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 weekend hosted by Marissa Froese with artists Kody Stewart, Chris Pasquet & Lorraine Beswick.  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, rejuvinate from the every day and pursue creativity.

Special Guests

Kody Stewart

I am a creative stay at home mama turned self-taught illustrator who’s always learning. I absolutely love creating one-of-a-kind custom ink and watercolour illustrations.

It all started in 2015 with the resolution to be intentional about regularly creating.  That Christmas, my husband had given me an e-course that encouraged me to create something you used to do before you believed ‘it wasn’t enough’.  These little characters I used to draw when I was a kid instantly came to mind.  So, I drew them, they were pretty basic, but they made me really smile.  I kept showing up day after day.  It wasn’t long before I began to get requests so I opened an Etsy shop and Instagram account.  Though it can feel vulnerable, social media has given me the opportunity to share + create my work for people all over the world.  It’s true – things don’t have to be perfect to bring joy!

@kody_stewart_illustration

Workshop

Kody will start her two part workshop on Friday evening by leading you through a basic watercolour introduction using one of her illustrated paint pages. For part 2, after you’ve had a low pressure chance to play with colors, you’ll have a chance to create your own sketch and paint it under Kody’s direction.

Note: you don’t need any painting or drawing experience for this work shop; Kody is excited to share her love of painting at your comfort level.

Includes

• two watercolour sessions
• One of Kody’s pre made illustrations to work on colours
• watercolour paper, paints & brush (you’ll go home with a set to work on your own)

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!

@patchhalifax

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 Designcontinue 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.

www.beswickflowers.ca

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 flowers 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!

Schedule

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.

$225 – Before May 1st

$275 – After May 1st

• The retreat is limited to 6 overnight guests. (Please contact me if you would like to attend for the daytime only).  Register as soon as possible to guarantee your place.
• Payment can be made via Email Transfer or Credit Card (Paypal).  Payment due to hold reservation.

Contact

For questions or to reserve your spot please contact Marissa at chickadeeswing@gmail.com or 902-308-9729

Location

Our guest house is located just 5km east of beautiful and historic Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.