The Hearth at Horsley (west of Newcastle) is a beautiful grade 2 listed building that houses eight working studios used by artists and musicians and a very friendly coffee shop selling heavenly scones (as well as other goodies).
On Saturday I spent the day there at a bookmaking course run by Chloe. Chloe was a great tutor, very laid back but incredibly well prepared, so that we each came away having made three books and all clamouring for a follow up course. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
The company was a real treat too – lovely people – as was the chocolate and almond cake Chloe made for our morning break. The course was fantastic value for money and utterly inspiring. I think I might be hooked on making books. As a writer I especially enjoyed the opportunity to do something practical rather than cerebral and know I definitely need more of this.
I found the course via New Writing North’s newsletter – you can check out coming courses on The Hearth’s website (linked above).
It’s such a wonderful rest to make things with one’s hands. Like meditation. And the books are things of beauty. wx