This Autumn I will be co-hosting a mindful and creative watercolour and calligraphy retreat with Jodie Rose Calligraphy.

I met Jodie when she came to one of my workshops last year at Cuppies ‘n’ Cream. We both love encouraging people to be creative and learn a new skill, and realised that we had never seen a retreat that combined watercolour painting and calligraphy.

We have spent months planning this beautiful day, and have found the perfect venue in the Garden Gallery in the Museum of Farnham.

We are so excited to host this beautiful day of creativity, so I thought I would share a few reasons why you should join a creative retreat like ours.

1. It Will Be A Chance To Immerse Yourself In Creativity

   We don’t often give ourselves the chance to spend a whole day focused on being creative. It feels indulgent, but also relaxing as you know that you will have experienced tutors to guide you through fun and engaging workshops.

   I will be teaching a Watercolour Painting workshop inspired by Autumn Florals. Starting with warm up exercises, I will teach you techniques on how work loosely with watercolour and you will learn how to mix a simple but seasonal colour palette, before creating a beautiful final composition.

   Jodie will be teaching a workshop on modern dip pen calligraphy. You will learn basic brush strokes, learn how to join up letters to make up words, and how to add simple flourishes to your writing.

   Both workshops are suitable for beginners, or more experienced artists, and each workshop includes all the materials you need.

2. You Will Meet Lots of Creative and Like Minded People

Retreats are such a lovely way to meet new people, or spend time with friends or family. Many people bring a friend or family member or two along to our workshops, and our retreat will also be a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with your loved ones.

We also often have people coming along on their own and we will make sure to sit them with other people who have not booked in a group. This is of course how Jodie and I met, and we often find people start wonderful friendships at events like these.

The lovely thing is that you know that everyone who has booked a space is there to dedicate a day to relaxation, mindfulness and creativity. You can learn from each other, as well as feel inspired by everyones creations.

3. You Will Be Giving Yourself Time

As well as hosting our creative workshops, we are delighted to invite local breathwork coach Sharon Swyer to host a Mindful Breathwork session at the end of the retreat. We wanted the whole day to give you a chance to switch off from the real world and take time to be in the present moment. Focusing on the processes of painting or calligraphy are also a wonderful way to be mindful and slow down.

We always imagine that we don’t have time for moments like this, but by booking a space on a retreat, you are committing yourself to finding that time, and being gentle with yourself.

4. You Will Build Your Confidence

Jodie and I love that we often get feedback from our students on how much confidence they gain when trying out a new skill. So many people join me to learn watercolour painting having not painted since their school days, and they rarely believe in their own ability.

Time and time again, Jodie and I have students taking our workshops and saying that it has given them confidence to continue being creative and that they can do more than they realised.

5. You Can Take Up Space

By taking time to step out of your day to day routine and responsibilities, you can take up space in a different way. You don’t need to be present for anyone but yourself, and therefore can take up space to be yourself for the day.

There is no rush to get anywhere. You will be guided through a day of relaxing activities, along with enjoying delicious food and drink, and goody bags. You will have time to connect with something different than just getting stuff done.

This is an opportunity to give yourself space to get inspired, take time to relax and to be open to a new experience.

If you would like to learn more about upcoming retreats hosted by me, you can find out more here.

Or if you have any questions about a retreat, just get in touch.