Painting
Slate Mosaic
Portrait of an Alpaca: Outdoor Mosaics