I am finally home! It feels like I’ve been away a lot longer than a week, and I’m not sure everything’s been processed fully yet, but I’m busting at the seams to tell you about the retreat. You will be overjoyed to learn that it’s going to take more than one post. 🙂
including a handwritten welcome note
Here are a few photos of the retreat location itself; a place called Natural Retreats in the Yorkshire Dales.
It’s an eco friendly self catering (but not for us!) retreat, broken up into lodges which can house up to six people. 
Beth had hired out the entire place just for us, with three of us in each lodge.
We ate our meals in a TEEPEE, and those of us in Flora’s class spent our days in a marquee in the grounds.
In the evenings there were talks, Q&As and group discussions with creative business owners such as Flora Bowley (gorgeous paintings), Matt Stinchcomb (one of the founders of Etsy), Hannah Nunn (gorgeous lamps), Rachael Taylor (gorgeous textiles), Priscilla Jones (gorgeous 3D wirework and canvases) and Rachel Hazell (gorgeous books)!
There were bunnies EVERYwhere.
And it was a total treat to have all our meals provided, including a barbeque on the last night.
There was so much to learn and discuss and absorb; lots of us were constantly revelling in the fact that we were surrounded by other creative souls who were finding out what made their hearts sing and learning ways to make it into a living.
Everyone was supportive and kind and friendly and open. I laughed a lot, ate a lot and painted a lot. More on that tomorrow…
Ooh lovely post 🙂 Am enjoying reading all the reviews to keep the spark going !
one word….Jealous!!! 🙂
Glad you had a great time hun, i'm looking forward to hearing more about it x
Love reading about these kinds of experiences…the opportunity to retreat, to play, to learn, to connect. This one sounds like it was an incredible experience. Looking forward to hearing more!
Love it! So, so cool. It feels like we all are holding onto the dreamy time we had, just a little bit, by reading all of the blog posts. So very cool! I miss you already! Can't wait to read your painting post…
Tara! Lovely to find you here. Your work is amazing. Thrilled to be able to see it all. And, love reading your post!
oh what a lovely post, gives a great overall view of what it was like! great photos by the way. oh and lets meet up to debrief! xxx lots of love Moyra
oh wow! looks like you had a great time! i'm wondering if it was expensive to go on with the lovely rooms and all catering provided? 🙂 regardless looks absolutely fabulous! 🙂
What an amazing place, Tar! It looks so perfect to get your creative juices flowing.
x