Craft & Activity Holidays 2020 Holidays in The Trossachs National Park Gartmore House is an historic country house, set in the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in Scotland. It is the ideal place to enjoy a craft or activity holiday. Stay in comfortable accommodation and enjoy the activity of your choice with our friendly expert tutors. Groups are welcome. Choose from a wide selection of activities ranging from 2 to 6 night stays. From craft breaks including knitting and sewing to photography and walking. Your stay at Gartmore House All bedrooms in Gartmore House are en-suite and many have beautiful views towards Stirling Castle. This beautiful 18th century property is set in 75 acres of private land. All holidays include freshly prepared, wholesome meals and homebaking, made by our chefs using local produce. Experienced and friendly tutors we have worked with for many years bring a wealth of local knowledge and a passion for what they do. Holidays of 5 nights or more include an optional visit to Loch Katrine or The Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle. Transport is provided for this trip. www.gartmorehouse.com What our guests say “Excellent all round. Thank you for a great stay. Staff always friendly and helpful.” “Samira was absolutely brilliant - very patient and gave us great ideas - many thanks.” “Perfect stay in perfect surroundings.” “A thoroughly great experience. Never thought at my age that anyone could teach me how to crochet, however, Samira succeeded where all others failed. Will be back!” “Enjoyed sail on the Loch, the tuition was excellent and supportive. Dining room staff pleasant and patient. Well done for a wonderful experience.” “Really enjoyed the weekend – excellent tuition and very helpful staff.” “Another lovely week. Clare is very patient and helpful. Lots of tips to improve my quilting, I didn’t want the week to end.” “Can’t wait to come back!” 5 Contents 7 Knitting and Crochet 8 Patchwork & Quilting 9 Watercolour Painting 10 Lace Making 11 Painting with Mixed Media 12 Sewing 13 Photography 14 Felting 15 Eco Printing and Indigo Dyeing 16 Art Cloth Doll Making 17 Introductory Hill Walking 18 Willow Work 19 Greenwood Spoon Carving 20 Millinery 21 Corset Making 22 Christmas Crafts 23 Day Trips 24 Example Activity Holiday Schedule 25 How To Find Us 27 Booking Information 6 Knitting and Crochet Knitting and crochet holidays at Gartmore House appeal to both beginners and seasoned professionals. Enjoy the comfortable surroundings and relaxed company while developing your chosen skill. Guests are welcome to bring along their current projects, or any unfinished work, and our professional tutor Samira Hill will provide help and advice. Alternatively we provide a selection of themed workshops for guests to choose from prior to arrival. These include: Beginners, Introduction to Aran Cables Knitting, Introduction to Multicolour Knitting, Introduction to Fair Isle Knitting and Steeking, Entrelac Knitting, Brioche Knitting, Sock Knitting, Introduction to Crochet, Advanced Crochet or Tunisian Crochet. All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Samira Hill What you need to bring: • Materials for the class (wool, needles, crochet hooks and accessories will be available for sale during the activity week) 5 night breaks - £695 per person 6 night breaks - £745 per person 26th to 31st January 2020 13th to 19th June 2020 16th to 21st February 2020 8th to 14th August 2020 15th to 20th March 2020 19th to 24th April 2020 2 night breaks - £385 per person 17th to 22nd May 2020 31st January to 2nd February 2020 19th to 24th July 2020 21st to 23rd February 2020 6th to 11th September 2020 20th to 22nd March 2020 11th to 16th October 2020 24th to 26th April 2020 22nd to 27th November 2020 22nd to 24th May 2020 9th to 11th October 2020 20th to 22nd November 2020 7 Patchwork and Quilting Patchwork and quilting holidays will appeal to both the seasoned and novice quilter. From our studio, with its panoramic views, you can enjoy the comforts of Gartmore House while receiving expert tuition and guidance from your tutor Clare Workman. There is a choice of a varied selection of taught techniques and projects (for details see website) or bring your own WIPs (works in progress) or UFOs (unfinished objects) for a busy yet relaxed creative holiday. During your stay you will work on your project at morning and afternoon sessions. By the end of your holiday you will have completed your chosen small/medium project or be well on your way with a larger quilt. All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition What you need to bring: • Materials for the class (a list will be sent to you on booking) • Your own sewing machine is preferred however a limited number of machines can be hired at a small extra charge 5 night breaks - £695 per person 2 night breaks - £385 per person 26th to 31st January 2020 3rd to 5th April 2020 22nd to 27th March 2020 8th to 10th May 2020 26th to 31st July 2020 6th to 11th September 2020 8th to 13th November 2020 6 night breaks - £745 per person 8th to 14th August 2020 8 Watercolour Painting Join Steve Bretel for an exciting experience painting in expressive watercolour, suitable for beginners, those with some experience and returners. Studio subjects cover land, sea or cityscape, flowers and artificial objects, creating mood and atmosphere, or placing figures and animals within a scene. Working from still life, projected and print references, we will also explore different mediums for texture and effects. Depending on the weather, we may also paint outside. Following a commercial art career in London, Steve has taught creative arts in Scotland for 20 years, and holds a BA in Visual Communication. All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Steve Bretel and all painting materials What you need to bring: • Outdoor clothing 5 night breaks - £695 per person 19th to 24th January 2020 22nd to 27th March 2020 10th to 15th May 2020 27th September to 2nd October 2020 8th to 13th November 2020 6 night breaks - £745 per person 13th to 19th June 2020 8th to 14th August 2020 2 night breaks - £385 per person 21st to 23rd February 2020 24th to 26th April 2020 30th October to 1st November 2020 9 Lace Making Join us for a lace making holiday with professional tutor Jean Leader. You will have the opportunity to learn Torchon, Bucks Point or Bedfordshire lace from beginner to advanced level. Jean will also cover the basics of other laces including Honiton, Bruges, and Milanese together with needlelace and tatting. Jean is also an expert in lace identification and history of lace, for those interested in a deeper understanding of the topic. All breaks include: • En-suite accomodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Jean Leader What you need to bring: Your tutor Jean will contact you before the course to advise what you need to bring. A starter pack will be provided for beginners, which can be purchased after the course. 5 night breaks - £695 per person 19th to 24th January 2020 15th to 20th March 2020 10th to 15th May 2020 5th to 10th July 2020 30th August to 4th September 2020 8th to 13th November 2020 2 night breaks - £385 per person 3rd to 5th April 2020 10 Painting with Mixed Media A mixed media painting holiday at Gartmore House with Nigel Overton gives you the chance to develop your drawing and painting ability using a range of different media. Our painting holidays are for all abilities and we purposefully do not take large numbers to allow our tutor to give you personalised instruction based upon your level of experience. We will provide all materials, boards, paper and brushes, but feel free to bring your favourite materials if preferred. Depending on the weather we would plan to have some outdoor sessions, so you might want to include outdoor clothing. All breaks include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition and all painting materials What you need to bring: • Outdoor clothing 5 night breaks - £695 per person 5th to 10th April 2020 4th to 9th October 2020 11 Sewing Dedicate some time to yourself and enjoy a relaxing sewing break in an inspiring location. Get to know all about patterns, cutting, fabric layout and fitting. By the end of the holiday, you’ll be able to produce a simple toile (practice garment) and transfer your fitting adjustments back onto your paper pattern before you make your final garment. Sewing breaks are suitable for both beginners and returners. All breaks are £695 per person and include: • En-suite accommodation in Gartmore House • Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner • Expert tuition by Gill McBride What you need to bring: • Sewing materials for the classes and your own sewing machine is preferred (a limited number of machines can be hired at a small extra charge) Dressmaking – Understanding and Fitting Sewing Patterns Sunday 8th to Friday 13th March 2020 Fitting and Sewing Trousers Sunday 10th to Friday 15th May 2020 Dressmaking – Understanding and Fitting Sewing Patterns Sunday 6th to Friday 11th September 2020 Speed Tailoring a Jacket Sunday 22nd to Friday 27th November 2020 12 Photography Improve your photography skills under the guidance of professional photographer Ewan Barry. Enjoy relaxed company and comfortable surroundings. What you will learn: • Theory and approach to photography • Identifying potential subjects • Creative composition • Understanding light • Mastering camera controls • Image processing and finishing (The photographs you will take will be specific to Gartmore and the surrounding area but the approach and techniques learned can be used anywhere).