No booking required, just show up with something to do! This is a free event for people who want to have a cuppa and a chat while doing something creative. Our regular craft cafe visitors will be able to share their skills if you’d like to learn something new such as knitting or crochet. 11am-1pm

We are also working on a project with Fabricate textile artists and painter Janet Moss to embroider motifs inspired by nature and the Cumbrian Arts & Crafts designer Annie Garnet - pick up a kit and join in!

Get creative with plants from our on-site garden and explore the fascinating process of cyanotype.

A workshop exploring the traditional methods of cyanotype, wet cyanotype and experimenting with adding different colours and using different coloured papers. Using a range of flowers, plants and photograph's to create a range of exciting blue prints.

All materials included in the fee plus coffee on arrival. Workshops are based in our Garden Studio and include time to relax and explore the arts centre and wildlife garden, learn about the Florence Mine site and enjoy our Fair-trade coffee and teas.

Ellen started exploring alternative photography during lockdown in 2020. Particularly with Cyanotypes she really started to explore the process further, playing with the chemicals and creating a wide range of different Cyanotype prints. She finds this process so intriguing and because it is a very old medium loves to expand on the traditional methods within this type of art.

Suitable for those aged 16+ with reasonable mobility in their hands. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.

No booking required, just show up with something to do! This is a free event for people who want to have a cuppa and a chat while doing something creative. Our regular craft cafe visitors will be able to share their skills if you’d like to learn something new such as knitting or crochet. 11am-1pm

We are also working on a project with Fabricate textile artists and painter Janet Moss to embroider motifs inspired by nature and the Cumbrian Arts & Crafts designer Annie Garnet - pick up a kit and join in!

Come along to meet members of Flo's friendly local artist network and practice drawing from our life model. We'll welcome you with hot drinks and biscuits to help the inspiration flow!

The session will not be tutored so you will need to work independently and bring your own materials (including boards/easels if required). Come along from 6:15 to get settled in.

We do not want the fee to be a barrier to taking part. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss before booking.

In this hands-on and informative workshop, participants will be introduced to the art of making herbal balms using natural ingredients such as beeswax, oils, butters, and essential oils. Guided by Esther who runs Beewell, the session will begin with an engaging introductory presentation exploring the traditional and modern uses of herbs and beeswax, along with the science behind their beneficial properties.

Following a short coffee break, there will be a live demonstration of balm-making, during which participants will gain practical insights into blending herbs with various natural bases. A dedicated “show and tell” table will display the facilitator’s personal collection of books, tools, materials, and finished products, giving attendees the opportunity to explore, take photos, and interact with the items on display.

Throughout the session, participants are encouraged to ask questions, observe closely, and immerse themselves in the creative process. Depending on time, a light-hearted quiz may be held, with a small prize from Esther’s balm stall, which will also be open for purchases during the event.

Each participant will take home an information and recipe pack, printed by Florence Arts, to support their continued learning and experimentation at home.

Participants will learn:

• The basics of using herbs as supportive tools, focusing on three well-known plants and their associated folklore.

• The chemistry and physics behind working with beeswax, oils, butters, and essential oils in balm-making.

• How to foster a deeper connection with nature for mutual benefit—honouring both personal well-being and the vitality of the plants used.

When her husband Paul began beekeeping in Whitehaven, Esther began to experiment with using the beeswax to make balms and salves. The result became a small business called Beewell. Today, you can buy her products at her stall, in local outlets and online at www.beewellbyesther.co.uk

Suitable for those aged 18+ years. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.

As our days grow longer, from January to the lighter mid-year, you will create three or four pieces of writing at each monthly workshop. A wide variety of stimuli in a structured but informal atmosphere will be used to inspire your words, on the theme of LIGHT.

Whether you write regularly or you haven’t since leaving school, you are very welcome. All experience will be valued. Sessions may be fun and serious. This will be the last session of this series.

A great deal of research shows the benefit to our wellbeing of mindful, creative activity, such as writing in a group. You will certainly grow in confidence.

This workshop is the fourth in a series of six starting from January through to June. While you will experience beneficial progress from attending all of them, each one stands alone if you prefer to book them individually.

Please book by emailing at annecumbria@btinternet.com or by calling 07704557014.

Dates: January 22nd, February 26th, April 2nd, April 23rd, May 28th, June 25th

Annie’s original degree was in Drama Education. She has delivered a wide variety of Community creative Education through the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) around Cumbria and beyond, with a special interest in mental health. Her most recent freelance work is facilitating Creative Writing in Community and Recovery settings. Her aim is to develop writing practice in individuals, through the enjoyable experience of Writing as a creative activity in a group.Annie lives in Cleator Moor.

Suitable for those aged 19+ years. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.

Come and join us for a demonstration of our paintmaking practice. We use traditional methods to create high quality artist materials.

Join Nikki and Dave in the paintmaking studio at florence arts centre. The Arts centre is on the site of the former iron ore (haematite) mine. Learn more about how we process the iron ore to create our signature egremont red colour in this demonstration. There will be opportunity to have a go yourself and of course ask questions. Friendly and warm atmosphere - a lovely interesting way to spend an afternoon.

We will talk you through the method of processing rocks into earth pigments and the different techniques we use to create our watercolour paints and chalk pastels. There will be time for questions at the end. Please feel free to explore the site before/afterwards - we have a shop, galleries, a cosy cafe and wildlife garden.

Join the local artists who have created the stunning Re-Fashion exhibition at Florence at our next Craft Cafe!

June 21st
11AM - 1PM

No booking required. A FREE event for people who want to have a cuppa and a chat with exhibition artist while doing something creative! Bring something creative along with you.

Watercolour is a quick and fun way to sketch a view. You will have the chance to play with the medium, exploring how the colour moves, trying out some fun techniques, and producing a sketch of a lake district view. No experience is required, this is a nice way to loosen up and explore your creative side. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if preferred.

Aileen is a watercolour landscape artist working in Cumbria. She has a deep passion for hill walking and climbing, and this inspires her artwork as she tries to capture the feeling of freedom and the changing moods of the hills and wild places. Her work depicts local hills and views, as well as those further afield in Scotland and beyond.

Suitable for those aged 12+ with reasonable mobility in their hands. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.