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Unleash your winter creativity: 5 original craft activities to try this season


By Federica Stefani

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Getting out and creating beautiful decorations with local plants is a wonderful way to do in the cold months.
Getting out and creating beautiful decorations with local plants is a wonderful way to do in the cold months.

With shorter days, frosty landscapes and the growing excitement for festive decorations, winter is the perfect time to let out our creative spirits and dive into the magic world of craft-making.

To awaken and support your creative spirit, The Boat Inn is calling to craft lovers new and experienced to enjoy making beautiful hand-made creations in the comfort of its cosy spaces.

With exclusive workshops running until February, there will be something for everyone to try out this season, for an afternoon or for an immersive creative weekend.

Dive into the artistry of flowers, fabric, and wirework, and embrace the coming of spring with these original 5 craft activities:

1. Floral fantasy: bloom with alternative materials

Fabrics and materials bring colour to your decorations.
Fabrics and materials bring colour to your decorations.

Immerse yourself in the art of crafting fabulous flowery pieces using wirework and fabric. There are endless possibilities to create stunning compositions!

Manipulate and sculpt the materials into stunning floral wirework pieces, and the addictive nature of this technique means you won't be able to stop at just one. The possibilities are endless, and the addition of any special beads or buttons you bring along adds a personal touch to your creations.

A unique way to create floral designs.
A unique way to create floral designs.

And why not have fun with a medley of materials? Scraps of fabric, old ties, scarves, buttons, beads, ribbons - anything can be used to create floral brooches, hair slides, keyrings, and decorations, all while learning new skills and contributing to up-cycling and sustainability.

Guided by the skillful Mhairi Ross, these workshops will be running on January 13 and January 20.

2. Beady bliss: design your own sparkling jewellery

Enjoy the colours of jewellery making.
Enjoy the colours of jewellery making.

If you always want to take your art with you or craft one-of-a-kind accessories to gift, jewellery making is a satisfying and fun activity to dive into.

From vibrant gemstones and pearls to colourful beads, crystals, and charms, the joy of designing jewellery that reflects your style and personality will make your creativity shine and sparkle.

Indulge in an afternoon of beady fun at The Boat Inn's jewellery-making workshop, guided by the talented Mhairi. You will learn the secrets of basic jewellery-making techniques, and the chance to acquire new skills and create dazzling pieces.

And, if you have any broken jewellery, special beads, or other shiny bits you'd like to up-cycle and re-purpose, bring them along for a chance to breathe new life into cherished items.

This jewellery-making workshop will be running on Saturday, February 3.

3.Wreath-making extravaganza: welcome winter in style

Winter is the perfect time to cosy in and make time for creativity.
Winter is the perfect time to cosy in and make time for creativity.

The festive season is the perfect occasion to play with the plants and vibrant colours that are typical of the season. Enjoy crafting unique and beautiful festive door wreaths or distinctive table decorations with flowers, foliage and fun –dive into the magic wonderland landscapes of the Highlands and connect with talented florists to create unique pieces for the festive season.

Homemade decorations not only showcase your creativity but also foster a sense of warmth and create an intimate atmosphere for family and friends.

4. Lampshade love: illuminate your creativity

A new lampshade will give a unique touch to your home's interior design or are a great gift to give!
A new lampshade will give a unique touch to your home's interior design or are a great gift to give!

Bring light into your winter by designing your own lampshade.

Learn the techniques to create a custom design piece that will add warmth to your home.

In this entertaining session, Mhairi will show you how to transform an OS Map into a stunning bottle table lamp.

You’ll learn how to prepare the map, then use it to make a beautiful lampshade with hand rolled edges.

Using an electrical converter, she’ll show you how easy it is to turn your shade into a bespoke table lamp.

It’ll be much admired by everyone who sees it. Get used to being asked “can you make one for me?”

Come to the Boat Inn to make your own lampshade – the workshop will be running on Saturday, February 17.

5. Flower crown fiesta: a crown fit for a queen

Crowns fit for a queen.
Crowns fit for a queen.

As spring whispers its arrival, join The Boat Inn's flower crown-making workshop for an afternoon filled with fun, flowers, and giggles! Guided by the talented florist Maria, participants will learn the art of crafting unique and fabulous headpieces. Embrace your inner royalty and leave with a flower crown fit for any queen. It's an experience that seamlessly blends creativity and camaraderie.

Create your stunning flower crown on February 24.

To let your creativity bloom this winter, The Boat Inn is offering wonderful workshops as well as tailored craft getaway packages to allow you to truly immerse yourself in the craftsy atmosphere. Attend on the afternoon and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the hotel and its mouthwatering food and tipples or stay for a creative weekend with the Boat Inn’s exclusive offers in January and February.


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