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CREATIVE HOLIDAYS AT CHATEAU DUMAS
SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011

Our 2011 workshop programme includes Millinery, Textiles, Jewellery, Painting and new for this year, a Festive French Country Holiday workshop to help you with Christmas decorations and gift ideas. Whichever week you choose you’ll find the teaching first-class, the meals fresh and delicious, the accommodation luxurious and the service friendly.

“Charm and character at every corner – a beautiful house, wonderful surroundings, superb food and a brilliant learning experience. Totally unforgettable!”  Flin from London, UK

As our reputation grows, so does the press interest we are attracting. Our workshops have been featured in The Times, Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, HATalk, the Sunday Express and Selvedge magazine amongst others


 

THE 2011 PROGRAMME

14-21 May
REINVENTING FRENCH TEXTILES
Upcycling vintage and new French textiles
   
4-11 June
JEWELLERY MAGIC
Let the kiln take the helm: the simple art of  jewellery making with silver PMC
   
10-16 July
MILLINERY MASTERCLASS (Intermediate/Beginner)
16-23 July
MILLINERY MASTERCLASS (Total Beginner)
 
 Get ahead, make a hat! (or three?)
   
11-18 Sept
PAINTING MASTERCLASS
18-25 Sept
PAINTING MASTERCLASS
Mixed media classes in an ‘amazing and magical place’
   
2 Oct-9 Oct
MILLINERY MASTERCLASS (Total Beginner)
 Get ahead, make a hat! (or three?)
   
9-16 Oct
FESTIVE FRENCH COUNTRY WORKSHOP
Christmas comes but once a year so may as well make it special!


 
REINVENTING FRENCH TEXTILES
14-21 MAY 2011

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REINVENTING FRENCH TEXTILES with Ros Badger
14-21 MAY 2011

If you have a passion for  ‘playing’ with scraps of vintage fabric, old buttons and other items of haberdashery then this workshop will make your heart sing. Led by designer and author, Ros Badger (www.rosbadger.com),  Reinventing French Textiles is an inspirational workshop aimed at anyone interested in upcycling second-hand textiles.
 
The workshop combines visits to colourful local fleamarkets and brocantes in search of vintage sheets, torchons, sacks and other finds, with plenty of hands-on making in our large atelier. Also part of the varied week is a wonderful day of dyeing with woad, which for some is the highlight.

When we were dyeing with woad, the word ‘alchemy’ was mentioned. You've turned something into gold here. This week has been one of my life’s most memorable experiences”. Jo, from London, UK

During daily sessions and demonstrations, Ros aims to instruct, inspire and lead the group through a number of well-planned projects - including bags of all kinds, aprons, doorstops, cushions, etc - all items that are easy to pack in your luggage. The tuition takes place in our well-equipped atelier, where baskets overflow with fabric scraps and remnants, and where sewing machines, eyelet tools, patterns, glue guns, threads, pins, fabric paints and linocuts for block-printing are all available for your use.

Woad is an indigenous plant cultivated since Medieval times for its blue dye properties and the day of woad dyeing with expert Denise Lambert (www.bleu-de-lectoure.com) never fails to excite.  So many different effects can be achieved and we show you dip dyeing, shibori and other resist techniques.

A guided visit to one of the area’s oldest hat factories dating from 1824 and a Sunday morning visit to a typical French farmer’s market in the charming medieval village of St Antonin Noble Val in the Aveyron Gorges are also part of your unforgettable week at Chateau Dumas.

You don’t need to be an expert sewer to take part in this workshop:  simply an enthusiast with an open mind.

The Essentials

The price of 1400Euros (non-participating partners: 950 Euros) includes:

  • 7 nights Chateau accommodation and all meals
  • 5 days of tuition for 7 hours a day
  • Transport to the markets and hat factory
  • Craft kit with scissors, needles, etc and a copy of “Homemade” by Ros Badger
  • Use of equipment and basic materials including a wide variety of fabric scraps and remnants
  • Please note that larger pieces and other haberdashery items will also be available to buy at the Chateau

The workshop will run with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 participants

A 25% non-returnable deposit wil secure your place with the balance due 8 weeks before the start of the workshop.
We take

To check availability please email: enquiries@chateaudumas.net

Travel

Chateau Dumas lies one hour north of Toulouse city centre and Toulouse Blagnac international airport. Many trains a day also run to Montauban and Toulouse from Paris. We offer pick up service at Toulouse airport or Montauban Station for 30E pp each way. Alternatively there are trains to the local station (Caussade) where we can pick you up for free.


JEWELLERY MAGIC
4-11 JUNE 2011

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JEWELLERY MAGIC with Mirinda Kossoff and Janet Harriman
4-11 JUNE 2011

During this fascinating workshop you’ll work with Precious Metal Clay (PMC), the amazing and revolutionary material that allows you to create real silver jewellery without the need for any traditional silversmithing skills. 

PMC is a versatile medium that looks, feels and handles like modeling clay and can be easily shaped into almost any design from pendant and earring to ring or other small trinket.  Once you have worked your design and are happy with it, your piece is transferred to a kiln.  The intense heat causes the clay to burn away and the silver particles to fuse and your design becomes 99% silver and a faithful replica of the original.

“I had a great time – the best vacation ever – and enjoyed it so much that I will be coming back again soon” Mercedes from Los Angeles, USA

Using modeling tools and with the aid of a kiln, US jewellery artists, Mirinda Kossoff  (www.jewelrybymirinda.com) and Janet Harriman (www.harrimanjewelry.com) will teach you how to sculpt, roll, impress and fire your raw designs so that by the end of the week you’ll have a selection of finished two and three dimensional ready-to-wear silver pieces to take home with you including pendants, beads and earrings.

As your skills develop you’ll be able to make more complicated woven and layered pieces and experiment with more advanced techniques such as oxidization, polishing, dry brushing and patinas. The limitless design potential of PMC has taken the jewellery-making world by storm and made it possible for anyone to imagine and create beautiful and personalized jewellery to their own design.

During the week we’ll also take a guided visit to one of the area’s oldest hat factories which dates from 1824, and a Sunday morning visit to an atmospheric French farmer’s market in the charming medieval village of St Antonin Noble Val in the Aveyron Gorges.

The Essentials

The price of 1450Euros (non-participating partners: 950 Euros) includes:

  • 7 nights Chateau accommodation and all meals
  • 5 days of tuition for 7 hours a day
  • Transport to the market and hat factory
  • An18g pack of PMC (enough to complete several pieces of jewellery)
  • More PMC will be available to buy at the Chateau

The workshop will run with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 participants

A 25% non-returnable deposit wil secure your place with the balance due 8 weeks before the start of the workshop.
We take

To check availability please email: enquiries@chateaudumas.net

Travel

Chateau Dumas lies one hour north of Toulouse city centre and Toulouse Blagnac international airport. Many trains a day also run to Montauban and Toulouse from Paris. We offer pick up service at Toulouse airport or Montauban Station for 30E pp each way. Alternatively there are trains to the local station (Caussade) where we can pick you up for free.


MILLINERY MASTERCLASS:
INTERMEDIATE BEGINNER LEVEL
10-16 JULY 2011

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MILLINERY MASTERCLASS: Intermediate Beginner Level
with Dillon Wallwork and Adrian Howard

10-16 JULY 2011

This Masterclass is a dream come true for the millinery enthusiast. Not only does it include five days of focused tuition from Dillon Wallwork (www.dillonwallwork.co.uk) and his full-time assistant, but it also coincides with the local International Hat Festival, Estivales du Chapeau, now in its 19th year (www.estivales-duchapeau-enquercy.fr 2010 programme).   The week includes one or more visits to the Festival as well as to two hat factories located nearby in the heart of France’s hat-making region which is just a few kilometres from Chateau Dumas.

“ The ultimate millinery experience - I just loved it! A perfect week, wonderful teachers, great food, perfect accommodation.” Irmgard from Wolkersdorf, Austria

Dillon Wallwork brings more than twenty-five years experience of working in model millinery at the highest level to this five day/six night Masterclass which is aimed at those with some previous millinery experience. In his role as Design Director for Philip Somerville, Dillon oversaw the production of millinery for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales, and more recently designed and made a hat worn by Kate Middleton.

The workroom atmosphere is relaxed and supportive with the teaching focused on helping you to make rapid progress and achieve as much as possible during the five days of tuition. Advanced techniques for blocking straw, parasisal and felt are all covered with daily demonstrations spotlighting the specific techniques required to work with veiling, feathers and cotton organdie.

Lessons will also be given on how to create bows, flowers and double brims as well as alternative ways to finish edges and place trimmings. Students will normally complete three to four hats during the week, taking advantage of the materials available to experiment with styles and designs.  

The Essentials

The price of 1350Euros (non-participating partners: 950 Euros) includes:

  • 6 nights Chateau accommodation and all meals
  • 5 days of tuition for 7 hours a day
  • Transport to the Festival and hat factories
  • Craft kit with scissors, needles, etc
  • Use of equipment and all foundation materials
  • Felt and straw cones and capelines, sinamay by the metre, petersham and other materials are available to buy at the Chateau

The workshop will run with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 participants

A 25% non-returnable deposit wil secure your place with the balance due 8 weeks before the start of the workshop.
We take

To check availability please email: enquiries@chateaudumas.net

Travel

Chateau Dumas lies one hour north of Toulouse city centre and Toulouse Blagnac international airport. Many trains a day also run to Montauban and Toulouse from Paris. We offer pick up service at Toulouse airport or Montauban Station for 30E pp each way. Alternatively there are trains to the local station (Caussade) where we can pick you up for free.


 
MILLINERY MASTERCLASS:
TOTAL BEGINNER LEVEL
16-23 JULY 2011

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MILLINERY MASTERCLASS: Total Beginner Level with Dillon Wallwork
16-23 JULY 2011

Those who enrol on our beginner’s millinery masterclass also get the opportunity to visit the local international hat festival, Estivales du Chapeau, which ends on the evening of Monday 18 July. With its numerous stalls, catwalk shows, exhibitions and hat design competition, the festival is an inspiration to anyone interesting in hat-making. The festival is the perfect place to pick up ideas for hat designs and the visits we plan to make on the first two days will really help you to prepare.

As a beginner you will be guided and supported at every stage of the hat-making process by Dillon Wallwork (www.dillonwallwork.co.uk. In his role a Design Director for Philip Somerville, Dillon oversaw the production of millinery for Her Majesty  Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales as well as other high profile clientele including Joan Collins, Jerry Hall and the Begum Aga Kahn.

"A fabulous week with so much fun! The food, accommodation, activities, picnics and candlelit dinners were all wonderful - not to mention the millinery course!" Suzanne from NSW, Australia.

All the skills and technique required to make hats in felt, sinamay and straw are covered during the five days of full-time tuition.  Through daily demonstrations and discussions you will learn about every stage and become both competent and confident with the basic techniques of blocking, brim wiring and trimming.

Dillon is a patient and thorough teachers whose warm and pleasant manner  generates an enjoyable and productive workroom atmosphere.  You’ll leave this course with a basic grounding and all-round knowledge of couture millinery and a familiarity with the millinery terms, materials and stitches.  You can expect to complete at least two hats during the week in a choice of sinamay, straw or felt.  

The Essentials

The price of 1400Euros (non-participating partners: 950 Euros) includes:

  • 7 nights Chateau accommodation and all meals
  • 5 days of tuition for 7 hours a day
  • Transport to the Festival and hat factories
  • Craft kit with scissors, needles, etc
  • Use of equipment and all foundation materials
  • Felt and straw cones and capelines, sinamay by the metre, petersham and other materials are available to buy at the Chateau

The workshop will run with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 participants

A 25% non-returnable deposit wil secure your place with the balance due 8 weeks before the start of the workshop.
We take

To check availability please email: enquiries@chateaudumas.net

Travel

Chateau Dumas lies one hour north of Toulouse city centre and Toulouse Blagnac international airport. Many trains a day also run to Montauban and Toulouse from Paris. We offer pick up service at Toulouse airport or Montauban Station for 30E pp each way. Alternatively there are trains to the local station (Caussade) where we can pick you up for free.


 
PAINITNG MASTERCLASSES
11-18 SEPTEMBER 2011 and
18-25 SEPTEMBER 2011

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PAINTING MASTERCLASS with Joan Lawson
11-18 SEPTEMBER 2011 and 18 -25 SEPTEMBER 2011

These popular courses, led by professional Scottish artist and experienced teacher Joan Lawson (http://joanlawsonart.com), are just as rewarding for the beginner as for the seasoned painter.  Joan’s natural ability as a teacher and the relaxed atmosphere she is able to generate in her group sessions will engage you from the start and bring a spirit of freedom to your painting and a desire to experiment with media and styles.  

Through daily demonstrations and individual support you’ll soon gain the confidence to develop sketches into finished paintings in your choice of media: waterbased oil, acrylic, watercolour or pastel.  The teaching - which includes field and indoor work in the large, light studio - is well-structured and an evening review of the day’s work allows students to learn from one another in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

 “Joan is as passionate about teaching as she is about her painting. She has a structured, methodical approach but at the same time she is down to earth and light-hearted. I really think Joan could teach anyone to enjoy painting!”  Hazel Ferrie,  Glasgow, Scotland

The Chateau, adjacent Coach House building and 22 acre estate provide plenty of intriguing and challenging painting opportunities, both indoors and out, with views ranging from pretty courtyards and arches to woods, groves and far-reaching panoramic views over rolling countryside.

Painting day trips out are also planned to St Antonin Noble Val, a beautiful town with a historic heart and famous weekly market which is nestled at the meeting point of two valleys in the Aveyron Gorges, and the famous and beautifully preserved medieval hilltop bastide town of Cordes-sur-Ciel.

The Essentials

The price of £1150 (non-participating partners: £975) includes

  • 7 nights Chateau accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
    (one lunch and one dinner are taken outside the Chateau at students’ own cost)  
  • Tuition
  • Transport to Cordes-sur-Ciel and St Antonin Noble Val

The workshop will run with a minimum of 8 participants

A 25% non-returnable deposit wil secure your place with the balance due 8 weeks before the start of the workshop.
We take

To check availability please email: enquiries@chateaudumas.net

Travel

Chateau Dumas lies one hour north of Toulouse city centre and Toulouse Blagnac international airport. Many trains a day also run to Montauban and Toulouse from Paris. We offer pick up service at Toulouse airport or Montauban Station for 30E pp each way. Alternatively there are trains to the local station (Caussade) where we can pick you up for free.


 

MILLINERY MASTERCLASS:
TOTAL BEGINNER LEVEL
2 OCTOBER -
9 OCTOBER 2011

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MILLINERY MASTERCLASS: Total Beginner Level with Dillon Wallwork
2 OCTOBER - 9 OCTOBER 2011

Newcomers to millinery will enjoy this intensive week of hat-making with teacher Dillon Wallwork (www.dillonwallwork.co.uk) , an experienced milliner whose track record is second to none. In his role as Design Director for Philip Somerville, Dillon oversaw the production of millinery for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales, and was responsible more recently for designing and making a hat worn by Kate Middleton.

As a beginner you will be guided and supported at every stage of the hat making process as all the skills and techniques required to make hats in felt, sinamay and straw are covered during the five days of full-time tuition.  Through daily demonstrations and discussions you will learn about every stage and become both competent and confident with the basic techniques of blocking, brim wiring and trimming. 

Dillon is a patient and thorough teacher whose warm and easy-going style generates an enjoyable and productive workroom atmosphere. You’ll leave this course with a basic grounding and all-round knowledge of couture millinery and a familiarity with the millinery terms, materials and stitches.  You can expect to complete at least two hats during the week from a choice of sinamay, straw or felt.

 “Beautiful setting – I’ve been completely comfortable the whole time!  First-rate instruction from a lovely teacher. Excellent value for money. I highly recommended it.” Lara from Alexandria, USA

Chateau Dumas lies at the centre of France’s hat making region and this Masterclass includes visits to two of the nearby hat factories: one a small artisan factory, the other Europe’s largest factory which is normally closed to the public.

The July Intermediate Beginner course in 2012 would be the ideal follow-on workshop to this one. 

The Essentials

The price of 1400Euros (non-participating partners: 950 Euros) includes

  • 7 nights Chateau accommodation and all meals
  • 5 days of tuition for 7 hours a day
  • Transport to the hat factories
  • Craft kit with scissors, needles, etc
  • Use of equipment and all foundation materials
  • Felt and straw cones and capelines, sinamay by the metre, petersham and other materials are available to buy at the Chateau

The workshop will run with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 participants

A 25% non-returnable deposit wil secure your place with the balance due 8 weeks before the start of the workshop.
We take

To check availability please email: enquiries@chateaudumas.net

Travel

Chateau Dumas lies one hour north of Toulouse city centre and Toulouse Blagnac international airport. Many trains a day also run to Montauban and Toulouse from Paris. We offer pick up service at Toulouse airport or Montauban Station for 30E pp each way. Alternatively there are trains to the local station (Caussade) where we can pick you up for free.


 
FESTIVE FRENCH COUNTRY WORKSHOP
9-16 OCTOBER 2011

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FESTIVE FRENCH COUNTRY WORKSHOP with Anna Corba and Ros Badger
9-16 OCTOBER 2011

From gorgeous handmade presents to original designs for tree and home decorations, this rewarding and well-planned week of joyful creativity is the ultimate Christmas holiday workshop led by British textile expert Ros Badger (www.rosbadger.com) and US paper artist Anna Corba (http://annacorbastudio.com) both authors of successful books. 

Drawing on Anna’s expertise in crafting with paper and Ros’ skill with textiles and found objects, you’ll be inspired during this innovative workshop to make a variety of unique pieces to keep or give to friends and family.  You’ll discover the unexpected value of ordinary objects and how easily they can be turned into desirable pieces, and how scraps of vintage textiles and notions can be upcycled in new and interesting ways.

Projects lined up for this madly creative week include journals, notebooks, tags, garlands, cards and keepsakes made from vintage and new paper which is enhanced and embellished through tea-staining, collage and beeswax glazes.   The fabric-based activities will range from fabulous Christmas stockings, advent calendars, bags of all kinds and charming gift ideas from pincushions to tea cosies and more.

Handmade gifts for friends and family (and original ideas for wrapping and presenting them), tree and home decorations and delicious recipes for holiday entertaining are all part of the week. Patterns, templates and instructions guide you at every stage, helping you to progress quickly through your projects with Ros, Anna or one of the assistants always on hand.   There’s even a recipe book for you to take away with you with festive drinks and scrumptious snacks from around the world. 

Sessions take place in the large, well-equipped studio which is stocked with a full range of materials, many of which are included in the cost of the workshop.  There is an assortment of tools and equipment from sewing machines and irons to and eyelet tools and glue guns for your use.   Additional materials are available to buy and some of the creative projects will cost extra.

No special expertise or experience is necessary to take part in this workshop.

The Essentials

The price of 1450Euros (non-participating partners: 950 Euros) includes .

  • 7 nights Chateau accommodation and all meals
  • 5 days of tuition for 7 hours a day
  • Transport to the market and hat factories
  • Basic materials and use of equipment
  • Some creative projects will cost extra

The workshop will run with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14 participants

A 25% non-returnable deposit wil secure your place with the balance due 8 weeks before the start of the workshop.
We take

To check availability please email: enquiries@chateaudumas.net

Travel

Chateau Dumas lies one hour north of Toulouse city centre and Toulouse Blagnac international airport. Many trains a day also run to Montauban and Toulouse from Paris. We offer pick up service at Toulouse airport or Montauban Station for 30E pp each way. Alternatively there are trains to the local station (Caussade) where we can pick you up for free.


 

WHAT PREVIOUS GUESTS HAVE SAID ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS

“I just love it! A perfect week, wonderful teachers, great food, perfect accommodation.” Irmgard from Volkersdorf,  Austria

“I’ve had a wonderful time. The hospitality is in a class of its own and the teaching and support has been inspirational”.  Isabel from Watford, UK

“Everything was absolutely wonderful. I will miss everyone I met here, not to mention the delicious food. I wish we could do this every year!” Karen from Wheaton, USA

“The ultimate millinery experience! Top-class tuition in elegant and relaxed surroundings. Chateau Dumas is a jewel”.  Elizabeth from Edinburgh, Scotland

“Thank you for everything.  I am so happy”. Karin from Norrkoping, Sweden

“When we were doing the woad-dyeing, the word ‘alchemy’ was mentioned. You have turned something into gold here, and long may it continue. One of my life’s most memorable experiences”. Jo from London, UK

“What an amazing and magical pleace to visit and learn. Magnificent.”  Terri from Detroit, USA

“The softness of the light and shadows,  and the visual delight of the  carefully placed  objet d'art pieces around the Chateau sent  my heart fluttering the moment I walked up the stone staircase.   I knew I had arrived in a unique and inspiring destination”  Catherine from Birchgrove, Australia

“Thank you for sharing your wonderful creation with us, for providing such warmth and excellent meals and wonderful teaching”  Sophie from Bremen, Germany

“Charm and character at every corner – a beautiful house, wonderful surroundings, superb food and a brilliant learning experience. Totally unforgettable” Flin from London, UK

“Beautiful setting – I’ve been completely comfortable the whole time!  First-rate instruction from a lovely teacher. Excellent value for money. Highly recommended” Lara from Alexandria, USA

“I had a great time – the best vacation ever – and enjoyed it so much that I will be coming back again soon” Mercedes from Los Angeles, USA