Workshops (Adults & Kids)

Join Chesterfield-based printmaker Dave Elsom at Thornbridge Hall for a playful and imaginative children’s Lego printing workshop!  In this exciting 1–1.5 hour session, kids can turn their favourite building bricks into creative tools—using Lego to design their own printing plates. They’ll then bring their ideas to life by printing bold, colourful patterns onto card and paper, creating artwork that’s completely unique.  Every young artist will leave with a collection of their own handmade prints to take home and treasure. All materials and equipment are provided, so they can dive straight into the fun. While it’s not the messiest activity, printing can get a little inky—so we recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting creative in. Best to save your favourite outfits for another day!  No experience is needed at all—just imagination! This is a relaxed, friendly workshop packed with ideas, encouragement, and hands-on support to help every child create something they’re proud of. Important Information Ticket price is per child and includes garden access for one child and one accompanying adult Due to limited space, tickets are restricted to one adult per child Children must be supervised at all times Tickets include a café discount Additional garden entry tickets must be purchased separately Come along, get building, and turn Lego into amazing works of art! 🎨

Join artist Dave Elsom of Sombrero Printmaking for a vibrant, fun-filled workshop bursting with colour, creativity, and imagination!   Get hands-on with brilliant acrylic paint markers as you use clear acetate, printed images and posca pens —into eye-catching works of art. Whether you're into bold patterns, adorable characters, colourful doodles, or abstract masterpieces, you'll find plenty of inspiration to let your creativity shine. Every young artist will leave with a collection of unique handmade creations to treasure, display, or give as thoughtful gifts.  With all materials and equipment provided, all you need to bring is your imagination—we'll take care of the rest! Paint markers are easy and fun to use, making this a wonderfully creative activity with minimal mess. We still recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting a little colourful—just in case inspiration gets a little enthusiastic! No experience is needed. This relaxed and welcoming workshop is packed with encouragement, creative tips, and plenty of opportunities to experiment, explore, and create something you'll be proud of. Important Information Ticket price is per child and includes garden admission for one child and one accompanying adult . Pre-booking is essential. Due to limited space, tickets are limited to one adult per child . Children must be supervised by their accompanying adult at all times. Your ticket also includes a discount in the café . Additional garden admission tickets must be purchased separately. ✨ Come along, get creative, make new memories, and take home a collection of colourful creations you'll be proud to show off! 🎨

🍁Create vibrant Autumn Trees using Alcohol Ink Pens with Millie Moth Art    Love colour, nature, and working with new techniques?    Join Karen, aka Millie Moth, at venues across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas for a relaxed and inspiring creative session using alcohol ink brush pens     🎨 What’s included in the workshop:  Karen will guide you through her signature splashy ink technique using rich autumn colours. You will be blending inks with splashes of alcohol on smooth A5 Yupo paper to create your own stunning artwork. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this workshop is designed for all skill levels, with plenty of encouragement along the way. It’s a beautiful, freeing process — full of happy accidents! All materials are provided – just bring yourself and enjoy a session of creativity in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.      🍂You’ll come away from this workshop with your A5 artwork to frame at home, a new skill and understanding of alcohol inks so you can explore them further and a sense of calm and relaxation from this mindful session.      🧑🏻‍🎨 Meet the tutor: Karen Johnson is a local artist working from her home studio in Allestree, Derby, where she creates vibrant floral artwork for her small business, Millie Moth Art. Inspired by the joy she feels in her garden, Karen uses flowing alcohol inks to capture the colour, movement and essence of flowers and plant life. She regularly sells her colourful artwork as large canvas prints and cards at art trails and markets, and teaches her technique in workshops across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas.    ⚠️ A quick note about materials and safety from Millie Moth: This workshop is for adults only, and places are limited.   During the session, we’ll be using 91% isopropyl alcohol as part of the painting process. You’ll use it sparingly—dripping a few drops onto your artwork and occasionally spraying a fine mist over the surface. Some people notice the smell (though I’m completely used to it now!), and I’ll do my best to keep the room well ventilated if needed.   There’s also a bit of gentle blowing through a straw involved—just something to keep in mind if you’re prone to breathlessness or lightheadedness. If that sounds tricky, I can provide a small hand-pump blower as an alternative. While this technique generally isn’t messy, alcohol inks can stain clothing. They’re not harmful if they get on your skin—I’ve had more than my fair share of inky fingers over the years! An apron or old top is a good idea, just in case  ❤️A 10% off voucher for Quackers is included, if you wish to stay and enjoy lunch afterwards.  The ticket price also includes all-day garden access so you can make a day of it and take a stroll around the gardens in the afternoon (gardens close at 4pm).

29th October Dare to get creative this Halloween with Maxi from Thornbridge Blooms, in this eerie little workshop, you’ll craft a hauntingly beautiful flower arrangement inside a real pumpkin, using rich seasonal blooms in moody autumn shades, dried seed heads and grasses. Expect a fun, hands-on session filled with spooky touches, seasonal treats, and plenty of floral magic. Spaces are limited – book if you dare... Refreshments and sweet treats will be available throughout the workshop and a discount voucher will be provided to use in Quackers Café. The workshop will take place Maxi's Workshop (Warm clothing is required) Limited spaces so booking is essential Pumpkin, flowers, and all materials included.

🎄 Christmas Card Workshop using Alcohol Inks Design your own festive artwork using vibrant alcohol inks, and have them transformed into 6 professionally printed, personalised Christmas cards    You can choose to create a single design or explore a few variations during the session. Once finished, Karen will take away your original artwork, photograph it, and transform it into a beautifully designed Christmas card layout which will then be professionally printed. You’ll have the option to include your own text or imagery on the front and back if you wish — making each card a true reflection of your style. Just like her Millie Moth cards, they will be printed onto lovely thick, slightly textured FSC certified card, with kraft envelopes to match.   🎨 What’s included in the workshop : Create one or more festive designs using alcohol ink pens and techniques on yupo paper Help and guidance throughout to bring your ideas to life Option to include personal photos and/or your own text (you’ll see examples on the day) Karen will then take your artwork home to create your Christmas card design and send it off to be professionally printed Your original artwork, plus 6 square (150mm) cards featuring your design, will be posted to you to arrive at the end of November/beginning of December, in plenty of time to send out for Christmas!   🎁 Extra special touches : Want to include a photo on your card? Bring it along either as a physical print (which will be returned to you) or a digital version on your phone – Karen can help you to send it to her on the day The cards will be blank inside, but you can personalise the front and back with wording, photos, or a little festive message If you create more than one artwork, or just want extras of your favourite, you’ll be able to order additional packs of 6 on the day too   🛍️ Optional extras : Add 6 more cards (same or different design): +£12 Add 12 more cards (same or mix of 2-3 designs): +£22    📅 Workshop details : 🖌️ All materials provided – just bring yourself, a photo if you'd like one included, and a sense of festive cheer! 🎄 Suitable for all skill levels or anyone wanting a creative Christmassy moment for themselves   🌟 Please note, each design has to be ordered in a pack of 6 so any personalisations you make need to be suitable to send to 6 different people!     🧑🏻‍🎨 Meet the tutor: Karen Johnson is a local artist working from her home studio in Allestree, Derby, where she creates vibrant floral artwork for her small business, Millie Moth . Inspired by the joy she feels in her garden, Karen uses flowing alcohol inks to capture the colour, movement and essence of flowers and plant life. She regularly sells her colourful artwork as large canvas prints and cards at art trails and markets, and teaches her technique in workshops across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas.     ⚠️ A quick note about materials and safety from Millie Moth: This workshop is for adults only, and places are limited.   During the session, we’ll be using 91% isopropyl alcohol as part of the painting process. You’ll use it sparingly—dripping a few drops onto your artwork and occasionally spraying a fine mist over the surface. Some people notice the smell (though I’m completely used to it now!), and I’ll do my best to keep the room well ventilated if needed.   There’s also a bit of gentle blowing through a straw involved—just something to keep in mind if you’re prone to breathlessness or lightheadedness. If that sounds tricky, I can provide a small hand-pump blower as an alternative. While this technique generally isn’t messy, alcohol inks can stain clothing. They’re not harmful if they get on your skin—I’ve had more than my fair share of inky fingers over the years! An apron or old top is a good idea, just in case.

16th November     Join us for a creative Exploding Box Workshop and learn how to make a beautiful, handmade gift box with a surprise inside!     This unique project looks like a box when closed, but when the lid is lifted, the sides “explode” open to reveal a series of decorated panels and a central space designed to hold a small gift.  It makes a truly special keepsake for birthdays, celebrations, or simply to show someone you care.    During this 4-hour workshop, you’ll be guided by Sandra Gardiner, through a variety of papercraft techniques to create your own exploding box from start to finish. There’s plenty of crafting involved, making this a rewarding project for anyone who enjoys being creative and trying something a little different.   Workshop price: £45 per person    Your ticket includes:     A 4-hour guided crafting workshop   All materials needed to create your exploding box   All-day garden entry   A discount on lunch at Quackers Café    There will be time for a break during the workshop  Come along for a fun and creative day, enjoy the gardens, and leave with a beautiful handmade project to treasure — or give as a very special gift!

17th November 10am - 1pm Explore the vivid colours and soft texture of pastel pencils with pastelist, Katie Wyke. Sink into three hours of step-by-step tuition, all materials provided, and walk away with your own pastel artwork!   This November, draw along with me as we celebrate one of my favourite autumnal items- the chestnut! Their spikey exterior and polished gem inside make a fantastic subject as well as celebration of this magical season! Tickets include all-day garden entry and discount off lunch at Quackers cafe

10.00am - 12noon Join Jenny from Panache Arts in this very festive workshop. You will learn how to weave your own Christmas Robin with wire. An introduction to wire weaving, no previous experience needed to achieve a unique decoration for your Christmas tree.  All tools, wire and gemstones provided to make your own Christmas robin tree decoration to take home with you.  Tickets include all-day garden entry and discount off lunch at Quackers

18th November & 25th November 1pm - 3pm Join Jenny from Panache Arts in this festive workshop.    You will learn how to weave your own Christmas Bauble with wire and gemstones  This workshop builds on the learning from the Christmas Robin workshop but still achievable by an absolute beginner.  This wirework bauble is another unique decoration for your Christmas tree and an opportunity to learn different techniques.   All tools, wire and gemstones will be provided to make your own Christmas tree decoration to take home with you. Tickets include all-day garden entry and discount off lunch at Quackers

23rd November    Come along and create your own beautiful Christmas-themed CD book , packed with festive papers, vintage images, embellishments, ribbons and handmade details. The finished project makes a lovely seasonal keepsake or a unique Christmas gift. The workshop is relaxed and creative, with plenty of opportunity to personalise your book and add your own style. The workshop will be 3 hours with all materials provided. If you’d like to make something festive, creative and completely individual, this could be the workshop for you! Workshop price: £30 per person    Your ticket includes:     A 3-hour guided crafting workshop   All materials needed to create your exploding box   All-day garden entry   A discount on lunch at Quackers Café      Come along for a fun and creative day, enjoy the gardens, and leave with a beautiful handmade project to treasure — or give as a very special gift!

🎄 Christmas Art Workshop 🎄 A joyful 3-hour session with Karen from Millie Moth Art creating beautiful seasonal artwork using vibrant alcohol inks.     Come and enjoy a relaxed, friendly workshop creating your own festive picture using flowing alcohol inks and a bold, colourful background. You’ll be working with alcohol ink pens and splashes of alcohol on yupo paper to create rich, winter foliage designs inspired by holly leaves and bright red poinsettias (or anything else you may fancy creating!). You will start to get a sense of how this fascinating medium works and an understanding of how you could use this technique it in your future projects.      🎨 What’s included in your workshop : A 3-hour guided session with Karen using alcohol ink pens & splashes of alcohol on yupo paper All materials provided Guidance and examples to help with your design, whether abstract or foliage-based Your finished A5 artwork to take home (ready to frame or reuse however you like)   🧑🏻‍🎨 Meet the tutor: Karen Johnson is a local artist working from her home studio in Allestree, Derby, where she creates vibrant floral artwork for her small business, Millie Moth . Inspired by the joy she feels in her garden, Karen uses flowing alcohol inks to capture the colour, movement and essence of flowers and plant life. She regularly sells her colourful artwork as large canvas prints and cards at art trails and markets, and teaches her technique in workshops across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas.     ⚠️ A quick note about materials and safety from Millie Moth: This workshop is for adults only, and places are limited.   During the session, we’ll be using 91% isopropyl alcohol as part of the painting process. You’ll use it sparingly—dripping a few drops onto your artwork and occasionally spraying a fine mist over the surface. Some people notice the smell (though I’m completely used to it now!), and I’ll do my best to keep the room well ventilated if needed.   There’s also a bit of gentle blowing through a straw involved—just something to keep in mind if you’re prone to breathlessness or lightheadedness. If that sounds tricky, I can provide a small hand-pump blower as an alternative.    While this technique generally isn’t messy, alcohol inks can stain clothing. They’re not harmful if they get on your skin—I’ve had more than my fair share of inky fingers over the years! An apron or old top is a good idea, just in case. A 10% off voucher for Quackers is included, if you wish to stay and enjoy lunch afterwards.  The ticket price also includes all-day garden access so you can make a day of it and take a stroll around the gardens in the afternoon (gardens close at 4pm).

Join Rachel from Upper Glass – Art from Jewellery for a relaxed and creative 2½-hour workshop in the beautiful surroundings of Thornbridge Hall.Using repurposed jewellery, crystals, beads and sparkling embellishments, you'll create your own unique piece of framed jewellery art to display at home or give as a special handmade gift. Choose from five designs: Star – a sparkling, timeless design. Heart – a meaningful gift for someone special. Paw print – perfect for a dog or cat lover. Christmas bauble – a festive design to enjoy year after year. Initial – create a personalised piece featuring a letter of your choice.* You can choose your own colours and embellishments to make your artwork truly individual.No previous experience is necessary. Please bring reading glasses if required.* If you'd like to create an initial, you must bring an outline drawing of your chosen letter, sized to fit your selected frame. Please ensure your drawing is clear, uncomplicated and the correct size: Maximum size 16x11cm if choosing the 7x5 inch frame with no mount. Maximum size 11x7.5cm if choosing the 7x5 inch frame with a mount. Maximum size 14x14cm if upgrading to the 8x8 inch frame with a mount Your finished artwork Your ticket includes a 7×5 inch white frame to take home your completed artwork, ready to display or give to someone special. If you'd prefer to create a larger piece, you can upgrade to a square 8x8 inch white frame, for an additional £10 payable on the day. This covers the cost of the larger frame and the extra materials required.You should have time to finish your design in the workshop, but if you choose to add to your design at home, you can purchase equipment (glue, additional materials etc) on the day for a nominal cost.  Your ticket includes:  A 2½-hour guided jewellery-art workshop with Rachel from Upper Glass – Art from Jewellery. All materials and equipment. All-day access to the beautiful Thornbridge Gardens. A 10% discount off lunch at Quackers Café.£49 per person, plus a small booking fee. Booking is essential

19th December 10am - 1pm Explore the vivid colours and soft texture of pastel pencils with pastelist, Katie Wyke. Sink into three hours of step-by-step tuition, all materials provided, and walk away with your own pastel artwork!   This December, take a breath from the business of festivities and draw along with me a glossy Christmas bauble! This will make a fantastic addition to any Christmas display, as well as a relaxing draw amongst this busy month! Tickets include all-day garden entry and discount off lunch at Quackers cafe

Join Derbyshire Dyer Olivia as we dive into the beautiful world of Eco-printing, a process of gathering plants and capturing their imprints on fabric and paper. During the session, Olivia will introduce you to the basics of Eco-printing, how to prepare the fabric to dye, the best plants to use and how to identify them. There will be a chance to experiment with a variety of leaves and plants to get you feeling comfortable with the process, before creating your final uniquely printed design.   All materials and equipment will be provided. Plants will be gathered locally by Olivia and pressed before the session.   No experience needed, just a passion for craft! The ticket price also includes all-day garden access so you can make a day of it and take a stroll around the gardens in the afternoon (gardens close at 4pm).

Get into the festive spirit with Maxi from Thornbridge Blooms at this cosy and creative Christmas wreath workshop.Using fresh seasonal foliage and beautiful natural decorations, you'll create your own handcrafted wreath to take home. Whether you love a wild, rustic style or prefer something classic and elegant, Maxi will guide you through each step, making it easy and enjoyable for everyone. No experience is needed—just bring yourself and your Christmas cheer! Enjoy festive tunes, a glass of mulled wine, and a mince pie while you create a beautiful wreath to hang proudly on your door. What's included: All wreath-making materials Expert step-by-step guidance from Maxi Mulled wine and mince pies A relaxed, festive atmosphere All-day garden entry and discount of at Quackers cafe  (Please note the gardens & café are open 10am - 4pm, so if you book an evening workshop, you are welcome to visit between these hours on the day of your workshop) The workshop will take place in Maxi's workshop, so please wrap up warm and bring gloves if you'd like to keep your hands cosy. Spaces are limited, and booking is essential, so reserve your place early to avoid missing out!

Create a stunning Christmas table centrepiece to be proud of this festive season. Join Maxi in her workshop space at Thornbridge Estate for a relaxed and creative workshop, where you'll design and create a beautiful natural table centrepiece, perfect for dressing your Christmas table or gifting to someone special. Using foraged foliage, dried flowers, seed heads and seasonal textures, all grown or carefully gathered by Maxi around the Thornbridge Estate, I'll guide you step by step to create a centrepiece that's completely unique to you. Whether you're a complete beginner or have experience with flowers, you'll leave with a beautiful arrangement ready to take pride of place in your home. As you create, enjoy a delicious mince pie and a glass (or two!) of mulled wine, all included in your workshop. Please dress warmly , as the workshop is a working flower studio and can be cold and damp in places during the winter months. £55 per person – all materials, refreshments and festive treats included. ✨ Spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential.

Begin 2027 with intention, stillness, and soulful energy.   Join us for a peaceful morning retreat designed to help you welcome the new year with clarity and calm. Held in the serene setting of the Carriage House, this gathering blends mindful movement, reflection, and connection — a gentle reset for body and spirit.   You’ll enjoy: A yoga flow suitable for all levels, guiding you to release the old and open to the new. Mindfulness activities to help you root into the present and rise with purpose for the year ahead. A soothing guided meditation to centre your mind and awaken your intentions for 2026. A special New Years Gift to take home, café discount, and entry to the gardens to continue your day in peace and beauty. Come as you are, breathe deeply, and begin again. Start your new year with movement, mindfulness, and meaning.   🕛1.30pm - 3.15pm 📅10th January

Create your own beautiful everlasting floral hoop to enjoy all year round. Join Maxi in her workshop at Thornbridge Estate for a relaxed and creative workshop, where you'll design and create a contemporary floral hoop using a beautiful selection of dried flowers, grasses, seed heads and natural textures.   Using flowers Maxi grown and dried myself, alongside carefully selected dried flowers and botanicals, I'll guide you step by step to create a timeless piece that's completely unique to you. Whether you're a complete beginner or have experience with flowers, you'll leave with a beautiful handcrafted floral hoop ready to display in your home. As you create, enjoy homemade treats with tea, coffee and refreshments, all included in your workshop.    Please dress warmly , as Maxi's workshop is a working flower studio and can be cold and damp in places during the cooler months.    £45 per person – all materials and refreshments included. ✨ Spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential.

Join Maxi from Thornbridge Blooms to create your own dried flower wall panel to hang in your home!   She’ll take you through step by step guiding you to create your base using dogwood/sticks foraged off the estate and then decorate your panel using 100% British Dried flowers.   All materials will be provided.   Refreshments will be served throughout the workshop. All day garden entry and a voucher for 10% off at lunch at Quackers cafe   Please dress warmly, as Maxi's workshop is a working flower studio and can be cold and damp in places during the cooler months.  Limited spaces so booking is essential