Eyes & Expression Textile Portrait Week
Four-Night Residential Check-in Monday 22nd February 2027 Check-out Friday 26th February 2027
Available spaces
Join award-winning textile artist Holly Capstick for this highly creative three-day masterclass at Cober Hill, where you will explore the beautiful combination of paint, fabric, free-motion embroidery, and hand embellishment to create a striking and expressive textile eye portrait. This immersive workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to develop their textile art skills and discover exciting new approaches to portraiture. Working with layers of fabric, paint, and stitch, you will create a powerful, multi-dimensional piece focused on the eyes — often described as the most expressive part of a portrait. Course Structure Day 1: Preparation & Painting Introduction to Holly’s working methods with plenty of inspiring examples. You will sketch your chosen eyes, transfer the design to fabric, and begin building rich layered backgrounds using silks, cottons, dyes, and paints. Day 2: Free-Motion Embroidery Learn how to use free-motion machine embroidery to “draw” with stitch. Holly will guide you step-by-step (no previous experience needed), helping you add expressive detail and texture to your portrait. You’ll have plenty of time to practise and develop your stitching layers. Day 3: Embellishment & Presentation Finalise your stitching, then add hand embroidery, embellishments, extra paint, or appliqué as desired. In the final session, you will learn how to professionally mount and present your finished textile eye portrait in a 9-inch display hoop, ready to take home and treasure. All materials, fabrics, paints, threads, sewing machines, and equipment are provided. You may work from reference photos provided by Holly, or bring your own eye images (printed at a maximum of 8 inches diameter). This workshop is suitable for intermediate artists and confident beginners. Some prior experience in drawing or painting portraits is helpful, but no experience of free-motion embroidery is required. Residential Details This residential includes a full board four-night stay in your own en-suite room at the scenic Cober Hill retreat, just outside Scarborough and includes all materials and equipment. Check-in: From 3pm, Monday 22nd February 2027 Check-out: By 10am, Friday 26th February 2027
Cancellation Policy
Right to Cancel and Receive Reimbursement The statutory 14-day cooling-off period does not apply to accommodation and leisure services provided on specific dates. We offer the following goodwill policy: Cancellation & Refund Policy: More than 12 weeks before arrival: Full refund minus £30 administration fee per person. 6–12 weeks before arrival: 75% refund. 4–6 weeks before arrival: 50% refund. Less than 4 weeks before arrival: No refund. Cancellations must be made in writing to info@bookaclass.com. Refunds (where due) will be processed within 10 business days. Travel / Holiday Insurance Recommendation We strongly recommend that all participants purchase comprehensive travel or holiday insurance at the time of booking. This should cover cancellation or curtailment, medical expenses, personal belongings, and any other relevant risks. We cannot be held responsible for any losses, damages, or additional costs you may incur due to cancellation, illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances if you do not have adequate insurance in place. Rescheduling: Possible up to 8 weeks before arrival (subject to availability). A £30 administration fee applies for changes made later. Our Right to Cancel: We may cancel a residential stay due to insufficient numbers or force majeure. In such cases we will first offer an alternative date before offering a full refund.