You Will Learn

• How to make your own beautiful Christmas wreath, using natural materials, with expert florist Fran Phillips of La-Di-Dardy Flowers”. Fran specialises in using flowers and foliage that she has either grown in her own garden or foraged from the lanes and hedgerows around her home in Llangattock. The resulting wreaths are works of art as well as heirloom pieces, which you will be able to use again and again, adding fresh ingredients each year.

• How to make your own botanical gin blend with author and forager Adele Nozedar. First, learn how tinctures are made, and then play with a large selection of ingredients, some local, some exotic, to make your own unique gin or vodka blend – including a 300ml bottle to take home.

• How to make a characterful Christmas Robin,   with textile artist, Emma Bevan, of FfolkyFfelt.  Emma will guide you in making a lovely needle-felted Christmas robin to grace your Christmas tree for years to come! Using needle felt techniques, and ethically sourced wool, it is likely your robin may well end up as a permanent fixture – not just for Christmas! All materials will be supplied.

Arrive at 3.30pm on December 2nd , enjoy an afternoon coffee,  then settle in with a cocktail as you take part in the Botanical Gin workshop (which will take 1.5 hours), followed by dinner at 7.15pm.

The following morning, after breakfast, you will divide into two groups, one to make robins, the other, wreaths. After lunch, you’ll swap over, so you have all 3 items to take home.

How to Book

The booking process is a two-stage process. You will need to book your room and board package with the hotel. Room types and prices below and then go to the Beacons Creative Retreats website to book the workshops. To book your chosen room please telephone the hotel 01874 730371  or submit your request here (it is not possible to book this package online).

Room and all meals – single occupancy price is quoted first. Prices do NOT include the cost of the workshops of £150 per person.

Luxury double with river view £288 / £366

Large double with river view £253 / £331

Four poster room with garden view £253 / £331

Large double/twin with garden view £223 / £301

Classic double/twin with garden view £193 / £271

Small double/twin with garden view £173 / £251

Workshops

Cost of workshops is £150, for which the Retreat organisers require a £75 deposit; details of how to book the workshops and pay your deposit, are on The Christmas Retreat page of the separate Retreat website.

ADDED BONUS….it just happens to be late Christmas shopping in the gorgeous town of Crickhowell, less than a mile away, on Thursday 3rd December, a perfect opportunity to find some handmade gifts following your creative Retreat.