Pembrokeshire slate mosaics with Wild Slate Workshops - Inspired by coast, land and legend
Description
Discover the timeless art of mosaic-making in rural Pembrokeshire. Using locally sourced slate - hand picked from this region's ancient landscape - along with glass, stone, metal, and a selection of handmade tesserae (small pieces used to create a mosaic), you'll create two unique mosaic artworks that reflect the colours, textures, and spirit of South West Wales. Under experienced guidance, you'll learn traditional and contemporary techniques for cutting, shaping, and arranging natural materials into stunning compositions. Whether you're a complete beginner or already have some creative experience, you'll leave with two finished mosaics ready to display in your home, as well as a renewed connection to the land that inspired them. You will be able to create your compositions to directly reflect the colours and textures of the Pembrokeshire landscape, or allow them to develop in a completely abstract and organic way, allowing the materials to shine in their own right. On your second mosaic there may be an option to include a piece of driftwood foraged from Pembrokeshire's incredible beaches. "Wow! From the emails beforehand, to the clear instruction, to the beautifully laid out tables, to the all the wonderful materials, it was all perfect." - Ruth What you'll experience: ✅ Explore design inspiration from Pembrokeshire's dramatic coastline, rolling hills, prehistoric stone monuments and glorious colour scapes. ✅ Learn mosaic techniques using slate, glass, stone, metal and handmade tesserae that you will place in various ways to evoke texture and interest. ✅ Work with locally sourced materials - authentic Pembrokeshire slate and reclaimed elements. ✅ Create two mosaic artworks to take home. ✅ Enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and an unhurried pace with small group sizes to ensure personal guidance. Workshops are held in a gorgeous, purpose-built, sustainable craft space that is nestled in a rural village location, surrounded by the same landscapes that inspire the work - a space to slow down, reconnect, and create something truly one-of-a-kind. This is an opportunity for you to fully engage in a craft that is completely absorbing and mindful. "It was so great to learn a new craft using materials I've never worked with. The atmosphere was great - calm and relaxed. With the combination of gentle guidance and the free form of choosing what you want to make, it was really well balanced. Nicely paced and a bit different to the other workshops out there." - Lara Who it's for: ✅ Creative beginners and craft enthusiasts. ✅ Visitors seeking a memorable Pembrokeshire experience. ✅ Locals interested in learning a new craft rooted in their own landscape. No mosaic experience is needed - just curiosity and an appreciation of beautiful materials. This workshop is ideal for anyone who loves nature, creativity and learning new skills. It's a great activity for solo travellers, couples, or small groups - if you love creativity, you'll love this experience! Please note: the minimum age to attend this workshop is 14 and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. "Enjoyable for experienced artists and beginners. Perfect! Plenty of time to explore designs and no pressure to complete each piece." - Jess
What's included in the price?
You will have everything you need to complete your two mosaics: ⚒️ All materials and tools. ⚒️ Use of local Pembrokeshire slate and stone, plus glass and metal accents as well as tesserae handmade or hand-embellished by me in other interesting and exciting materials. ⚒️ An apron is provided to protect your clothing and personal protective equipment is available to ensure your safety. ⚒️ Tea, coffee, and light refreshments (please bring a packed lunch). ⚒️ Guidance and demonstration throughout as well as the enthusiasm of your fellow mosaicists.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Hi, I'm Niki and I've been a creative person my entire life. While living all over the world, I've soaked up many cultures and experiences that have shaped my creative identity and honed my crafting skills. I love encouraging creativity and artistic pursuits in others and believe that we should all aim to embrace art and craft in all its forms. I particularly love working with natural materials especially stone and glass which has led me to slate, a material that my home is surrounded by and which underpins the landscape in my beautiful county of Pembrokeshire. From this elemental love of the landscapes and legends of West Wales, Wild Slate Workshops was born. Passing on my knowledge and skills to others is a joy and I am excited to be sharing them with you.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Wheelchair users
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Hen dos
- Parking provided
- Mother's Day
- Corporate days out & team building
- Suitable for beginners
- UK Holiday
- Romantic
- Overseas Holiday
- Christmas
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Father's Day
FAQs
Yes, I can offer private group workshops and creative sessions for small groups of no more than 8 people. Please message me to discuss dates and your requirements.
Comfortable clothes that you won't mind getting a little dusty or marked with adhesive. I will provide you with an apron to protect your clothing as much as possible. Closed shoes are recommended due to cutting glass and other materials.
You'll be fully supported throughout the workshop. I demonstrate each technique clearly, check in regularly, and offer a variety of pre-prepared elements if you feel using the cutting tools will be difficult for you. Everyone works at their own pace and I aim to ensure that all participants end the workshop with a deep sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Yes! All of the slate is collected by me and my husband on dog walks and countryside rambles using a backpack or a bucket. We occasionally collect larger pieces by car from a local farmer or from the local slate quarry. We also source reclaimed Welsh slate roof tiles from our local area.
Just yourself, a sense of curiosity and creativity, a love of nature and natural materials, and your reading glasses if you use them for close-up work. You will also need to bring a packed lunch.
No experience at all is needed. The workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as creative makers who want to try something new. All techniques will be demonstrated step-by-step.
Yes definitely! If you have some materials such as small pebbles, shells or pieces of glass and pottery, that you would like to include in your mosaics then please bring them along to see if you can use them in your designs.
All participants must be aged 14 and over due to the use of cutting tools and materials with potentially sharp edges as well as the use of fine motor skills. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
There is parking available for 5 vehicles at Y Stiwdio with one space designated for disabled use. There is limited on street parking and participants are able to use the car park at Canolfan Hermon which is a very short walk from Y Stiwdio. Y Stiwdio very respectfully asks that on street parking is avoided in order not to impede local residents.
Yes, Y Stiwdio is a fully accessible with level access and a wheelchair-friendly toilet. If you have other accessibility needs such as hearing loss or issues with dexterity, please message me as I will do everything possible to ensure you are able to participate fully.
Absolutely! You will be able to take breaks whenever you feel the need to stretch your legs or use the bathroom and we will all break for lunch at about 12.30pm.
This is a full day workshop. Participants are invited to arrive from 9am for a 9.30am start and we will finish at approximately 3.30pm although there will be flexibility in the finish time to ensure everyone has time to complete their second piece.
Yes. There are two 22kw public Pod Point charging points within a 10 min walk of the venue. They can be found at Penllain garage, Aweldg, Hermon SA36 0DS.
