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Jewellery Making Break

Highlights

  • Use metal clay, polymer clay or glass to create beautiful pieces of jewellery.
  • Stay in a farmhouse with swimming pool and 50 acres of land.
  • Price includes all meals, accommodation and jewellery materials.
From £908 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Unleash your creative side and learn to make your own beautiful pieces of jewellery using silver, copper and bronze metal clays, staying in a beautiful 19th-century farmhouse sitting in 50 acres of countryside in South-West France on this unique all-inclusive short break.

Ever wanted to make your own jewellery but don’t know where to begin? Well all is not lost, as this jewellery making short break is the perfect introduction to working with precious metal clays (PMC, art clays etc.) to craft pieces of silver jewellery, and these luxury items are something you will treasure forever.

Metal clays are a new jewellery making product which are easy to mould and shape – just like clay – so you’re not limited to what you can design. Watch as the metal clay is fired and turns to pure silver before your very eyes on this original and exciting course.

This metal clay jewellery making course includes 2 days of tuition which will be spent in the well-equipped studio learning all the skills you need to make a variety of different types of jewellery.

You could even try and learn to make your own beautiful glass jewellery and small pieces, by taking part in lessons such as including cutting skills and basic glass techniques.

But it’s not all ‘work’ and no play – your hosts also make sure that you have time to relax and to sample the delights of Gascony, which is a gourmet’s paradise including local produce from delicious duck to succulent wild boar and charming local wines, not forgetting the allure of Gascony Armagnac, which will tickle your taste buds.

Stay in a stunning renovated farmhouse in the glorious region of Gascony in South West of France with its own swimming pool and 50 acres of land. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind and your hosts Adam and Caroline will be on hand at all times to ensure your stay is as enjoyable as possible. There are no single supplements for solo travellers, making this the perfect break.

2023 Dates: 20th April, 11th May, 1st June, 22nd June, 31st August, 21st September, 12th October, 2nd November

Arrival

– Arrive at Agen train station in the afternoon to be greeted by your friendly hosts before being driven to the farmhouse where your holiday will begin
– Settle into your delightful room before getting to know your fellow students over delicious aperitifs
– Enjoy a social evening with a 3 course gourmet dinner served in the farmhouse kitchen along with a short introduction from your hosts about what to expect over the next few days

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a gorgeous 150-year-old farmhouse with three beautifully appointed guest en-suite twin/double bedrooms, and one of the main attractions of this farmhouse is its large open plan traditional kitchen. Guests can sit around the homely table, that seats 14 guests, and share delicious meals prepared by Caroline’s husband.

Attached to the farmhouse is a recently renovated gite. The gite has been sympathetically restored to a very high standard and also contains two twin/double bedrooms.

Features
– Set in 50 acres of parkland, an area of incredible natural beauty famous for its gastronomy and wines
– Outdoor swimming pool (12m x 6m)
– All twin/double bedrooms have private ensuite bathrooms
– Open plan farmhouse kitchen and large living area with TV
– WiFi available

Naturals jewellery making workshop

– This morning you will go to a local delightful village market for coffee and croissants to discuss your first project designs with the rest of the group and your tutor Caroline

– You will choose something natural of your choice, such as a leaf, before returning to the studio to begin creating the jewellery of your choice

– Caroline will teach you the basic techniques with using precious metal clay (PMC) to give you maximum freedom to develop your own designs

– Lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen with views of the countryside all around to help inspire your creative side

– Those needing guidance for ideas will be supported throughout the week

– This afternoon, you will learn about the processes of designing, creating and finishing your pieces, including how to use tools such as kilns and torch burners, sanding and polishing tools

– Once your fine silver piece is finished you will be taught to add findings and beads if chosen so that your jewellery is ready to wear

– There will be free time to use all the on-site facilities before aperitifs are served by the pool

– A 3 course gourmet meal will then be served in the grounds or the farmhouse kitchen accompanied with local delicious wines

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a gorgeous 150-year-old farmhouse or neighbouring gite.

Ring design and visit to Armagnac distillery

– After breakfast you will create a ring design and be taught the techniques for correct sizing and achieving your chosen design

– There are several techniques to ring making which will be covered on this day from texturing, carving and stone setting

– A delicious lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen

– After lunch, you will fire and polish your ring to create the finished product

– Early evening, you will visit a family run Armagnac distillery (which Gascony is famous for) and learn how it is made and the history behind it and, more importantly, tasting before returning for dinner back at the farmhouse.

– Sample different vintages across generations of production. These are millesime armagnacs, not blended, and bottled for you directly from the cask.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a gorgeous 150-year-old farmhouse or neighbouring gite.

Departure

– After breakfast, guests are asked to check out by 10am
– You are welcome to relax and enjoy some free time if your flight is not until later in the day, before being taken to the airport or train station for your return journey
– You will return home with fantastic memories, beautiful unique jewellery, and memories and new skills to last you a lifetime

What's included

Included

  • 3 nights accommodation in a private twin/double room with ensuite bathroom
  • 2 jewellery making workshops (on day 2 and 3)
  • Access to the jewellery studio daily to work on your pieces
  • Workshops include PMC, art clay and working with bronze, hollow forms and fingerprinting
  • All materials and equipment for jewellery making
  • Tips on how to start your own jewellery business
  • Vineyard visit and wine tasting session
  • Armagnac distillery visit and tasting session
  • Transport to and from all excursions
  • All breakfasts, lunches and 3-course gourmet dinners daily
  • All refreshments (including wine etc)
  • Pick up and drop off from Agen train station
  • Check in any time after 4pm on day 1 and check out by 10am on day 4
Your local host

Caroline & Adam

Caroline is a qualified teacher from the UK and her husband Adam is a passionate cook. They moved to South West France looking for a change of lifestyle and now run their hugely successful jewellery making and activity holidays from Baron-Figués, where you will be staying. Caroline has been a qualified teacher for over 25 years and has experience in setting up and running training centres teaching practical skills. She is a senior instructor in both PMC and Art Clay and has experience in using a wide range of clays and other materials. Adam is a serious gastro enthusiast, as much in love with the local seasonal produce as the Gascons, and entirely committed to cooking the most incredible traditional dishes for guests as well as providing wonderful cooking courses. For Adam, cooking is a journey through all the senses and you won't just spend time sampling the local produce but understand how it is made and the traditions behind it. Adam blends a simple Irish approach to cooking with flavours and skills acquired from travels across the world. From conception to plate, Adam will teach you how to prepare and serve fantastic meals that will seem to magically appear in front of your guests, allowing you to enjoy the party too! For the painting course, they are joined by passionate local artists with huge knowledge and experience of the area as well as art to ensure you are taken to the right places to inspire your paintings.

Caroline is a qualified teacher from the UK and her husband Adam is a passionate cook. They moved to South West France looking for a change of lifestyle and now run their hugely successful jewellery making and activity holidays from Baron-Figués, where you will be staying. Caroline has been a qualified teacher for over 25 years and has experience in setting up and running training centres teaching practical skills. She is a senior instructor in both PMC and Art Clay and has experience in using a wide range of clays and other materials. Adam is a serious gastro enthusiast, as much in love with the local seasonal produce as the Gascons, and entirely committed to cooking the most incredible traditional dishes for guests as well as providing wonderful cooking courses. For Adam, cooking is a journey through all the senses and you won't just spend time sampling the local produce but understand how it is made and the traditions behind it. Adam blends a simple Irish approach to cooking with flavours and skills acquired from travels across the world. From conception to plate, Adam will teach you how to prepare and serve fantastic meals that will seem to magically appear in front of your guests, allowing you to enjoy the party too! For the painting course, they are joined by passionate local artists with huge knowledge and experience of the area as well as art to ensure you are taken to the right places to inspire your paintings.

Caroline & Adam image
Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

Set in the heart of Gascony surrounded by 50 acres of private unspoilt meadows, the your farmhouse accommodation is tucked away in the Gascon countryside. Although the farmhouse is a rural retreat, the bustling picturesque towns of Nérac and Condom are within easy reach.

Nearest airports:
Toulouse (1hr 40min), Bordeaux (1hr 40min), Pau (2 hours) or Bergerac (2 hours)

Complimentary pre-booked train transfers:
Return transfers to and from Agen train station (30 minutes) are included in the course price.

Trains run to Agen from across the SNCF network from where you can take advantage of the free transfer. Optional private airport transfers can be booked for an additional cost.

What our travellers are saying...

I had an amazing 4 day break in the south of France learning to make jewellery with Caroline, my tutor. I was made to feel so welcome from the 1st email communication with Caroline all the way to her dropping me back at Agen station. I made 3 beautiful pieces and now feel that I have caught the jewellery making bug!! Carolina's husband Adam made some amazing dishes, it was like eating in a 5 star restaurant every day bit without any of the preten

N Parker

What a wonderful time I had! The hosts are so friendly, and the food was AMAZING. But most importantly, the opportunity to learn a completely new skill (I was a total novice!) was invaluable and such great fun. I would utterly recommend.

K Howe

I had a wonderful time, so much more than just a course. It was an opportunity to see something of local life, with everything tailored to the interests of the group. Caroline, Adam and their children welcomed you into their family and immediately put you at your ease. The food was great too. I hadn't given the jewellery making much thought before I went but was pleasantly surprised at what I did manage to create and can't wait to show the pieces

C Hobbs

FAQs

Who is it suitable for?

Suitable for all cooking levels from beginners to advanced with a minimum age 18. Your hosts and tutors speak English and French, and lessons will be taught in English. Dietary requirements will be catered for if these are communicated in advance of booking.

I'm travelling solo - can I join?

These holidays make great singles holidays as there are no single supplements and you will have your own private room for no additional cost. There is a discount for 2 people travelling together and sharing a room.

When can I start?

This holiday starts on Thursdays and runs on set dates from March to November. Holidays run for 3 nights / 4 days.

Is there restricted mobility access?

Please find below some information regarding the accommodation and location of the holiday which may be useful when deciding if this is the right holiday for you; should you have an further questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
- We generally do not recommend this location for those with restricted mobility.
- This holiday is based in the countryside, and does include some walking.
- The accommodation has no bedrooms or bathrooms on the ground floor, therefore one must be comfortable with stairs.

What can I do in my free time?

During your free time, there is plenty to do at your farmhouse accommodation including relaxing by the heated swimming pool (May-September). The accommodation offers a range of extracurricular activities onsite which are free of charge including table tennis, basketball, shooting, archery, cycling and board games to name a few!

There are numerous fêtes, music festivals and exhibitions in the surrounding areas through the year and your host Caroline will be happy to advise you during your stay. The closest towns are Nérac and Condom, and your host will be happy to suggest activities and transport should you wish to explore these during your stay.

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