Join Graham Hollick in the French Pyrenees for an immersive journey into the art of rug hooking.
About this course:
Delve into the art of rug hooking with the guidance of hooked design expert and artist, Graham Hollick. Whether you’re hooking your first thread or you’re seasoned in the craft, Graham will lead you through every step of the creative process, from developing your own designs and individual style to hanging your creation on the wall.
Early in the week, you will enjoy an inspiring excursion to the Pyrenees National Park. Here you will collect inspiration through sketching or photography or collecting items such as leaver or feathers, back in the studio you will be guided through the process of developing these into a design.
On your free day you will have the opportunity to see the historical tapestries at the Château de Pau, or just enjoy a gentle walk around this picturesque town.
Each day there will be time to enjoy leisurely walks in the picturesque Clos Mirabel park, to infuse your work with the magic of the surroundings. Or take a dip in the stunningly situated pool.
Inside and outside the studio, you will acquire simple yet highly effective techniques such as collage, plein-air sketching, colour matching, and textiles analysis.
You will be encouraged to use recycled materials, from strips of textiles cut from used clothing to backings made from repurposed coffee sacks. Be it looking for inspiration, creating a mood board, or building a colour range, Graham, with his warm personality and great humour, will be there to support you at every turn, ensuring you complete your hooked artwork and proudly hang it within the week.
Programme Outline – Rug Hooking Workshop with Graham Hollick
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel & visit the studio space.
6.00 – Short presentation by Graham on his work and the week ahead, with welcome drinks followed by dinner.
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning Workshop – An introduction to materials and rug hooking techniques focusing on designing and making a small piece based on floral inspiration. Explore working with used clothing as our principal media.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Afternoon Workshop continuing with the piece started in the morning
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Workshop in Pyrenees National Park – photography and sketching – gathering ideas for designs
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at a local Auberge or gourmet picnic
2.00 – 4.00 Visit to a typical Pyrenean village to continue with photography and or sketching more ideas for designs
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning Workshop – Graham will guide participants in selecting images and creating their individual design. Techniques can include collage, sketching or working directly from a photograph. Participants will then scale up the selected design and transpose it onto backing material.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Afternoon Workshop – Continue working on new design, selecting colours, preparing materials and making a start.
6.00 – Aperitifs & short talk by Graham about the tapestries at the Château de Pau (one of the richest collections of tapestries in France containing more than 150 pieces) followed by 4 course dinner
Wednesday – day off
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest wine tasting in a local vineyard, explore Pau and the historical tapestries at the Château de Pau, or beyond.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning Workshop – Participants continue to work on their own designs
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Afternoon Workshop – Graham will talk about colour theory, putting together colour pallets and how to use colour to create different effects, at the same time participants will continue to work on their design.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Morning Workshop – Graham will introduce other techniques that can be used to add texture and detail to projects, including ‘proddy’ punch needle and embroidery. Participants continue to work on their own designs.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Afternoon workshop – Graham will demonstrate different ways to finish a design including edging and backing. Participants will continue on their design advancing as much as possible to show at the end of the day.
6.00 – The studio will be turned into a Gallery for an impromptu private view with aperitifs. Showing the work of the week followed by 4 course farewell dinner
Saturday – Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
Non-participating guests: We are more than happy to welcome accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
The Art Studio, offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
