Mosaics at Cowshed Creative
Vicky Smith
Cowshed Creative offers a lively calendar of workshops, all based in a two-storey traditional Lakeland barn conversion nestled in the peaceful Kentmere Valley. For those tempted to make a longer stay out of their experience, the venue even offers luxury camping pods for the ultimate Lake District ‘glamping’ between Kendal and Windermere.
‘Mosaic in a day’ is a popular choice for some crafty relaxation, with no previous experience needed. Create a colourful plaque to hang outside or to decorate a wall indoors, or a trivet for those hot pots on your table. Alternatively, brighten up coffee breaks with your own mosaic tray; these cost £5 or you can bring/recycle your own.
You will learn about different materials and how to use mosaic tools, with lots of tips on design and pattern. Tools, goggles and square based for plaques and trivets are provided (although a material fee of £6 to £8 will be charged depending on items made) and Cowshed goes one better than the usual inclusion of regular hot drinks, also laying on a tasty two-course lunch plus home-baked bread and cake.
The workshop is taught by Kay Sandham Banks, who studied Graphic Design at Carlisle Art College and Trent Poly. She now divides her time between her native Cumbria and London and, alongside creating her own pieces, has been the lead artist on a variety of mosaic murals; most recently for South Lakes Council. Kay is also an experienced teacher, and has recently completed a PGCTA in Therapeutic Arts.
Class vouchers are available (they can even be combined with the camping pods for an extra special ‘weekend away’ present) and the venue has been awarded a Craft Courses platinum award for the quality of its workshops.
