Offering inclusive crafts in the centre of Gloucester, Yarnwick Nook is set to open this summer 2026.
Drop-in studio crafts at Yarnwick Nook span pottery painting to making diamond art, with craft workshops including making wax melts to mosaics, plus the new space hosts events such as hen parties and children's birthday parties.
SoGlos sits down with founder, Lisa Yates, who left a corporate career in the NHS to pursue her crafting dreams, to find out just what crafters can expect from Gloucester's newest cosy creative studio.
Lisa, you left a corporate career to set up Yarnwick Nook. Tell us how you came to that decision?
I worked in various corporate roles in the NHS for nearly 25 years, the last four of those I was in a high-level role as a director of digital. Whilst I absolutely loved working in the NHS and felt that I made a difference in the roles that I was in, the NHS today is a very different NHS compared to when I first joined. Lots of cuts are currently being made, particularly in non-medical roles, and there was an opportunity for me to be considered for redundancy.
Although it was a big change, I saw it as a chance for me to do something I loved, rather than something I had always done, and so when my redundancy was agreed, Yarnwick Nook was created.
Have you always been interested in crafting?
I have always been a habitual crafter, so was my mum and so is my daughter! One of my earliest memories is of my mum trying to teach me to knit and do cross stitch.
As an adult, craft was something I enjoyed, especially trying something new, because learning something different is always the exciting part for me. At that point it was more for relaxation when I had time between the children and home/work life.
As I moved up the career ladder, I found crafting gave me that space to be present, where I thought of nothing more than being in the moment, and it really helps me relax after a stressful day or week.
The mindfulness of doing a crafting activity is the one thing that has helped me figure out some of my biggest challenges over the years, as it clears the 'mush' that can swim around my brain most of the time!
What’s your favourite craft?
That is like asking which is your favourite child!
It depends a lot on my mood, the season, whether I’ve seen something new on Instagram.
I guess this is what led me on the journey to opening Yarnwick Nook, as I genuinely enjoy so many crafts. Some I may not be as good at, but there is something really special about a cosy afternoon doing any craft.
However, I took up sewing a couple of years ago, and I’ve made some lovely quilts, cushions and other household items, which I am really proud of. So, if I was pushed to choose just one craft for the rest of my life, it would probably be sewing.
Do you have a project you are working on currently?
My daughter took up crochet and encouraged me to give it a try. She was doing a spring blanket, which is made up of different blocks, so I said I would give that a go too. It is going very slowly, as I keep going wrong so have to undo it, but I am persevering and it may be finished by next spring!
What was the inspiration behind Yarnwick Nook?
Over the years I have attended a number of workshops and have loved the experience.
Being with likeminded people, who are all in the same place, trying their best to create something they are proud of, is cathartic.
Each time I’ve come away saying I would love to run something similar myself and encourage that creativity and mindfulness, but I've never been in the position to be able to fulfil that dream until now.
The whole ethos of Yarnwick Nook is to be a safe space for anyone who wants to escape for a couple of hours and be creative in a variety of ways.
When I was thinking about when I have had the most enjoyable experience at a workshop, it was when there were a smaller number of participants, in a relaxed space, where I could have more guidance, if needed. This is why I feel it is important for the space to be cosy, and welcoming and inclusive.
What workshops do you offer at Yarnwick Nook and what can people expect from them?
We offer a core six workshops, although we are just working on a seventh coming soon.
The six workshops include: wax melt, Indian block printing, linocut, iris paper folding, mosaics and decoupage.
These will change with the seasons, where we will offer Christmas related patterns for instance.
Our workshops generally have a maximum of 10 participants, although we can seat up to 12.
The structures include a brief overview and history of the craft, an explanation of any tools and techniques, a practice of those techniques for some of the workshops. You then have a chance to choose the item to make using the workshop craft, then most of time is spent creating your own masterpiece at your own pace.
In amongst all that, we always find time for a cuppa and something yummy to eat.
As well as the workshops, we also offer self-guided crafts such as cross stitch kits and crochet kits, and a wide range of items of pottery to paint.
Can you come to a workshop even if you’re an absolute beginner?
Definitely! Crafting is about having a go, not being perfect, and the only way you learn is to try something. All our workshops are aimed at beginners and are fully guided and never rushed.
Equally, if you are a seasoned crafter, I’d like to think we can offer something new to you too, but you are more than welcome to work at your own pace, and maybe pass on some of your knowledge as well.
If someone has never tried crafting before, but wants to have a go, what would you recommend as a good starting point?
If you have never crafted before, the first step is to come and see us. Based on your likes and dislikes, there is bound to be a craft to suit and if we don’t have it in the studio, I am more than happy to do some research.
The other advice is to start small, finishing something will give you the confidence to have another go.
Our studio crafts are just right for this, as they are small and achievable, and we are always around to give you some guidance and support should you need it.
In my experience you may not like everything you try, but you will find something you click with.
What we offer is that chance to try without having to splash out on lots of expensive tools you will only use once.
How can people book workshops at Yarnwick Nook?
You can book via our website, yarnwicknook.co.uk, or by popping in to see us at the studio, and we can take your booking there.
