“Quirky Books and Bindings”, A playful twist on book binding (Now Full)
Email to join the Reserve List
Spend a day making less traditional Books & Creative Fold-Out Journals. Making books is such a satisfying and creative pastime, these examples are fun, playful and accessible to everyone at any level of ability. Using cuts and folds then bonding together papers and card to make a “book” which has elements of artwork, tactile quality and a uniqueness which gives interest to the viewer.
Date: June 9, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Sewing School: Starting with Stretch Jersey (Now Full)
See August
A full day to learn to check and correct sizing and fit on a chart, what drawn marks and written directions on the pattern mean. You will also learn to cut out a pattern in stretch cotton jersey fabric and then prepare for sewing. Using your domestic sewing machine to construct stretch seams using basic stitches and approaches to achieve a professional finish to your garment You will be inserting a fitted sleeve head, and how to make and insert a neck band. Finally to use that twin needle function on your machine to give a professional finish to your garment. WOW! It’s a full day which gets you started on jersey fabric garment making.
Date: June 10, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Make Yourself the Upcycled Denim Pouch Bag (Now Full)
See Repeat October
Spend the day at Gary’s Studio where he will teach you how to make this very trendy and useful Denim Pouch Bag, which has been inspired by and uses a repurposed upcycled pair of denim jeans. In this cleverly constructed bag, Gary has incorporated recognisable garment details such as the belt loops, part of a pocket, the zip fly guard, the original outer and internal stitching details, which add a quirky twist to the bag’s design.
Date: June 16, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Little Treasure Pouches (Now Full)
See next workshop in September (Scroll Down)
Spend a relaxed and inspiring day with me in my studio in Alcombe, Minehead, creating your own Little Treasure Pouch, a beautifully hand-stitched, fold-out textile piece designed to hold memories, keepsakes, and collected treasures. Using slow stitching and repurposed vintage fabrics, you’ll explore gentle embroidery techniques while building layered sections that unfold to reveal pockets and hidden details. This is a mindful, creative process with plenty of guidance, suitable for all abilities, whether you’re new to stitching or more experienced and looking to develop your ideas further.
You’re welcome to bring along small fabric pieces or personal keepsakes to incorporate into your work, along with basic sewing tools and a sewing machine if you have one. Spaces are limited to keep the group relaxed and personal, please get in touch to reserve your place. It would be lovely to see you.
Date: June 17, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Art School: Learn Gelli Printing, & Making Marks for Collage
Two day workshop will teach you how to use and explore a Gelli Printing Plate to produce beautiful layered patterns and imagery on various papers. You will also explore mark making during this two day workshop, to build a portfolio of coloured papers to inspire simple yet effective collage outcomes.
Date: June 23 – 24, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Books in Tins! Make a book that fits into a sardine tin!
Come and spend a relaxed, creative day with me in my spacious private studio in Alcombe, Minehead, where we’ll explore the charm of tiny storytelling through handmade books.
This workshop is all about playfulness, imagination, and making something truly unique. Together, we’ll create a miniature concertina book designed to fit perfectly inside a sardine tin, your own little world in a box.
Date: June 30, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Art School: A Quartet of “Vessels”
Join me for a relaxed, creative day exploring playful mixed media techniques in Art School: A Quartet of “Vessels.” You’ll experiment with transferring simple charcoal studies onto a gel plate, adding colour, texture, and details, and then transferring your designs onto paper. This workshop is all about creative exploration and experimentation, and no previous art experience is required—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to play with materials.
You’ll enjoy working alongside like-minded people in a friendly, supportive environment, with plenty of time to experiment and develop your ideas. All materials and equipment are provided, so all you need to bring is an apron or old clothes. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with a unique set of artworks to take home and enjoy.
Date: July 8th, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Summer Indigo Dyed T-shirt
Discover the magic of organic indigo dyeing in this fun, friendly half-day summer workshop. at Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead. Using simple Shibori folding, tying, and resist techniques, you’ll create beautiful patterns and rich shades of blue on cloth. It’s a wonderfully playful introduction to natural dyeing, perfect for adults & supervised children.
Suitable for all abilities, this relaxed studio session is all about experimentation, colour, and the excitement of seeing your fabrics transform in the indigo vat. All materials are supplied. A perfect summer memory-making workshop for all ages.
Date: July 10, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
UFO & Lunch at The Exmoor Inspired Studio
Bring along an unfinished project and spend a relaxed, creative day in a spacious studio in Alcombe, Minehead. This is an informal, friendly space to return to something you’ve started, take your time, and enjoy the process without pressure. It’s also a lovely opportunity to meet like-minded people, share ideas, have a chat, and enjoy working alongside others in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. (If you don’t have a project to bring, project kits will be available on the day.)
Alongside your creative time, you’ll be treated to a delicious home-cooked lunch of homemade soup, fresh artisan breads, and a selection of savoury meze-style treats. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, along with homemade biscuits—and of course, cake!
Date: August 5, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Sewing School: Table Cloth Couture (NOW FULL)
SEE AVAILABILITY OCTOBER
Give beautiful old vintage linens a brand-new life in Table Cloth Couture, a creative two-day workshop where treasured tablecloths, tray cloths, bedspreads, and reclaimed fabrics are transformed into a beautifully simple boxy over-shirt style jacket. Using my background in fashion design and garment teaching, you’ll learn the rudiments of pattern cutting, including simple dart manipulation, shaping the silhouette, adding an optional button stand, and thoughtfully placing your pattern pieces to make the most of embroidered details and decorative borders through fussy cutting. The result is a stylish, easy-to-wear jacket that feels both contemporary and deeply personal.
This is a wonderfully relaxed and inspiring workshop designed for those who love textiles, vintage treasures, and learning new creative skills. With only 3 people attending, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out, cut, and sew, while enjoying a calm, friendly atmosphere and lots of individual guidance. Whether you’re making something special for yourself or creating a truly thoughtful gift for someone else, this is a rare opportunity to turn forgotten linens into wearable art.
Date: August 14 – 15, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Sewing School: Starting with Stretch Jersey
See August
A full day to learn to check and correct sizing and fit on a chart, what drawn marks and written directions on the pattern mean. You will also learn to cut out a pattern in stretch cotton jersey fabric and then prepare for sewing. Using your domestic sewing machine to construct stretch seams using basic stitches and approaches to achieve a professional finish to your garment You will be inserting a fitted sleeve head, and how to make and insert a neck band. Finally to use that twin needle function on your machine to give a professional finish to your garment. WOW! It’s a full day which gets you started on jersey fabric garment making.
Date: August 14, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
UFO & Lunch at The Exmoor Inspired Studio
Bring along an unfinished project and spend a relaxed, creative day in a spacious studio in Alcombe, Minehead. This is an informal, friendly space to return to something you’ve started, take your time, and enjoy the process without pressure. It’s also a lovely opportunity to meet like-minded people, share ideas, have a chat, and enjoy working alongside others in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. (If you don’t have a project to bring, project kits will be available on the day.)
Alongside your creative time, you’ll be treated to a delicious home-cooked lunch of homemade soup, fresh artisan breads, and a selection of savoury meze-style treats. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, along with homemade biscuits—and of course, cake!
Date: September 2, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Sewing School: Table Cloth Couture (NOW FULL)
SEE AVAILABILITY OCTOBER
Give beautiful old vintage linens a brand-new life in Table Cloth Couture, a creative two-day workshop where treasured tablecloths, tray cloths, bedspreads, and reclaimed fabrics are transformed into a beautifully simple boxy over-shirt style jacket. Using my background in fashion design and garment teaching, you’ll learn the rudiments of pattern cutting, including simple dart manipulation, shaping the silhouette, adding an optional button stand, and thoughtfully placing your pattern pieces to make the most of embroidered details and decorative borders through fussy cutting. The result is a stylish, easy-to-wear jacket that feels both contemporary and deeply personal.
This is a wonderfully relaxed and inspiring workshop designed for those who love textiles, vintage treasures, and learning new creative skills. With only 3 people attending, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out, cut, and sew, while enjoying a calm, friendly atmosphere and lots of individual guidance. Whether you’re making something special for yourself or creating a truly thoughtful gift for someone else, this is a rare opportunity to turn forgotten linens into wearable art.
Date: September 8 – 9, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Little Treasure Pouches
Spend a relaxed and inspiring day with me in my studio in Alcombe, Minehead, creating your own Little Treasure Pouch, a beautifully hand-stitched, fold-out textile piece designed to hold memories, keepsakes, and collected treasures. Using slow stitching and repurposed vintage fabrics, you’ll explore gentle embroidery techniques while building layered sections that unfold to reveal pockets and hidden details. This is a mindful, creative process with plenty of guidance, suitable for all abilities, whether you’re new to stitching or more experienced and looking to develop your ideas further.
You’re welcome to bring along small fabric pieces or personal keepsakes to incorporate into your work, along with basic sewing tools and a sewing machine if you have one. Spaces are limited to keep the group relaxed and personal, please get in touch to reserve your place. It would be lovely to see you.
Date: September 15, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
UFO & Lunch at The Exmoor Inspired Studio
Bring along an unfinished project and spend a relaxed, creative day in a spacious studio in Alcombe, Minehead. This is an informal, friendly space to return to something you’ve started, take your time, and enjoy the process without pressure. It’s also a lovely opportunity to meet like-minded people, share ideas, have a chat, and enjoy working alongside others in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. (If you don’t have a project to bring, project kits will be available on the day.)
Alongside your creative time, you’ll be treated to a delicious home-cooked lunch of homemade soup, fresh artisan breads, and a selection of savoury meze-style treats. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, along with homemade biscuits—and of course, cake!
Date: October 7, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Three Days of Sewing in Autumn (New Design in Progress)
Start Friday afternoon and finish Sunday. Three days of teaching you how to create an Exmoor Inspired Quilted Applique. All pattern pieces are supplied, with additional options. The machine stitch application explores several stitches which can be found on your sewing machine, and creates a great opportunity to really get to know your machine and hone your accuracy skills.
Three days teaching, includes lunches and two evening suppers
Date: October 9-11, 2026 please indicate your interest
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Sewing School: Table Cloth Couture
Give beautiful old vintage linens a brand-new life in Table Cloth Couture, a creative two-day workshop where treasured tablecloths, tray cloths, bedspreads, and reclaimed fabrics are transformed into a beautifully simple boxy over-shirt style jacket. Using my background in fashion design and garment teaching, you’ll learn the rudiments of pattern cutting, including simple dart manipulation, shaping the silhouette, adding an optional button stand, and thoughtfully placing your pattern pieces to make the most of embroidered details and decorative borders through fussy cutting. The result is a stylish, easy-to-wear jacket that feels both contemporary and deeply personal.
This is a wonderfully relaxed and inspiring workshop designed for those who love textiles, vintage treasures, and learning new creative skills. With only 3 people attending, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out, cut, and sew, while enjoying a calm, friendly atmosphere and lots of individual guidance. Whether you’re making something special for yourself or creating a truly thoughtful gift for someone else, this is a rare opportunity to turn forgotten linens into wearable art.
Date: October 13 – 14, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Make Yourself the Upcycled Denim Pouch Bag
Spend the day at Gary’s Studio where he will teach you how to make this very trendy and useful Denim Pouch Bag, which has been inspired by and uses a repurposed upcycled pair of denim jeans. In this cleverly constructed bag, Gary has incorporated recognisable garment details such as the belt loops, part of a pocket, the zip fly guard, the original outer and internal stitching details, which add a quirky twist to the bag’s design.
Date: October 16, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
UFO & Lunch at The Exmoor Inspired Studio
Bring along an unfinished project and spend a relaxed, creative day in a spacious studio in Alcombe, Minehead. This is an informal, friendly space to return to something you’ve started, take your time, and enjoy the process without pressure. It’s also a lovely opportunity to meet like-minded people, share ideas, have a chat, and enjoy working alongside others in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. (If you don’t have a project to bring, project kits will be available on the day.)
Alongside your creative time, you’ll be treated to a delicious home-cooked lunch of homemade soup, fresh artisan breads, and a selection of savoury meze-style treats. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, along with homemade biscuits—and of course, cake!
Date: November 4, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
UFO & Lunch at The Exmoor Inspired Studio
Bring along an unfinished project and spend a relaxed, creative day in a spacious studio in Alcombe, Minehead. This is an informal, friendly space to return to something you’ve started, take your time, and enjoy the process without pressure. It’s also a lovely opportunity to meet like-minded people, share ideas, have a chat, and enjoy working alongside others in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. (If you don’t have a project to bring, project kits will be available on the day.)
Alongside your creative time, you’ll be treated to a delicious home-cooked lunch of homemade soup, fresh artisan breads, and a selection of savoury meze-style treats. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, along with homemade biscuits—and of course, cake!
Date: December 2, 2026
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Workshop & Retreat Vouchers Available Purchase for any Value
Purchase through email enquiry (click more information below), payment by BACS, voucher comes with an original signed gift card if posted second class UK Royal Mail.
Or PDF Workshop Voucher can by emailed to you directly.
Date: Valid one year from purchase
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
2027
January Weekend Residential Art Retreat Theme: “The Dunster Path“
In collaboration with Exmoor Character Cottages, together we are launching a series of fully inclusive weekend residential art retreats here on Exmoor, Somerset. UK. With a maximum of only 11 residential students, you will experience a fully tutored art retreat, with me Gary Mills. Staying at a gorgeous five-star gold-rated luxury cottage accommodation with wood burners, hot tub and your own bathroom. There is even a chef to provide you with delicious food throughout your stay.
Here is just one of the lovely messages, from a past resident 2026
“Dear Gary, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the retreat in Minehead at the weekend. It was just first class from the moment we arrived until we left on Monday. The accommodation was so comfortable, spotlessly clean and very welcoming, driving up the hill to see all the lights on in the cottages was like a picture postcard. The food was remarkable and plentiful and of the very best quality. Nothing felt like it was too much trouble Lucy and the team are to be thanked and congratulated.
Then we come to the artistic endeavour, as always you led the way with careful instruction ensuring every level of ability was given equal attention. Having a workstation set out at the hall in Timberscombe was great and the materials provided gave me inspiration. It was wonderful to mix with like-minded people and share stories and life experiences. I was so proud of the work I produced, and it currently has pride of place in our sitting room. This not something I have achieved before.
I really hope to be able to join you next year and see familiar faces and visit some more fabulous places.
Kind regards
Jan”
Date: January 22 -25, 2027
Venue: Exmoor Character Cottages, Minehead.
More Exciting Workshops to Come
Date: 2027
Venue: Exmoor Inspired Studio, Alcombe, Minehead.
Details to follow