Birtley Woodland Art Space is a community arts, crafts and wellbeing space for people to come together and learn from professional instructors passionate about sharing and passing on their knowledge and skills to others.
Helping people gain new skills and knowledge isn’t only a commitment, but also a passion. With our wide variety of courses and dedicated team of instructors, we make learning easy, affordable and fun.
Your hosts when you visit the studio are Lorraine Ellery Matthews and/or Ruth Wheeler .
ARTS & CRAFTS
We welcome you to tap into your inner creativity and join us for one of our mixed media art and craft workshops. We have a selection of seasonal and themed events with a wide range of activities to choose from suitable for all ages and abilities. In 2022 we introduce our new Whittle & Weave monthly workshop, Spring and Summer Woodland Retreats and themed events too, take a peek and see what's on offer!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
10 May 2024 at 09:00:00
Willow Sculpture Workshop
Working with Willow is a relaxing and mindful experience, especially when undertaken at such a picturesque location. Join Lorraine for a one-day Willow Sculpture workshop and learn a simple free weaving technique to create a Willow sculpture to take home. You will have a choice on the day to make either a Goose, Duck, Hen, or Pheasant.
See the ticket link for more information and to book
11 May 2024 at 09:00:00
Mini-Wattle Hurdle
Join Paul and Lorraine for a Mini-Wattle Hurdle Workshop and learn the traditional weaving technique used to create hurdles of all sizes! We will be using Willow to make our hurdles.
The finished hurdle will be suitable for use as border edging and will be 6ft in length and up to 2ft in height.
See the link below to learn more and to book.
11 May 2024 at 09:00:00
Botanical Sphere Workshop
Firstly, you will make a Sphere/Ball using brown Willow. You will learn how to use a free weaving technique to build up the layers of the sphere, ready for planting up.
We will show you how to then create a planting pouch to insert inside the ball from a selection of seasonal plants provided.
25 May 2024 at 09:00:00
Master Class in Pyrography
We are excited to offer a new workshop for those pyrographers that have attended one of Ruth's courses or has some experience in pyrography, it is advisable to bring a design or two that you have started already so that you can jump right in and practise adding different paints and effects and maybe gold leaf to your designs, or maybe you would like to try different tips, shading and more.
25 May 2024 at 09:00:00
Mini Wattle Hurdle Workshop
Would you like to learn a heritage skill?
Join Paul and Lorraine for a Mini-Wattle Hurdle Workshop and learn the traditional weaving technique used to create hurdles of all sizes! We will be using Willow to make our hurdles.
The finished hurdle will be suitable for use as border edging and will be 6ft in length and up to 2ft in height.
25 May 2024 at 11:00:00
Willow Berry Basket
In all our practical, hands-on workshops, you will also learn about Willow, how it is grown, how to prepare Willow, and the traditional basket weaving techniques used. In this workshop, you will make a Willow Berry Basket or Small Round Basket to take home.
See the link below for more information and to book.
30 May 2024 at 09:00:00
Willow Hurdle Workshop
To extend the season for our hurdle-making courses and for those who prefer to work with Willow we are introducing a two-day course to make a Willow Hurdle.
The hurdle Willow used for the two-day course is pre-prepared by soaking for 24hrs per foot.
This two-day course will allow you ample time to practise the techniques required to complete your hurdle these are the same techniques as used in making Hazel Wattle Hurdles.
15 June 2024 at 10:00:00
Intro to pyrography
Enjoy a relaxing and mindful pyrography workshop in the woods. There will be lots to see on this day as it will be our second day of open studios . We have 11 artists exhibiting and working around the space in your lunch break or afterwards you can spend time wondering around and chatting with the artists.
15 June 2024 at 10:00:00
Dream Catcher Workshop
In this workshop, you will create your very own, unique Dream Catcher! You will first make a Willow wreath base and once complete learn how to weave a web using twine in a colour of your choice!
15 June 2024 at 11:00:00
Flower Crown Workshop
The Flower Crown base will be made from Willow and then decorated with a selection of dried materials including grasses and seed heads, all sustainably sourced. Take a walk with the tutor around the lakes and woodlands to forage for some additional materials to add to their Flower Crowns.
This workshop will take place around our Birtley Woodland Art Space outdoor studio during our "Surrey Artists Open Studios" event. We will have artists and makers exhibiting their work on-site. Refreshments will also be available to purchase.
16 June 2024 at 10:00:00
Summer Foraging Walk
Join Elspeth, a passionate forager and wild food lover, on a small group foraging walk designed for those who crave a deeper connection with nature. This walk will feed your soul, spark your curiosity, and kindle a love affair with wild plants.
Using all your senses, we'll learn to identify fascinating species together. These walks are perfect for beginners - I'll guide you and help you gain the confidence to recognise and avoid common poisonous plants. You'll end the walk brimming with inspiration and armed with many ideas on how to use nature's abundance of wild greens.
21 June 2024 at 10:00:00
Wood Carving or Pyrography
Wood Carving is very rewarding and you will learn how to transfer your design , to marking out, gouging the back round out and carving 2d relief and details. You need a bit of stamina, expect to complete a small piece in a day or book more days.