18th-22nd May 2025
Join Laurie King and basket makers from All About Willow, Catherine Davies and Pascal Carr, for a creative retreat on the beautiful Isle of Eigg. From Sunday to Thursday, this retreat offers practical ways to connect with the plants and landscape of the remote island.
Guided by Laurie’s expertise in nature connection, foraging and printmaking, and Catherine and Pascal’s expertise in basketry, you’ll explore the island’s wild beauty through walking, weaving, foraging, and print making.
You’ll leave the retreat with a country gathering basket of your own creation, a set of homemade cards, inspired by plants gathered on the island, and a renewed sense of connection to nature.
What’s included
- Four nights of accommodation in a peaceful setting.
- Basketry workshop with Catherine Davies and Pascal Carr, suitable for all levels.
- Nature connection sessions and guided walks with Laurie King.
- Botanical printmaking workshop with Laurie King.
- All craft materials and foraging guidance.
- Fully catered – delicious meals, teas and snacks, prepared by a local chef. We can accommodate all dietary requirements, to be confirmed when booking.
Meet Catherine & Pascal
Catherine Davies and Pascal Carr are basket makers who live and work on the Isle of Eigg. Their willow baskets are hand made with different coloured varieties of willow grown organically on their croft.
“Our inspiration comes from the transformation of natural materials into forms that capture and preserve the innate qualities of the living plants, their strength, beauty and resilience. Our work allows us to express our passion and commitment to traditional craftmanship. Our baskets are our purpose”
Visit their website.
Itinerary*:
Sunday – Arrival & Welcome
- Arrive on the island, meet your hosts and settle into your accommodation.
- Welcome dinner
Monday – Introduction to basketry
- Morning:
- Buffet breakfast.
- After brekkie, we will travel to Catherine and Pascal’s workshop for a tour of their willow croft and workshop and and introduction to basketry.
- Afternoon:
- Delicious lunch.
- Enjoy basketry tuition: instruction and guidance in how to weave your own country gathering basket.
- Evening:
- Communal dinner.
- Fireside chats.
Tuesday – Basket weaving & foraging walk
- Morning:
- Buffet Breakfast
- Finishing off your basket.
- Afternoon:
- Delicious lunch.
- Foraging walk through the Eigg woodlands and by the coastlines, giving the basket it’s first outing – guided by Laurie.
- Gathering of plant materials for card making.
- Evening:
- Dinner
- Fireside chats
Wednesday – Exploring & Botanical printmaking
- Morning:
- Buffet Breakfast.
- Mindfulness walk among some of the islands iconic landmarks (& gathering more art materials!) with Laurie.
- Afternoon:
- Delicious lunch.
- Botanical printmaking and card making with our foraged materials, led by Laurie.
- Evening:
- Closing group dinner and celebration. Share your completed pieces and reflect on the journey with the group.
Thursday – Farewell
- Morning:
- Farewell breakfast and group reflection.
- Final opportunity to share contact details and say goodbye to the island.
- Depart from the retreat, carrying creative inspiration and handmade crafts.
*This itinerary may change slightly to adapt to wild island weather conditions!
BOOKING
£485 (bunk room); £685 (single room): Booking open until 26th April.
Crafting and crofting on the isle of Eigg 