Join renowned lacemaker Carole Smith for an unforgettable week in the captivating city of Lisbon, Portugal. Over the course of four full teaching days (24 hours of tuition), Carole will share her expertise in the beautiful art of lacemaking, guiding you through projects at a relaxed pace in the inspiring surroundings of The Loft Atelier – a light-filled studio perfectly suited to our craft.
Our home for the week is the elegant Palácio do Visconde, a boutique hotel full of charm and character, where you can unwind after class and enjoy warm Portuguese hospitality. With a small group of like-minded guests, this retreat is designed for those who value both the joy of creating and the pleasure of travelling in good company.
On class days, we will travel together from the hotel to the atelier by tram, followed by a short walk – a perfect way to stretch your legs after a day sitting in front of your lace.
To enrich your experience, we have planned two memorable excursions. First, we travel to Peniche, famous for its lacemaking heritage, where we will explore the Museu da Renda de Bilros de Peniche and discover the town’s history and traditions. The second will see us exploring Lisbon – from the rattle of the famous yellow trams to hidden haberdashery stores, winding lanes, and the charm of the old town.
Throughout the week, you can look forward to four delicious lunches and four dinners, carefully chosen to give you a taste of Portuguese flavours. On evenings when dinner is not included, we will still dine together at a pre-selected local restaurant, so no guest is ever left to find a meal alone – unless, of course, they wish to.
Highlights
- Four days (24 hours) of expert lacemaking tuition with Carole Smith
- Stay in the elegant Palácio do Visconde boutique hotel
- Creative workspace at the inspiring Loft Atelier studio
- Guided day trip to Peniche’s lacemaking museum and heritage sites
- Guided exploration of Lisbon by tram, including haberdashery visits
- Small group of just 12 guests for a friendly, personal atmosphere
- All travel to classes and excursions arranged for you
- Four lunches and four dinners included, plus hosted group dining on other evenings
With all logistics expertly handled by the experienced Creative Experiences team – who will be on hand throughout the retreat to ensure everything runs smoothly – you can simply relax, enjoy your craft, and immerse yourself in the culture, scenery, and company of fellow enthusiasts.
This is more than a holiday – it’s a week of creativity, friendship, and discovery in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
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About The Host
Carole Smith
Carole began lacemaking at the age of ten at a class in Hertfordshire. A few years later, following a family move to Aberdeen, her lacemaking developed with annual courses from Kitty Mason and tutors visiting the area to speak at the local Lace Day such as Pamela Nottingham and Veronica Sorensen.
Since 2001, Carole has joined the group traveling to Brugge to be taught by Anne-Marie Verbeke-Billet and Magda Malisse. The opportunity to learn from these experts in their field has been invaluable not only in the making of Flemish laces but in designing them too.
Now based in Perth, Carole teaches at courses around Scotland and is a co-director and tutor at the annual Edinburgh Lace Course. This will be the fourth year Carole has joined Mark and Nadine to offer a lacemaking course having previously visited the French Alps, Italy and Spain.
Carole enjoys teaching a wide variety of bobbin laces ranging from Torchon and British laces such as Bucks Point to the Flemish laces – Flanders, Binche, Mechlin, Brugge Flower Lace and Duchesse.
Carole is happy to help and support both beginners and more experienced lacemakers to develop their skills.