Toolerstone

Stag Head Willow Weaving Workshop
2022-11-23 09:30 - 16:30, 2022-10-26 09:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | 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, 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!

Christmas Crackers and Modern Calligraphy Workshop
2022-11-22 09:30 - 15:30
Join us for our unique workshop in the Glass room @:Toolerstone, where you will create your own beautifully styled Christmas crackers with seasonal embellishments. You will also learn the art of modern calligraphy so you can personalise your creations.
A bit more detail
The art of modern calligraphy is taught by our experienced tutor, Sarah. Master the art of pen control, letter formations and the alphabet so you can add a personal touch to your Christmas crackers. The workshop will be followed by a delicious, festive afternoon tea served in the refectory.
Experience Level
We welcome all levels of expertise from beginner to the accomplished.
About the tutor
Sarah fell in love with calligraphy many years ago and was inspired to set up her own business, INKspire Calligraphy. Her work has been featured in national press and she has worked on celebrity weddings. We know that Sarah will give you the confidence to start your own journey in calligraphy.
Timetable of the day
09.30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with tea & coffee
10.00 Demonstration of how to create your crackers by our tutor, Sarah
10.30 Time to get making your crackers!
11.45 Calligraphy workshop with Sarah.
14.00 Delicious, festive afternoon tea.
15.30 Workshop ends but, your love of all things creative will continue.
What is included on the day?

All drinks, refreshments and a delicious, festive afternoon tea 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
You can take your crackers home with you!
Free onsite car parking

Do I need to bring anything?
Just a smile and willingness to learn.
** Please let us know if you are left handed so we can provide the correct pen & nib for you **

Stitch a Christmas Garland Workshop
2022-11-17 09:30 - 16:30
A bit more detail
In this fun and easy workshop you will make a beautiful garland to hang over your fire place at home this Christmas. Simply stitched and individually decorated with buttons, beads and ribbons, these little stuffed hearts are a unique and individual creation. Thread five or six of them onto a satin cord and you have a garland that you will want to bring out every Christmas!
You will be invited to choose your own colour scheme from our gorgeous selection of fabulous fabrics; tweed, velvet, needle-cord and liberty prints. We will have prepared these for you in advance so that you can quickly get on with designing. Stitching them together is simple but the fun part is deciding how to embellish them. We will provide a sparkling array of beads and buttons, some motifs, which you can applique on if you wish, lots of ribbons and some jingle bells!
Bring a friend along and enjoy this creative workshop with Christmas treats served in the decorated hall by the fire. A great way to get you in to the yuletide mood!
Timetable of the day
09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction to your day
10:30 Time to start your garland & choose your fabrics
11:00 Coffee will be served. Cheeky sherry & mince pie anyone?
11:15 Continue with the workshop and work at your own pace
13:00. Delicious homemade, festive lunch
14:00 Continue with your creations
15.15 Tea and seasonal treats
16:30. Workshop ends and you can take your garland home with you!
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 festive garland to keep

What do I need to bring?
Feel free to bring any fabrics and embellishments you have been keeping for that special project!
Experience level
We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic professional!

Felted Winter Hare Workshop
2022-11-16 10:00 - 14:00
Join Lorna, from Toots Design, in our cosy and festive brew shed to create a felt winter hare to hang on your Christmas tree for years to come.
You will be taught how to make a 3D hare finished off with a scarf! The fires will be lit and the fairy lights will be twinkling so, book a place on the perfect festive workshop. You will be looked after in true @:Toolerstone fashion with festive treats and fayre including a delicious lunch.
The Workshop in detail
This is beautiful and relaxing workshop, where you will learn the skills to create little piece of Christmas. No experience is necessary as Lorna 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 felted festive decoration and we provide everything you need. Seasonal, home bakes and refreshments as well as a seasonal lunch are included in your day.
Experience Level
We welcome all levels of expertise from beginner to the accomplished.
About the tutor
Lorna is the founder of Toots Design, an author, illustrator and animator. She creates stories which delight in the magic of the everyday and which provide comfort to the trickier parts of life – grief and mental health challenges. In 2020 Lorna taught herself to needlefelt so that she could bring to life one of her most loved stories – Mr Bear’s Christmas. Creating all of the characters and set from wool, she animated this short story and has gone on to start work on a second film – Mr Bear’s Day Out.
Timetable of the day
10am A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & treats
10.30 Introduction by Lorna of Toots Design to felting & the techniques used
11.00 Time to start creating your own felted winter hare
11.30 Refreshments will be served
11.15 Continue with the workshop, working at your own pace.
13.00 Delicious homemade lunch in our refectory
14.00 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 in your day.
All materials and tools will be provided for you to use.
An apron will be available for you to wear for the duration of the workshop
Free onsite car parking
Your felt creation is yours to keep and take home at the end of the day
Do I need to bring anything?
A smile and a willingness to learn!

Fox Willow Weaving Workshop
2022-11-16 09:30 - 16:30, 2022-10-19 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!

Lino Printing Christmas
2022-11-15 09:30 - 16:30, 2022-11-09 09:30 - 16:30
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!

Seasonal Water Colours Workshop
2022-11-10 09:45 - 15:00, 2022-11-08 09:45 - 15:00
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!

Figgy Pudding Felting Workshop
2022-11-07 10:00 - 14:00
Join Lorna, from Toots Design, in our cosy and festive brew shed to create a felt figgy pudding to hang on your Christmas tree for years to come.
You will be taught how to make a 3D Christmas pud topped with felted holly! The fires will be lit and the fairy lights will be twinkling so, book a place on the perfect festive workshop. You will be looked after in true @:Toolerstone fashion with festive treats and fayre including a delicious home-made lunch.
The Workshop in detail
This is beautiful and relaxing workshop, where you will learn the skills to create little piece of Christmas. No experience is necessary as Lorna 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 felted festive decoration and we provide everything you need. Seasonal, home bakes and refreshments as well as a seasonal, warming lunch included in your day.
Experience Level
We welcome all levels of expertise from beginner to the accomplished.
About the tutor
Lorna is the founder of Toots Design, an author, illustrator and animator. She creates stories which delight in the magic of the everyday and which provide comfort to the trickier parts of life – grief and mental health challenges. In 2020 Lorna taught herself to needlefelt so that she could bring to life one of her most loved stories – Mr Bear’s Christmas. Creating all of the characters and set from wool, she animated this short story and has gone on to start work on a second film – Mr Bear’s Day Out.
Timetable of the day
10am A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & treats
10.30 Introduction by Lorna of Toots Design to felting & the techniques used
11.00 Time to start creating your own felted winter hare
11.30 Refreshments will be served
11.15 Continue with the workshop, working at your own pace.
13.00 Delicious homemade, festive afternoon tea in our refectory
15.00 Workshop ends but, your love of all things creative will continue.
What is included on the day?
All drinks, refreshments and lunch are included in your day.
All materials and tools will be provided for you to use.
An apron will be available for you to wear for the duration of the workshop
Free onsite car parking
Your felt creation is yours to keep and take home at the end of the day
Do I need to bring anything?
A smile and a willingness to learn!

Autumn Foraged Table Centre Piece
2022-11-03 10:00 - 14:30
A floral arrangement makes a beautiful addition to your home at any time of the year and you can now create your own in our Autumn Foraged Table Centre Piece workshop with Susan from ‘Florist by Nature’.
The unique and beautiful style that is reflected in the stunning designs are taught in this step by step one day workshop. Your table will be the best dressed in town and you can add a candle to create a soft warm glow.
The Workshop in detail
Join us for our creative workshop, where you will learn the skills to create your own table arrangement. 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 table centre piece. We will keep you nourished during the class as we include home bakes and refreshments as well as a delicious lunch.
Using fragrant foliage from traditional spruce or eucalyptus to more unusual foliage that you may not have come across before, your autumn arrangement 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 floristry techniques
10.45 Preparing your arrangement and picking your foliage
11.15 Refreshments will be served
11.45 Continue with the workshop, working at your own pace
12.30 Delicious homemade, organic lunch in the refectory
13.45 Putting the finishing touches to your design
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 arrangement 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
2022-11-02 09:30 - 16:30, 2022-09-21 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!

Porcelain Christmas Decorations Pottery Workshop
2022-11-01 09:30 - 15:00
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. Porcelain is an extra special type of clay that we will be using to make delicate Christmas decorations. The word porcelain comes from the Latin word ‘porcella’ meaning seashell, implying smooth, white and lustrous.
A bit more detail:
Inspired by the beautiful gardens at Toolerstone we will be exploring the natural impressions that foliage can leave in clay to create stunning, delicate porcelain Christmas decorations and that will look perfect on your tree and make extra special gift tags for your presents.
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 Introduction and time spent in the garden collecting foliage and ideas.
11:00 Tea and Coffee served.
11:15 An introduction to working with porcelain clay and the techniques we will be using.
11:30 Time to start rolling your slabs, imprinting your foraged materials and cutting your decorations.
13:00 Delicious homemade lunch in the refectory
14:00 Putting the finishing touches to refine your work
15.00 Workshop ends and your pottery will be taken away by Jeni to be dried and fired before being posted to you within 2 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 and fired before being dispatched to you within 2 weeks.

What do I need to bring?
Just yourself and your enthusiasm to try something new!
Experience level
We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic

Autumn Foliage Wreath Making
2022-10-25 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 our Autumnal Wreath making workshop with The Little Potting Shed .
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 autumnal door wreath. No experience is necessary as The Little Potting Shed team, 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 lunch.
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 a Little Potting Shed style with a handpicked selection of cones, pods, guords, 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.
About the tutor
The Little Potting Shed team is made up an 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, organic lunch in the refectory
13.45 Putting the finishing touches to your wreath
14:30 Coffee & cake. Floristry Question Time and Tips.
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 in your day.
All materials and tools will be provided for you to use.
An apron will be provided for you 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 (holly leaves especially!). If you have any gardening gloves we recommend you bring them along to protect your hands and fingers.

Gelli Plate Printing Workshop
2022-10-20 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!

Autumn Foliage Wreath Making
2022-10-18 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-13 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 our Autumnal Wreath making workshop with The Little Potting Shed .
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 autumnal door wreath. No experience is necessary as The Little Potting Shed team, 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 lunch.
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 a Little Potting Shed style with a handpicked selection of cones, pods, guords, 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.
About the tutor
The Little Potting Shed team is an 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, organic lunch in the refectory
13.45 Putting the finishing touches to your wreath
14:30 Coffee & cake. Floristry Question Time and Tips.
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 in your day.
All materials and tools will be provided for you to use.
An apron will be provided for you 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 (holly leaves especially!). If you have any gardening gloves we recommend you bring them along to protect your hands and fingers.

Autumn Walk Watercolour Workshop
2022-10-12 09:45 - 15:00
This is a wonderful time of year to sketch trees, observing the delicate branches of trees as they reveal their glorious colours. We will sketch in the grounds if weather permits and paint indoors, including using natural sponges and explore lots of top tips and techniques with watercolours
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
09:45 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with refreshments
10:00 Introduction and demonstration of sketching trees in the landscape, drawing inspiration from the gardens
10:30 Allie will share watercolour techniques and her process for painting her Autumn walk scene, you will have time to practise, explore and have fun with what you have learnt.
11:15 Coffee will be served
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. Delicious homemade, lunch in the refectory
14:00 Creating the body of the work. Demonstration of how to include figures in your landscape picture.
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!

Lino Printing Hare Workshop
2022-10-11 09:30 - 16:30
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 the beloved British wild hare.
A bit more detail
In the morning session you will learn how to develop a design inspired by nature, woodlands and the long-eared hare. 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 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 print techniques and materials
10:30 Time to start your design
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 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!

Autumn Fest
2022-10-10 13:00 - 16:00

Autumn Wreath Workshop
2022-10-06 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-09-22 10:00 - 15:00
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

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.

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!
