We begin this inaugural event with two tours to India in March 2023.
The tours can be taken separately or combined.
We begin with The Holi Festival and Treasures of Jaipur, 6th to the 16th of March. Then the South India Odyssey from the 16th to the 30th of March. The South India Tour begins in Mumbai, and we'll travel to the South of India to experience the beauty and vitality of the area.
I've been to India many times over the past few years, and each time I leave, I come home with a feeling of exhilaration, anticipation and a myriad of creative ideas.
I was last there in 2019 and I asked my Husband to come with me. He was reluctant but, but he came and now he's an absolute convert. He's not an artist, or even a textile fanatic like I am, but he just loved it. So husbands and non textile guests are invited along. We have something for everybody.This tour will immerse you into Indian culture, and in particular textiles. I'm also a photographer, and will give guidance on how to take the best photos and use them in your art.
The images of the Elephant and the Taj Mahal came about after one of the trips. Everything I used in the image was sourced as we traveled, most of it came from local markets with the exception of the piece of Kaffe Fasset fabric for the covering cloth on the elephant back. The photo opportunities are amazing and to be honest, I think that India is the only place where people ask me to take photos of them!! Much to my delight. So the thread painted portraits are of people I meet in the streets.
Our Guide is one of the top guides in India and is also a Textile expert, he has a wealth of knowledge about the textiles and will lead us through the alleyways of embroidery, quilting, fabric design, printing, dyeing and the history of Textiles.
Then we will participate in the Holi Festival, it's so much fun. You wear the white outfits and after you're covered in colour, you take them home and use them for a project.
March 9th. After breakfast we visit the village Sanganer to meet with block makers, then on to a working paper factory and learn more about this unusual craft. Jaipur is famous for it's paper making. It is the manufacture of paper and cardboard, which are used widely for printing, writing, and packaging, among many other purposes. Handmade paper survives as a specialised craft and a medium for artistic expression.
Later in the day you will participate in the first craft workshop where you will meet a master artisan and learn the folk style art of Indian “Kantha” quilting.
You also have our second craft workshop, the block printing and tile painting workshop, where you will learn about the techniques and dyes used and you can create your own cloth piece.
March 10th This morning very early, after breakfast, we’ll drive to the extraordinary Amber Fort. Some of its buildings and work have influence of Mughal architecture. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-e-Aam, or "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas, or "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. Hence, the Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace.
In the afternoon we will visit an Indian carpet weaving factory and also see a precious gem cutting demonstration. We will return to the hotel later in the day. Evening drinks with Pam Holland.
March 11th After breakfast we drive to visit the famous small village bagru to have in-depth workshop of dabu and indigo dyeing. We shall see the people washing and drying the cloth, we shall have a complete workshop of Dabboo printing and indigo dyeing for everyone with a piece of cloth to make your own design and take it with you.
We will go into the field to see how these fabrics are produced.
Each piece is 14 yards long, imagine how heavy it is. The dye is washed out, beaten and then this man loads it on his bike and takes it into the field where he lays it on the ground to dry.
It's so labor intensive and we really have no idea how its made until we experience it.
So the upshot is, I want garments made from this fabric. We will have the opportunity to buy fabric at around $4.00 a yard and have it made into garments for about $25.00 to take home. I've been designing and creating clothes from this beautiful cotton for years now and when I wear it I remember the work that went into making it.
Back at the hotel, Pam will hold a class about Indian quilting techniques.
March 12th This morning we visit old city of Jaipur to wander in through the flower market and vegetable market. This is one of my favourite things to do. The scenery is spectacular and you can interact with the merchants. We also sample some of the delicious street food.
Visit to a the huge Krishna temple.
Then an exciting rickshaw ride through the old city bazar and we’ll look for bangles, spices, sooty cloths and other local things in bazar.
Later we visit the puppet makers and visit their houses in slums it’s an experience you will never forget.
Later we return back to the hotel. Evening drinks with Pam and a local master henna artist will be at our hotel to paint some traditional Indian designs on our bodies.
March 13th Today after breakfast we shall start our journey by coach to the city of Taj mahal Agra. On arrival we check into hotel which is very close to Taj mahal. In the afternoon we visit the most famous iconic building and symbol of love
” Taj mahal’’ Our expert guide shall take you around and give in depth details and history of this world-famous monument. You will have an opportunity to take group photos or personal photos taken by expert photographers.
Later we visit to see the famous hand craft of Agra which is marble inlay work it is such an exquisite and beautiful art that you will be sure admire it. Later we return to our hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
March 14th Today after breakfast we check out from our hotel and drive to Delhi. But before that, we visit the famous 16th century red fort. You will learn about history of Mughals and their intricate workmanship on red sand stone. You can get inspiration from designs in the fort for your craft projects. Later we drive to Delhi. Arriving in the late afternoon. We check in into hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
March 15th Today after breakfast in morning we do panoramic tour of old and New Delhi. First, we go to old Delhi. In the morning hustle and bustle we drive through narrow lanes of old Delhi, spice and lace, textile markets on rickshaws. Later we drive past to New Delhi see panoramic view of presidents house, India Gate and lots of other government buildings.
We’ll visit the magnificent Sikh Temple.
Later we visit the most famous craft museum and admire the crafts of India.
Later we come back to our luxury hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure, you sure deserve it.
Of course there will be photography expeditions, market shopping, amazing food to eat. Interesting people to share ideas with.
And our accomodation is always top rate
Join us for the experience of a life time.
Credits:
Photos by Pam Holland