COURSE IS OPEN FOR BOOKING
Please contact us to waitlist or with any questions.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field: I will meet you there.”
— Rumi
Join traditional craftsperson and master broom maker Cynthia Main of Sunhouse Craft for an immersive Spring creative retreat celebrating crafting directly from the land, and enjoy curated stay at Hotel Svala, nestled in the serene Åland Islands.
Over the course of this hands-on retreat,we will explore the transformation of humble, natural materials into beautifully functional objects. With deep roots in Appalachian craft traditions and a reverence for sustainability, Cynthia’s practice honors slow, intentional making—offering a grounding introduction to broom making as both an art and a meditative act.
Across several days, you’ll:
Learn traditional broom making techniques with Cynthia, including hand-tying, stitching, and shaping, while creating your own hand brooms and whisk brooms in the mornings, with a focus on natural fibers in the craft.
Walk the island trails and shorelines, gathering natural materials and observing the textures and rhythms of the land
Craft little brooms and besoms from gathered materials in the afternoons, using techniques learned in the morning sessions
Explore the history of practical objects made using what is on hand, both here, and abroad.
Our days will be shaped by the changing light of the archipelago, shared meals, music, cocktails, and the calming beauty of Hotel Svala’s interiors and curated collections. We’ll work with thoughtfully sourced materials—including broomcorn and heritage fibers—and incorporate foraged elements that reflect the landscape’s seasonal richness.
This retreat offers a space for both focused learning and quiet reflection, all in a setting designed to encourage connection—between hands and materials, between people and place. Whether you’re an experienced maker or simply curious about traditional handcraft, this is an invitation to slow down, notice, and create with purpose.
More course details and itinerary to follow…..
WORKSHOP FEES
1350€-2050€
€600 deposit is required to reserve your spot balance due March 29th
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Accommodation Options
(including meals and workshop fees)Suite- Large room with sitting area and en suite full bath
€2,050 — single occupancy
€3,500 total — double occupancy (€1,750 per person)
Room 1 – Double Occupancy 2 single beds shared bath
€1,350 per person (2 people sharing)
Room 2 – Single Occupancy large double bed with shared bath
€1,650 — private room
Room 3 – Single with en suite WC
€1,750 — private room
Upstairs Rooms
€1,580 per person
3 rooms available-private room with shared WC
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INCLUDED
Rooms
Workshop and most materials, a few things will be listed for you to bring with you
Wednesday dinner, Thursday-Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast
Welcome gift and cocktail
An island excursion
Sauna will be on by request
Bicycles to borrow
NOT INCLUDED
Travel to and from the hotel
Cocktails, wine, beer and drinks can be added to your room
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Terms & Payments
Because this workshop requires advance preparation of materials, meals, staffing, and accommodation, all registrations are considered final. Please be sure you can attend before registering.
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.
The remaining balance is due by the stated payment deadline. Details will be provided upon registration.This workshop is designed for a small group. If it runs with the minimum number of 6 participants, a small-group viability fee of €75 per person will apply. If 7 or more participants attend, this fee is not charged. Workshop will be confirmed March 29th if there are enough participants.
Payment confirms your agreement to these terms.
Cancellations by Participants
If you need to cancel, please notify us in writing as soon as possible.
Deposits are non-refundable
If we are able to fill your place from a waitlist, we may offer a partial refund or credit, minus an administrative fee
If your place cannot be filled, no refund can be guaranteed
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect against unforeseen changes.
Cancellations by the Organizer
We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if minimum numbers are not met or if circumstances arise that affect the safety or quality of the experience.
In this case, all payments received will be fully refunded. We cannot be responsible for additional costs such as travel or accommodation booked independently.
Before You Register
Please read the workshop description carefully and make sure the dates and conditions work for you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us before registering.
sunhouse craft
Sunhouse Craft was started by artist / maker Cynthia Main as a place to combine her foundation in woodworking and traditional craft with a strong desire to find sustainable and harmonious ways of working. A passionate lover of nature, she devotes much of her work in the business to helping create a more verdant and connected future through sourcing and providing meaningful work. She has been making brooms since 2013, and working as a maker / builder / artist / gardener and farmer for more than two decades.
