Build Your Own Creative Retreat
Whilst you’re staying in Cornwall this year, why not make your own creative retreat with us? We know that more and more people are wanting to spend their time off doing analogue, mindful activities – bringing a sense of wellbeing and the satisfaction of learning a new skill.
For generations, Cornwall has inspired creativity, from painters to songwriters and potters, chefs, poets and jewellers. As well as earning a living making their craft, many local artisans also now offer workshops so they can share their knowledge and pass on skills which may otherwise be lost. Many of these courses are days, half-days or weekend sessions which you can make into your own creative retreat whilst staying in one of our self-catering cottages near Falmouth!
Here are a selection of creative classes happening locally:
Creative Workshops at The Poly
In central Falmouth ‘The Poly’ is an impressive building with gallery space, cafe, theatre, and a shop selling local artists’ work. They regularly host affordable workshops for days and half-days. Here are some examples coming up!
Saturday 14th March, 10:00am
‘Clone Your Clothes: Pattern Cutting Workshop’ – ‘Bring your favourite dress or top and learn to clone it! In this workshop, you’ll create a complete sewing pattern (no unpicking needed) so you can recreate your garment in different fabrics or colours at home.’
Saturday 21st March, 10:00am
‘Coast: A Two-Colour Linocut Workshop’ – ‘In this five hour workshop, you will learn traditional relief-printmaking skills, to make two small linocut/rubber stamps, which overlay to create a two-colour coast themed miniprint.’
Tuesday 24th March – Thursday 26th March
‘Painting Spring Flowers in Oils (3 Day Workshop)’ – ‘Join artist and experienced tutor Lisa Waldron on this relaxing and informative course for Spring. Lisa will guide you through the stages of underpainting, colour mixing and adding the finishing touches to your own finished oil painting.’
Ceramics and Pottery Workshops near Falmouth
We are truly spoilt for choice with the number of great makers in this part of Cornwall, and here are just a few who offer hand-building and wheel throwing pottery sessions:
Naku in Penryn have their regular Friday night Open Sessions, as well as hosting regular pop up ‘Mug in A Pub’ Workshops and brunch collaborations with local cafes.
Emily at EOT Ceramics hosts 1-1 or 1-2 person workshops at her studio at Argal Home Farm, just a 10 minute drive from Falmouth and near the beautiful Argal Lake. As these are individual, you can book your session at a time which suits you.
Zoe Freeman hosts regular group workshops at her stunning studio overlooking the creek at Gweek (half an hour from Falmouth). She’s been running ‘The Great Gweek Pottery Throwdown’ for the past 5 years with groups of up to 6 people, as well as a Pit Fire Pottery Course and Raku Pottery Course.
Jewellery Making Workshops in Cornwall
Many metalworkers and jewellers take inspiration from the Cornish coast, and you can join them to make your own special souvenir with a personal touch. We’ve seen courses available for complete beginners as well as more advanced practitioners, so there should be something for everyone!
‘Start your jewellery journey at Inspire Makers on Falmouth Old High Street, with this 2 day beginners course. Each week will build on the previous week, learning new techniques and gaining confidence.’
They also host multiple dates for a one-day Seaglass Jewellery Workshop:
‘Create your own seaglass ring, necklace or bangle using your own seaglass find or a piece from the Porth Jewellery collections. By the end of the session you will leave with your own piece of handcrafted silver jewellery.’
Laura from Porth Jewellery also runs non-residential Four Day Jewellery Retreats in Falmouth, with dates in Spring and Autumn:
‘Create, relax, and connect by the sea. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, you’ll be guided through hands-on techniques and make beautiful, meaningful pieces to take home. The retreat is designed to be relaxed, supportive, and deeply inspiring – set against the backdrop of Cornwall’s stunning coastline.’
Back to School… Falmouth University Short Courses
Did you know that we have incredible facilities and expertise from one of the country’s leading arts universities on our doorstep? There are an amazing range of subjects available:
Figure Painting in Oil from Life, 4-day course 30 March – 2nd April
‘This course is suitable for creative people with all levels of experience, whether you are a beginner wishing to explore figure painting or whether you have existing experience and wish to develop your technique further.’
Creative Mask Making, 2-day course 9 – 10 April
‘An introduction to the fascinating world of custom mask making over the course of two days.’
Alternative Photography Workshop, 5 day course 8th – 12th June
‘Come and spend 5 days at our Institute of Photography exploring a variety of alternative photography techniques and experimental processes that push the boundaries of traditional photography. Each day we will focus on a specific alternative technique; covering Lumen prints, Chemigrams, Phytograms, Cyanotype, experimental darkroom techniques, and Mordançage.’
Still Life in Oils, 3 days 29 June – 1 July
‘Immerse yourself in this 3 day course learning to paint a still life in oils, using traditional techniques and materials and based in a lovely fine art studio on our beautiful Falmouth campus.’
This is just a selection of what’s on offer, with further workshops including Photoshop Skills, Sculpture, Textile Printing and Risographs.
If you’ve been inspired by some of these creative courses, we encourage you to keep browsing as there really is a lot to offer in the local area. We have many people coming to stay with us for sailing and maritime events, but if only some of your party is getting out on the water then these could be perfect for those who prefer to stay on dry land! As always, we love to hear what you’ve been up to and share your recommendations.
We’re here to help
If you have any questions or wish to discuss your holiday requirements
Call us on 01326 375972
or
Complete a Booking Enquiry Form