Genre: Classes

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. 
£80. 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). 

Come and enjoy a day making pottery! In this workshop we’ll explore clay and create a imaginative, fabulous and functional plant pot. Using pinch construction, you’ll be guided step-by-step through this technique in a well-paced, fun, relaxed session.

You don’t need any experience with clay or hand building. This workshop is suitable for beginners or those wishing to recap and enjoy a lovely creative day out.

The workshop is led by Lakes based potter Marianne Lusby. She’s been working with clay for 12 years and teaching for 9. Her passion is divided between creating & working in this extraordinary material, the joy of sharing it with others. Much of her own work focusses on delicate botanically inspired forms found in the Cumbrian countryside.

All materials & equipment are provided. They’ll be ready for collection after 1 month. Please wear comfy clothes, that you don’t mind getting a little bit of clay on.

£55pp +£20 to cover all materials, 2 kiln firings and the glazing of your mug. Payable to tutor in cash on the day
Max Number 10
Minimum age 16 years
10am-1pm 
3h

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 and enjoy a day making pottery! In this workshop we’ll explore clay and create a beautiful imaginative vase to decorate your home. Using coil built construction, you’ll be guided step-by-step through this technique in a well-paced, fun, relaxed session.

You don’t need any experience with clay or hand building. This workshop is suitable for beginners or those wishing to recap and enjoy a lovely creative day out.

The workshop is led by Lakes based potter Marianne Lusby. She’s been working with clay for 12 years and teaching for 9. Her passion is divided between creating & working in this extraordinary material, the joy of sharing it with others. Much of her own work focusses on delicate botanically inspired forms found in the Cumbrian countryside.

All materials & equipment are provided. They’ll be ready for collection after 1 month. Please wear comfy clothes, that you don’t mind getting a little bit of clay on.

£90pp +£25 to cover all materials, 2 kiln firings and the glazing of your mug. Payable to tutor in cash on the day
Max Number 10
Minimum age 16 years
10am-4pm 
6h

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 and enjoy a day making pottery! In this workshop we’ll explore clay and create a hand built mug, perfect for your morning coffee. Using slab built construction, you’ll be guided step-by-step through this technique in a well-paced, fun, relaxed session.

You don’t need any experience with clay or hand building. This workshop is suitable for beginners or those wishing to recap and enjoy a lovely creative day out.

The workshop is led by Lakes based potter Marianne Lusby. She’s been working with clay for 12 years and teaching for 9. Her passion is divided between creating & working in this extraordinary material, the joy of sharing it with others. Much of her own work focusses on delicate botanically inspired forms found in the Cumbrian countryside.

All materials & equipment are provided. They’ll be ready for collection after 1 month. Please wear comfy clothes, that you don’t mind getting a little bit of clay on.

£90pp +£25 to cover all materials, 2 kiln firings and the glazing of your mug. Payable to tutor in cash on the day
Max Number 10
Minimum age 16 years
10am-4pm 
6h

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). 
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). 

Capture the quiet beauty of winter in this inspiring one-day watercolour workshop with Ruth Clayton.

In this relaxed and enjoyable session, Ruth will guide you step-by-step through a range of watercolour techniques as you recreate this tranquil winter scene featuring bare trees reflected in the icy surface of a frozen lake. Working with a palette of blues, you'll explore loose washes and tonal contrast to create atmosphere, depth and light.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to develop your skills, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to explore watercolour in a supportive and encouraging environment. Ruth shares simple, effective techniques that make the painting process enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

At the end of the day, your finished artwork will be professionally framed (£7 on the day), ready for you to take home and proudly display as a reminder of a creative day immersed in the peaceful beauty of winter.


10am -4.30pm. 
£70pp including Materials
Maximum numbers 14
Minimum age 16 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). 

In this workshop you will learn the basic techniques of painting watercolour, through a series of fun experimental exercises. The workshop will be taught through demonstration, practical work and looking at work by other artists. Taking inspiration and experience from those exercises, you will be guided to create your own final piece of work.

Please bring with you:
* Watercolour paper (NOT or Rough surface is recommended)- at least one large A2 sheet (it will be okay to attach smaller sheets together.
*Watercolour Paints (preferably good quality (student quality like Cotman is good).
*Watercolour brushes – at least one round brush No.8, 10 or 12 in size (other brushes optional)
*Water pots.
*Kitchen roll.
*Palette or plate for mixing colours on.
*photos of landscapes/seasons that inspire you (digital or photos).
*Hairdryer will be useful. ​
*We have a Design shop at Rheged in case you are missing any materials.

We have a Design shop at Rheged in case you are missing any materials.

Catherine MacDiarmid is an award-winning artist from Kendal and has exhibited widely.  She featured in the recent New Light Art Prize hosted at Rheged, and regularly has work in the Mall Galleries, London. She was a semi-finalist in the Sky Portrait Artist of the Year 2019, and painted renowned journalist and news reporter John Snow, live on the Sky Arts channel in 2020. Catherine has 30 years’ experience teaching art courses and workshops.

10am-4pm, £70 pp
Max number of 14 people | Minimum age 16
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).