Toolerstone

Autumn Wreath Workshop
2022-10-06 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-09-22 10:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
A wreath makes a beautiful addition to your home at any time of the year and you can now create your own in one of our Autumn Wreath making workshops with Susan from ‘Florist by Nature’.
The unique and beautiful style that is reflected in the stunning arrangements are taught in this step by step one day workshop. Your front door will most certainly be the best dressed in the street, you may even want to keep your wreath on display indoors so you can admire your own handy work!
The Workshop in detail
Join us for our creative workshop, where you will learn the skills to create your own seasonal door wreath. No experience is necessary as our tutor, Susan, will be on hand to guide you every step of the way.
We allow plenty of time and provide everything you will need to create your wonderful wreath. We will keep you nourished during the class as we include seasonal home bakes and refreshments as well as a delicious lunch.
Using seasonal, fragrant foliage from traditional spruce or eucalyptus to more unusual foliage that you may not have come across before, your autumn wreath will be finished with a handpicked selection of cones, pods, guords, quince, berries, fruit, moss and more.
Experience Level
We welcome all levels of expertise from beginner to the accomplished.
About the tutor
Susan is a Nantwich based florist with a particular passion for seasonal flowers and foliage to create a natural and wild effect, as if picked straight from the hedgerow. She loves to push the boundaries within floristry and relishes working on a blank canvas.
Timetable of the day
10.00 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & tea
10.30 Introduction by Susan to wreath making & techniques used
10.45 Preparing your wreath base and picking your foliage
11.15 Refreshments will be served
11.45 Continue with the workshop, working at your own pace, making the main structure of your wreath.
12.30 Delicious homemade, organic lunch in the refectory
13.45 Putting the finishing touches to your wreath
14:30 Floristry Questions/tips & photographs of your masterpiece!
15.00 Workshop ends but, your love of all things creative will continue.
What is included on the day?

All drinks, refreshments and a delicious lunch are included
All materials and tools will be provided for you to use on the day
An apron will be provided for the duration of the workshop
Free onsite car parking
Your wreath is yours to keep and take home at the end of the day

Do I need to bring anything?
The floristry wire used can be sharp, as can some of the foliage. If you have any gardening gloves we recommend you bring them along to protect your hands and fingers.

Highland Cow Head – Willow Weaving Workshop
2022-10-05 09:30 - 16:30
Basketry (or willow weaving as it has become known) is widely believed to be the oldest craft in the world, dating back ten to twelve thousand years and predating pottery.
Willow weaving in an ancient craft and evidence has been discovered that it was also practised in Roman times. Willow is still used to make functional items but it is also used to produce beautiful sculptures and amazing structures.
A bit more detail
The willow Sarah uses is from the Somerset Levels and is a renewable and sustainable crop. It is the ultimate green product absorbing carbon from the atmosphere as it grows.
The sculptures are made entirely of willow. Sarah’s workshops are run at a steady pace and are suitable for beginners. You will be expertly guided through every step to create a wonderful sculpture of your own.
About the Tutor

‘Willow has a fluidity that can’t be matched; it can twist and bend and turn to be reworked into whatever shape I desire; I am literally drawing with sticks.”
Sarah Gallagher-Hayes is a local willow sculptor. She has been creating sculptures for over 20 years and has been commissioned to make sculptures for Kew Gardens, Chelsea flower show and RHS Wisley gardens to name a few.
Sarah will be running a number of workshops throughout the year here at Toolerstone. The workshops are suitable for beginners or people who have done willow weaving before. Choose from seasonal pieces or small animals and create your own sculpture in one day.
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & pastries
10:00 Introduction to willow weaving & techniques used
10:30 Time to start your sculpture
11:30 Coffee will be served
11:30 Continue with the workshop and work at your own pace
13:00 Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory
14:00 Putting the finishing touches to your work.
15.15 Refreshments
16:30 Workshop ends but, you can take your sculpture home to show off!
What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day if required
Refreshments & a delicious lunch
Free onsite car parking
The most important bit, your very own willow sculpture to take home

What do I need to bring?
Gardening gloves would be of benefit as the willow can be tough on your hands.
Experience level
We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic professional!

Botanical Vase and Coasters Pottery Workshop
2022-09-27 09:30 - 15:30
Pottery has the potential for infinite variability through clay type, form and surface decoration. From vessels to making art, humans have been playing with clay for over 20,000 years. This tactile medium is wonderfully forgiving to work with and 3 dimensional forms are quickly produced giving the opportunity to work with a sculpturally.
A bit more detail:
Inspired by the beautiful gardens at Toolerstone we will be exploring nature to identify flowers and foliage that we will then use to create lasting impressions in clay. Using your imprinted clay your tutor will guide you through hand-building pottery techniques to create vases and coasters. You will then add colour to the surface decoration enhancing the botanical theme and producing a range of items that will look stunning in your home.
About the tutor:
Jeni Jacques-Williams, is a Cheshire based ceramicist and is a regular columnist for Clay Craft magazine providing articles to support and guide new and
experienced potters across the UK and internationally. Jeni creates pottery and teaches from her pottery workshop Lemon Studio in the beautiful village of Dunham Massey and has sold work in shops and galleries across the UK and for the National Trust.
Jeni is a member of the Northern Potters Association and is the founder of the Warrington Creatives Collective, a group of over 20 local makers.
Jeni will be delivering a range of pottery workshops throughout the year here at Toolerstone. The workshops are suitable for beginners and for those with previous experience working with clay.
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & pastries
10:15 An introduction to the workshop and time spent in the garden collecting foliage and ideas.
11:00 Tea and Coffee served. An introduction to clay and the hand-building techniques we will be using.
11:15 Time to start making your slabs, imprinting your foraged materials and creating your vases and coasters.
13:00 Delicious homemade lunch in the refectory
14:00 Embellish your pottery using coloured glazes and applying surface decoration.
15:00 Tea and cake.
15.30 Workshop ends and your pottery will be taken away by Jeni to be dried, fired and dip-glazed before being posted to you within 4 weeks.
What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day if required
Refreshments & a delicious lunch
Free onsite car parking
Following the workshop your pieces will be dried, bisque-fired, clear glazed and fired again before being dispatched to you within 4 weeks.

Hare – Willow Weaving Workshop
2022-09-21 09:30 - 16:30

Natural Dyeing, Felting and Stitch
2022-09-20 09:30 - 16:30
This workshop will introduce you to a range of flowers and plants that can be used to make natural fabric dyes. You will be surprised to learn that various well-known flowers and plants can be used to make beautiful colours. Many of these flowers can be easily grown, found and foraged. There will be a walk around the stunning gardens at Toolerstone House with Simon the Head Gardener and Melanie will demonstrate the dyeing process on an open fire in our outdoor teaching space. The hands-on crafting experience will take place in the cosy Brew Shed. This workshop offers a fantastic creative experience, allowing you time to connect and create with nature.
A bit more detail
Join us for a day of nature inspired creativity. This workshop encompasses elements of foraging, nature connection and crafting. It is suitable for complete beginners and for those who have experience of plant dyes and crafting.
Using a selection of naturally dyed Pre-felt you will construct and embellish a fabric pouch, purse or mobile phone holder. The pouch will be made using needle felting, decorative embroidery and stitch techniques.
We allow plenty of time for our students to enjoy the gardens and create their work. You will be provided with an exciting range of top-quality materials and resources to take home with you. We will take good care of you during your time with us, serving seasonal treats and refreshments as well as a delicious lunch.
About the tutor
Melanie runs Crafts in the Valley delivering creative art and craft workshops from her studio in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.
As an artist and craftsperson, Melanie enjoys experimenting with fused glass and textiles. She is inspired by the array of colour and texture found in nature. The wonders and beauty of the natural environment influence her work. She loves learning new creative processes and sharing her skills with others.
Melanie studied Fashion and Textiles at university and spent 16 years working as an Art Techer in secondary schools. Since 2019 she has been running her business full time and pursuing her interests in art, crafts, gardening and nature.
Melanie shares Toolerstone’s ethos, and believes attending creative classes can have a huge benefit on people’s well-being and happiness. She encourages her students to feel confident and relaxed and allows for artistic self-expression. Her aim is to help people enjoy the creative process without putting pressure on oneself to create perfection.
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & bacon butties.
10:00 An introduction to the workshop space and time spent in the garden looking for inspiration.
10:45 Tea and Coffee served around the fire pit (weather permiting!).
11:00 An introduction and demonstration of the dyeing process, heating up the dye pot over a fire.
12:30 Delicious homemade, organic lunch.
13:30 Making time, creating the felted pouches using needle felting, decorative embroidery and blanket stitch.
16:30 Workshop ends but, your love of colour, textiles and the outdoors will continue.
What is included?

All drinks, refreshments and a delicious lunch are included in your day.
All materials you need and an apron will be provided
Free onsite car parking.

What do I need to bring?
A positive, have a go attitude and a smile! You can also bring any special buttons, or yarn to embellish your pouch if you so wish.
Wellies and a waterproof as we cannot predict the English weather!
Experience Level
We welcome all levels of expertise from curious beginners to the accomplished.

Stag Head Willow Weaving Workshop
2022-09-15 09:30 - 16:30
Basketry (or willow weaving as it has become known) is widely believed to be the oldest craft in the world, dating back ten to twelve thousand years and predating pottery.
Willow weaving in an ancient craft and evidence has been discovered that it was also practised in Roman times. Willow is still used to make functional items but it is also used to produce beautiful sculptures and amazing structures.
A bit more detail
The willow Sarah uses is from the Somerset Levels and is a renewable and sustainable crop. It is the ultimate green product absorbing carbon from the atmosphere as it grows.
The sculptures are made entirely of willow. Sarah’s workshops are run at a steady pace and are suitable for beginners. You will be expertly guided through every step to create a wonderful sculpture of your own.
About the Tutor
‘Willow has a fluidity that can’t be matched; it can twist and bend and turn to be reworked into whatever shape I desire; I am literally drawing with sticks.”
Sarah Gallagher-Hayes is a local willow sculptor. She has been creating sculptures for over 20 years and has been commissioned to make sculptures for Kew Gardens, Chelsea flower show and RHS Wisley gardens to name a few.
Sarah will be running a number of workshops throughout the year here at Toolerstone. The workshops are suitable for beginners or people who have done willow weaving before. Choose from seasonal pieces or small animals and create your own sculpture in one day.

Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction to willow weaving & techniques used
10:30 Time to start your sculptures
11:00 Coffee will be served
11:15 Continue with the workshop and work at your own pace
13:00. Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory
14:00 Putting the finishing touches to your work.
15.15 Refreshments
16:30. Workshop ends but, you can take your stag head sculpture home!
What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day if required
Refreshments & a delicious lunch
Free onsite car parking
The most important bit, your very own willow sculptures to display in your home

What do I need to bring?
Gardening gloves would be of benefit as the willow can be tough on your hands.
Experience level
We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic professional!

Heavenly Hydrangeas in Watercolours Workshop
2022-09-14 09:45 - 15:00
Have a fabulous day experimenting with lots of different watercolour techniques to create these multi headed, lovely late Summer blooms.
A bit more detail
Join friendly and experienced Cheshire watercolour artist Allie. She will share her skills and give you guidance throughout your day, in the light and spacious studio space. All dates are suitable for complete beginners to intermediates. Includes art materials, a freshly homemade lunch and refreshments.
About the Tutor
Allie graduated with a BA hons degree in illustration and spent time pursuing her love of art in London. Allie says the “Drawing, painting and sketching is all about enjoying your topic”. Allie loves to paint in a garden or whilst on a dog walk – capturing the natural changing of the seasons whether it is summer with its delicate florals, insects fluttering around them, or sitting on a snowy hillside working on a landscape view.
Allie has had her work featured in many exhibitions including Young Illustrator of the year exhibition at Smiths Gallery, Covent Garden, The Association of Illustrators Gallery in London, The Arts Centre in Bollington, Cheshire. She has also exhibited paintings at ‘Summerfields’ in Oxford and at the Royal Collage of London in aid of the Art for Youth.
Timetable of the day
9.45 A warm welcome
10.00 Introduction and demonstration of sketching glorious multi
headed hydrangeas from the garden.
10.30 Allie will share exciting ranges of watercolour techniques; from using cling film, splattering and miraculous lifting out, you will have time to practise, explore and have fun with what you have learnt.
11.15 Coffee
11.30 Continue with the workshop at your own pace, sketch out your masterpiece and lay your first colour washes, Allie is on hand for guidance.
13.00 Lunch in the refectory
14.00 Adding depth of colour through further demonstrations, detailing leaves and the characteristics of these beautiful flower heads.
15.00 Putting the finishing touches to your work for a finish at 15.15
What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day if required
Refreshments & a delicious lunch
Free onsite car parking
The most important bit, your very own piece of art to take home

What do I need to bring?
You can bring your favourite brushes if you wish.
Experience level
We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic professional!

Hydrangea Wreath Workshop with afternoon tea
2022-09-13 10:00 - 15:00
A door wreath is not just for Christmas! Wreaths make beautiful additions to your home in any season and you can now create your own in one of our Seasonal Wreath making workshop with ‘The Little Potting Shed’.
The unique and beautiful style that is reflected in the stunning arrangements will be taught in this step by step one day workshop. Your front door will most certainly be the best dressed in the street, you may even want to keep your wreath on display indoors so you can admire your own handy work!
You will create a beautiful hydrangea wreath which should dry out over time meaning it will last longer than a tradition fresh flower arrangement.
The Workshop in detail
Join us for our creative workshop, where you will learn the skills to create your own hydrangea door wreath. No experience is necessary as ‘The Little Potting Shed’ tutor will be on hand to guide you every step of the way.
We allow plenty of time and provide all the equipment you will need to create your wonderful wreath. Seasonal treats, home bakes and refreshments as well as a delicious lunch will be served as part of the day.
Experience Level
We welcome all levels of expertise from beginner to the accomplished.
About the tutor
The Little Potting Shed team is made up of Keith and Elly, and their amazing team of florists, who create fabulous floral displays in a traditional Little Potting Shed style. All their florists are ‘classically trained’ and have a wealth of flower knowledge and experience, which they love to share at their classes!
Timetable of the day
10.00 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & pastries
10.30 Introduction to The Little Potting Shed team and wreath making & techniques used
10.45 Preparing your wreath base and picking your foliage
11.15 Coffee will be served
11.45 Continue with the workshop, working at your own pace, making the main structure of your wreath.
12.30 Delicious homemade, afternoon tea in the refectory
13.45 Putting the finishing touches to your wreath
14:30 Floristry Questions/tips & photographs of your masterpiece!
15.00 Workshop ends but, your love of all things creative will continue.
What is included on the day?

All drinks, refreshments and a delicious afternoon tea are included.
All materials and tools will be provided for you to use.
An apron will be provided for the duration of the workshop
Free onsite car parking
Your wreath is yours to keep and take home at the end of the day

Do I need to bring anything?
The floristry wire used can be sharp, as can some of the foliage. If you have any gardening gloves we recommend you bring them along to protect your hands and fingers.

Open Garden Mondays
2022-09-12 12:30 - 15:30
We are excited to announce that we are opening up our gardens on Monday afternoons from 12:30 to 15:30. For a small contribution of £8 (book in advance on line) you will be able to come along, enjoy coffee and a cake (included in the price) and escape for a few hours in this lovely, green space.

There is a small gift shop stocked with artisan products from local makers. We hope that you may wish to bring a camera and get stuck in to some photography, or maybe use one of our portable ‘sketching’ chairs and settle down for an afternoon of art.
Simon, our Head Gardener, will be hosting garden tours (1pm and 2:30pm) and answering questions for any keen gardeners. In warmer weather feel free to throw down a picnic blanket and chill out under the shade of one our willows down by the pond.

Gelli Plate Printing Workshop
2022-09-08 09:30 - 16:30
Join us for a stress free and relaxing workshop here @:Toolerstone where you will learn Gelli Plate Printing techniques with our tutor Clare Cosens. Monoprinting on a Gelli plate is simple and fun without the need for a printing press. The gratification is immediate and each print is truly unique.
During this workshop you will explore a variety of Gelli Plate Printing techniques. You will experiment with a variety of materials to explore texture and use botanical stems or stencils to mask and layer colour. You will complete the morning session having produced a variety of prints that stand alone or can be developed further during the afternoon session where you will explore mixed media techniques.
Clare will support and guide you through this process and help you to achieve your desired results. This workshop is suitable for both beginners or people with more experience that are looking to develop their skills.
About the Tutor
Clare Cosens is a surface pattern designer and print maker that takes inspiration from nature. Her work uses botanical forms that she collects on family walks to create one-off Gelli Plate prints, these are later scanned and digitally layered to create pattern designs. These designs are then individually printed onto a variety of homeware products at her home studio in Cheshire.
Clare is an experienced Art & Design teacher in the FE sector and has spent many years delivering and developing a variety of creative workshops suited to all abilities. Clare exhibits her work with Country Living Magazine at RHS Tatton and Harrogate Christmas Fair.
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction to Gelli Plate Printing techniques
10:30 Time to start your work
11:30 Coffee will be served
11:45 Continue with the workshop and work at your own pace
13:00. Delicious homemade, seasonal lunch in the refectory
14:00 Enhance your prints with mixed media techniques
15.15 Refreshments will be served
16:30. Workshop ends but, your love off all things creative will continue
What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day if required
Seasonal refreshments & a delicious lunch
Free onsite car parking
The most important bit, your prints are yours to keep & take home

What do I need to bring?
Just a smile and a willingness to learn.
Experience level
We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic professional!

Fox Willow Weaving Workshop
2022-09-07 09:30 - 16:30
Basketry (or willow weaving as it has become known) is widely believed to be the oldest craft in the world, dating back ten to twelve thousand years and predating pottery.
Willow weaving in an ancient craft and evidence has been discovered that it was also practised in Roman times. Willow is still used to make functional items but it is also used to produce beautiful sculptures and amazing structures.
A bit more detail
The willow Sarah uses is from the Somerset Levels and is a renewable and sustainable crop. It is the ultimate green product absorbing carbon from the atmosphere as it grows.
The sculptures are made entirely of willow. Sarah’s workshops are run at a steady pace and are suitable for beginners. You will be expertly guided through every step to create a wonderful sculpture of your own.
In our festive 5 in a day workshop you will make a heart, wreath, angel, star and a robin from willow.
About the Tutor
‘Willow has a fluidity that can’t be matched; it can twist and bend and turn to be reworked into whatever shape I desire; I am literally drawing with sticks.”
Sarah Gallagher-Hayes is a local willow sculptor. She has been creating sculptures for over 20 years and has been commissioned to make sculptures for Kew Gardens, Chelsea flower show and RHS Wisley gardens to name a few.
Sarah will be running a number of workshops throughout the year here at Toolerstone. The workshops are suitable for beginners or people who have done willow weaving before. Choose from seasonal pieces or small animals and create your own sculpture in one day.
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction to willow weaving & techniques used
10:30 Time to start your sculptures
11:00 Coffee will be served
11:15 Continue with the workshop and work at your own pace
13:00. Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory
14:00 Putting the finishing touches to your work.
15.15 Refreshments will be served
16:30. Workshop ends but, you can take your sculptures home!
What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day if required
Refreshments & a delicious lunch
Free onsite car parking
The most important bit, your very own fox willow sculptures to take home

What do I need to bring?
Gardening gloves would be of benefit as the willow can be tough on your hands.
Experience level
We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic professional!
