Crafting Workshop Directory
Welcome to our crafting directory, designed for those who would like to bring private groups to Birkhill. These crafting experiences are ideal not only for learning new skills but for being creative together in a social way. Suitable for hen parties, baby showers, reunions, family outings, self-care & team-building days and good old-fashioned catch-ups with friends.
These workshops have all been tried and tested at Birkhill and are largely delivered by local artists and instructors. Each workshop has been priced as a whole and states a maximum number of attendees. Obviously, the more people attending, the lower the cost per person.
If you are interested in booking one of the following sessions, please use the contact form here. We will take some details and then liaise with the artist to organise the proposed session.
If you are an artist looking to be included in our directory, contact Lara Armitage: directorabh@outook.com.
Click on the workshop images below to find out more about each session.
Lara Armitage
I am director At Birkhill House CIC. My vision when my husband and I bought the Birkhill Estate was to create an offering that would encapsulate my experience and love for crafting, animals and the outdoors. My approach to craft incorporates natural materials, including the fibre and feathers of our gorgeous residents, alongside upcycled and reclaimed items. Origami is one of my passions and I always have paper near to hand. My workshop space hosts overflowing bowls of cranes awaiting flight, files full of maps and old music sheets yearning to be rediscovered and objects in need of new lives. I am partial to upcycled crafts, using things that would otherwise go to waste. I enjoy teaching children and have spent many years running workshops designed for kids. Having made my start in costume design during my English Literature degree at the University of Edinburgh in the 1990s, I still fly a flag for theatrical/dramatic presentation and look to use things in unique ways.
Origami Flowers
£120 for up to eight participants
Learn the ancient art of Japanese paper folding to create a bouquet of these delicate flowers. Choose from a huge variety of delicate origami papers, or bring something special to fold - scans or colour print outs of old letters or photos, for example. Create any colour scheme you can imagine! These make beautiful table centrepieces, or even a wedding bouquet!
All tools and materials will be provided.
Adults or accompanied teenagers only (14+)
Length 2 hours
Paper Crane Mobile
£120 for up to six participants
Tap into the ancient art of Japanese paper folding in this relaxing, mindful workshop, where you will learn to fold the iconic paper crane. Repeating the process nine times, you will then string our cranes from either copper wires or pieces of wood to create beautiful hanging mobiles, embellished with ceramic and glass beads. Make individual mobiles or work together to make a huge piece of art. These make beautiful gifts for new parents. No prior experience necessary.
Ages 14+
Length 3 hours
Christmas Tree Scenes
£160 for up to eight people
Learn to make beautifully folded origami Christmas trees and create festive scenes in balsa cheese boxes. Learn how to construct these gorgeously intricate folded trees and then mount them in balsa wood boxes to create charming festive tableaus. These look delightful hung on a wall, or on a sheltered or internal door in place of a wreath.They are a bit bigger than your average tree decoration but look lovely on the top in place of a star or an angel. You can continue with your festive folding skills at home to make Christmas card toppers, gift tags or decorations, or holiday bunting.
Ages 12+
Length 2 hours
Cass Barron - Bookbinding with Cass
Cass is a self taught bookbinder who has a particular interest in working with pre-loved and everyday materials. She first delved into bookbinding while studying Fine Art Sculpture at Glasgow School of Art, making her own sketchbooks to record her creative process.
After a brief stint in Newcastle and at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where she studied a Masters in Art Museum and Gallery Education, Cass moved to Edinburgh to take up the role of Development Officer with Voluntary Arts Scotland, where she worked for 8 years, providing support to voluntary-led creative groups across Scotland.
In her early Edinburgh days, while volunteering with Remade in Edinburgh, a donation of leather (from an old sofa) re-ignited Cass’s interest in bookbinding and has led to her developing a range of upcycled bookbinding workshops, which she now teaches full time, both independently, under the name ‘Bookbinding with Cass’, and in collaboration with a range of artists and venues across Scotland as well as offering kits and workshops online.
"I get a real buzz out of sharing my passion for bookbinding and inspiring others to see the creative potential of pre-loved materials that might otherwise end up in landfill. It’s great to see people leave each workshop with a unique and usable book, ready to start its creative journey, plus the skills and know-how to make more at home."
Bookbinding - leather/pleather journal
£360 for up to eight participants
Create a leather or pleather covered journal with and eye-catching exposed stitch and decorative inside pages. This book makes for a great sketchbook, memory book, journal or bespoke gift, with lots of opportunity to personalise. The focus will be on using remnant and recycled materials to make your book, with lots of tips and guidance on everyday materials you can incorporate. You are welcome to bring along your own papers to work into your book or if you have a theme in mind the workshop can be tailored to fit. Cass teaches a variety of bookbinding workshops so if you have another book structure in mind, please get in touch to discuss. This workshop is suitable for beginners or those who might have dabbled in bookbinding before.
All tools and materials will be provided.
The workshop is aimed at adults but can be tailored for teenagers if a member of support staff is available to assist.
Length 3.5 hours
Accordion Spine Memory Book
£425 for up to eight participants
This satisfying book structure features a folded accordion spine, hardcover and stitched signatures, with the option to incorporate pockets, tabs and textured pages. A great project that makes for a unique keepsake of a trip or event with the opportunity to weave in papers and mementos you have collected.
Bring along papery things you have collected from a recent trip i.e. leaflets, tickets, maps, photos or create something with the materials provided.
All materials are provided but you are welcome to bring along any decorative papers you would like to work into your book.
Follow up video instructions will be provided should you want to make more books at home.
Length 3.5 hours
Refillable Journal - all day workshop
£550 for up to eight participants
Make a functional and fabulous refillable journal in this day long workshop with Upcycled Bookbinder Cass Barron.
Designed for avid note takers, list makers, daily sketchers, stationary lovers and those of us who like to have a notebook to hand at all times! The A5 hardback book you will create houses 4 removable booklets and features pocket/envelope inserts to hold your treasures/receipts (because everything is better with pockets) and a nifty pen/pencil holder. The journal is finished with an elastic fastening, for easy access when inspiration strikes!
This is a great book structure with lots of opportunity to personalise with decorative fabric and paper, but the best bit is that once you have filled your first 4 booklets you can make another set and reload it - it's the book that keeps on giving and will last you years to come.
All materials are provided but you are welcome to bring along any decorative papers you would like to work into your book.
Follow up video instructions will be provided should you want to make more books at home.
10:30am-4pm
Length 5.5 hours
Botanical Bookbinding
£460 half day for up to eight participants
£535 full day for up to eight participants
Create a pleather or leather covered book with an eye-catching exposed vine binding, incorporating decorative papers, a nifty page divider and fastening inspired by nature.
Cass loves being in nature and getting creative with natural materials so this workshop is her attempt to bring all these loves together and share the botanical bookbinding love!
In the full day workshop Cass will share a simple but effective method for creating decorative papers using ink and leaves, which you can then work into with botanical inks. These papers can be used in your book later in the workshop to give it a really personal touch.
The book you make can be used as a sketchbook or journal.
All materials are provided but you are welcome to bring along any decorative papers you would like to work into your book.
Follow up video instructions will be provided should you want to make more books at home.
Length 5.5 hours - printing and bookbinding
3.5 hours - just bookbinding
Birkhill Book workshop
£450 half day for up to eight participants
£560 full day for up to eight participants
Create a leather or pleather bound sketchbook, featuring colourful exposed stitching, decorative inner pages, a nifty page divider and a woven spine.
This is a really substantial book with lots of opportunity to add personal touches and weave in materials from Birkhill House, including threads coloured with plants grown on-site and hand-spun Alpaca wool.
In a full day workshop you will have the opportunity to create your own decorative papers using botanical paints and foraged botanicals.
All materials are provided but you are welcome to bring along any decorative papers you would like to work into your book.
Follow up video instructions will be provided should you want to make more books at home.
Length 5.5 hours - painting/weaving and bookbinding
3.5 hours - just bookbinding
Mairi Flood
Hello, I’m Mairi the stitching creative behind @Meandering Yarns which is a documentation of my explorations into textile art and sewing. From a very early age, my mum instilled in me a love of making with yarns, textiles and much more. My parents took us on holidays to the Cairngorms and west coast of Scotland where we walked, camped or hostelled so not surprisingly that fascination with the natural world resulted in me studying Forestry at Aberdeen University. Later, when I had my children, I retrained as Primary teacher specialising in early years. All through my career, I continued to craft, sew and be creative. After early retirement, I bought a new sewing machine and decided to see if I could sell what I made as Bosie Hug Tweed Baby Booties and, latterly, as Meandering Yarns. I developed a love of Tweed and wool. In 2024, after ten happy years of this, I decided to change track to give me more time for my personal exploration of sewing and textile art. I was keen to find opportunities to sew with others and share skills. So, I started volunteering at Birkhill. I now run workshops and, when needed, help plan and deliver longer projects at Birkhill, such as the Multiply 10 Cats Numeracy Bags, Saturday Slow Stitchers and making tote bags with the Wednesday Makers Group.
Harris Tweed and Wool Felt Tool Holder
£480 for up to eight participants
This workshop spans a full day, giving you time to choose from an assortment of Harris Tweeds & wools to create your very own tool holder with unique embroidered design. Once made, they can hold all manner of tools – from leather making tools to felting implements, knitting needles to crochet hooks. Feedback from customers is excellent, with many saying they would never be without their tool holder!
All materials and tools provided. .
Ages 16+
Length 6.5 hours.
Wrapped Wool Brooch – Option 1
£230 for up to eight participants
Inspired by Sheila Hicks’s Off Grid exhibition in 2022, Mairi fashioned these gorgeous brooches from an array of 100% wool materials.
Constructed from 3mm thick pure wool felt with a wrapped wool embellishment made from wool offcuts from the Outer Hebridean weavers, these chunky delights require basic hand sewing using over sewing and stab stitch.
We will be stitching through 6mm of felt at points and the wrapping requires nimble fingers. All materials and tools for the workshop are provided.
Ages 16+
Length 3.5 hours.
Wrapped Wool Brooch – Option 2
£245 for up to eight participants
This workshop is the same format as Option 1 (above) but it requires a bit more time to prep your wools. The wools in Option 1 come from a Hattersley loom, which gives the bundles of warp wools a natural twist ready for wrapping. Here we must add in the twist as we wrap.
This brooch is constructed from 3mm thick pure wool felt, while the wrapped wool embellishment is made from donated wool waste from industrial looms. The supersized wrapped installations at Sheila Hicks’ Off Grid exhibition in 2022 inspired me to experiment with wrapping wool albeit on a much smaller scale.
Ages 16+
Length 4 hours.
Textile Art Card - Taster in Mark Making on Calico & Hand Embroidery
£220 for up to six participants
It may seem cruel but Mairi limits her colour choices to just three to create many of her hand- and machine-stitched cards. You will have an opportunity to try your hand at mark making with paints on calico then use basic embroidery stitches to create a small panel that can be mounted to make one greeting card.
For this workshop you will be upcycling some of the donated fabrics, floss, yarns, paint and cards that we have at Birkhill House.
Ages 16+
Length 4 hours.
Textile Art – Mark Making on Calico/Cotton & Hand Embroidery
£530 for up to six participants
If you prefer to spend more time experimenting with new techniques and looking into design possibilities then this is the workshop for you. It is split into two or three sessions.
Session 1 – Includes mark making on paper then mark making on calico or cotton. We will limit our colour choices, consider mark making tools and make a few to try out.
Once you have painted your fabric you will consider how to use it to design and make your own project in session two.
Session 2 – Cut, stitch and create your own project. The picture, brooches and cards in the image are suggested projects; however, pieces of your painted fabric could be used to make decorative, motifs for bags, cushions etc. Birkhill has an overlocker and four sewing machines if you require them to finish your chosen project.
By the end of the two sessions, you should have created enough painted fabric for subsequent project designing at home.
Ages 16+
Length 11 hours - two sessions of 5.5 hrs duration or three sessions of 3.75hrs duration
Textile Art Cards Workshop for Parent and Child
£175 for up to eight participants - up to four children accompanied by four parents, who will be make the cards along with their child.
Using fabric scraps and a sewing machine to create simple designs by cutting out fabric motifs and basic shapes. These shapes will be backed and or stuck down using interfacing or Bonda-web stabilisers. Both these stabilisers require a hot iron to apply them so adult support is a must for safety. After your picture is designed straight and zig-zag stitches will be used to attach the pieces to the card. Please note this is NOT a free motion embroidery workshop.
Ages 8 + accompanied by an adult
Length 2.5 - 3 hours
Miniature Textile Art Pictures
£185 for up to six participants
Using stem stitch, French knots and gathering and fraying fabrics strips, you can make your own version of this miniature 3D floral picture.
The techniques can be used to make bigger pictures and other embellishments.
The antique style miniature frame measures 8cm x 7cm. All materials are provided.
Ages 16+
Length 3 hours
Upcycled Reuseable Textile Gift Bags
£300 for up to four participants
The gift bag can be made from an old pair of denims or a similar weight of fabric. Once you draw a pattern and make your first bag, you can use this technique to make your own bags at home in different sizes.
You will make the bag’s front motif from small waste scraps of fabrics and yarn using a dissolvable fabric along with machine and hand stitching. This is a bit of a magical process where something unique and beautiful is created from waste.
Making the bag itself will involve using an overlocker, zigzag stitch and buttonhole stitch.
If you specifically want to use denim for this project, please bring along a pair of old jeans with most of the legs intact.
Ages 16+
Length 5 hours
Helen Houston
Helen comes from a long line of Shetland knitters, learning to knit from her Mum and Granny which ignited her lifelong passion for textiles. Studying at the Scottish College of Textiles (now Heriot-Watt), Helen graduated in Textile Design and has spent 30 years researching and teaching CAD design and structures for industrial weaving. The rest of her time is spent as a designer/maker for her knitwear brand Reffel and taking people into the countryside as a hill walking guide, where the scenery provides much of her design inspiration.
Creating a relaxed and sharing ambience Helen guides participants through unfamiliar techniques, allowing them to gain confidence with new textile skills. It is Helen’s joy to share her love of knitting, the outdoors and design with others.
Introduction to Fair Isle Knitting
£260 for up to eight participants
An introduction to Fair Isle knitted pattern work while using the traditional making method on three double pointed needles. We will look at how you can achieve an even tension while working with two colours in one knitting row. You will knit a small Fair Isle square that can be turned into a lavender bag.
We will also have time to look at Helen’s family collection of Fair Isle knitwear patterns.
Workshop best for competent knitters wishing to expand their knitting skills. Teenagers welcome if accompanied by an adult. Please bring three 3.25mm double pointed knitting needles, yarn will be supplied.
Ages 13+ (accompanied by an adult)
Length 3 hours.
Shaping through Knitting
£260 for up to eight participants
In this workshop, you will knit in the round on double pointed needles to create a ladybird lavender bag. Using increase and decrease techniques along with grafting (Kitchner stitch) to create a 3D shape. A fun project looking at skills required for knitting socks. We will also have time to look at other 3D knitted shapes.
Workshop best for knitters wishing to expand their knitting skills. Teenagers welcome if accompanied by an adult. Please bring three 4mm double pointed knitting needles, yarn will be supplied.
Ages 13+ (accompanied by an adult)
Length 3 hours.
Colour Walk & Design Workshop
£290 for up to eight participants
Join Helen on a walk in the countryside, taking photos of large landscapes or small close-up shots. Back at Birkhill we will use our photos to look at colour proportions within textile crafts.
A walk in the countryside near Birkhill House is a great setting to inspire colour work within textiles. Bring your phone to take photos of what inspires you. The walk will be approx. 4km mainly on unpaved tracks and earth paths. Please wear trekking shoes, bring a waterproof, and a water bottle. We can listen to the birds and hopefully spot some wildlife. Returning to Birkhill House, we will create yarn colour stripes based on the photos we have taken, looking at colour proportions and how to develop into knitting, weaving or patchwork.
All ages (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Length 3.5 hours (1.5 hours walk, 2 hours workshop)
Emma Jones - Wee Blue Press
Emma became fascinated with printmaking as an antedote to digital and web design. She loves sketching with and painting, getting covered in ink and using beautiful tools to create art.
Having experimented with linocut printmaking and monoprinting, she bought her own press - the wee blue press - which is neat enough to fit in her small studio/office. Over the last five years she has experimented with intaglio techniques, lithography and screen print. She also work with watercolour, ink and collage.
She documents her emotional reaction to the landscape around her using drawing, printing and natural materials.
Emma lives in the Scottish Borders with her husband and three kids, and two spaniels.
Introduction to Linocut
£330 for up to six participants
Linocut printing is a great introduction to printmaking, and one that requires little specialist equipment. A design is carved into the lino block, then is covered in ink and printed. The design can be simple or complicated – the possibilities are endless.
We will create a simple linocut design to make a small edition of prints. You can then take your design away to print at home. All tools and materials provided. Some design ideas will be provided, but please feel free to bring along images, sketches or thoughts to work from. No experience necessary. Old clothes and an apron advisable.
5-6 people
Ages 16+
Length 3 hours
Introduction to Drypoint
£330 for up to six participants
Drypoint printing is a wonderfully simple technique, which involves marking the plate with a point (a needle/pen without ink/nail etc), working ink into those marks, and printing it. It can stand on its own, or be combined with watercolour, monoprint or other techniques. We will create a simple design to make a small edition of prints using a press. You can then take your plate away to print at home. All tools and materials provided.
No experience necessary. Suitable for beginners/refreshers and those wishing to experiment. Old clothes and an apron advisable.
Ages 16+
Length 3 hours
Introduction to Monoprint
£330 for up to six participants
Monoprint is a wonderfully expressive medium which is all about playing and experimenting. We will create trace monoprints (using a variety of implements to create lines and shapes), subtractive monoprints (removing ink from the plate to create an image) and will experiment with using leaves and feathers. This technique really is a chance to explore and get messy!
We will create a series of prints with and without a press, and cover what you need to get started at home. All tools and materials provided. No experience necessary. Old clothes and an apron advisable.
Ages 16+
Length 3 hours
Lily Jordan
Hi, I'm Lily Jordan, a jewellery designer and maker based in St Boswells, near Melrose in the Scottish Borders. I founded Lily Carmen Jewellery with a mission to design expressive, elegant jewellery that's made to last.
My focus is on creating beautiful, wearable pieces that are produced sustainably from recycled and ethical materials, so you can wear them with pride.
Lily Carmen Jewellery is proudly local and led by the values of doing good by people and the planet. My jewellery is made end to end in the UK, starting in my home studio in the Scottish Borders, and all my suppliers are other British businesses.
Make a Silver Ring with Wax Carving
£330 for up to six participants
Come and create your own one of a kind ring using the wax carving technique. Here’s how it works:
We’ll have a look at the materials and some finished examples to get inspired.
I’ll support you to develop and sketch your unique ring design.
You’ll carve your design into jewellery wax, with demonstrations at each stage of the process. I’ll be on hand to help at all times for you to ask any questions you need.
At the end of the session, I’ll collect your finished wax ring and send it to be cast into silver. Once I receive your silver ring I’ll polish it up and then send it out to you in a gift box with tracked shipping. It’s then yours to wear forever!
All tools and materials will be provided as well as refreshments during the session.
Ages 16+
Length 3 hours
Magdalena Sobula
Since I remember, there was always yarn in our house. I grew up watching my mum and auntie knitting and crocheting and very early I became an enthusiastic crafter myself.
After moving to Scotland with my family I ran a small business, Stitching a Rainbow, selling custom made patchwork blankets and small crochet makes. I stopped in 2016, when I decided to turn my love of yarn and fabrics into a career.
I enrolled for BA in Design for Textiles Associate Programme with Glasgow Clyde College and Heriot-Watt University and followed with Master’s Degree, graduating in 2021.
I am a weave designer, self proclaimed alpaca fibre ambassador, knitter, crocheter, spinner and it brings me a great joy to share my passions with others.
In addition to leading workshops At Birkhill House CIC, I also run my own small business, Soft Stories Design.
Wool Processing for Spinning and Felting
£240 for up to 6 participants
If you have ever felt confused or overwhelmed by fibre processing, all the equipment, vocabulary or just the sheer volume of a single fleece, this workshop is for you. Working with small wool samples from several different wool breeds you will learn about wool properties by going through all processing steps yourself: skirting, washing, carding and combing. You will become familiar with fibre processing equipment and learn tips and strategies for processing at home and scaling up to process the whole fleece. Whether you choose to do it by yourself or get a group of likeminded individuals to join you, you will leave equipped with knowledge and confidence to choose and prepare fibre for your next project.
Ages 16+
Length 6 hours
Alpaca Fleece Academy
£700 for up to 4 participants
Why start small when you can start by taking the whole alpaca fleece all the way from dusty mess to fluffy clouds ready for spinning? This series of workshops is for crafters who want to take their skills to the next level and learn how to process alpaca fibre into yarn. Over the course of three sessions, you will learn the theory and practice of fibre processing, starting with skirting and washing, through picking, combing and carding, all the way to spinning into yarn. You will receive expert tuition and support to get the most of your fleece and walk away with the materials and knowledge to produce a ‘sweater quantity’ of handspun yarn. You are welcome to bring your own fleece (providing it is not moth infested) or buy fleece from one of our alpacas. All the tools and equipment will be provided. Please note that although drop spindle spinning and yarn design will be introduced but this is fibre processing course, we have separate workshops and courses to learn yarn spinning.
Ages 16+
Length 18 hours (3 x 6 hours)
Processing Wool and Alpaca Fibre
£240 for up to 6 participants
This all day workshop is an excellent choice for someone who wants to process their own fibre for spinning or felting but is unsure where to start. By taking various samples of wool and alpaca fibre through all processing steps from washing, through carding and combing to blending you will learn all about fibre properties, differences between wool and alpaca and how to choose the right fibre for your project. You will get a chance to try different fibre processing tools and equipment and you will learn how to scale up if you would want to work with a whole fleece.
Ages 16+
Length 6 hours
Blending Fibres and Yarn Design
£150 for up to 6 participants
Come and create an exciting colour palette while learning how to blend fibres of different colours and qualities in preparation for spinning or felting. You will get to play with a selection of natural fibres, including fibre from Birkhil’s own alpacas and sheep and other locally grown wool, and you will learn how to create bats, rolags and tops. You will get the chance to play and experiment with different proportions and preparations and see how your creation looks when spun into yarn. This workshop is great for crafters that would like to further their understanding of fibre and yarn properties, but no previous fibre knowledge is required to join in with the fun.
Ages 16+
Length 3 hours
Drop Spindle for Beginners
£150 for up to 8 participants
This workshop will take you through the basics of yarn spinning, plying and using a top-whorl drop spindle. This portable method of spinning is an excellent first step before progressing to spinning yarn on the wheel. Working at your own pace you will be guided through progressively more challenging spins. You will be working with different fibre preparations, from commercially processed roving to hand made rolags. You will leave the class with your first length of handspun yarn as well as knowledge how to choose fibres, tools and projects for your new crafty hobby.
Ages 16+
Length 3 hours
Introduction to Spinning
£300 for up to 6 participants
This double workshop is for crafters who want to learn how to spin their own yarns. It is a comprehensive introduction to spinning process, spinning equipment and natural fibres. During the first session you will learn the basics of yarn spinning and different fibre preparations. You will work on the drop spindle using park and draft method to spin your first length of yarn. In the second session you will be introduced to the spinning wheel – you will learn how it works, how to choose your first one, and you will practice treadling and plying. Both sessions are designed as a mixture theory and practice to ensure that you have hands on experience as well as good understanding of the spinning process to continue on your own. All equipment and a wide selection of fibres to learn and practice will be provided.
Ages 16+
Length 6 hours (2 x 3 hours)
Understanding Fibre, Yarn and Textiles
£300 for up to 10 participants
For smallholders, sheep and alpaca owners, this whole day session is designed to provide knowledge and tools to make decisions about fleeces and fibre they producing. Part lecture, part demonstration, the session is designed to provide essential knowledge and practical advice to help navigate confusing world of fibre processing. The participants will learn all they need about how fibre becomes yarn and textile, different routes, costs, steps and actors involved. After booking, the attendees will be asked to fill a short questionnaire that will help tailor the session to their specific needs. On the day here will be ample opportunity for questions and discussion to ensure everyone leaves with answers and action plan.
Ages 16+
Length 6 hours
Crochet for Beginners
£130 for up to 8 participants
This workshop is for complete beginners as well as ‘prodigal’ crocheters who would like to refresh their skills. You will start with slip knot and chain and end wherever your patience and enthusiasm will take you! A variety of yarns and suitable crochet hooks will be provided to help you find your favourites. We will talk about patterns, diagrams, symbols and techniques, yarn choices and hook brands. Whether you tried crochet before but got discouraged or never held hook in your hand before, rest assured you will be working at your own pace, stress free and with as much support as you need.
Ages 16+
Length 3 hours
From Chain to Square
£420 for up to 6 particpants
This block of crochet workshops is designed with complete beginners in mind but if you have dabbled in crochet already, you will still get the full benefit of the course. Starting with slip knot and chain, you will be guided through a series of small tasks and projects to build a solid foundation of techniques and stitches. With expert tuition you will be guided to produce a selection of crochet squares and learn how to join them to make blankets, cushions, shawls or jumpers. You will learn how to choose yarns suitable for a chosen project and how to work with written pattern and diagrams. Patterns, crochet hooks will be provided as well as a wide selection of yarns to make your samples.
Ages 16+
Length 9 hours (3x3 hours)
Doily Masterclass
£130 for up to 8 participants
Take your crochet skills to the next level and learn how to craft intricate doilies. During this three hour workshop you will learn how to work with fine cotton crochet threads, how to read patterns and diagrams and how to finish and care for your doily. Starting small with a simple coaster- size doily you will progress at your own pace to more challenging patterns. Your tutor, Magdalena, will guide you every step of the way, answer all your questions and provide advice for your future projects. Please note that this workshop is aimed at confident crocheters, it is not a ‘learn to crochet’ class. All materials and hooks will be provided, however feel free to bring your favourite hook (size 2.5 – 3mm will work best).
Ages 16+
Length 3 hours
Crochet Makes
£100 + £5 per person for materials
This crochet workshop is a perfect choice for a crafty night out – grab a few friends and come work together on a little, fun crochet project. Plenty to choose from for every skill level and any occasion: heart coasters for Valentines day, Christmas stockings, rainbow keyrings, snowflakes, flowers, and more. Choose a project, book a date and we will provide hooks, yarns, instructions and expert tuition to ensure you all leave with a finished item. Please note that this workshop is not suitable for complete beginners, the ability to make a chain and a treble is essential.
Ages 16+
Length 2 hours
Collaborative Art Session
£300 per group
Bring a group along to beautiful Birkhill to design and create a collaborative piece of art to put on your festive cards. Enjoy some early festive refreshments and banter, build your team’s resilience and take a moment out to be collectively creative. Magdalena will be on hand to guide you through the design process, suggest appropriate techniques and advise on materials and execution. Aimed at small businesses in the Lothians & Borders, these evening sessions are ideal for teams of 10 or fewer. How it works:
- Arrive and tuck into some seasonal delights
- Discuss potential design ideas and look through materials
- Divide up tasks and begin to construct a design
- Work happily and craftily until the card design is complete
- Pop finished design into our photographic light box and be blown away by the result
- Let Birkhill usher your card through the printing process
- Receive your box of cards with plenty of time to send out to stakeholders, service users and valued customers
Please note: there will be an additional charge for printing that can be discussed at the time of booking.
4-12 people
Ages 12+
Length 4 hours
Sunshine Stewart - My Mama Knits
Hi – I’m Sunshine, the indie yarn dyer behind My Mama Knits. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where I grew up surrounded by crafty types both in family and friends, and later studied Art and Art History at the University of NM. I made Scotland my home in 2004 and as an avid multi-crafter continue to be inspired by the nature, history and cultures of both places. Along with being the occasional workshop lead, you will most likely find me at Birkhill over excited while extracting and recording colour in the Dye Garden, quietly loving on one of the animals, or openly encouraging others to experiment with all manner of crafts.
Fabric Coil Coasters
£120 for up to eight participants
Come join us for a fun session of companionship and crafting and go away with your own coiled coasters. There are no special skills necessary and materials will be provided for two sets of coasters, with lots of colours and fabrics to choose from. All tools and materials provided.
Ages 14+
Length 1.5 hours
Fresh Leaf Indigo Dyeing & Leaf Pounding
£200 for up to eight participants
Explore uses for fresh indigo and woad and come away with your own hand dyed silk scarf or handkerchief as well as some leaf and flower printed paper.
Materials will be included. Indigo can stain clothes and hands and we will be working outside, so dress suitably.
Ages 14+
Length 1.5 hours
Eco-Printing and Petal Paints
£240 for up to eight participants
Explore leaves and petals in this hands on session starting with eco-printing around a fire pit. We'll also work with ph sensitive petal paints and oak gall inks. You'll come away with several A5 sheets that can be later used for a variety of crafts. Materials included. Wear suitable outdoor clothes for the weather.
Ages 14+
Length 2.5 hours
Halloween Needle Felting
£120 for up to eight participants
Enjoy a Spooktacular session of Halloween themed needle felting.
Learn to make eyeballs, pumpkins and witches cauldrons, or let the spirit of the season spark an original creation to life.
All tools and materials will be provided and additional supplies will be available to purchase.
Ages 12+
Length 2 hours
Quick Cowl
£144 for up to eight participants
The Quick Cowl is a fun and funky knitting pattern that uses basic knitting skills, big needles and a variety of yarns to quickly produce a gorgeous and cosy knit. We will have an array of yarns in varying textures and colours to work with. Materials provided. Basic knitting skills are needed, such as the ability to cast on and knit stitch.
Adults only
Length 2 hours
Gingerbread Houses
£120 for up to eight participants
Come and join us at Birkhill House and make your very own needle felted house for the holidays.
These sweet little houses look great on mantles or strung on the tree as ornaments. All tools and materials will be provided and additional supplies will be available to purchase.
Ages 14+
Length 2 hours
Solar Dyeing and Cyanotype
£320 for up to eight participants
Harness the power of the sun to create naturally beautiful yarn and stunning cyanotype prints using flowers and plants from the At Birkhill House dye garden. We will be out in the dye garden gathering dyestuffs so dress accordingly.
*We will be setting up your jar on the day, but it will take a couple months for the sun to work her magic.
Ages 14+
Length 2.5 hours
Tartan Rag Wreaths
£160 for up to eight participants
Make your very own festive Tartan Rag Wreath in this easy but satisfying workshop. Choose from a huge variety of tartan scraps and create any colour scheme you can imagine! All tools and materials will be provided.
All ages, but under 10s must be accompanied by an adult.
Length 1.5 hours
Solar Dyeing
£200 for up to eight participants
Harness the power of the sun to create naturally beautiful yarn, fibre or fabric. Easy, eco-friendly and sustainable, solar dyeing is a great way to play with colour without lots of expensive kit. We will be out in the dye garden gathering dyestuffs so dress accordingly.
*We will be setting up your jar on the day, but it will take a couple months for the sun to work her magic.
Ages 14+
Length 1.5 hours
Wizard Wands
£120 for up to eight participants
Come and join us at Birkhill House for a fun session crafting your own wizard wand, perfect for finishing off a costume or simply adding to your everyday magical vibe. These wands also make a great handmade gift for your favourite Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings fans.All tools and materials will be provided. Please be aware that we will be working with paints and you may need to transport your wand semi-dry if time runs out!
Ages 14+
Length 2 hours
Peg Loom Weaving
£520 for up to eight participants
Make your own gorgeous soft seat pad, pet mat, or rug while learning an ancient weaving craft. Easy and fun, peg loom weaving is suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. We will go over how to warp the peg loom, weave, finish off, and wash your piece. You can choose from dirty/natural fleece, coloured rovings, yarn or fabric. Use of a loom, materials, and tuition included.
At the end of the day should you like to continue your loom weaving journey, there is the option of purchasing the loom used during the workshop. Kits and materials are also available from our in-house shop.
Ages 14+
Length 5 hours
Natural Pigments and Handmade Watercolours
£330 for up to six participants
Come and join us at Birkhill House for an informative session of natural watercolour making with homegrown pigments from the Birkhill House dye garden. During the session we will go over how to extract colours from raw plant material, as well as how to preserve the colours as shelf stable pigments. We will then play with some previously created pigments and binders to make natural watercolours.
Materials will be included and each participant will go away with a watercolour sample of their very own.
Simple refreshments are included, but there will be time for a break should you wish to bring a lunch and take in the atmosphere of the dye garden.
Ages 14+
Length 3 hours
Doodle Drawing Session
£120 for up to twelve participants
Like to doodle, draw, collage or paint? Spend some time with us at Birkhill and enter the flow state while you focus on doodling and drawing in our creative spaces.
Whether your interest happens to be in meditative mark making, journaling, fine drawing, lettering, zentangle or collage art, all skills and interests are welcome. There is no dedicated instruction of particular art techniques, but prompts/themes will be provided if anyone feels like they need something to start with.
Light refreshments will be included and participants will have access to our giant light box and an assortment of art materials from those donated to us. Weather permitting, sessions will take place outdoors where you will be surrounded by a plethora of animal and botanical subjects to inspire you.
Hand bound sketch and art journals, as well as handmade natural paints and inks, will also available to purchase from our in-house shop should you need more supplies.
Ages 14+
Length 2 hours
Roslyn Whiting - Roslyn Whiting Leathercraft
Roslyn was thirteen, at a youth camp, when she got the opportunity to learn how to hand-tool designs onto leather, and instantly loved it.
"I grew up in the city of Aberdeen. My Grandparents lived on a croft around 30 miles away in the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. I used to love visiting and felt ‘free’ listening to the birds and animals. Although I grew up in a city, I had a strong pull to the countryside. I now live in the small town of Melrose, surrounded by beautiful Scottish Borders countryside. I use my surrounding countryside as inspiration for my designs making my products unique.
I have an HND in Spatial Design. Although I don’t use my HND to design interiors and exhibitions anymore, I still use my college drawing board for coming up with new product designs.
I am a detailed person; I like to make the best products I can and work hard to use traditional methods and source quality materials to make products that will last. I love the thought of my customers enjoying using my products for years.
I enjoy learning and developing my leatherwork skills. Keep watching my website as I develop new products."
Hand-Stitch a Card Holder or Wallet
£85 per person
You will learn all the processes involved in hand-stitching leather and the extra finishes that make a quality card holder or wallet, using a choice of various leathers. All leather, materials and tools will be provided. Bring a pack lunch!
3-5 people
Adults or accompanied teenagers only (14+)
Length 6 hours (including over lunch), usually 10am-4pm
Learn how to Hand-Tool Leather
£35 per person
Learn the traditional craft of hand-tooling designs onto leather by making a coaster, keyring or picture. You will be taught how to take your own drawing and hand-tool it onto leather. Don’t worry if you don’t like drawing - templates and books of designs will be provided. There will also be stamps available including lettering and numbers. All leather, materials and tools will be provided.
4-6 people
Adults or accompanied teenagers only (14+)
Length 3 hours
Hand-Stitch a Quality Leather Belt
£75 per person
You will learn all the processes involved in hand-stitching leather and the extra finishes that make a quality belt. All leather, buckles, materials and tools will be provided. All you need to bring is a belt that currently fits so we can measure it and make your new belt the perfect size, and a packed lunch!
3-5 people
Adults or accompanied teenagers only (14+)
Length 6 hours (including over lunch) usually 10am - 4pm