The Great Craft Retreat

Forge a Craft Awl

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Spend a workshop session down at The Woodland Forge with Stuart and Bill surrounded by the scenic beauty of the ancient beech woodland around you and forge you very own craft tool. Awls have been used for centuries in all manner of craft environments and you can be sure to find one or something similar in every shed, workshop, studio in the uk. Sometimes called a braddle or hole bit they are essentially a pointy steel rod with a handle, traditionally used in leather work or with heavy fabrics for puncturing stitching holes or in woodwork for marking and detailing wood. They are endlessly useful and in our workshop we will be using stainless steel to forge traditional awls for your future crafting. Practicing ancient skills that haven't changed much in centuries. Learn how to taper, bend and twist steel on our historic bellow powered forges to create your own unique crafting tool!  

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Carve a Butter Spreader

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Make a butter-spreader (smörknif) - In a simple yet elegant style mastered by Mike. With the workshop set in the woods themselves you'll begin by getting to grips with the tools, learning safe axe and knife use under careful tuition and demonstration. Once comfortable with the tools of the trade you will guided through from start to finish on your butter knife project. Using sustainably sourced local british hardwood you will axe out a rough shape from your round wood branch. Then carving with straight carving knifes you will form the shapes and details of your spreaders. As we are working with green wood your pieces will be easier to carve than kiln dried woods, a extremely traditional way of carving throughout England and Europe. The finished piece will need  time to dry before a final oil-based coating can be easily applied at home to keep your spreader in prime condition.  ​​

Throw at a wheel

Learning directly from the head potter and owner, Amy at Design Junction Winchester you will take you through the nuances of throwing at a wheel with the hydromorphic material that is clay! Using your hands a touch of imagination and a few tools that haven't changed in centuries your creations shall come to life!  

Small vessels and dishes will be the focus of your session however under careful tutorage you shall be able to add your own artistic flare to your pieces and get them ready for firing! 

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Note:

Your pieces will be glazed and fired and ready for collection at either Design Junction Winchester or from Bills Workshop in the weeks following the retreat. you can also arrange delivery with the pottersif required.

Stamp & Stitch a Notebook Cover

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Join us for a hands on 3.5 hour workshop where you'll explore the art of leather crafting and create your own stamped leather notebook cover. 

Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this session will introduce you to different types of leather and their uses, as well as the essential tools needed for the craft. You'll learn how to cut and mark your pattern before personalising it with stamping and embossing techniques. As the workshop progresses, you'll refine the edges and master traditional saddle stitching to give your piece a polished, professional finish. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a beautifully handcrafted notebook cover and the confidence to continue your leatherworking journey.

Weave a willow bird feeder

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Bend twist and weave the wonderful substance that is fresh willow. With the wonderful Suz running our short friday evening taster session you will be guided through the principal techniques of weaving to complete a garden perfect hanging bird feeder. 

Throughout this session learn the intricacies of willow weaving and the time honoured craft that was once a huge part of rural life. 

This is our shorter 2 hour session that sees us all weave as one big group!