Best friends and long-time craft lovers Melinda and Emma founded Larkswold Creative Workshops in early 2020, after realising they both longed to share their passion for making with others. After kicking things off with a single lino cutting workshop in a marquee in the midst of the pandemic, the creative duo quickly expanded and began teaching others how to craft their way to happiness with a range of craft classes and DIY kits.
Firm believers in the fact that craft is a powerful wellbeing-booster, Melinda and Emma provide their guests with a soothing, warm and nourishing environment for guests to simply learn to be creative. They're also insistent that freshly ground coffee and homemade cake are essential to the crafting process, so refreshments are always on offer!
With the doors flung open in summer and kept tight and cosy in winter, they now spend their days teaching others how to master macrame knots, whip up wonderful floral wreaths and unwind with brush lettering from the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds.
The first thing I ever made…
"At Larkswold were lino cuts. It’s just the coolest thing ever to create your own design, and then turn it onto anything you like; framed artwork for your wall, a printed card for your bestie, a fabulous tote bag for your shopping… the list is endless!
The first thing I EVER made myself (that I can remember) was a hand embroidered pencil case in textiles class at school. It was my introduction to sewing and embroidery, and I loved the slow but steady progress as the stitches covered the canvas. I got totally absorbed in the process, and that’s what I still love about crafting today."
I’m on a mission to…
"Bring joy, happiness and calm to as many people as possible through the medium of crafts!"
When I’m working with crafts, I feel...
"Incredibly grateful that however financially poor I might be, I have the best lifestyle ever. Craft brings together really lovely people, and you get to surround yourself with such beautiful things; silky ribbons and fresh rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus when making wreaths, stunning patterns for lampshades and wonderful essential oils for candles."
My secret crafting tip...
The thing I have learnt most about working with crafts is the importance of quality scissors. It makes all the difference and can bring real joy to your day when they’re super sharp and effective!"
Teaching others has taught us...
"How much we really love people. They have great stories and constantly amaze us with new creative ideas and ways of doing things.
Teaching gives you a wonderful sense of giving. It can be unbelievably hard when you realise you just DO things and when you try to break them down to show someone else, you realise you’ve been doing it on autopilot. But then it allows you to slow down, step back and become incredibly mindful about the craft."
See their classes
Runs regularly
Cheltenham
1 to 8 guests
£99 - £105
6 years in business
