Treat yourself to a truly exceptional crafting experience on the lush, tropical island of Madeira. Nestled in the botanical paradise of the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista hotel, you can relax and embroider in a calm environment. Enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, an outdoor pool, delicious dining options and a complimentary shuttle into the charming old town of Funchal.
Your creative journey will be guided by the fabulous Claire Bonito, who will share her knowledge and passion of Milanese lace through 24 hours of dedicated, small-group teaching. Our air-conditioned studio opens directly onto the hotel's gardens, offering a peaceful and inspiring environment. Magnifying lamps will be provided for your comfort.
Often called the Hawaii of Europe, Madeira boasts a delightful sub-tropical climate, with February temperatures averaging a pleasant 22°C (72°F) by day and a mild 16°C (60°F) at night. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, just 1000 km from mainland Europe and 700 km from Morocco, Madeira is easily accessible with daily direct flights from major European airports and beyond.
Funchal, Madeira’s vibrant capital, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Shaped like a natural amphitheatre rising from the sea, it offers visitors a blend of centuries-old traditions, European charm, and an enduring connection to the lush landscapes that surround it.
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About
Madeira goldwork flowers class
Inspired by the floral abundance of the island of Madeira, in this class you will be creating stunning three dimensional flowers using goldwork embroidery techniques and specialist goldwork wires.
You will have the choice of embroidering a hibiscus or geranium maderense flower. Native to the island, the delicate geranium maderense flower features an intense concentration of colour in its centre with intricate veining spreading out across each petal. One of the many tropical flowers which thrives in the island’s climate, the hibiscus flower is bright and showy with its frilly edged petals and elongated central stamen.
Using a palette of gold, silver and copper goldwork wires you will use multiple goldwork techniques to create your flower, beginning with manipulating pearl purl wire to create outlines. Each petal will then be intricately embroidered with a variety of cutwork techniques using small pieces of purl wire. A variety of different types of purl wire will be used to achieve contrast and interesting textures and details within the petals.
Once the embroidery is complete, you will be guided through the finishing processes before constructing your petals into a three dimensional flower. This will include how to apply neat backings to each petal and how to create a ribbon wrapped stem. The flowers will be finished with an eye catching beaded stamen for the hibiscus flower and metallic stamens at the centre of the geranium.
This class will be suitable for both goldwork beginners and those familiar with the technique. For beginners, this class introduces many techniques which form the foundation of goldwork embroidery. For those with experience, the less traditional approach to goldwork embroidery by transforming it into 3D flowers will provide a different way to use the technique. It will be helpful if all levels participating have a basic knowledge of hand sewing.
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About The Host
Claire Bonito
Hannah Mansfield is a freelance hand embroiderer based near Bristol in the UK. She has been sewing and making embroidery projects from a young age and completed a degree in Textile Design. Hannah is passionate about using traditional hand embroidery techniques in a modern context and sharing her skills through teaching. Hannah also works to commission and runs her own online shop.
In 2019 Hannah was awarded first place in the textile art open category of the Hand & Lock Prize for embroidery for her innovative use of goldwork embroidery to create three dimensional flowers. In 2020 Hannah was admitted as a Trade Freeman to The Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers.
Hannah is one of a small number of professional embroiderers in the UK who are proficient in tambour, a specialist beading technique. She is the author of Tambour Beading: Techniques and Projects, published in 2024 by The Crowood Press in both the UK and US. This is the most comprehensive English language book about tambour currently in publication.
Hannah is an embroidery tutor delivering CHANEL and The King's Foundation's Métiers D'Arts Fellowship at Highgrove Traditional Crafts. This is a six month long postgraduate course. Hannah also teaches embroidery classes for many textile groups and organisations around the UK and has also developed online classes for her own website and Textile Artist’s Stitch Club.
Hannah has created several projects which have been featured in the Australian needlework magazine, Inspirations.