Based on the success of our recent retreats in 2022 we are very pleased to say we are doing it all again from Sunday 19 to Tuesday 21 March 2023.
Join us on a fabulous Japanese themed craft retreat - not in Japan but in our hometown of Ballarat - a UNESCO Creative City of Craft & Folk Art!
We have been running craft tours to Japan since 2017, and now that Japan has reopened for international visitors, we look forward to resuming our tours to Kyoto in 2023 and Tokyo in 2024. Because numbers are limited and we only run two tours to Japan a year, our Japanese themed retreats (in Ballarat & Hobart) are a great alternative and a good way to see if you might like to join us on a future tour to Japan.
Spread over 3 days and 2 nights, this retreat is ideal for those who love getting crafty and making things. Come by yourself or with a friend or loved one and be prepared to learn some new skills and have a great few days. The workshops are open to all skill levels. Be prepared to go home with some great crafty projects, new friends, and a love of all things Japanese!
Our retreat is held at the Mercure Hotel Ballarat. The cost of participation does not include accommodation. If you are coming from outside Ballarat you are welcome to contact the hotel directly and book a room and breakfast or alternatively arrange your own accommodation elsewhere.
Retreat Snapshot
Sunday - Travel to Ballarat & learn how to stitch the chrysanthemum Temari with Mel from the Finders Daughter
Monday – Get stitching and learn about freeform Hitomezashi with Andrea from Bittern by the Bug & then get your shopping shoes on with a private visit to The Crafty Squirrel and a spot of fabric & vintage shopping too.
Tuesday – Immerse yourself in all things aizome with Shuji from Wabi Sabi who will bring natural indigo vats and everything we need to get dyeing!
The Crafty Squirrel Retreat Includes:
• Japanese themed goody bag
• Some meals (1 x morning tea, 2 x lunch, 1 x afternoon tea, 1 x dinner (1 x dinner and 1 x lunch is at own expense) *Alcoholic beverages not included
• Welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
• Private coach transfer for shopping & dining
• Temari Ball workshop
• Hitomezashi stitching workshop
• Aizome Indigo dyeing workshop
Total cost - $1,175 per person.
$175 non refundable deposit required to secure spot.
Payment plan: (direct transfer bank details will be given)
$500 payable by 31 Jan 2023
$500 payable by 28 Feb 2023
We look forward to meeting and spending time with you in our beautiful hometown of Ballarat!
Please email Morgan - [email protected] if you require any more information or have any questions.
