ABOUT THE workshops
Have fun on these creative festive workshops. Our friendly tutor, Ellie Fisher, will show you how to weave charms in the morning or trees in the afternoon or perhaps buy both, make a day of it and enjoy a delicious lunch at our Beech Cafe! Decorate your home this Yuletide with your very own handmade delights, all crafted from sustainable materials.
Handwoven Charms (AM):
Join us for a relaxed, hands-on workshop where you’ll create a small hanging decoration, perfect for gifting, using simple weaving techniques, sustainable yarn, and recycled card. Whether you hang it on a branch, a key, or your backpack - each charm is a celebration of slow-making and conscious creativity. Naturally-dyed linen and recycled cotton are amongst some of the materials that will be available. Though all the materials you will need for the workshop are provided, if you have any materials at home that you’d like to experiment with, please feel free to bring them along. The workshop will teach you the basic principles and terminology of weaving and you will be introduced to some simple weaving techniques.
You will learn on this morning workshop:
Handwoven Tree Tapestries (PM)
In this creative, nature-based workshop, you’ll learn how to weave yarn around forked branches to create mini tree tapestries which can be turned into a mobile. Using found wood, tactile fibres, and simple techniques, you’ll craft a piece that moves gently with the breeze—perfect for your home, garden, or gifting. This is a slow, mindful make that connects craft with the outdoors. Naturally dyed linen and recycled cotton are amongst some of the materials that will be available. The workshop will teach you the basic principles and terminology of weaving and you will be introduced to some basic weaving techniques.
You will learn on this afternoon workshop:
Handwoven Charms (AM):
Join us for a relaxed, hands-on workshop where you’ll create a small hanging decoration, perfect for gifting, using simple weaving techniques, sustainable yarn, and recycled card. Whether you hang it on a branch, a key, or your backpack - each charm is a celebration of slow-making and conscious creativity. Naturally-dyed linen and recycled cotton are amongst some of the materials that will be available. Though all the materials you will need for the workshop are provided, if you have any materials at home that you’d like to experiment with, please feel free to bring them along. The workshop will teach you the basic principles and terminology of weaving and you will be introduced to some simple weaving techniques.
You will learn on this morning workshop:
- How to pick the best yarns for weaving
- How to turn cardboard into a loom
- Some simple weave structures
- Lots of weaving!
Handwoven Tree Tapestries (PM)
In this creative, nature-based workshop, you’ll learn how to weave yarn around forked branches to create mini tree tapestries which can be turned into a mobile. Using found wood, tactile fibres, and simple techniques, you’ll craft a piece that moves gently with the breeze—perfect for your home, garden, or gifting. This is a slow, mindful make that connects craft with the outdoors. Naturally dyed linen and recycled cotton are amongst some of the materials that will be available. The workshop will teach you the basic principles and terminology of weaving and you will be introduced to some basic weaving techniques.
You will learn on this afternoon workshop:
- How to pick the best yarns for weaving
- How to turn a forked branch into a loom
- Some simple weave structures
- Lots of weaving!
THE COURSE WILL GIVE YOU
- Information on how to pick the best yarns for weaving
- Tips on upcycling old clothing/fabric into yarn
- Tuition to weave on a small, forked, hand held branch
- Lots of weaving practise!
- All the makes from the day
THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE FOR
Suitable for all adults, complete beginners, and those with a little weaving experience.
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR
- This workshop will take place indoors
- Wear something comfortable that won’t catch on the branches and materials, and extra layers if you’d like a little wander to stretch your legs outside.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Ellie Fisher is a textile designer and educator with both a BA in Textile Design, specialising in woven textiles, and MA in Design for Textile Futures from Central St Martins College of Art and Design. She spent a large part of her childhood living abroad and travelling. The vibrant markets of the Middle and Far East triggered her passion for colour, texture and pattern and this influence is expressed through her textiles.
Her business, ELKA, is an award-winning weaving and natural dye studio based in Hampshire with a strong focus on teaching, sustainability, and mental wellbeing, 2023 seeing the publication of her first book ‘Weaving as Art Therapy for Beginners’.
www.elkatextiles.co.uk
Her business, ELKA, is an award-winning weaving and natural dye studio based in Hampshire with a strong focus on teaching, sustainability, and mental wellbeing, 2023 seeing the publication of her first book ‘Weaving as Art Therapy for Beginners’.
www.elkatextiles.co.uk
Check Out Accommodation
You can get 10% discount when you stay with us during your course for 2 nights or more in our campsite or eco lodge. Please call us on 01730 823166 to make your accommodation booking. Our reception is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.
