Genre: Classes

Spend a day discovering the historical printing process of Cyanotype; making beautiful “blueprints” from natural forms, found objects and hand drawn transparencies.

You will learn about the history of the process, how to mix the solution to coat a variety of surfaces, prepare and print a large selection of paper to use as greetings cards or other creative projects and explore ways of mark making on transparent surfaces to make negatives.

Participants may wish to bring a small selection of personal items to print with, such as pressed flowers, flat objects including feathers, keys, paper templates, images to trace etc. but there will also be plenty provided by the tutor.

£85 (inc all materials)
10-4pm
Max numbers 10
Min Age 16. no previous art experience needed.

Kim is a professional artist, illustrator and author of Beginner’s Guide to Cyanotype (Search Press 2024). She has appeared on BBC Countryfile demonstrating cyanotype printing at Dove Cottage in Grasmere and also works as a bookseller at Grasmere’s Sam Read Bookseller.

Please note tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges to other classes by the same tutor may be offered more than 2 weeks before the start date (subject to availability). 

Discover the art of collagraph printmaking in this engaging two-day workshop with Jenny McCabe. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced printmaker, this class is designed to inspire creativity and help you develop new skills.

Over the course of two days, participants will explore lots of card collagraph techniques, creating textured plates that will make unique prints.
Led by Jenny, an experienced and fun tutor, this class offers a supportive space for learning and creativity.

All materials are provided, just bring your own aprons, sketches or photographs you would like to work from and be ready to enjoy the process and leave with your own handmade plate and prints!

Jenny is an experienced artist and printmaker based in Lancaster, focusing her work on the birds we find in our gardens, hedgerows and fields, using traditional printmaking techniques.

10am-5pm each day
£195pp inc materials
Max Number 12
Minimum age 18 years
Please note tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges to other classes by the same tutor may be offered more than 2 weeks before the start date (subject to availability). 

Come join us for a fabulous 4-hour workshop celebrating our fabulous feathered friends, whilst exploring the wonderful heritage craft of stained glass with a contemporary twist!

With a choice of 4 different patterns to work from, suitable for both complete beginners and those experienced in stained glass, will you choose the stunning hummingbird/kingfisher, a cheeky freestanding seagull, an inquisitive puffin or create a petite wren/tit/robin?
Your tutor Kate will start by introducing you to different types of glass and design, covering how to handle and work with glass safely.  You’ll also have the opportunity to see examples of the pieces already assembled and other pieces of Kate’s own work to inspire you, if the surrounding birds in our duck pond and at in the bushes by the entrance at Rheged and on your journey to us hadn’t provided enough already! 

Kate will then guide you through how to cut and shape each individual piece of glass, wrap them in copper foil and join them together using a soldering iron, before applying optional finishing touches such as patina (darkening of the silver solder) or painted details should you wish.  You will be provided with a wide selection of different coloured and textured glass to choose from, so that your bird will be completely unique and personal to you.

All tools, materials and safety equipment will be provided.  However, due to the nature of the craft, please can you ensure you are wearing closed shoes (no sandals, crocs or sling-backs) and that long hair is tied back.  If you wear reading glasses, it is also advisable to bring these for the close detail work!!

As the soldering process does involve lead based products, it is not advisable for pregnant women to attend or those who are currently breast-feeding.  Children between the ages of 16 & 18 are welcome, but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Kate is a professional glass artist with over 30 years of experience, working with both the Tiffany and leaded-light techniques of stained glass. She moved to Cumbria 7 years ago, and was so inspired by her surroundings that she decided to change career and set up her business North Lakes Stained Glass, creating landscape and nature-inspired work.  You can now find her work for sale online nationally and internationally, as well as at artisan fairs and in galleries across the region.  Her portfolio of larger residential installations and public art commissions can be found on her website www.NorthLakesStainedGlass.co.uk.
Having appeared as one of the featured artists on the BBC 1 TV show ‘Make It At Market’ in the spring of 2025, Kate now runs regular workshops throughout the year to introduce and inspire people to enter the wonderful world of stained glass, as well as offering one-to-one mentoring and studio space at her personal studio based in Keswick for those wishing to develop their skills further. 

Max numbers 6
Min Age 16. 
£85. Additional Material costs to pay on day: £15 (or £17.50 if you select the larger Puffin option)

Please note tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges to other classes by the same tutor may be offered more than 2 weeks before the start date (subject to availability). 

This course is a perfect introduction to weaving for beginners. 

Enjoy a day of weaving a tartan scarf using a four-shaft table loom. Explore classic tartan weaving patterns and go home with a lovely scarf. 

Jan will have the looms set up, ready to go, when you arrive in the workshop room which is spacious and bright with views of the fields. Jan has over 30 years’ experience in the textile field both as a teacher and as a designer and maker of contemporary woven textiles for fashion and interiors.

10am -4pm
Maximum 8 people
Minimum age 16
£85 pp including materials
Please note tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges to other classes by the same tutor may be offered more than 2 weeks before the start date (subject to availability). 

Discover the ancient art of Kintsugi in a fun and creative way and create beautiful ceramic pieces to take home. Kintsugi celebrates the Japanese philosophy of the beauty of imperfection. You’ll learn how to safely break pottery and to repair it with gold, thereby embracing the cracks to make unique pieces of art. You will be given your own toolbox which will contain all the items you need for this workshop. Your Kintsugi pieces will make beautiful mementoes of the day which can be used as ornaments or as gifts.

Amelia has a Master's degree in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Lincoln. She is a gilt frame, objects, and decorative surfaces conservator and restorer and has worked in the Fine Arts sector for over 4 years gaining extensive experience in restoring and conserving antiques. During this time, she worked with Kintsugi and developed the technique for beginners to enjoy this creative art.

£62.50pp inc Materials
Max Number 16
Minimum age 18 years
10.30-1pm 
2h 30m
Please note tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges to other classes by the same tutor may be offered more than 2 weeks before the start date (subject to availability). 

In the first half of the class, you'll dive right in with a fun practice piece. Learn the art of preparing clay, choosing the perfect botanicals, imprinting with style, mixing plaster like a pro, and mastering the reveal as you bring your botanical creation to life. Every step, fully guided.

After lunch, it'll be time to bring your vision to life! Craft your final cast with newfound skills, adding personal touches and learning a few tricks for finishing, displaying, and exploring new ideas at home. Walk away with your own botanical casts, new skills, and a fresh perspective on how to bring nature into your art.

Hannah lives in the North West and forages for the majority of the botanicals used for the castings in her workshops. This means that the selection available changes with the seasons and the pieces created are constantly changing too. Hannah believes that allowing yourself to take time to be creative is important for overall wellbeing.

10am -3pm
Maximum 15 people
Minimum age 16
£70 plus £10 to be paid in cash to tutor on the day for materials

Please note tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges to other classes by the same tutor may be offered more than 2 weeks before the start date (subject to availability).