Casa Julfa Presents….
A Handmade Christmas: Textiles & Clay
What if this Christmas, the pleasure of giving began with the pleasure of making?
Thursday 3 – Tuesday 8 December 2026
Participation fees: €1,795 per person - Trip is limited to 4 people .
Includes accommodation at Casa Julfa (private apartment with kitchenette and en-suite bathroom) half-board, all teaching, materials and equipment.
Imagine if this Christmas, everything you gifted was made by your own fair hands?
Each item thoughtfully, ethically created from quality, natural materials, bespoke for its recipient. Join us at Casa Julfa for a creative retreat exploring textiles, ceramics and traditional craft practices.
No previous experience is necessary. We'll introduce you to a selection of easy-to-complete projects and offer as much guidance as you need. Whether you prefer to work independently or with support throughout, you'll have access to our studios, materials and equipment to create as many pieces as you wish.
Each piece will be finished and thoughtfully packaged, with accompanying notes on its materials and making. You'll leave with a collection of objects ready to give to others, or simply to keep for yourself.
All of this unfolds against the cinematic backdrop of Casa Julfa, with its beautiful spaces, signature hospitality and time to enjoy the pleasures of life in rural France.
What we will make and do:
We'll have at least ten pre-prepared projects, You can expect to create pieces such as:
Scrunchies using our collection of antique French silks and linens, accompanied by spells, poems and suggested uses that you can personalise for each recipient using templates created by our resident witch, Blue Firth.
Ceramic candle holders for walls or tables, using our local, historic Limoges clay (originally believed to be porcelain), which fires to a beautiful bright white and can be left unglazed. We'll also provide locally produced church candles to gift.
Watercolour palettes made using locally sourced natural pigments, many of which connect to the historic sites and painted heritage of our region, known as the Vallée des Fresques. We will also provide an accompanying information sheet sharing the history of the region and the story of your handmade paints.
Many more textile and ceramic projects in a similar spirit, with specially designed packaging and accompanying resources. You'll also have the freedom to personalise your creations with historical information, poems, spells or suggested uses, or develop projects of your own.
When we are not making, we will also have time to visit local brocantes, explore the rich art history and craft traditions of the region, and enjoy the pleasures of rural French life, from beautiful countryside walks to long lunches and delicious local food.
We have planned this retreat as something that you also give to yourself, so that you'll leave not only with your finished creations, but with new skills, inspiration and the resources to continue exploring these practices long after your stay.
“Casa Julfa is the perfect place to reflect, learn and transform. I could retreat and rest or participate whenever I needed. The setting is so beautiful, like going back in time… I learnt so much, I know i’ll always be very glad I got to experience the magic and pure peacefulness and ease of this stay ”
Alex Nowicki (Nottingham, UK) - Retreat Participant Autumn 2023