Love Came Down

An Advent craft workshop Quiet Day Led by Sharon Blackman. This workshop will look at the different images we have that lead us to the joy of Christmas. Sharon feels that many of us have an inner longing for Christmas that goes beyond the usual festive themes that we are bombarded with . The warm glow of candlelight, the Christmas scents, cosy cottages and jolly snow scenes - all these things are reminders or signposts that point to the love of Jesus and his birth, celebrated at this time of year. Sharon will gently take you , step by step, through the process of making a textile picture from re-cycled fabrics, using a simple, folk art style. She will provide all materials and only a very basic knowledge of hand-sewing is required. These inspirational workshops are very calm and nurturing and you will be encouraged to explore your own individual ideas , thought processes and creativity. The day will be enhanced by Sharon’s husband, Rob, playing gentle and relaxing guitar instrumentals in the background. Sharon Blackman is a textile artist and has been making textile pictures and cards for over 25 years. She has a quirky folk art style and loves to use precious, old well washed fabrics. Her favourite inspirations are gardens, seaside, countryside and cottages and she sees beauty in simple, everyday pleasures which are all around us. Also, of late, she has developed a fondness for making pictures of washing lines! She sells her original pictures and cards all over the world and has a large online following. She lives to inspire others to make textile pictures, hopefully enabling them to receive the same joy and delight that this technique has given to her. She has been married to Rob for 44 years and the have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren who are all a massive inspiration to both of them. Rob is a guitarist who has played in contemporary worship for over 40 years. He has worked professionally as a guitarist, tutor, composer/arranger in many genres and various ministry settings. The day can be combined with an overnight stay or two at the House. If you would like this please contact the Retreat House direct 01245 237251.