Learn how to use a pole lathe and a shave horse and walk away with a brand new wooden implement and a smile. Make your very own spurtle, wand, rolling pin, talking stick, massage roller, candle stick, mallet – even a honey drizzler! – or simply experiment with carving different shapes and forms in wood. Workshops approx. 2 hrs long, for 13 and overs. Younger children that are keen to have a go can assist a parent or guardian.

Blacksmithing
Nowhere Forge

The Nowhere Forge is a totally self-contained, solar and pedal powered blacksmiths workshop where you can come and experience the alchemy of blacksmithing using traditional methods. Make a pendant, poker, coat hook, key ring or any other artefact you may find appealing! Maximum 2 people per 1 hour workshop. Come and chat to Simon when you arrive to book yourself onto a course.

Automata Making
Fi Henshall

Fi makes entertaining mechanical contraptions out of all sorts of things, but especially old tins. Come and learn how to make your own crank powered automaton. The workshops will last 6 hours and will focus on making flying creatures. All tools and materials are provided. This will be £60 for a 6 hour session. You can book in advance by emailing fleainatree@yahoo.co.uk – and if there is space you can also book in on the day.

Raku Pottery
Tez Roberts

In this 2½ hour workshop you’ll learn how to glaze and fire your own pot, using a Japanese pottery technique called Raku. After looking at some examples, you’ll choose which glazes and colours you’d like to use in your design. Once decorated, you’ll learn how to make and safely operate your own kiln, to fire the pot before dunking it in water to reveal the stunning Raku effects. You can take the pot home with you at the end of the session.

Pottery
Steve

Learn the timeless skill of throwing pots on a potter’s wheel, guided by expert hands in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, these sessions offer the perfect blend of relaxation and artistry. Craft unique pieces, connect with your creative side, and experience the joy and satisfaction of working with clay. More specific details of this workshop to be confirmed as we have them.

Italian Folk Dance
Morgan Pandolfino

Discover Southern Italian folk dance with Morgan Pandolfino. In this workshop you will learn the Tarantella, also known as the dance of the spider. This is a fun and easy to follow workshop where you will find out about the fascinating folklore behind the moves of this ancient dance, which has evolved over the centuries but at its heart, aims to heal mind body and spirit. A fun and educational movement class, magically intertwined with performance, and storytelling. Sunday only.

Gilding
Amy Douglas

Gilding is a heritage craft where metal leaf is lain to give the object a gold shiny finish. Some may say too shiny, so Amy will be demonstrating how an antique finish can be achieved with some decorative arts. You will gild an object – in this case a large scallop shell – to a very shiny golden finish and learn about antique finishes you can achieve with the flick of a paintbrush. This gilding lesson is suitable for 10+ with an adult. All materials included: £20

Jewellery Making
Tinker Taylor

Learn to make handcrafted jewellery with Tinker Taylor, a multi-disciplinary artist and designer/maker specialising in metal work, sculpture and jewellery. Choose from silver ring making, or copper and brass earrings. There will be a range of examples on display for inspiration, incorporating different techniques so that individuals can work towards an existing design or develop an idea of their own. Find more workshop details here (pdf).

Tile Making
Sgraffito

Learn how to apply the traditional techniques of North Devon pottery to create Honey glazed Sgraffito and Slip trailed Earthenware. In this workshop you can try out these techniques by painting ready made tiles. These are then taken away to be fired and posted back to you once they are ready. Pictured: a traditional pot along with an example of some of the tiles decorated in workshops at Shambala last year. Price: £25 including materials and postage.

Wagon Art
Jane O’Connor

Traditional Folk Art workshop with wagon painter and sign writer Jane O’Connor of Bowtop Signs. Learn how to paint beautiful roses in a traditional style. You will paint a wooden tile, using professional sign writing enamel paint used for signs, canal art and Gypsy wagon painting to create a unique piece of folk art. If you have something you would prefer to paint instead of a tile, bring it along and Jane will see if it is suitable for painting.