Luxury Beadwork Retreat
No Dates Set for 2024 yet
Will update this page with photos from 2023 when I have them :)
Feedback from last year:
“It was a wonderful weekend with great beady friends, an amazing chef, fabulous surroundings…. and of course a few shiny sparkly beads… what more could you want?” Mairi Carlton
“The weekend was just brilliant from start to finish! Sarah had all our needs and wants considered, great venue, food, company and of course wonderful tutors. The only downside was that it was over too soon and I can’t wait to go back.” Christine Cuthbertson
The building, which dates back to 1765 when it was a coaching inn, has been carefully restored by owners, Amanda and Bob. It is now a gorgeous place to spend a weekend, with lots of lovely nooks and crannies to sit, chat, laugh and bead. There’s also a cinema room, a brand new sauna and a hot tub, right on the bank of the Lochay river.
All weekend we will have the wonderful Emily Crichton from Nourish Whole Soul Food as our private chef, cooking us some wholesome delicious meals and a few sweet treats. Whilst Emily specialises in vegetarian and vegan food, there will be meat options available on our weekend. We will also provide tea, coffee and fizzy water throughout the weekend and you are welcome to bring any soft drinks or boozy drinks you’d like to enjoy!
“Great beading, wonderful company, fabulous food (especially cakes) in scenic Scottish countryside. What more could you want?!!! Roll on next year.” Linda Feeney
Booking now closed for September 2023
The Classes
Gorgeous Squares
Details of the classes
We have two classes at the retreat, one on the Saturday and one on the Sunday. We might also have a little creative extra something on the Saturday evening (but that is always a surprise). Classes run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.
You can arrive anytime after 2pm on the Friday. There's no set plan for Friday apart from enjoying dinner together. It's then up to you whether you'd like to sit by the fire in the snug, watch a movie in the cinema room, have a walk around the lovely village or maybe even a dip in the hot tub!
Gorgeous Squares
Designed and taught by Mairi Carlton, this bracelet pattern is endlessly adaptable and Mairi will give you a bundle of adaptations where you can create different bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Using crystal cushions, chatons and bicones, the piece is woven together with miyuki seeds and half tilas. The possibilities of these gorgeous squares is endless!
Sophisticated Corners
This will be the Saturday class, designed and taught by Carole Cowie. Incorporating a range of squares and rectangles, some filled, some open with a lariat going through the centre piece giving you lots of options on how to wear it. (Full pic coming soon!)
All I can say about the Killin weekend is "great company, great food and fabulous projects" Catherine Campbell
Booking options
All bedrooms are ensuite. Most are set up as twin rooms, so these will be available to book for two people in the first instance – we may free up some of these to be single occupancy later on.
There’s the option to book a single or shared room – if sharing with a friend, you can both book separately and we will allocate you the same room.
Once booked and closer to the time, you will be sent a sample menu to make sure you’ll like the yummy food we have planned for you. As we have our own private chef, we can cater for all dietary requirements and needs.
"Excellent weekend. It was great having the house to ourselves and, as always, when beaders are around it is full of laughter" Isobel Dew
A bit about your host
Under the name of Mrs Magooty, I have been producing beadwork retreats for over 14 years, with over 50 happy beaders on some occasions! All have involved taking part in a range of beadwork classes taught by some fabulous tutors.
This luxury beadwork retreat is an evolution of this experience, bringing it in-house as part of my coaching, facilitation and creativity business.
It will be a weekend of indulging in the shared love of beads, in gorgeous surroundings full of laughter, good chats and great company. It’s my mission to produce the most comfortable, inspiring and memorable craft holiday for you!
Travel
By car: It’s a beautiful drive to get there. If coming from Glasgow/South West, you will head up the M80, through Callander and up the country road to Killin along river dochart.
By public transport: There are lots of buses to Killin from Callander or you could get the train to Crianlarich and then there’s a 22min taxi ride (or one of us might be able to pick you up if we sort it in advance). Also, there may be someone heading up from near you who would be willing to car share – just get in touch if that’s of interest.
If you have any questions, ideas or concerns you’d like to discuss before booking, do just send Sarah an email or whatsapp/text message.
FAQs:
I’m willing to share, but don’t know who with, is that OK?
I have specific dietary requirements, will they be catered for?
I don’t like hot tubs. Is that a problem?
How will I know what materials to bring?
I’m worried about sourcing my own materials for the class. Can you help?
I don’t drive, how can I get there?
Apart from beads, clothes and toiletries, do I need to bring anything else?
