Warwick Arms Craft Retreat
Join us for a wonderful weekend in the heart of historic Warwick exploring four fabulous crafts under expert guidance of talented local artists! This weekend retreat will immerse you in exploring different mediums from clay to paper with a group of like minded individuals. Taking place at The Warwick Arms Hotel on Warwick High Street, the retreat is easily accessible by Train (Warwick Station) or Car. Free parking is available at the Hotel, subject to availability, or there are nearby pay and display 24 hour car parks.
The ticket cost covers all meals from Friday afternoon arrival to Sunday afternoon departure as well as craft tutelage and all materials for the workshops.
The cost of the retreat is £475 per person based on double occupancy. There are a limited number of single rooms are available at no additional cost, double rooms on a single occupancy basis will incur a supplement.
The retreat is on the 19th to 21st January 2024, please see below for a full timetable of events.
Rachel Harwood - Willow Weaving
About Me
Drawing on my experience of wildlife and nature, I use British grown willow from Somerset to create sculptures for the home and garden. Connecting with nature is my passion and I love to teach my practices on and inspire people on the use and beauty of natural materials.
Willow Birdhouse
Using beautiful willow from Somerset you will create a lovely birdhouse for our feathered friends during the nesting season ahead. This particular birdhouse has a wooden base and uses traditional weave techniques to create a cosy house.
Alix Almond - Lino Cut Printing
About Me
I am a printmaker and illustrator based in Coventry. I am a full time artist and split my time between making art and teaching linocut workshops at venues around Warwickshire. Primarily a self-taught linocut printmaker, I make a variety of single colour, multi-block and reduction linocut prints (a mixture of limited and open edition print runs) and aim to be as environmentally conscious as possible within the materials and processes I use. Inspired by nature, animals and landscapes I enjoys playing with colour and texture in my prints.
Single Colour Lino Cut Prints
We will be making single colour mini-prints on our workshop. Learn how to design, carve and hand print your own designs, learning techniques that can be taken away for you to carry on you printing experiments at home – learn the secret of the magic printing spoon!
Ros Ingram - Ceramics
About Me
Born in Stratford upon Avon, I trained in ceramics and print at Wolverhampton University. I runs ceramic workshops on a regular basis in Warwickshire. I have exhibited worldwide, currently showing at a number of galleries in the Cotswolds, Cornwall, and Germany. As well as undertaking commissions, I also work as a visiting artist in residence creating permanent ceramic installations and recycled art projects. One of my projects working with young children was on display at the National Gallery, London. Recently The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust commissioned me to create five unique ceramic murals of each iconic property for permanent display in my hometown.
Hens & Guinea Fowl
During the craft retreat I will be teaching you how to create ceramic garden chickens. These sculptures will be fired and then posted to your home address with no extra charge.
Marie-Jean Parmentier - Book Binding
About Me
I am most happy when I am engrossed in a creative activity… and when I am happy: I want to create more! I always seek to learn new skills and so far, my favourites have been drawing, pottery, sewing, calligraphy and my latest is bookbinding.
Book Binding
Day 1- Friday 19th January
3pm Arrival and Check in
Welcome Dinner at 7.30pm, meet the artists and your fellow craft lovers! Hosted in the Warwick Arms Hotel restaurant, enjoy a three course dinner with a glass of wine or soft drink.
Day 2- Saturday 20th January
7.30am-9.30am Breakfast, The Warwick Arms Hotel offers a selection of hot breakfast and cold continental options, all served with tea, coffee and fruit juices
10am-1pm Morning Craft Session – Willow weaving, you will spend 3 hours learning the craft with your instructor Rachel Harwood and creating your own unique willow birdhouse
1pm Lunch, enjoy a buffet selection of sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes, with tea, coffee and fruit juices
2pm-5pm Afternoon Craft Session – Book Binding, Marie-Jean will show you how to craft your own hard back note book, you will have 3 hours for the craft, try not to spend the whole time trying to choose from Marie-Jeans gorgeous paper selection!
Your evening is free to relax. Why not sit by the fire with a book, chat with newfound friends or take a walk about the historic Warwick town centre!
7.30pm Dinner, a three course dinner with a glass of wine or a soft drink
Day 3- Sunday 21st January
8am-10am Breakfast, The Warwick Arms Hotel offers a selection of hot breakfast and cold continental options, all served with tea, coffee and fruit juices
10am-1pm Morning Craft Session – Lino Cut Print Making, discover the magic of print under Alix’s guidance. This 3 hour session will help you learn the basics of the craft and you will create your own original print!
1pm Lunch, enjoy a buffet selection of sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes, with tea, coffee and fruit juices.
2pm-5pm Afternoon Craft Session – Ceramic Sculpture, Ros will instruct you in creating your own Chicken sculpture for your garden, the cost of the course also includes the firing and postage of the completed sculpture to the address you provide.
Your retreat will come to a close at 5pm when it will be time to say goodbye to your fellow crafters and new found friends and take your new skills and makes home.
