Create Your Own Concertina Sketchbook with me
SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2025
EN FRANÇAIS
This immersive yet relaxing one-day retreat is designed for art lovers and nature lovers of all skill levels. While being guided through the practice of creating a handmade concertina book, you will find you are slowly and gently engaging in genuine observation – as well as expressing your own curiosity, honestly and playfully.
This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to explore art in a warm, welcoming, and supportive space. Whether you’re a total beginner or more experienced, this day is about creative discovery, self-expression, and connection with nature.
Set in the beautiful French countryside, I will guide you through making your own concertina sketchbook—a simple, yet dynamic format perfect for capturing textures, patterns, and inspirations from the natural world.
Guidance in English & French | Inclusive & Open to All Abilities
retreat highlights
- A Full-Day Creative Experience (10:00 – 17:00) – Gentle, step-by-step guidance
- Create a Unique Handmade Concertina Sketchbook – capture the essence of nature with self-expression
- Suitable for Beginners and Intermediate levels – No drawing skills required!
- Guidance in English and French
- Taking place at Domaine de Capies, a rustic French farmhouse on one hectare of land, with stunning south facing views over vineyards and hills. 10 minutes from Limoux, 30 minutes from Carcassonne and just over an hour from Toulouse
- Delicious Organic Vegetarian Lunch & Refreshments
What to Expect?
★ Your Guide, Suzie
Suzie will lead you through the process of making your own concertina book—a simple yet dynamic folded structure that requires no stitching or binding. This allows ideas to flow naturally, creating a beautifully coherent style that’s exciting and quite magical!
★ Explore Expressive Techniques
Discover non-traditional mark-making methods, including monoprint, collage, and writing. Experiment with loose, gestural lines, textures, and patterns, embracing spontaneity and playfulness in your work.
★ Take Inspiration from Nature
Observe and document the textures, shapes, and light found in the landscape, plants, and natural forms around Capiès. Gather sketches, notes, reference photos, and found objects to inspire your book.
For more experienced artists, there’s the option to work plein air for a fully immersive experience.
★ Create in a Relaxed & Supportive Atmosphere
Work alongside fellow creatives as you bring your book to life, inspired by the observations, collecting and techniques in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages curiosity, freedom and exploration. At the end of the day reflect and share your work, thoughts and experiences. Flip through each other’s books over tea and cake!
★ Take Your Inspiration Home
Leave with your handmade book, new techniques, and fresh ideas to continue creating beyond the workshop.
★ Your host, Tilly
Tilly will provide a delicious organic vegetarian lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Please let us know of any particular food requirements!
The Location
Domaine de Capies is a beautiful, rustic French farmhouse on one hectare of land, with stunning south facing views over vineyards and hills. It’s situated 10 minutes from Limoux, 30 minutes from Carcassonne and just over an hour from Toulouse. Learn more about the location here
Workshop Details
★ Date: Saturday, 26 April 2025
★ Price: 95€ (Includes all materials, full lunch and refreshments)
★ Reserve Your Spot: Get in touch using the form below or send an email to contact@domainedecapies.com to book your place. We look forward to seeing you.
Limited spots available!