21–26 September 2025 · 6 days / 5 nights
Past retreat
Step away from screens and the pace of everyday life, and into a slower, more meaningful rhythm—one shaped by ink, pattern, nature, and connection.
Block Printing Retreat
The retreat
Step away from screens and the pace of everyday life, and into a slower, more meaningful rhythm—one shaped by ink, pattern, nature, and connection.
Join award-winning printmaker and designer Annika Reed for a five-night creative retreat at the beautiful and historic Court House Farm in Somerset. Set within a peaceful garden oasis, yet right in the heart of the seaside town of Portishead, this is a space where old stone walls, winding paths, and centuries of character invite you to slow down and reconnect with your creativity.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced maker, you’ll be gently guided through each stage of the block printing process—from drawing and carving to printing your designs onto fabric. You’ll create bespoke homewares, including your own lampshade, while learning how to turn everyday inspiration into art.
What you’ll do
• Afternoon drawing session with mark-making and creative exercises
• Techniques tailored for all levels, from complete beginners to confident creatives
• Set up your own studio space in our ‘Cow shed’ Studio
• Develop your own motif and transfer it to a lino block
• Begin the carving process with Annika’s techniques and technician guidance
• Start printing onto fabric, exploring colour, texture, and layout possibilities
• Print the fabric for your very own 30cm drum lampshade
• Learn how to assemble and finish your bespoke piece ( Afternoon Trip to local Clevedon for Vintage treasures and to visit Homewares shop’s/ Annie Sloan stockist)
• Push your designs further with new layout and composition approaches
• Print onto larger home textiles such as tablecloths, napkins, or cushions
• Continue experimenting with scale, repetition, and layered techniques
• Final group showcase to celebrate everyone’s creative journey Friday we will finish around 3 pm
As a residential guest, expect delicious fresh food created by our wonderful chef Kirstie, as well as tea, coffee and more throughout the day, and the bar is open for you from 6pm.
Annika Reed
Your tutor
Annika Reed is a British printmaker, designer, and founder of her eponymous interiors brand, known for its bold, joyful wallpapers and fabrics that celebrate storytelling, folklore, and craft.
Driven by her love of narrative, history, and the whimsical, each design is hand-carved using centuries-old block printing techniques, marrying meticulous craftsmanship with imaginative storytelling. Annika’s work has been featured in Elle Decoration, World of Interiors, Country Living, and beyond, and is sought after by collectors and interior designers alike.
Through her retreats and workshops, Annika shares her passion for printmaking as a living art — one that connects heritage, creativity, and home, while inspiring joy and wonder in every design.
In their own words
Booking
This retreat has already taken place. Get in touch and we’ll let you know as soon as the next one is announced.
Reserve your place
21–26 September 2025 · 6 days / 5 nights
Past retreat
Register interest in the next oneA question before you book? Get in touch.
Life at Court House Farm
Characterful bedrooms in the medieval and Tudor manor houses, each furnished with vintage finds and rich fabrics.
Resident chef Kirstie cooks seasonal, generous meals to bring everyone together at the end of each studio day.
Walled gardens, the orchard and quiet corners for sketching, reading or doing nothing at all between sessions.
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