Description
I can now offer you the opportunity to learn how I make my sculptures first hand! Visit my newly built gallery and workshop space where you can make your own gorgeous garden bird from scratch using my techniques. Choose to create one of either a Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Robin, Sparrow, Goldfinch, Black Cap or Gold Crest, which are all created using the same body shape.
This workshop will give you an insight into my specialist sculpting techniques and is more complex than it may appear, so bookings are limited to a maximum of four adults per workshop and requires some concentration and dexterity. Drying time means that you will need to take a break of 1.5hrs over lunch, but there are plenty of nice places to eat nearby, in our lovely rural location, that I can recommend or you can bring a packed lunch.
We'll spend the morning session, 11am - 1pm building and sculpting the body of your bird and once they have been dried over lunch the afternoon session 2.30 - 4.30pm adding paint and decoupage to bring them to life. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. There is parking onsite but it is best if you can car share because of limited space. We have cat's and chickens onsite so please do not bring dogs along.
Because I work from home, you can book a day and time that suits you. If you prefer a set time and date you can book here at CraftCourses.com instead. CraftCourses will charge me commission, booking here will not.
Unfortunately the workshop is too difficult for children under 14 but if you are in search of childrens activities, why not try one of the downloadable templates created from some of my original designs which are available on my Blog page and suitable for making at home?
What's included in the price?
All the materials and equipment you require to make your bird are included. Protective aprons and gloves are provided but you may want to wear old clothing as it can get messy. I will lead you through the process step by step with any help that you need, plus you will receive full printed instructions for my "top secret" posh papier maché mix, so you can make more sculptures at home after the workshop if you want to! Never fear...I am a qualified artist practitioner of 30 years so you are in safe hands! Your sculptures will be dried out for you over lunch to prepare them for decoration in the afternoon. Drying time means that there is a break of 1.5 hours over lunch. There are plenty of nice places you can eat nearby or you are welcome to bring your own packed lunch. General refreshments (tea/coffee, etc) are provided throughout the day. It is possible to accommodate wheelchair users. The driveway is flat and the gallery floor is concrete, however there is a lip to the entrance of the studio, approximately 5 inches high, which may pose an obstacle. It is possible to park up to four vehicles but it is preferable if you can car share due to limited space for turning.
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts.
What about lunch?
You are welcome to bring your own packed lunch, but there will be a 1.5 hr break over lunch so that your sculpture can be dried out, ready for decorating. I recommend eating out, we are spoiled with lots of local pubs and cafe's to try in Kinver or within easy reach. Here some suggestions:
https://www.themanorhouseofwhittington.com
https://www.foxinn-stourton.co.uk/
https://www.thevine-kinver.co.uk/
https://www.baytreekinver.co.uk/
https://oldhousekinver.co.uk/
https://harleyssmokehouse.co.uk/
https://www.baciristoranteitaliano.co.uk/
https://www.whitehartepub.co.uk/
https://kinvertandoori.co.uk/
F.A.Q's
Is it accessible/can it accommodate wheelchair users?
The gallery/workshop space is quite accessible. The driveway is flat and it is possible to drive right up to the doorway if you have mobility issues. The floor inside the space is concrete. There is a lip between the driveway and floor holding bifold doors which is approximately 5 inches high - there is currently no ramp available to help negotiate this.
Can my child do this?
I have tested this workshop on various volunteers. The youngest particpipant I have had was 14 years old and struggled with the dexterity required to build and sculpt the bird which is why I recommend that it is not suitable for under 14's. Under 16's should be accompanied by an adult and because of limited spaces both adult and child need to pay for and participate in the course.
Can I bring my dog?
Please leave dogs at home. The gallery workspace is situated at our home and we have free range cats and backyard chickens on site who unfortunately will not appreciate your doggy companion!
Is there parking at the venue?
Yes, we have quite a large driveway which can accommodate up to four visitor cars. However we are situated on a busy main road which makes it difficult to back out of the driveway. Because of this car sharing to keep cars to a minimum is recommended to allow turning space within the driveway.
