Creative Machine Embroidery

If you are new to a sewing machine or are a competent sewing machine user with a desire to be creative this could be the one for you, or if you would rather be creative and pick up a needle by hand you are very welcome to join this workshop.

During the day you will learn the basic method of working and experiment with a variety of effects with many different fabrics and yarns, develop colour schemes and designs.

This workshop will require you to bring along an electric sewing machine that can do straight and zig zag stitching with a darning foot attachment. You will go home inspired and armed with lots of samples and notes which you will be able to use as a reference for your future creative work as well as one or two larger pieces of work.

Outdoor Pursuits

Archery

Mastering the skill of archery brings with it a huge sense of satisfaction and achievement.

This is perfect for team building as the group not only learn a new skill, but it boosts morale and helps to manage resistance to change and builds confidence.

There is always the opporunity for some friendly competition as at the end of the session the Instructor will split the group into teams for a competitive shoot-out and a bottle of bubbly will be waiting on ice for the winning team!

Fishing

Why not try fly fishing as a team building activity or as part of a multi activity away-day and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of our lakes.

We can provide expert tuition, if needed, to start your casting technique.

You could even end up with a fish in the net!

Laser or Clay Pigeon Shooting

Outdoor laser clay pigeon shooting.

The clays are thrown from a conventional trap and shot at using real shotguns which fire an infa red pulse. Scores are displayed on a large electronic board. This is very good for team building or entertainment for families, groups and multi-activity Corporate days.

Indoor laser, pistol, clay pigeon and target shooting.

Laser, pistol, clay pigeon and target shooting can be simulated onto a projector screen giving a wide range of challenges and disciplines.

When the weather is bad outside simulated indoor laser shooting is just like the real thing including sound effects. A selection of light weight rifles and pistols can be used.

Indoor Pursuits

Foraged Cocktail Masterclass

The challenge is to design and plan a themed four course dinner menu and then invent and create a cocktail to compliment it.

To add interest to your cocktail the group can go foraging in the hedgerow surrounding Cool Contours for wild and wonderful ingredients to give that extra wow factor to their creations.

At the end of the activity menus are presented together with their own unique cocktail to be judged assessed and enjoyed! There will be an experienced forager on hand to help.

Painted & Printed Fabric or Paper

Not every corporate delegate wants to go for Laser shooting or SAS style survival sessions. This activity, along with others, is ideal for bringing out the creative skills hidden within you, exploring different textile techniques with the use of colour, stencils, mono print, mark making and so much more.

This is a fast paced but fun few hours with lots of ideas and finished pieces to take home. The satisfaction and confidence will by very apparent and after your day at Cool Contours and you will be ready to tackle anything in the office the next day. Having an opportunity to let all inhibitions go in a creative activity, such as this one is our speciality at Cool Contours.

Wellbeing Holistic

Stress in the work place is the biggest reason, next to back pain, for days off work.

It is not natural to for the human being to be hunched up over a computer for eight hours a day.

We have a variety of wellbeing and holistic sessions to choose from, for example, Yoga to revitalise the immune system and reduce back pain, Reiki for peace of mind and feeling tranquil and aromatherapy massage to combat those aches and pains from sitting too long in one position.

These sessions can be perfect for the afternoon to round off your activity day or for the whole day, you choose, it’s your day. After participating in these disciplines in our peaceful surroundings you will go back to work the next day feeling on top of the world, more motivated to tackle your work load, improving productivity and communication with a clearer mind.

Yoga

Arts and Crafts Packages

Bookbinding

Learn bookbinding techniques to produce a hand sewn individual book.

During the workshop other techniques will be introduced, such as French Sewn hard back, Japanese stab stitch and pamphlet stitch. By the end of the day you will see how it is possible to make books at home without any specialist equipment.

A busy day but fun and rewarding. This workshop is suitable for beginners and the more experienced artist., Your tutor is Sarah Mulhall with over 20 years’ experience in printmaking.

Creative Machine Embroidery

If you are new to a sewing machine or are a competent sewing machine user with a desire to be creative this could be the one for you, or if you would rather be creative and pick up a needle by hand you are very welcome to join this workshop.

During the day you will learn the basic method of working and experiment with a variety of effects with many different fabrics and yarns, develop colour schemes and designs.

This workshop will require you to bring along an electric sewing machine that can do straight and zig zag stitching with a darning foot attachment. You will go home inspired and armed with lots of samples and notes which you will be able to use as a reference for your future creative work as well as one or two larger pieces of work.

Creative Writing

In this workshop the two days are a month apart.

We will cover the nuts and bolts of writing a novel, whether for adults or children.

Come with the idea you've been mulling over for years or come with a blank slate!

On Day 1, we'll get off the starting blocks, looking at such matters as The Story Arc, The Hook/Plotting and Creating Characters
On Day 2, we'll look at Writing Dialogue, Show Don't Tell and Suspense.

Fabric print & Dyeing

Natural dyes have the possibility to be vibrant, exciting and colour fast. The secret is the mordant.

During the one day workshop you will:

Learn about different mordants, what they do and how they work
Learn how to apply them
Learn how to make and use dye vats with a range of indigenous plants
Produce a selection of sample pieces that you can use for future projects

Mosaics

Bring in your broken china and then you can make your own pot stand or a small mirror surround

Start with a rough sketch of an idea for your mosaic pot stand and enjoy the feel and colour of the tiles.

You will be so satisfied with your very own mosaic pot stand to take home.

Photography

Introduction to digital photography - The course covers the basic foundations of photography. How to get the camera off Auto empowering you to take control and better understand your camera functions? We will explore composition and basic rules around this. After lunch we will be putting this newly discovered knowledge into practice by photographing the wonderful landscapes just outside the studio door!

Creative Photography using your iPad - This is a brilliant course for photography using your iPad! We will be photographing the magnificent landscape just outside the door. Looking at getting the best out of your iPad camera. Exploring the various functions and Apps available. Then looking at what you can do with the completed images: creating simple slide shows, Facebook, Flicker etc.

Willow Weaving

It might look difficult but it is really so easy...

Initially you will be taken through all the necessary steps with demonstrations for each step you take.

It is so satisfying to go home with a real basket that you have made and can use!