Reflecting on the Success of Our First Creative Day Retreat – A Sold-Out Success!
September 2024 marked a major milestone for us: our very first Flow & Flourish Retreat in beautiful Farnham, Surrey was a complete success and sold out!
It was a day of inspiration, creativity, and relaxation, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who joined us. From the stunning calligraphy creations to the delicate floral watercolours, it was a day to remember—one that left our guests feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
As we look back on this amazing event, we wanted to share some highlights and express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it so special.
View the Gallery of photos from our September '24 retreat here.
View the reviews from the September '24 retreat here.
A Day of Creativity and Connection
Our Creative Day Retreat brought together a wonderful group of people, all eager to explore their artistic side in a welcoming, relaxed environment. For many, it was a chance to unplug from the busy pace of everyday life and immerse themselves in a day of mindful creativity.
The retreat offered two immersive workshops: Modern Calligraphy and Floral Watercolour Painting. Both workshops were designed to introduce guests to these beautiful art forms while allowing them the freedom to express their unique styles.
1. Modern Calligraphy Workshop
Our Modern Calligraphy session had our attendees discover the beauty of elegant hand lettering. Under the expert guidance of our instructor Jodie Rose, participants learned everything from the basic strokes to how to form letters and create flowy, beautiful pieces.
It was incredible to see how quickly everyone picked up the technique, with some attendees even creating intricate pieces by the end of the session. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as each person found their own calligraphy style, whether for personal projects, greeting cards, or home décor. The positive energy was contagious, and we could tell that many left with a newfound appreciation for this graceful art form.
2. Floral Watercolour Painting Workshop
Our attendees also dove into the world of Floral Watercolour Painting. This workshop was all about exploring the delicate art of painting soft, vibrant flowers. With the guidance of our experienced watercolour artist Helen Ridley, participants learned key techniques such as creating soft washes, blending colours, and layering shades to bring their floral creations to life.
It was wonderful to watch as each person’s watercolour painting blossomed into a beautiful piece of art. The variety of flowers painted that day was a true reflection of the creativity and talent in the room. By the end of the session, attendees were not only proud of their watercolour florals but also felt empowered to continue practicing and developing their skills at home.
A Relaxing and Inspirational Environment
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was the atmosphere we created. The retreat was held in a peaceful, light-filled venue in Farnham at The Garden Gallery, which helped foster a sense of calm and focus. The beauty of the surroundings, combined with the joy of being surrounded by like-minded individuals, made for an experience that was both nourishing and inspiring.
Guests had plenty of time to relax, chat with fellow creatives, and share their artistic progress throughout the day. We were thrilled to see how many new friendships and connections were made.
Thank You to Our Guests
We would like to take a moment to thank everyone who joined us for this sold-out event. Your energy, enthusiasm, and creativity made it such a memorable day, and we’re grateful for each of you who made the day so special.
It was so inspiring to see how people from all walks of life came together to embrace their creativity. Many of our guests were beginners who had never tried calligraphy or watercolours before, and it was incredible to witness their progress and newfound love for these artistic forms. We truly believe that creativity is for everyone, and our first retreat proved that!
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
After such a successful first event, we’re excited to announce that we’re already planning our next Creative Day Retreat! The demand for our workshops was overwhelming, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer more opportunities for people to come together, learn new skills, and express themselves through art.
We’ll be announcing dates and details for upcoming retreats soon, and we’re already planning new workshops and creative experiences to add to the mix. If you missed out on our first retreat, don’t worry—there will be plenty more opportunities to join us in the future!
Final Thoughts
Our first Creative Day Retreat was more than just a day of workshops—it was an opportunity for our guests to relax, create, and connect in a way that’s often hard to find in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We’re incredibly grateful for the success of this event, and we can’t wait to welcome more creative souls to future retreats.
Thank you again to everyone who joined us in September. Your creativity, enthusiasm, and warmth made it an unforgettable day, and we look forward to seeing you at our next retreat!
Next retreat: Sunday 6th April 2025
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Love,
Helen & Jodie (retreat hosts) x