A two-day creative retreat in basketry, weaving and mixed media, led by Sarah Parr
17th and 18th July 2027
Step away from everyday life and spend two days making with your hands. This retreat puts a contemporary twist on the traditional craft of basketry, using discarded materials, handmade tools and the rhythms of nature as inspiration.
You’ll explore colour, weave, print and mixed media, building up layers to capture a sense of rhythm, depth and movement. Everyone works at their own pace, so you can follow your own creative path while sharing the experience with others and enjoying the unexpected discoveries along the way.
No experience is needed, and all materials are provided.
Using soft plastics and fabrics, you’ll learn to make a coiled woven basket, or a loom piece if you prefer. Sarah will show you how to turn soft plastics into yarn using a spinning and twisting technique. Working with reclaimed materials opens up new possibilities for fibre art, and every vessel you make will be unique and personal to you.
Give yourself permission to be messy, make mistakes and experiment with both 2D and 3D making.
Day two is all about the freedom to play. Using gel plates, plastics, found objects and handmade tools, you’ll experiment with colour, texture, layering and mark-making to create a bundle of prints. These prints then become the starting point for a collage, which you can build on with further materials and stitch.
You’ll head home with your own pieces and plenty of fresh ideas to carry on at your own pace.
Sarah Parr is a mixed media fibre artist and arts educator based in Lincolnshire. She holds a degree in Textiles and a foundation degree with distinction, and is currently studying for an MA in Art Therapy.
Her practice centres on hand-woven textiles and mixed media collage. Driven by a commitment to environmental sustainability, Sarah collects and repurposes discarded plastic waste, turning everyday salvaged materials into rich, tactile visual stories.
Sarah is passionate about bringing art to communities. She has exhibited her work in Bradford and has taken part in public arts projects including the Sleaford River Light Festival. Her Art Therapy studies explore how materials, the creative process and wellbeing connect, and this shapes both her workshops and her own evolving practice.
To book email: mail@rydalhall.org or call 015394 32050
Our property is a Grade II listed building, and due to its historic nature, some areas may present accessibility challenges. If you have mobility difficulties or any specific accessibility requirements and are considering staying with us, we kindly ask that you contact us by telephone before booking. We will be happy to discuss your needs and help you determine whether our accommodation is suitable for your stay.
You can also read our full accessibility statement.