Bookbinding Retreat - 5 Days & 5 Nights - One to One
Description
Totally spoil yourself with this indulgent 5 day, 5 night retreat in the heart of The Shropshire Hills. Each day you will have a one to one session with Rachel, followed by time to practice and explore in your own time either in the studio or your cosy accommodation. You'll have all the materials and kit you need for your sessions and extras to practice. And the kettle is always on! Then an evening by the campfire and a night glamping (in a gorgeous bell tent in the summer or our fab retro caravan in the winter). The retreat will be tailored to your experience and requirements from beginners to advanced techniques. Learn lots of skills and techniques and have the luxury of time, materials and studio space to practice. A retreat allows you to totally immerse yourself in the craft of bookbinding and the headspace to process and enjoy it! You will leave with 5-10 projects depending on the scale and complexity of the pieces you decide to create. I only take individual bookings which means I can design the course around your interests and needs ... a new hobby, a new business, skills to restore books or just some time for you. This skills covered include: - Understanding materials & tools - Paper making - Marbling - Folding & stitching paper & signatures (the sections inside a book) - Binding signatures together - Canvas bound books - Leather / leatherette bound books - Decorative bindings & stitches - Single & multi signature books - Japanese binding - Perfect binding - Canvas boxes - Structural books - Alternative & eco materials for covers, end papers & leaves Other skills can be covered to meet your interests and needs, please enquire before booking. This workshop is a guaranteed one to one session so that I can tailor the workshop to your interests and needs as an individual. You can achieve so much this way. Develop skills to start a new business, take up a new hobby or craft for the joy of it … I can ensure the day progresses the way you want it to. All courses, workshops and kits come with free support afterwards. Email me or arrange a video call. I love to see what my students and fellow crafters are up to and really enjoy answering questions or helping if I can. So any booking isn’t just for the day it’s the start of a crafting friendship! I do my very best to keep all my listings up to date with availability. Unfortunately, at busy periods there can be a delay so if there is a specific date you need, please feel free to check before booking to avoid disappointment.
What's included in the price?
All your materials for instructed sessions, materials for a project in each studio session, endless tea & coffee and your accommodation on site are included in the price.
Duration
5 days
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Rachel Ellen – Craftsperson & Tutor Trained as a graphic designer, I spent 15 years teaching Art & Design and Design Technology, sharing my love of creativity with students of all ages. Craft has always been my passion, not just for the joy it brings but for the skills, confidence, and sense of accomplishment it fosters. Now based in the beautiful Shropshire hills, I feel privileged to welcome crafters from across the UK and beyond to my studio—and now online—to explore traditional and contemporary craft techniques. My teaching is all about supporting each person’s creative journey in a way that works for them, focusing on skill development, sustainability, and making long-lasting pieces. Thoughtful material choices and minimising waste are at the heart of my practice, ensuring that craft remains both joyful and responsible for generations to come.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Children
- Learning difficulties (SEN)
- Weekends
- Mother's Day
- Accommodation offered
- Stag dos
- Parking provided
- UK Holiday
- Suitable for all abilities
- Romantic
- Suitable for beginners
- Intermediate level
- Daytime (weekdays)
- Christmas
- Tutor can travel
- Corporate days out & team building
- Evenings
- Father's Day
- Hen dos
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- School holiday workshops & activities
FAQs
All your materials, endless tea and coffee and camping accommodation for 'One to One' bookings (this may also be available for other bookings subject to availability - please enquire).
I only take individual bookings so there will only be the people you choose to book for! This means I can make sure the workshop is exactly what individuals and groups want and everyone gets more out of it.
I normally start at 0930hrs but as I only take individual bookings I can be flexible with timings (subject to availability) to suit you.
No need to bring anything with you for your course or workshop unless you want to bring examples or inspiration ... but there are plenty of both here in the studio (surrounded by the beautiful Shropshire Hills) so you can just bring your lovely self!
There is a cute retro caravan that sleeps 1-2 people available onsite (The Old School Campsite) free of charge for 'one to one' bookings (subject to availability). There are also glamping bell tents in the summer and camping pitches available onsite. If camping isn't for you (!) there are lovely holiday cottages at 'Shelve Holidays' or a luxury cabin at 'Heather and Stone'.
