8 days
Embark on a luxurious embroidery holiday in the picturesque island of Madeira, known for its tropical beauty and warm climate. Stay at the exquisite 5-star "Quinta da Bella Vista" hotel, offering top-notch amenities such as botanical gardens, a pool, spa facilities, fine dining options, and around-the-clock room service. Enjoy a complimentary shuttle bus service to explore the charming old town of Funchal.
Join renowned master embroiderer Chrissie Juno Mann for an exclusive class, where you'll learn and practice embroidery techniques in a small, intimate setting. With 30 hours of teaching time, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your skills under Chrissie's expert guidance. The air-conditioned studio with direct access to the botanical gardens provides a serene environment for creative exploration. Magnifying lamps will be available for your convenience, ensuring a comfortable learning experience.
Madeira, often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe, boasts a delightful sub-tropical climate in February, with pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for relaxation and creativity. With convenient flight connections to major European cities and beyond, getting to Madeira is hassle-free.
Explore Funchal, the vibrant capital city of Madeira, situated on a scenic slope overlooking the ocean. Rich in history and culture, Funchal exudes a unique charm with its blend of tradition, cosmopolitan flair, and stunning natural surroundings. Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of this captivating city, where you can experience the best of Madeira's offerings.
Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to bask in the February sunshine, immerse yourself in the art of embroidery, and create unforgettable memories in the enchanting island of Madeira. Reserve your spot now and indulge in a truly enriching and rejuvenating embroidery holiday.
Chrissie Juno Mann
'Based in the heart of the New Forest, I have been stitching since I was a child. I have an MA in Conservation and Restoration of the Decorative Arts, which I follow by training at the Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court Palace as a specialist in the historical art of hand embroidery. I graduated with a distinction and I work as a tutor for the RSN across their programs.
However, primarily I run my own embroidery business Cloud Juno. I work as a freelance embroiderer and tutor all over the country and abroad, creating my own designs for kits and running workshops and holidays with a variety of organisations. I have also developed a wonderful online community of stitchers and teach regular Zoom classes with students all around the world. I have published two books ’50 Blackwork Patterns: Book 1 & Book 2’, which have been very positively received and are available to purchase in various countries.
As well as teaching, I am keen to develop my own personal portfolio of work and I have been lucky enough to have been recognised for my work in a variety of ways. In 2017, I won a church kneeler design competition for the Worshipful Company of Broderers, whereby my design was made up into a kneeler and presented to St. Olave’s Church, Hart Street, London. In 2018, I won the category for Raised Embroidery in an internationally prestigious competition, run in conjunction with Inspirations Magazine and the Beat Around the Bush convention. In 2022, my work ‘Bottled Curiosity’ was included in the exhibition ‘The Art of Embroidery’ for the Worshipful Company of Broderers at the Bankside Gallery in London. In 2023, I won third place for my hand embroidered Blackwork portrait ‘Ayanna’ with the internationally renowned Mr. Stitch Competition. And presently, my embroidered stumpwork box, ‘An English Sonnet’, is on display at Parham House & Gardens for their 2024 season.
My personal aim is to encourage the art of hand embroidery making it accessible to all whilst fulfilling my own potential by capturing nature and the beauty of the world around us with my humble needle and thread.'