Search Results

COURSE FEEDBACK FORM We thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and hope that you enjoyed your course in Wernog Wood. GOOGLE REVIEW : Positive feedback is really helpful in raising our profile. If you have anything you think others would like to hear, we would be really grateful if you could post a review via this link on Google . We would be very grateful if you could give us your honest feedback, the good, the bad and the ugly! It is always nice to hear the good things, but we can only improve upon the less good if we know there is a problem! We may share your feedback with tutors too so that they also benefit from any suggestions... this can be anonymous if you would prefer. Thank you. Are you happy for us to put your name against any quote we might use on our website? Yes - welcome to use my full name Yes - welcome to use my first name only No WERNOG TOGS - Are you interested in buying a Wernog Wood T-shirt (£25) or hoodie (£35) + £5 postage? Yes No What size T-shirt would you like? Small Medium Large Extra Large None What size hoodie would you like? Small Medium Large Extra Large None What colour would you like? Chilli red Teal Turquoise Light blue None Submit Review Thank you for taking the time to tell us your experience.​ ​ PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ​ Click here to return to the main site

Top Details Dates Costs Tutor Stories Untitled Untitled Details Dates Costs Tutor Stories Perfumery using natural plant based ingredients See course details, dates, costs, tutors & stories from students below COURSE DETAILS BOOK NOW Imagine creating a natural perfume that is the essence of you. A feel-good fragrance with a unique scent that connects you with the best version of yourself... some would call it the scent of your soul. This is what perfume can do for you. More than simply a product to help you smell nice, perfumery can be a huge benefit for your wellbeing – mental, emotional, and even spiritual. ​ In this one-day workshop with Sami Blackford, you will be introduced to (or reacquainted with) a wide variety of individual scents which you can then use to create your own bespoke perfume. You will look at the various layers of a fragrance blend, how it is constructed, exploring the notes that create its body, heart and head. Ultimately you will select ingredients that work together to create a beautifully balanced perfume. This is a lesson in natural perfumery using plant based ingredients only, with no harsh synthetic fragrances or perfumer’s alcohol. ... so those normally sensitive to perfume can rest assured ... DATES BOOK NOW ​ ​ ​ 15 September 2024 ​ ​ ​ COSTS BOOK NOW £150 Tuition fees & all course materials Tea, coffee and simple lunch included in your course price We also offer accommodation & evening meals ​ Click here to see what we offer ​ This course is aimed at adults, aged 18yrs + and is suitable for beginners to those with experience YOUR TUTOR BOOK NOW In 2013 Sami Blackford founded the award-winning botanical skincare company, Freyaluna . After battling with acne for many years and unsuccessfully trying every product on the market, Sami made the decision to start researching skincare in her mid 20s. Immersing herself in the world of natural and holistic skincare and wellness, she used her knowledge to begin creating skincare products that would actually care for her skin. Her products weren’t grown in a lab, but in the meadows, hedgerows, and woodlands of rural North Wales. ​ In 2022 Sami decided to change track. She is a self professed introvert and, drawing upon 30 years of her own business success, now supports other introverted and quietly-ambitious women to create and develop their own business brands. If you have dreams of developing skincare products and perhaps one day your own small business, what better place to start than to join Sami in the variety of skincare courses she offers here in Wernog Wood. Stories from our students We ran this course for the first time in 2023 but do not have any reviews... but it smelled wonderful in the workshop! This is what students said about Sami's soap making course --- It's 5 stars from me for both the course I took, 'Soap Making' with Sami Blackford and the oh so gorgeous surroundings, both inside and out, of Wernog Wood. We mixed, melted and watched as magic happened before our very eyes, leaving Wernog Wood with excellent instructions and information for making our own soap. I also left Wernog Wood grateful for the company, the food and the sense of relaxation my body was enjoying after the day in such pleasant surroundings. I'm now wondering which course will be my next one at Wernog Wood? - Denise .... ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ .... ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Upcoming Dates Sun, 02 Jun Botanical skincare - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 02 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 +1 more Formulate your own natural skincare products Sun, 15 Sept Perfumery - September 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 15 Sept 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 Create a natural perfume that is the essence of you Sun, 06 Oct Traditional soap making - October 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 06 Oct 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 With natural ingredients & cold-process methods Sat, 09 Nov Traditional soap making - November 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 09 Nov 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 With natural ingredients & cold-process methods Join the waiting list or express interest in future courses N.B. If you cannot see the Book Now section, scroll up to Upcoming Dates If a course is full, please join the waiting list as we will contact you in case of any cancellation ... it does happen! or If you would like to attend a course but can't make it on the available date, you can register interest in future dates. Join the waiting list Register interest in future dates

Top Details Dates Costs Tutors Stories Greenwood chair making 2 Untitled Make a stool, live-edge bench or table using traditional green woodworking techniques See course details, dates, costs, tutors & stories from students below COURSE DETAILS BOOK NOW As well as Windsor and ladder back chairs, stools, benches & tables are firm favourites in the greenwood furniture-maker's repertoire. Chair maker Ben Willis will give you the choice to make a beautiful live-edge bench, a small table, a milking stool (or possibly a pair) or an elegant tall bar stool. Over three days, you will learn traditional green woodworking techniques to hone your components, using ash freshly harvested from our woodland. You will then be guided through the process of shaping and smoothing the top of your piece, before joining it all together using robust wedged mortise and tenon joints. ​ This course is an ideal taster for aspiring green woodworkers and leads naturally on to our annual green wood chairmaking course which Ben will be running immediately following this. If you are interested in taking part in both, please get in touch . DATES BOOK NOW ​ We cannot yet confirm ​ if there will be a course in 2024 but let us know if you are interested ​ ​ ​ ​ COSTS BOOK NOW COSTS TO BE CONFIRMED ​ Tea, coffee and simple lunch inclu ded in your course price We also offer accommodation & evening meals Click here to see what we offer ​ This course is aimed at adults, aged 18yrs + and is suitable for beginners to those with experience YOUR TUTOR BOOK NOW Ben Willis learnt his craft whilst working as an assistant with Mike Abbott, a key figure in the revival of traditional wood working techniques. Since his time with Mike, Ben has been honing these skills and has also learned from others whilst developing his own ideas and approaches to the craft. Although not a purist, the essence of what Ben does is still rooted firmly in practices developed over thousands of years. In today's tech-heavy society and in which manual skill is becoming less & less valued, the perpetuation of these skills is becoming ever more important. ​ Ben lives in the urban forest of London, where he teaches green woodworking and chair making to aspiring furniture makers, as well as producing his own work for sale. See Ben Willis Woodcraft to see his beautiful work . Stories from our students So amazing – my second go on this wonderful course – great tuition, fun people. Good, wholesome food and relaxed camping fun. A winning formula for a crafty country escape! - Camilla ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ I am SO glad I booked onto the course - I really enjoyed it. I have had some lovely comments from people about my stools. Huge thanks to you & Rob for hosting us! You're on to a winner there, and I would love to return at some point for another course. - Lucy ​ ​ I emailed Wernog Wood at to ask if they knew someone who could make me a memorial bench instead of me just buying one on-line. Claire replied why not make one yourself! Ben was very knowledgeable and happy to pass that knowledge on to others while not doing the job for you. I had a great time and came away with new skills and a beautiful bench I made in memory of my Mum, Dad & Brother. - J on Details Dates Costs Tutors Stories Upcoming Dates Sat, 18 May Welding taster day - Fire pit - May 2024 / Wernog Wood Sold Out Details 18 May 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 +1 more Learn the principles of mig welding Wed, 22 May Bespoke jewellery making (rings) - May 2024 / Wernog Wood Sold Out Details 22 May 2024, 10:00 – 16:30 This is a privately organised course, please get in touch to organise your own bespoke group session. Introduction to making contemporary silver jewellery - Morning session - 10am - 12.30/1pm - Afternoon session - 1.30pm - 4/4.30pm Sat, 01 Jun ​Cyanotype - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 01 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 +2 more An introduction to Cyanotype - sun printing Sun, 02 Jun Basket making - Spiral baskets with handle - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Sold Out Details 02 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 +4 more Learn traditional willow weaving and basketry techniques Sun, 02 Jun Botanical skincare - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 02 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 +1 more Formulate your own natural skincare products Fri, 07 Jun Dry stone walling June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 07 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 09 Jun 2024, 17:00 An introduction to dry stone walling Sat, 08 Jun Spoon and bowl carving weekend - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Sold Out Details 08 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 09 Jun 2024, 17:00 +3 more Carve a spoon and bowl from fresh greenwood Thu, 13 Jun Cleft oak gate making - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 13 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 16 Jun 2024, 17:00 The art of cleaving - make a cleft oak garden gate Sat, 15 Jun Fused glass bowls and coasters - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 15 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 Beginners guide to glass fusing Sun, 16 Jun Glass fused landscapes - pictures or curves - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 16 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 Beginners guide to glass fusing Tue, 18 Jun Cleft oak bench making - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 18 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 21 Jun 2024, 17:00 Make a majestic cleft oak bench using greenwood Sat, 22 Jun Life drawing - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 22 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 +3 more Drawing from a life model and human skeleton, you will celebrate the human form with charcoal, pencil & ink. Mon, 24 Jun Drawing from nature - June 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 24 Jun 2024, 09:00 – 27 Jun 2024, 17:00 +4 more Fully immersive three days of drawing from nature with an optional fourth day with 1:1 tuition if you choose Sat, 20 Jul Batik - July 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 20 Jul 2024, 09:00 – 21 Jul 2024, 17:00 Two day batik painting course taught by Marie-Therese King. Batik is an ancient Indonesian art-form of layering melted wax and water based dyes on Indonesian cotton to create vibrant paintings. Tue, 23 Jul Jewellery making (pendants) - July 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 23 Jul 2024, 09:00 – 24 Jul 2024, 17:00 Contemporary silver jewellery - A hands on and practical approach Fri, 26 Jul Traditional leaded stained glass - 1/2 day morning July 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 26 Jul 2024, 09:00 – 12:30 Make a stained glass panel using traditional leading techniques Fri, 26 Jul Traditional leaded stained glass - 1/2 day afternoon July 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 26 Jul 2024, 14:00 – 17:30 Make a stained glass panel using traditional leading techniques Sat, 27 Jul Traditional leaded stained glass - 2 day - July 2024 / Wernog Wood Book Now 27 Jul 2024, 09:00 – 28 Jul 2024, 17:00 Make a stained glass panel using Sgraffitto and traditional leading techniques Load More Join the waiting list or express interest in future courses N.B. If you cannot see the Book Now section, scroll up to Upcoming Dates If a course is full, please join the waiting list as we will contact you in case of any cancellation ... it does happen! or If you would like to attend a course but can't make it on the available date, you can register interest in future dates. Join the waiting list Register interest in future dates

Blacksmithing or knifemaking ... a little information about your course... taught by Rich Jones & Gwyl Roche The only thing you really need to know before you come is to wear appropriate clothing... Clothing which fully covers arms and legs and not too loose fitting Non synthetic or flammable clothing Sturdy footwear - ideally something like leather walking boots This course can be heavy on the hands and may cause blisters so bring gloves you can work in Don't be surprised to use a plaster or two during the day! You will be provided with the following safety clothing, but welcome to bring your own: a leather apron safety glasses ear defenders leather heat resistant gloves (but you may want to bring your work gloves) dust mask (for knife makers) when you are grinding and sanding. We do have some here too but bring one if you have one! You may want to print this page too! Click here to go back to the main list of 'everything you need to know'

WOOD & TRADITIONAL WOODLAND CRAFTS ... click on images or links below for course details ... Timber frame building Introduction to mortice and tenon timber frame building techniques ​ A collective learning experience to construct a traditional timber framed building full of character ​ Taught by Joe & Fred Farey Read More Greenwood chair making Chairmaking using traditional green woodworking techniques A change of pace, fresh air, breath taking scenery and a beautiful chair, handmade by you… ​ Taught by Ben Willis Read More Greenwood bed making Make a bed you will look forward to climbing into every night ​ Make a characterful greenwood bed with mortise and tenon joints to assemble at home ​ Taught by - Rob Hill Read More Automata Automata Making nonsense out of rubbish Bring your ideas alive and make entertaining mechanical contraptions using cams, cogs and cranks ​ Taught by - Fi Henshall Read More Bench making Make a majestic greenwood bench using cleft oak Make a two to three seat bench, with or without a back rest and a shapely seat if you choose ​ Taught by - Jack Ritson Read More Willow plant supports Learn traditional willow weaving and basketry techniques ​ Make a spiral structure to support your sweet peas or simply to add a bit of architectural lift to your garden ​ Taught by - Mandy Coates Read More Spoon carving day Carve a Welsh cawl spoon or salad servers Choose one day or two learning to carve two different styles of spoon in freshly cut greenwood ​ Taught by - David White Read More Gate making Cleft oak gate making The art of cleaving Make a unique cleft oak garden gate that you will be proud of every time you walk through it ​ Taught by - Jack Ritson Read More Basket making Learn traditional willow weaving and basketry techniques ​ ...three basket styles to choose from... oval laundry basket, spiral berry basket or round shopping basket ​ Taught by - Mandy Coates Read More Spoon & bowl carving weekend Carve a greenwood spoon and bowl ​ A relaxing weekend carving a spoon and bowl in which it belongs to be used everyday ​ ​ Taught by - David White Read More ...read more about what we offer here...

Botanical skincare ... a little information about your course... taught by Sami Blackford For those who are interested in knowing what oils may be used, Sami tends to use: Olive and coconut oil for soap making Grape seed oil for skincare products Jojoba oil for perfumes Sami also suggests you bring the following: Notebook/paper and pen/pencil – to record recipes, notes, etc Old clothes, overalls or apron (Wernog Wood does have some leather aprons) More specifically for the soap making course Bring a silicone loaf tin if you have one as this makes a good mould Please wear long sleeves, full shoes (no sandals, etc) Safety glasses – some will be available, but you may like to bring your own Rubber or latex gloves – some will be available, but you may like to bring your own You may want to print this page too! Click here to go back to the main list of 'everything you need to know'

Floristry ... a little information about your course... taught by Zanna Hoskins SUMMER EVENT FLOWERS Footwear Wear sensible footwear and practical clothing and wellies if it is raining. You will get wet feet if grass is at all wet here as there is a lot of it! Transporting your flowers Bring a wide mouthed vase or one you find tricky to use as Zanna will give you some ideas. Also bring something to help transport your flower-full vase home, such as a box to keep it upright Come with a car empty enough to lay any garland flat on a seat, plus a towel to lay it upon. Bring any secateurs if you have any CHRISTMAS WREATHS & GARLANDS Session times Morning - (9.30am-12.30pm) Afternoon - (2pm-5pm) Please note that tea, coffee included in your course price and a simple lunch if you are staying for both sessions Other things to think about Come wearing warm clothes as there may be some work outside too It is often muddy here in winter so bring footwear that doesn't mind! Come with a car empty enough to lay any garland flat on a seat, plus a towel to lay it upon. Bring secateurs if you have any You may want to print this page too! Click here to go back to the main list of 'everything you need to know'

Stone carving ... a little information about your course... taught by Andrew Worthington Andrew says.... The course is designed for beginners and we work in a relaxed atmosphere. Each person will have their own set of tools and PPE. The workshop is held under cover but we are outside so suitable clothing and strong footwear is recommended. All materials and tools are included in the price. At the end of the two days the sculptures are yours to take home. We will be using a soft Maltese limestone which although relatively easy to carve is firm and gives good results. The blocks are approximately ten inch cubes. It is not necessary to have any definite ideas as these can develop and change throughout the weekend but some initial source material in the form of a sketch, photograph or small model might be helpful. You may want to print this page too! Click here to go back to the main list of 'everything you need to know'

Bed making ... a little information about your course... taught by Rob Hill Here are some things for you to think about and to let us know so that Rob can look for the right kind of tree for your bed. You will take your bed home in pieces so that you can easily fit it in your car, or get it up your stairs. However you may want to think about exactly where you want to put it in your house so that you can measure your room, or window sill height etc. Please let us know the size of bed you intend to make Size of mattress - i.e. single, double, queen or king... but please measure it too before you come just to be sure it is not some strange size! Height of bed head and foot - Think about the implications of these heights regarding window sills or anything else that the bed may obscure! Maximum width and length of your complete bedframe - Your frame will be made with mortice and tenon style joints, fixed with pegs, so once made, your bed frame may be considerably wider and/or longer than your mattress .... please measure the absolute widest and longest your bedframe can be to fit into your room. Clothing Wear sensible sturdy footwear Wear practical clothing We have all the following safety clothing, but welcome to bring your own: Leather apron Safety glasses Ear defenders Dust mask This course can be heavy on the hands and may cause blisters so bring gloves you can work in, we do have some but you may prefer your own Don't be surprised to use a plaster or two during the day! Tools We have all the tools you need but you may want to bring your favourite: Drawknife Spoke shave Whittling knives You may want to print this page too! Click here to go back to the main list of 'everything you need to know'

Gatemaking ... a little information about your course... taught by Jack Ritson Gate designs Jack has asked you to send some basic drawings or images of what you think you would like to make as it will help him prepare in advance.​ He recommends that your gate should have no more than 4 horizontal rails and a diagonal brace. You can also have upright 'palings' which are less work than the horizontal rails and you can have as many of those as you like. The simplicity of your design is important as it is surprising how much work is involves. Gate sizes We need to know the dimensions of your gate so please mark this on your drawing Ideally the outer dimensions should not be more than 4ft wide, but it can be any height ​ Timber and hinges The timber for your gate is likely to be £50, maybe less Jack will also bring hinges which you can buy from him at £20 per pair You may want to print this page too! Click here to go back to the main list of 'everything you need to know'

Cyanotype ... a little information about your course... taught by Caroline Hodgson Caroline says... I’m really looking forward to working with you and excited to see the Cyanotypes that are created. ​ Clothing Please wear comfortable clothing, that you don’t mind if chemicals accidentally splash onto. You can bring an apron if you prefer, and I will supply disposable gloves. Wear comfortable footwear as you may want to go out and gather plants and flowers. ​ There will be lots of time for exploring and experimenting with the Cyanotype process to create beautiful prints. If you have your own idea about what you would like to create, you’re more than welcome to bring along your own items. These maybe found objects, things that inspire you, or something with sentimental value. These may include: ​ Flowers, leaves or foliage (fresh or pressed) Seed heads Leaf skeletons Antique lace Feathers Keys Grasses Any other flat or translucent objects you’d like to try to print. ​ There are lots of variables which can affect the outcome of a Cyanotype print, but I will do my best to help you realise what you would like to create. You may want to print this page too! Click here to go back to the main list of 'everything you need to know'

Pit fired ceramics ... a little information about your course... taught by Melina Xenaki What will you do over the 5 days Just to give you a little insight into the 5 days, we expect you will be making pots on days 1 & 2, experimenting with wild clay on day 3, digging your pit and building your fire on day 4, firing over-night, taking your pots out to cool and then finishing them on day 5. It is possible it may differ from this. Managing expectations! Many of the processes you will be using are experimental and you should definitely expect to have some successes and some failures with your pots! Things to colour your pots We suggest that you collect and bring various bits and pieces which will be used in the fire to influence the colours of your pots…. so please bring any and lots of the following: Dried banana skins Dried seaweed – lots if you have access to it, enough for everyone would be super helpful! Dried cow pats! Grasses, leaves and twigs, Bits of copper and coal Avocado stones and nut shells Steel wool Onion skins You may want to print this page too! Click here to go back to the main list of 'everything you need to know'