As the nights draw in and the sunshine makes less appearances, motivation can lack and we can often find ourselves twiddling our thumbs in front of Strictly during the autumn evenings.
Crafting and tuning into our suppressed artistic talents, while being able to socialise with friends or new friends, is a fantastic way to get the old brain cogs going while winding down after a long day.
Jeanette Neale at Red Cow hopes to give more people that opportunity with a number of regular crafting workshops in her cosy studio on Madford Lane, Launceston.
Part-time teacher, part-time crafter Jeanette has had her little workshop since March 2019. The Launceston Life team popped round for tea, cake and an hour’s crafting session to find out all about this comforting little venture.
The ground floor of the three-storey historic Lanson building is where most of the crafting takes place, around Jeanette’s huge farmhouse-style table so there is plenty of space to grab supplies and make a bit of a mess - plus you can reach for the homemade cake which is always in abundance at Jeanette’s workshops.
Beyond the table is the recently-fitted kitchen space, where delicious suppers can be made and, of course, gallons of tea - much needed when focusing hard on a tricky project. The next floor up is home to another large table where more making can take place, and the third floor is the perfect place for Jeanette to store all her craft materials and workshop bags.
Holding approximately one or two craft evenings each week and with three floors for activities, Red Cow is the perfect place to go if you fancy a night out with a difference - hen parties, birthdays, work-do’s and children’s parties are just some of the events Jeanette welcomes into the Red Cow studio, and all events are bespoke to what the party wants. Fancy making a wooden Christmas tree decoration, complete with festive foliage? No problem. Want to print designs onto fabric tote bags for a children's birthday party? Jeanette can do that!
There is also the chance to grab your friends and head over to Red Cow for Jeanette’s supper nights, paying just £30 for a plate of delicious food and a craft project which you take home at the end.
Jeanette has always loved creating and loves making the bespoke workshops to whatever each party wants to do, giving everyone the chance to socialise, try a new craft and take something home.
The Life team were able to do just that when we decorated our very own mini autumnal pumpkins, using five simple tools and materials - a base coat of paint, PVA glue, images from paper napkins, a glue gun and some recycled Christmas wreath ornaments. We came away from this relaxing, therapeutic workshop with three mini pumpkin ornaments, delicious cake and warming tea in our bellies, and a feeling of accomplishment.
As Christmas approaches, Jeanette is currently taking festive workshop bookings - so if you want to do something a little different this year for your Christmas do, or would like to book an evening supper workshop, go to https://www.redcow.co/ or message Jeanette via the Red Cow Facebook page.