Creative Clay Retreat ~ Spring 2025

from $1,790.00
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Creative Clay Retreat ~ Spring 2025

Arrive - Saturday 18th October 2025

Depart - Wednesday 22nd October 2025

If you love the idea of diving into a place and time which is reserved for your creativity, developing your skills with clay and enjoying nature, this retreat can offer an opportunity unlike our day to day life.

Perfect for Women who might be;

  • Wanting to give themselves a jumpstart into ceramics.

  • Feel that they can resonate with the way I teach.

  • Would like to experience a deeper learning opportunity.

  • Would like to step out of busy-ness and into an intentional space

  • Would like an opportunity to have all the details taken care of.

  • Would like to connect with others and have some fun!

The intention for this retreat is to offer an experience where participants have a chance to live and breathe creativity for a little while. Free from to-do lists and rich in spaciousness. My hope is that everyone has plenty of opportunity to enjoy beautiful spaces and the natural environment, while developing new skills.

Workshops During The Event

For 3 full days we will have both morning and afternoon workshops to work on guided projects which include, hand building, wild clay, sculpture, design, sgraffito and more. While being careful to allow plenty of time for rest and relaxation, there is also ample opportunity to deep dive into a creative space where skills can build and overlap.

A special guest has also been added as a bonus to help inject an extra little bit of creative play into your retreat experience!

You can download a Concept Itinerary HERE.

The Retreat Format

This Retreat is the longest we have planned as 5 days / 4 nights. There are 3 days full of Creative activities and guided workshops. A draft itinerary has been prepared, though a finalised version will be emailed to participants after booking.

A maximum of 15 participants will be at the Retreat to ensure that everyone is well looked after.

The Itinerary has been planned to consider ample time for each activity, and space around each session for those who would like time to relax or work on their projects a bit longer.

The Retreat Venue

This Retreat is at the lovely Tanah Marah. Chosen for its spacious layout and access to both beautiful natural surrounds, and a comfortable space for our workshops and meals.

Being a longer stay, we loved that you can stay on site, yet have plenty of beautiful bush walks, animals to meet, swimming and even tennis right at your doorstep.

Another fantastic feature is that each King Size Chalet has 2 huge ensuite bedrooms which are exactly the same, with a shared living area and kitchen in the middle. This means you have plenty of private, quiet space to reflect and relax during your stay if you are quiet like me, though have full use of the shared function space if you prefer to use this experience to connect and socialise while you are here.

Making it Easy for you

We recognise that getting away from commitments at home can be very difficult for many. Our hope is that we have thoroughly prepared an opportunity for you to simply book your flights or arrange to drive to our area, and we can take care of the rest for you.

We offer a fully catered retreat to ensure that everyone feels spoiled and relaxed. Breakfast Provisions will be included in your chalet to make at your own pace.

All workshops will take place on site to offer an opportunity to fully drop into the space and have nothing to think about except the provided classes, and supporting activities of your choice. We can even provide airport transfers from Busselton if required to save you hiring a car if you would like to keep it simple.

Some Information on Margaret River

I am very lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Tucked away in the South West Corner of Australia, we are in an area which is surrounded by beautiful forests, beaches and rivers. Known for its boutique wineries and world class surfing, there is always something fun to do!

You can learn lots about the region and its attractions by visiting margaretriver.com

Margaret River is a 3hr drive South of Perth, though you can now fly directly from either Melbourne or Sydney to Busselton Margaret River Airport with Jetstar

Feel Free to download my ‘Getting Here’ document if you would like more specific information for your travel planning.

Information on Booking & Inclusions

Standard Pricing is the rate if booked from May 16th up until the event

Off-Site Pricing is for those who live here or have alternative accommodation. This rate does not include accommodation, postage, breakfast or dinner. Limited to 3 bookings only at this point, though please get in touch if you require more places and would like to go on the waitlist.

Paying in Instalments

Although I cant offer a staged payment through this website, I can offer an invoiced payment arrangement so that you can pay 50% now, and 50% within 1 month of the Retreat. Please email me at jolene@riverceramics.net if you would like me to set this up for you.

After the Booking

After Booking you will receive a PDF with a few forms to fill in so that we have information on your preferences and any dietary issues we need to be aware of. If you have not received this within a month of the retreat, please get in touch.

Accommodation:

Creative Clay Retreat ~ Spring 2025

Arrive - Saturday 18th October 2025

Depart - Wednesday 22nd October 2025

If you love the idea of diving into a place and time which is reserved for your creativity, developing your skills with clay and enjoying nature, this retreat can offer an opportunity unlike our day to day life.

Perfect for Women who might be;

  • Wanting to give themselves a jumpstart into ceramics.

  • Feel that they can resonate with the way I teach.

  • Would like to experience a deeper learning opportunity.

  • Would like to step out of busy-ness and into an intentional space

  • Would like an opportunity to have all the details taken care of.

  • Would like to connect with others and have some fun!

The intention for this retreat is to offer an experience where participants have a chance to live and breathe creativity for a little while. Free from to-do lists and rich in spaciousness. My hope is that everyone has plenty of opportunity to enjoy beautiful spaces and the natural environment, while developing new skills.

Workshops During The Event

For 3 full days we will have both morning and afternoon workshops to work on guided projects which include, hand building, wild clay, sculpture, design, sgraffito and more. While being careful to allow plenty of time for rest and relaxation, there is also ample opportunity to deep dive into a creative space where skills can build and overlap.

A special guest has also been added as a bonus to help inject an extra little bit of creative play into your retreat experience!

You can download a Concept Itinerary HERE.

The Retreat Format

This Retreat is the longest we have planned as 5 days / 4 nights. There are 3 days full of Creative activities and guided workshops. A draft itinerary has been prepared, though a finalised version will be emailed to participants after booking.

A maximum of 15 participants will be at the Retreat to ensure that everyone is well looked after.

The Itinerary has been planned to consider ample time for each activity, and space around each session for those who would like time to relax or work on their projects a bit longer.

The Retreat Venue

This Retreat is at the lovely Tanah Marah. Chosen for its spacious layout and access to both beautiful natural surrounds, and a comfortable space for our workshops and meals.

Being a longer stay, we loved that you can stay on site, yet have plenty of beautiful bush walks, animals to meet, swimming and even tennis right at your doorstep.

Another fantastic feature is that each King Size Chalet has 2 huge ensuite bedrooms which are exactly the same, with a shared living area and kitchen in the middle. This means you have plenty of private, quiet space to reflect and relax during your stay if you are quiet like me, though have full use of the shared function space if you prefer to use this experience to connect and socialise while you are here.

Making it Easy for you

We recognise that getting away from commitments at home can be very difficult for many. Our hope is that we have thoroughly prepared an opportunity for you to simply book your flights or arrange to drive to our area, and we can take care of the rest for you.

We offer a fully catered retreat to ensure that everyone feels spoiled and relaxed. Breakfast Provisions will be included in your chalet to make at your own pace.

All workshops will take place on site to offer an opportunity to fully drop into the space and have nothing to think about except the provided classes, and supporting activities of your choice. We can even provide airport transfers from Busselton if required to save you hiring a car if you would like to keep it simple.

Some Information on Margaret River

I am very lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Tucked away in the South West Corner of Australia, we are in an area which is surrounded by beautiful forests, beaches and rivers. Known for its boutique wineries and world class surfing, there is always something fun to do!

You can learn lots about the region and its attractions by visiting margaretriver.com

Margaret River is a 3hr drive South of Perth, though you can now fly directly from either Melbourne or Sydney to Busselton Margaret River Airport with Jetstar

Feel Free to download my ‘Getting Here’ document if you would like more specific information for your travel planning.

Information on Booking & Inclusions

Standard Pricing is the rate if booked from May 16th up until the event

Off-Site Pricing is for those who live here or have alternative accommodation. This rate does not include accommodation, postage, breakfast or dinner. Limited to 3 bookings only at this point, though please get in touch if you require more places and would like to go on the waitlist.

Paying in Instalments

Although I cant offer a staged payment through this website, I can offer an invoiced payment arrangement so that you can pay 50% now, and 50% within 1 month of the Retreat. Please email me at jolene@riverceramics.net if you would like me to set this up for you.

After the Booking

After Booking you will receive a PDF with a few forms to fill in so that we have information on your preferences and any dietary issues we need to be aware of. If you have not received this within a month of the retreat, please get in touch.

About the Venue ~ Tanah Marah

Surrounded by forest and lake; bush land and paddocks. Tanah Marah welcomes you to a serene haven in the middle of the Margaret River wine region. With lush lawns stretching down to the lake, and three hundred and forty acres to explore, there are lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in Nature, whilst having access to fantastic facilities for our workshops

Activities

There are secluded walking trails, lined with wild flowers and local flora. You can even make new 4 legged friends as you take a stroll around the property!

Games of tennis or a round of golf if you are feeling active.

Enjoy and explore the lake. Take a cool dip or watch the mist rise if we get cooler temperatures. Take in the sounds of bird life, frogs and the sheep in the next paddock.

The Accommodation

Tanah Marah has 6 King Size Chalets perched at the top of the hill to overlook the lake. Each one has a mirror image King Size Bedroom with its own bathroom, sharing a kitchen and living area in the middle. Each participant will have their own room, sharing the chalet with 1 other person.

Please let us know if you are booking with another person who you would like to stay with.

Workshop and Meal Space

Tanah Marah has a large venue space by the lake which provides plenty of room for our workshops and to enjoy the catered meals.

Staying on Site

One of the main reasons I chose Tanah Marah, was the ability to offer a true retreat where you would not need to go anywhere if you did not want to. If you are looking to unwind and slow down, everything you need is right here.

Getting Here

If you are Self Driving

The Retreat is Located in the Margaret River Area which is approximately 3 hours south of Perth. Details to your accommodation will be provided when booking.

Flying Into Perth

You will need to arrange your own transport to Margaret River. Jetstar may offer flights to Busselton by then, or otherwise you can hire a car to drive.

Flying from Sydney to Busselton (BQB)

At time of preparing this, Jetstar flys into Busselton on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays out of Busselton Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays.

Flying from Melbourne to Busselton (BQB)

At time of preparing this, Jetstar flys into Busselton on Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays out of Busselton Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.

Transfers & Extra Nights

I have arranged our retreat so that there is a night available either side of the booked time if you would like to book an extra night at your own cost. Please contact Linda at Tanah Marah after booking if you would like to do this.

If you would like a car to explore the area while you are here, there are several hire companies available where you can drop and collect in Busselton.

If you would like an airport transfer to and from Tanah Marah for the Retreat, we are happy to offer this as a complementary service on the arrival and departures days of your flights in Busselton. Please let me know when you have booked your flights so that I can send you a transfer form.

What do I bring?

Creativity Materials

This Retreat is intentionally slow and spacious, to allow space for relaxation and reflection. Although everything for our activities is provided, you may wish to bring;Any inspiring photographs, or sketches. (especially if you have a creature sculpture in mind)A Creative Journal Books for relaxed reading.

Clothing

All of the Retreats I am planning are either in Winter, Spring or Autumn. In our area this means you need to pack for all weather conditions! We can get chilly nights or beautiful sunny days at any time of the year.

Be Sure to Include;

  • Sturdy Walking Shoes

  • Rain Coat

  • Comfortable all-day creating clothes

  • Swimwear / Suncream / Hat

Refund Policy

Cancellations made by Participant

Any Cancellations / Re-bookings Incur a $200 Fee

Payment is refunded/credited for cancellations 6 months prior to the retreat date. (minus Cancellation fee)

50% of payment refunded/credited if dates are rebooked for cancellations between 3-6 months prior.

Payment is non-refundable or transferable for cancellations less than 3 months prior.

Cancellations made by River Ceramics

In the unfortunate event that we have to cancel, you will be given first option to rebook any new events, or get a 100% refund.

Any costs such as flights made outside of your booking with River Ceramics are not covered by us. We suggest taking out travel insurance for your trip in the case of an unforeseen cancellation.

FAQ’s

Can I bring my Partner with me?

This Retreat will become more than clay techniques for many people, and creating a safe and predictable space is very important for this. Only participants of the event can stay in the chalets, participate in activities and share meals. There are some off site packages available for those who would like to travel with others who are not participating.

I have specific dietary needs, can these be catered for?

I have chosen a fantastic caterer who offers lovely plant based meals suitable to most. Upon Booking you will have the opportunity to note any specific dietary requirements so that I can run them past our caterer. If she is unable to meet your needs you may choose to have this portion of the fee refunded, and supply your own food in the self catering kitchen.

I am a beginner to clay, is this retreat suitable?

Yes absolutely, this retreat is suitable for anyone wishing to extend their skills or experience with clay, or just have an opportunity to focus on the craft for a few blissful days.

Do you provide transport?

As all activities take place on site, you do not need to arrange transport for the duration of the retreat. If you would like to explore beyond the accommodations, or make your own may to the retreat, then you will need your own car. We are happy to arrange transfers to and from Busselton Airport on the first and final day of the retreat for you. See attached information under heading ‘Getting Here’.

I live / have friends in the area, Can I stay off-site?

I have a limited number of places available for ‘Off-Site Participants’. Please select this option when making your booking. This option includes lunch and all activities.

How will we get our work home?

After the retreat I will be firing and glazing all of the work for you. The Retreat includes Postage of these pieces within Australia. A surcharge applies for international postage.

Your Question not answered?

Please get in touch by emailing me at jolene@riverceramics.net

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