Creative Abruzzo Retreats : Expressions of Interest

Discover the delights the beautiful region of Abruzzo, central Italy, whilst developing a range of creative techniques.  I'm am currently taking expressions of interest for retreats in 2026.

NB. those who express their interest by RSVP on this page, will be the first to know of new dates, Thank you.

  "The weather was perfect and I returned with new skills, new ideas and new friends. Wonderful!"  Annie 2024

My creative Abruzzo retreats provide you with the opportunity to explore in an inspiring atmosphere with a highly experienced tutor. You’ll leave with a bundle of experiments and ideas which will inspire and full further projects for many moons to come…not to mention great memories of a fantastic creative adventure in this wonderful region of Italy.  It's a workshop & holiday combined, a true creative adventure.

There will be a range of retreats to choose from including:

Exploring Free Machine Embroidery Fabric mosaics [based on the fabulous open air mosaic gallery in Tornareccio] Creating Sketchbooks Developing Prints [silk screen & collographic prints]

Exploring jewellery making

Couture Linens - exquisite dressmaking with a guest tutor

“Dionne’s Summer School has been a great success and an amazing experience visiting stunning locations with lovely companions and following a creative programme which inspired, motivated and challenged in equal measures . Dionne is a brilliant teacher and skilled communicator and this week has enabled me to develop an exciting repertoire for future work . I just can’t wait to return to continue this creative journey. Many thanks to Dionne and the friends I made in Abruzzo”

Read more reviews here

Example itinerary:

Arrival day – Transfer from Pescara Airport or station [coordinated with the daily flight from London]. It's a 1 hour transfer to Atessa, once you have freshened up we'll gather together for a welcome orientation and apericena.

The workshop starts at 9.30am the next morning and the runs to 5.00pm each day : there's a morning coffee break and 1 hour for lunch - home made or local restaurant shared lunch.

Day 1 : Introduction plus gathering ideas and imagery Coffee break & local lunch

Induction to the sewing machines and techniques demo

Day 2: New techniques and introduction to the world of threads

Coffee break & local lunch Time for personal practice Pasta making workshop with a local nonna! Then shared evening meal.

Day 3: Market morning 10.00am start so you have time for a wander through the stalls. Expand on techniques and get personalised direction

Coffee break & home-made lunch

Time for personal practice and thoughts about developing final imagery

Day 4: Time to really focus on a final piece or small series

Coffee break & beach lunch

An afternoon off enjoying the local Trabocchi coastline: bring your sketchbook &/or swimming costume and bathe in the Italian delights by the Adriatic sea

Day 5: Individual practise time with personalised direction

Coffee break & homemade lunch

Finishing off - time to consider mounting/framing and reviewing

Farewell evening meal at a local home restaurant

Departure Day : you'll be transferred back to Pescara airport/station

The schedule is always subject to change - there are often local events to take in, precessions to enjoy etc.

What's included

5 days of highly experienced tuition

Orientation tour

All main materials [unless something specific is stated in your retreat or you have a special something to include]

Coffee/Tea break each workshop day with a snack/merenda

Lunches - at a local restaurant or home-made/locally made

Welcome apericena [drink and light evening meal]

Farewell dinner at a home restaurant + wine

Pasta making workshop and meal/wine

Pescara Transfers at set times Any other workshop related transfers - to the coast or for research or pasta making

Guide price 950 euros

What's not included

Flights/transport to Pescara

Accommodation Evening meal on 3 of the evenings

Getting there

The nearest airport is Pescara https://www.ryanair.com there are regular flights from Stansted, UK and other European airports.  I usually co-ordination collection from the main Stansted flight. [FR982 Stansted - Pescara] [FR983 Pescara - Stansted] yet - there are plenty of other options.

From both of the Rome airports there is a very convenient coach transfer to Pescara ; it takes a stunning route through the Apennines

Accommodation

I have partnered with a local hotel where students stay and enjoy the local town together - there you can have the freedom to explore the town in the evenings and enjoy 'La Bella Vita'. There are also a range of self catering scenarios in Atessa

If you have a group of like minded friends and would like a tailor-made workshop in Abruzzo, please get in touch and we can make some plans.

Please see the FAQ and get in touch if you have any queries...