Heavenly Hydrangeas in Watercolours Workshop
2023-09-26 09:45 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Have a fabulous day experimenting with lots of different watercolour techniques to create these multi headed, lovely late Summer blooms. 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 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.
11.15 Coffee will be served
12.45 Lunch in the refectory
15.00 Putting the finishing touches to your work for a finish at 15.45
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!

Autumn Wreath Workshop
2023-09-26 10:00 - 14:30 | 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.
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
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.
Timetable of the day
10.00 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & tea
10.30 Introduction to wreath making & techniques used
11.15 Refreshments will be served
12.45 Delicious homemade, organic lunch in the refectory
14:30 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.

Hare Willow Weaving Workshop
2023-09-27 09:30 - 16:30, 2023-10-11 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
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.
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Time to start your sculpture
13:00. Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory
16:30. Workshop ends but, you can take your hare 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 sculpture to take home

What do I need to bring?
Thin 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!

Hydrangea Wreath Workshop With afternoon tea
2023-09-28 10:00 - 14:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
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.
The unique and beautiful style that is reflected in the stunning arrangements will be taught in this step by step 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!
We allow plenty of time and provide all the equipment you will need to create your wreath. Refreshments as well as a delicious home-made afternoon tea will be served.

Experience Level
We welcome all levels of expertise from beginner to the accomplished.

Timetable of the day
10.00 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & pastries
10.30 Introduction to wreath making
11.30 Coffee will be served
13.00 Delicious homemade, afternoon tea in the refectory
14.30 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.

Feel Fabulous Fridays
2023-09-29 09:30 - 15:30, 2023-10-06 09:30 - 15:30, 2023-10-13 09:30 - 15:30, 2023-10-20 09:30 - 15:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Our Feel Fabulous Fridays are all about taking time out for yourself in the beautiful, tranquil surroundings of Toolerstone House.
Book a class (or 2) and enjoy our Coffee Shop, which is open exclusively to those who have booked on to one of our sessions throughout the day. Have a light bite, a brew and enjoy the garden view. We will be serving from 9am until 2pm with last orders at 1:30pm. Please note that we will close at 3pm.
Please note that ALL bookings for Feel Fabulous Fridays need to be made directly with the tutors via the links provided in the details below.
We recommend you wear suitable attire and bring your own exercise mat.
If the weather is kind we will hold the classes outside on the lawn.
All classes are low impact and suitable for all abilities. As with all exercise please ensure you are fit & able to take part and if you have any concerns about this please contact the individual tutors as directed below.

Pilates – 9:45 to 10:45

Clare Curtis will be teaching our first session on Feel Fabulous Fridays. Pilates is a complete movement system to enhance overall well-being. To balance the mind and body, by optimising joint and muscle health, posture and breathing. Through control, the precision of movement, and awareness of alignment you rediscover an efficient, seamless and beautiful connection to movement. This promotes strength, stability, falls prevention, inner strength and confidence, mobility and flexibility and helps to reduce injury. Breathing will improve as you restore your natural posture. Muscle tension will ease and your energy levels will be enhanced.
Changes are gradual and subtle but life-changing, notice climbing the stairs, reaching, balancing, lifting and coordination all feel easier. Sports performance improves along with the quality of everyday life and doing whatever you love.

Click to book Pilates

PureStretch – 11am to 11:45am

Emma, of Emma Wilson Fitness, will be teaching PureStretch which
is a top to toe functional stretch class. Working on your balance and posture, relaxing our mind as well as our muscles! Effectively mobilising joints in a gentle way to improve their overall health and range of movement. Releasing fascia and connective tissue which gets stuck and contributes to us feeling stiff and sore. Allowing your body to move within it’s own limits, but working on your flexibility, core and strength. By connecting with our muscle groups in a deliberate set of movement, it promotes good pelvic health, happy hips, healthy hamstrings, shoulder and spinal mobility, so that your daily tasks and movement like stairs, balancing, lifting yourself on and off the floor or sofa, getting in and out of the car, your sports performance, playing with children and grandchildren etc are improved.
A unique fusion of Pilates & yoga and a wonderful way to give your body some self-love and care, helping reduce risks of injury, promoting recovery from daily life and of course aiding your confidence in your own body and it’s capabilities so you can live the life you love!
Restorative movement for your mind and body.

Click to book PureStretch

Hatha Yoga – 12 midday to 1pm

Clare Curtis will be teaching hatha Yoga which is a Mind-body practice that incorporates gentle flowing movement, balances, meditation, breathing techniques, and relaxation to quieten our busy minds, relax tense muscles and ease joint stiffness to promote physical and mental well-being. You will be welcomed with a smile in her weekly sessions, where all levels are welcome and you can leave your stresses and tension behind.
Clare has a BSc First Class Hons in Sports Science and over 23 years of experience teaching yoga to share with you. Through a slow, mindful yoga practice you can experience inner calm, re-energise and feel more balanced.

Click to book Hatha Yoga

Butterflies & Dragonflies Weaving Workshop
2023-10-04 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
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 workshop you will be taken step by step by Sarah to make beautiful butterflies & dragonflies to take home.
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.
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Workshop starts
13:00. Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory
16:30. Workshop ends but, you can take your hare home!
What is included?

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

What do I need to bring?
Thin 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
2023-10-10 09:30 - 15:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
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.
A bit more detail:
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.
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
10:00 An introduction to the workshop and time spent in the garden collecting foliage and ideas.
11:15 Tea and Coffee will be served.
An introduction to clay and the hand-building techniques we will be using.
11:30 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 treats.
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.

Autumn Wreath Workshop
2023-10-12 10:00 - 14:30 | 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.
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
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.
Timetable of the day
10.00 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & tea
10.30 Introduction to wreath making & techniques used
11.15 Refreshments will be served
12.30 Delicious homemade, organic lunch in the refectory
14:30 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.

Lino Print Woodland Creatures Workshop
2023-10-17 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Join us for a wonderful workshop where you will learn the basics of lino printing with our tutor Kirsty Hall. Lino printing is a very relaxing pass-time, creating print after print with different inks. In this workshop you will create a design of one of our beloved British woodland creatures. It could be a wild hare, a fox, an owl or even a hedgehog – the choice is yours!
A bit more detail
In the morning session you will learn how to develop a design inspired by nature, woodland creatures and the great British countryside. You will be shown how to balance your design to create a strong composition and then how to carve your lino using specialist tools. In the second part of your day with us you will learn how to skilfully ink and print your blocks by hand and will experiment with colour. You will leave with a range of prints and hopefully a love of lino printing to inspire you in the future!
About the Tutor
Kirsty Hall is an artist and print maker inspired by the natural world. Her personal work often uses animals and botanical forms as a starting point and she enjoys creating detailed illustrations and combining them with block colour in a graphic style. She is currently exploring screen and lino printing and enjoys learning more about these wonderful processes. Kirsty exhibits her work and sells prints and originals in her online shop through her business The Little Art House.
Kirsty is also an experienced Art & Design teacher with a background in A-Level teaching and it is this wealth of experience which inspires her to create innovative, creative workshops with teaching at their heart.
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction to lino print techniques and materials
10:30 Time to start your design
11:15 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 will be served
16:30 Workshop ends but, you can take your print 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 piece of art to take home

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

Felted Autumn Landscapes Workshop
2023-10-18 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
This full day workshop will introduce you to the craft of felting, using wool fibres to create beautiful artwork. You will be encouraged to be experimental and get hands on as you enjoy learning the processes of this textile craft.
Taking inspiration from the seasons, colours and textures found within the garden landscape at Toolerstone, Melanie will guide you to explore new techniques, including wet felting, needle felting and textile embellishment.
You will have the opportunity to work with top quality materials, enjoying the colours, the soft feel of the wool and the wonderful process. Working with the wool fibres to create “Watercolours in Wool” is a lovely sensory experience!
About the Tutor
We are delighted to have Melanie Louise on board here @:Toolerstone. Melanie is a fully qualified Art, Craft and Design Teacher with a degree in Fashion and Textiles. Melanie believes “in creating a safe and friendly environment, and encourage her workshop guests to enjoy the process of the craft, without the pressure of worrying too much about the outcome. The outcomes are often far freer, and created with more fun and love this way!”. We couldn’t agree more!
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Workshop starts
11:00 Tea & coffee will be served
13:00 Delicious homemade, organic lunch in the refectory
15.00 Tea & coffee will be served
16:30. Workshop ends but, your love of felting will continue
What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day
Free onsite car parking
All Refreshments & a delicious lunch
You can take home your work and show it off with pride

What do I need to bring?
If you would like to bring any favourite threads, materials and embellishments you are more than welcome to use them in your work.
Experience Level
We welcome all levels of expertise from curious beginners to the accomplished.

Stag Head Willow Weaving Workshop
2023-10-19 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
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
16:30 Workshop ends but, you can take your festive 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, is your very own festive 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!

Seasonal Inspired Soap Making Workshop
2023-10-31 09:30 - 16:30, 2023-11-01 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Join us in the Glass Room for our hands-on soap making workshop. You will learn how to produce traditional, natural cold process soap using a variety of techniques. The focus will be on autumn harvest, autumn fruits, woodlands (charcoals, tars, saps & bark) & opulent soaps for Winter Celebrations. Working in pairs, you will be guided through the day making a number of different soaps following tutor designed, tried & tested recipes. As the class progresses we will share the soaps we make with the rest of the class, each leaving with 20 different 50g soaps!

About the Tutor
Rachel is a professionally qualified teacher, willow basket, stained glass & natural cosmetics maker. She specialises in producing practical items from plants & willows foraged, coppiced, or grown for their specific properties. A lover of all things natural she also works as a woodland ranger in Sheffield. Rachel regularly exhibits/demonstrates at large events nationally & teaches for a number of organisations including the RHS & Musgrove Willows. Rachel will be running a number of workshops throughout the year here at Toolerstone. The workshops are suitable for beginners or people who have done soap making/cosmetic making before.

Your day @:Toolerstone
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction to soap making tools & techniques used
11:00 Coffee will be served
13:00. Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory
14:00 Starting the soaping- 2 soaps mixed & poured
15.15 Refreshments
16:30 Workshop ends but, you can take your homemade soaps home – they would make a lovely gift.

What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day
Free onsite car parking
All Refreshments & a delicious lunch
You can take home your hand made soap

What do I need to bring?
A smile and a willingness to learn.

Experience Level & Useful Information

We welcome all levels of expertise from curious beginners to the accomplished.
You will be weighing out & measuring ingredients accurately & you need to be able to move around the room/stand for periods of time.
Should you need any assistance with this or need adaptations before the workshop please make us aware.
Please note that those who are allergic to citral should not attend the workshop.

Feel Fabulous Fridays
2023-11-03 09:30 - 15:30, 2023-11-10 09:30 - 15:30, 2023-11-17 09:30 - 15:30 | Cheshire

Gelli Plate Printing Workshop
2023-11-07 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
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!

Foraging Basket Weaving Workshop
2023-11-08 09:30 - 16:30, 2023-11-15 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Joe’s workshops are run at a steady pace and are suitable for beginners. You will be expertly guided through every step to create a beautiful foraging basket to take home and enjoy for years to come.
About the Tutor
Joe Gregory has been teaching weaving for over 10 years. Based in Todmorden, West Yorkshire she teaches from her workshop there to students from across the UK and internationally. She also teaches regularly for the RHS, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the NHS and for a number of small charities.
Initially she found herself drawn to willow after a long illness, a distraction from her young children and the hustle and bustle of life. Wonderfully versatile and forgiving, weaving with willow gave her strength, confidence and purpose again.
From humble beginnings working from her kitchen table she has grown her company Creative with Nature into a successful, ethical business using totally sustainable English willow and loves sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge in basketry and sculpture
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
09:45 Workshop starts
11:15 Tea & Coffee break
13:00 Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory
15:00. Tea & Coffee break
16:30. Workshop ends but, you can take your basket home to show off!
What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day if require
All refreshments & a delicious home-made lunch
Free onsite car parking
The most important bit, your very own willow basket to take home

What do I need to bring?
Thin 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!

Lino Print for Christmas
2023-11-14 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Join us for a wonderfully festive workshop where you will learn the basics of lino printing with our tutor Kirsty Hall.

A bit more detail
Lino printing is a very relaxing pass-time, creating print after print with different inks. You will learn how to create your own lino block designs and use coloured inks to create 12 Christmas cards as well as gift tags and place setting cards. This lovely process is fun to work with and you can experiment with colour and composition.
About the Tutor
Kirsty Hall is an artist and print maker inspired by the natural world. Her personal work often uses animals and botanical forms as a starting point and she enjoys creating detailed illustrations and combining them with block colour in a graphic style. She is currently exploring screen and lino printing and loving learning more about these wonderful processes. Kirsty exhibits her work and sells prints and originals in her online shop through her business The Little Art House.
Kirsty is also an experienced Art & Design teacher with a background in A-Level teaching and it is this wealth of experience which inspires her to create innovative, creative workshops with teaching at their heart.
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction to Lino printing techniques
10:30 Time to start your work
11:00 Coffee will be served
11:15 Continue with the workshop and work at your own pace
13:00 Delicious homemade, seasonal lunch in the refectory
14:00 More time to create your prints
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 very own hand-made cards, tags & place setting cards to take home for Christmas

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!

Blackberry Hunt Embroidery
2023-11-16 09:30 - 16:30 | Cheshire
During this workshop the participants will be guided to create a little embroidered berry branch with just one simple stitches.
It is suitable for beginners with little sewing experience.
Straight stitch will be taught, as well as simple applique and the more unusual skill of beading.
Delicate voile fabric is ironed onto a muslin ground, this is then stretched onto a wooden embroidery hoop.
I will demonstrate each stage as we go along, including how to use iron on Bonda web, split stranded embroidery threads, use a hoop, and create the stitches and how to attach the beads.
Once the embroidery is finished it is trimmed to size and ‘glued’ onto the chunky artist canvas.
The final canvas can stand on a shelf or go on the wall. The workshop is intended to be very relaxed and easy, yet quite unique in its approach to traditional hand embroidery.

Little Winter Houses Watercolour Workshop with Essoldo Design
2023-11-23 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Kate is an artist and illustrator based in Hertfordshire, her original artwork features beautiful watercolour techniques and mixed media details in metallics. Kate founded Essoldo Design in August 2020 – she has sold pieces to over 18 countries across the globe and has successfully licensed her work in the UK, Europe and the USA.
Why not join us for Kate’s workshop and create your own piece of art for your home?
A bit more detail
Based on simple geometric watercolour shapes, and featuring details in pen and ink, you will learn how to create your very own unique tiny town artwork that you can customise with a starry winter sky or crisp bright sunrise. You’ll learn a range of useful skills such as colour washes, wet on wet, and wet on dry techniques, as well as a host of different mark-making options and the use of embellishment to add finer details and highlights.
About the Tutor
Having gained a degree in textile design and surface pattern, life seemed to take Kate away from her art and launched her into a career in marketing. For many years any creativity was reserved for cake making and the odd craft project. Things changed during the monotony of lockdown 2020 when Kate decided to while away her weekends by picking up a paintbrush. Instantly her passion was reignited and she was soon creating custom artwork for friends and family. As commissions through her Instagram built momentum Essoldo Design was born!
From flowers and greenery to gemstones and jewels, Kate is inspired by nature. She is obsessed with embellishment so her work features a myriad of dots, decorations and most importantly gold! (although silver, pearl, copper and gunmetal occasionally make an appearance too!).
Kate is at her happiest while painting in her studio, listening to an audiobook and occasionally dipping her paintbrush absentmindedly into her cup of (builders) tea!

Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction to equipment & techniques used
10:30 Time to start your master piece
11:00 Coffee will be served
11:15 Continue with the workshop and work at your own pace
13:00 Delicious homemade, festive 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 art work home!

What is included?

All materials & tools
Aprons are provided for the day if required
Refreshments & a delicious lunch
Free onsite car parking\nThe 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!

Abstract Winter Water Colours With Essoldo Design
2023-11-24 09:30 - 16:30 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Kate is an artist and illustrator based in Hertfordshire, her original artwork and high quality Giclée prints feature beautiful water colour techniques and metallic details. Kate set up Essoldo Design in August 2020 – she has sold pieces to over 14 countries across the globe and has successfully licensed her work in the UK, Europe and the USA
Why not join us for a workshop and create your own work of art for your home?

A bit more detail
Based on organic shapes and featuring a palette of winter colours and metallics, you will learn how to create your very own, unique piece that combines watercolour, inks details, and accents of gold & silver.

About the Tutor
Having gained a degree in textile design and surface pattern, life seemed to take Kate away from her art and launched her into a career in marketing. For many years any creativity was reserved for cake making and the odd craft project. Things changed during the monotony of lockdown 2020 when Kate decided to while away her weekends by picking up a paintbrush. Instantly her passion was reignited and she was soon creating custom artwork for friends and family. As commissions through her Instagram built momentum Essoldo Design was born!
Kate is inspired by nature, from flowers and greenery to gemstones and jewels. She is obsessed with embellishment so, her work features a myriad of dots, decorations and most importantly gold! (although silver, pearl, copper and gunmetal occasionally make an appearance!).
Kate is at her happiest while painting in her studio, listening to an audiobook and occasionally dipping her paintbrush absentmindedly into my cup of (builders) tea!

Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction to abstract stripes, equipment & techniques used
10:30 Time to start your master piece
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 Tea and cake
16:30 Workshop ends but, you can take your art work 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 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!

Christmas Wreath Making with festive afternoon tea
2023-11-28 10:00 - 15:00 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
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 our Seasonal Wreath making workshop with Kayleigh, our in-house florist.
The unique and beautiful style that is reflected in the stunning arrangements are taught in this step by step 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 florist, Kayleigh, will be on hand to guide you every step of the way.
We allow plenty of time for our creative students to prepare their wonderful wreaths, provide everything you need to create your unique door wreath and to keep you warm during the class we include seasonal treats, home bakes and refreshments as well as a delicious festive afternoon tea.
Using seasonal, fragrant foliage from traditional spruce or eucalyptus to more unusual foliage that you may well not have come across before, your seasonal wreath will be finished in style with a handpicked selection of cones, pods, gourds, quince, berries, fruit, moss and so much more depending on the season.
Experience Level
We welcome all levels of expertise from beginner to the accomplished.
Timetable of the day
10.00am 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.
12.45 Putting the finishing touches to your wreath
13.30 Afternoon tea will be served in the refectory.
15:00 Workshop ends but your love of all thing creative will continue.
What is included on the day?

All drinks, refreshments and a delicious homemade afternoon tea are included in your day.
All materials and tools will be provided for you to use.
An apron will be provided you 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 (holly leaves especially!). If you have any gardening gloves we recommend you bring them along to protect your hands.

Christmas Watercolours Workshop
2023-11-29 09:45 - 15:00 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Ease into the festive spirit with this watercolour workshop. We will create seasonally inspired paintings that may be made into lovely watercolour cards. From festive wreaths, winter stags to robin red breasts – there will be something for everyone. The day of course includes lots of guidance, full of interesting techniques, colour mixing and a fun hint of sparkle!

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 a range of festive-themed pictures, a beautiful Christmas wreath, a festive stag or a characterful snowy robin on a holly branch.
10.30 Allie will share a range of watercolour techniques, 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 colour washes, Allie is on hand for guidance.
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Allie will provide watercolour-ready creased cards & envelopes to paint with your design.
15.00 Putting the finishing sparkly 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!

Toolerstone Christmas Market Preview Evening
2023-11-30 18:30 - 21:00 | Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN, United Kingdom
Following the success of last year’s event, we will be holding our Christmas Market on 30th November and 1st December.
Featuring local makers, artisan produce and a warm welcome for which we are renowned, it’s the perfect way to start to celebrating the Christmas season.
We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone so hope you can come and join us.
For 2023, we will be running the event across 2 days to ensure everyone has the opportunity to attend.
Tickets can be purchased for the preview evening or the day event, or both!
Preview Evening
Thursday 30th November
6:30pm – 9:00pm
£10 including mulled wine and mince pies.
As always, we are very grateful for the continued support we receive from our guests at Toolerstone. As a not for profit company, all funds received help us continue to offer free places to the care sector in Cheshire.
