I have always found focusing on art and craft has been a brilliant way for me to unwind, concentrating on a project relaxes me and helps me to de-stress; it doesn’t really matter what it is..carding fleece, washing fleece, spinning, wet felting, needle felting or sewing, they all clear my mind. Some of them because of the motion (carding and spinning) and others due to my absorption in the task in hand.
Over the years we have run craft, yoga and walking retreats and holidays, but what I find helps people who feel really stressed and often anxious is to combine all three of these elements. This year we are running a craft retreat, which focuses on craft, but also combines walking and optional yoga. Many of the days will be spent outdoors; picking dye plants, dyeing fleece, and walking as well as cosy days indoors felting, needle felting and eco printing. There will be an option to enjoy a couple of mornings of yoga. The walking will take in some of the areas stunning landscapes including, Glen Affric, Plodda waterfalls and Corrimony. This is the kind of holiday I want to go on and that is why I run it, as so many of my friends and family just want a little bit of everything! The outdoors, nature, creativity, gentle exercise and of course great healthy food. Guests also stay in lovely accommodation on the edge of the Corrimony RSPB reserve, setting in stunning farmland with the river running near by and beautiful walks just outside the door.
It was tricky deciding what this holiday should be called..it is definitely a retreat with a bit of all sorts thrown in – we all need a bit of everything to help us unwind, revitalise and relax.
Wild Rose Escapes Craft Retreat (September 24th-Oct 1st) 2016)
