Interested in the next retreat?
About the Retreat
There’s something wonderful about gathering in community, to take a deep breathe and head back to life with a dose of inspiration.
Join us for a creative autumn weekend at Wyndelin Farm hosted by Marissa Froese joined by Chris Pasquet, Lorraine Beswick & Sarah Vascatto. Each of these talented women will share from their specific artistic life experience as they guide you through their workshops.
Escape to Marissa’s farm & guest house for a time to relax, rejuvenate from the every day and pursue creativity.
Your Host | Marissa
I find joy in sharing our beautiful old farmhouse and creating a sense of home for everyone who joins us in it. Whether I am out pulling weeds in the garden, baking bread, or reading stories to my girls, finding beauty in the ordinary inspires my art, cooking, decorating and way of life.
Old fashioned hospitality matters to me and there is always time in the day for a cup of tea and conversation.
I hope that your time here gives you new perspectives on your own life, encouragement to tackle the ordinary, and a sense of a shared journey.
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Beeswax Candle Making (with Marissa)
With a typically longer burn time than standard poured candles, hand dipped beeswax candles are efficient, clean burning, and sustainable.
Marissa will guide you through techniques including melting the wax, maintaining the needed temperature, and the hand dipping process.
Includes: 6 Hand dipped beeswax candles that you made yourself!
Needlework
As a more relaxed evening activity, Marissa will teach you a few basic embroidery stitches to create a small embroidered piece.
Includes: Needle, embroidery floss, linen material, and design options.
Special Guests
Chris Pasquet
Hi, I’m Christina Pasquet, the owner and shopkeep at Patch Halifax, my fabric store and sewing workshop in Halifax Nova Scotia. I have an undergraduate degree from Dalhousie in Costume Studies and studied Fashion and Textiles in Graduate School at The fashion Institute of technology, but I feels like I’ve learned the most from the great community that has formed at Patch. I love teaching and spreading the enjoyment of sewing with others. Plus I’m obsessed with fabric and just want to constantly find ways for myself and others to make beautiful things with it. When I’m not doing that, I’m busy raising my two little boys who are an endless source of joy!
Workshop
Chris will guide you through the process of making a beautiful linen crossover style apron. She will do her workshop on Friday afternoon/evening and with her direction, you’ll make yourself a new apron! You don’t need prior sewing experience; this is a perfect beginner project and there will be plenty of time to work at your pace with her help as you need it.
Includes
- Aprox 1 metre of Linen Fabric (choice between two)
- Pattern & Instruction to make a Japanese style crossover apron
- use of Chris’s sewing machines and tools (feel free to bring your own sewing machine if you’d like, please let us know ahead of time.)
Chris Pasquet
Hi, I’m Christina Pasquet, the owner and shopkeep at Patch Halifax, my fabric store and sewing workshop in Halifax Nova Scotia. I have an undergraduate degree from Dalhousie in Costume Studies and studied Fashion and Textiles in Graduate School at The fashion Institute of technology, but I feels like I’ve learned the most from the great community that has formed at Patch. I love teaching and spreading the enjoyment of sewing with others. Plus I’m obsessed with fabric and just want to constantly find ways for myself and others to make beautiful things with it. When I’m not doing that, I’m busy raising my two little boys who are an endless source of joy!
Workshop
Chris will guide you through the process of making a beautiful linen crossover style apron. She will do her workshop on Saturday morning and with her direction, you’ll make yourself a new apron! You don’t need prior sewing experience; this is a perfect beginner project and there will be plenty of time to work at your pace with her help as you need it.
Includes
- Aprox 1 metre of Linen Fabric (choice between two)
- Pattern & Instruction to make a Japanese style crossover apron
- use of Chris’s sewing machines and tools (feel free to bring your own sewing machine if you’d like, please let us know ahead of time.)
Lorraine Beswick
There have always been gardens and flowers in my life.
Earlier years as a student of dance, a weaver, a teacher of Sources of Inspiration for Design continue to influence my ways of seeing, of working with colour, texture and line.
As a gardener and arranger of flowers, making beautiful is what I love to do. As a teacher, I love facilitating the creativity of others. Be it on the land, in the hand, or in a room – that the eye be answered by something quietly eloquent, is important to me. That the work speaks of and to those involved, matters.
Workshop
On Sunday morning, Lorraine will join us for a garden walk where she will share her love and knowledge of flowers and foliage. We’ll gather some fall flowers as well as foliage and then she will go through some creative elements of floral arranging. You’ll have plenty of time to arrange your own take home bouquet using the lovely blooms and foliage available. Again, there is no need for prior floral experience; Lorraine’s warmth, enthusiasm and love for flowers and nature will have you finishing the workshop with a beautiful bouquet and new confidence.
Includes:
- a bouquet that you made!
Sarah Vascatto
Sarah Vascotto, founder of Small Batch Bee Patch, is no stranger to the ocean’s influence to inspire creativity. When she’s not immersed in backyard apiary duties, trekking through Acadian forest woodlots or enjoying family life on her small hobby farm in Clementsvale, she is often found exploring the coastal shores along the Bay of Fundy and Brier Island discovering the wonders shaped by the world’s largest tides.
Workshop
Come capture the historical influence of coastal life in Nova Scotia and join us in a hands-on workshop making your very own Bay of Fundy Fisherman’s Rope Mat. Under Sarah’s guidance, you will work with a variety of well seasoned fisherman’s rope that has experienced the ebb and flow of the Bay of Fundy tides to create a hand-woven, rugged and functional welcome for any entrance.
Includes
- Instruction and materials to make your own mat.
Schedule
Friday
- Check-in {Starting at 3pm}
- Sewing #1
- Supper
- Sewing #2
- Evening Tea
Saturday
- Breakfast
- Rope Mat Weaving
- Lunch
- Candle Making
- Relax / Free Time
- Dinner
- Evening Tea & Relax Time
- Needle Work
Sunday
- Breakfast
- Floral Workshop
- Lunch & Farewell
the Details
Accommodations & Meals
You will have a private room in our guest suites (Shared bathrooms). Imagine sun-dried sheets on comfortable beds, fresh flowers, handmade soaps and quilts; that’s what you’ll enjoy for your two night stay.
All 6 Meals will be provided from Friday evening supper to Sunday Lunch with snacks, treats, tea and coffee available. All meals will be made by Marissa with fresh, homegrown and local ingredients. Our kitchen is dedicated gluten free and I’m able to accommodate many dietary needs but please discuss that with me prior to registering to ensure that I’m able to offer what you need.
Cost
Includes: 2 Nights Accomodations, Meals & Snacks, Welcome Gift Bag, & Workshop Supplies.
$560 – Before September 20
$585 – After September 20
- The retreat is limited to 6 overnight guests. Register as soon as possible to guarantee your place.
- Payment can be made via Email Transfer or Credit Card (Paypal). Payment due at time of booking to hold reservation.
- Your reservation is transferable but not non-refundable. If the reservation is transfered prior to 1 week before the event, you will receive a full refund.
Contact
For questions or to reserve your spot please contact Marissa at chickadeeswing@gmail.com or 902-308-9729
Reviews!
“Wyndelin Farm is the perfect setting for a weekend of creativity. It was such a treat to learn from these instructors in the company of other creative-minded individuals. Marissa is an exceptional host, every meal was picture-perfect and delicious, and her guest rooms are as comfortable as they are inviting. I hope to be back for another one soon!”
Rachel – Halifax (Summer Retreat 2018)
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“I am very glad I chose to go on the creative retreat at Wyndelin farm. It is a beautiful setting and Marissa makes you feel welcome and cooks delicious meals. It was a refreshing and inspiring weekend and I would highly recommend it!”
Laura – Halifax (Summer Retreat 2018)
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“This creative retreat is one I will cherish for a long time. Being a mom of many, I enjoyed having the quiet break, having someone cook for me, and feeling like I was really taken care of. The workshops were challenging, yet simple enough that everyone could accomplish them. The meals were delicious and wholesome and the views were spectacular. I left having made new friends and feeling rejuvenated. “
Natasha – PEI (Summer Retreat 2018)
Location
Our guest house is located just 5km east of beautiful and historic Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.
574 Hwy 201 Annapolis Royal NS
Wyndelin Farm & Guest House
574 Hwy 201
Annapolis Royal, NS
902-308-9531