Namaste and Notebooks: A Creative Adventure Through India with Jennifer Perkins

Pack your glue sticks and your wanderlust - because we’re going on a crafty adventure to India. Join maximalist crafter Jennifer Perkins for Namaste and Notebooks, a one-of-a-kind retreat where every market treasure, vintage book page, and vibrant textile becomes part of your handmade junk journal.

From the buzzing bazaars of Delhi to the pink-hued magic of Jaipur you'll explore India's rich culture with an artist's eye and a crafter's heart. AKA lot’s of fun market shopping as well as visits to the Taj Mahal, a tiger safari and so much more to keep you inspired the entire trip.  Along the way we will be creating our own travel themed junk journal with the items we collect. As well as Jennifer teaching daily techniques and tricks we’ll dive into hands-on workshops with local artisans—block printing (stamps for your journal), The Stitching Project (textiles and sari remnants for journal covers), and traditional paper-making (pages for you book). We will spend our days transforming each memory and moment into mixed-media magic.

This is a trip where your suitcase fills with crafty treasures, your junk journal becomes a travel notebook and a scrapbook, and every stop is a story waiting to be preserved in paper and paint. Prepare to come home with your creative well overflowing with inspiration.

 Slow travel calls for a slow boat ride - or two.

Take time to relax, soak in the scenery from a comfortable vantage point, watch the world drift by, stitch a little, and simply enjoy.

Then, dive into the vibrant textile culture of Laos, where tradition thrives.

Experience and learn the secrets of active indigo vats, discovering the magic behind this ancient craft firsthand.

Almost ready to open the doors

Join Pauline for a creative exploration of the rich floral motifs that flourish across India’s iconic landmarks, from the intricate marble inlay of the Taj Mahal to centuries-old block prints. 

Design your own wooden block, have it expertly carved and ready for printing and stitching into your own unique textile creations. 

Delve into the dazzling variety of block-printed fabrics in bustling markets, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Sanganer, India’s renowned blockprint hub. 

Along the way, we’ll visit a castle, discover remarkable museums, and share plenty of fun and inspiration together.

Nepal, once a distant mountain kingdom, is where Hindu and Buddhist traditions blend, creating divine temples set against the mighty Himalayas. 

Textile traditions thrive in daily life, and the wild rhinoceros still roams free.

We are adding in the stunning women of the Janakpur Women's Development Center and their Mithla Painting  [ see them at the International Folk Art Market in 2025]

According to Hindu legend, Mithila painting originated during the wedding of the divine couple at the heart of the Ramayana, Lord Rama and Sita, daughter of King Janaka of Mithila.

Embark on a Cultural Adventure in Tropical South India!

Imagine yourself in tropical South India, surrounded by lush spice plantations, breathtaking temples, and the mesmerizing art of indigo and natural dye-based fabric painting. 

Experience the vibrancy of women’s self-help groups that inspire and empower their communities.

Join us for an amazing journey where you can immerse yourself in South India’s rich culture, savour the subtly flavored and delicious cuisine, and take a moment to bask in the region’s natural beauty. 

Let the colours, flavours, and stories of South India captivate your senses and leave you with memories to treasure forever. 

India is a vast country and regional differences make each area feel like a whole new experience.

We’d love to have you with us! 

Join us to explore the fascinating region of Shekhawati in Rajasthan, renowned for its fabulous murals adorning the painted havelis (mansions). 

From there, we journey on to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and then visit The Stitching Project in Pushkar, where you’ll have the chance to block print fabric using wooden blocks you’ve designed yourself.

Next, immerse yourself in the rich indigo traditions of Jaipur and stay in a fantastic fort palace - an inspiring setting to complete your creative projects before returning to Delhi.

What an adventure!

Slow Travel + Food + Art

A match made in heaven, add the venue of Oaxaca and boy! we have a winner.

Plans are developing as we speak - Molé in all its forms needs to be delved into,  we will take marekt wanders, visit a boutique mescal distillary, potteries, the fabulous Alebrijes [painted sculptures] and take a look at cochieal production - this vibrant pink colour is a natural food colouring and can be used as a water colour paint!

Lots to experience, cooking classes to take, recipes to collect and with the guidance and inspiration of Marcella a fabulous cook book / travel journal to create.

Embark on an wonderful journey through the traditional textiles of Vietnam. 

Our Vietnam Textile Tour offers an immersive experience that combines the rich history of Vietnamese crafts with modern entrepreneurial spirit.

Hands-on workshops, beautiful scenery, delicious food and a warm welcome are all part of experiencing Vietnam.

Sri Lanka – Textile Adventures with Gillian Travis

Join us in this tropical paradise of white sandy beaches, lush spice gardens, and vibrant textile traditions. Discover the rich heritage of Sri Lankan batik, weaving, and lace making as you explore this beautiful island.

Then, with the expert tuition and warm encouragement of Gillian Travis, create your own textile travel journal to capture the memories of this amazing adventure.

Welcome to our Uzbekistan Tour, where the echoes of ancient caravans still resonate through the air, beckoning travellers to follow the Silk Road and unravel the tales of centuries past.

Once merely whispered rumours carried by traders and explorers, the Silk Road now opens its doors to you, inviting you to discover its secrets first-hand.

While books may tantalize with their descriptions, nothing compares to the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing history come alive before your very eyes.

Take a look at the 2025 itinerary, 2026 will be similar - stay tuned to join us.

Ceramics in Uzbekistan boast a history spanning thousands of years, and today, in the post-Communist era, this rich tradition is flourishing as workshops reconnect with their roots. 

Discover how families kept their traditional practices alive during the Soviet Era, a time when home workshops were forbidden. 

Experience these vibrant studios firsthand - get your hands dirty, learn from master artisans, and create pieces to take home as a lasting memory of your journey.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kyrgyzstan, a land of vast, untouched mountains and valleys where nomads still roam. 

Immerse yourself in a lifestyle that has endured for millennia. 

Experience the magic of sleeping in traditional yurts, learning the intricate art of felt-making, and embracing the rich traditions of this unique region. 

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Kyrgyzstan's culture and natural wonders.

Embark on a fabulous trip - Textile Adventures with Gillian Travis.

Our Istanbul tour includes a magical highlight: a visit to Cappadocia with the option of a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over its surreal landscape.

Capture your journey in photos and transform them into a unique textile travel journal, guided by Gillian’s expert eye and creative flair.

Enjoy fabulous sightseeing curated to spark your imagination and fuel artistic inspiration.

There is a great blend of sighseeing, creative workshops and fun - don’t miss out, secure your spot today!

Join us on the Romanian Ramble and step into a world where time seems to stand still. 

Wander through enchanting villages, admire intricate traditional textiles, and discover the captivating tales that bring Romania’s rich cultural heritage to life.

Explore breathtaking landscapes dotted with majestic castles, immerse yourself in the age-old crafts passed down through generations, and connect with the stories woven into this fascinating land. 

From stitching patterns inspired by local artisans to hearing legends tied to the region’s iconic architecture, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Romania’s traditions and beauty.

Immerse yourself in the enduring legacy of the Moors in Spain, exploring Andalusia's rich history, architectural splendor, and cultural vibrancy. 

Then, cross the Strait of Gibraltar and venture into magical Morocco, where ancient crafts and timeless traditions flourish amidst a backdrop of vivid colors and bustling souks.

Experience the vibrant and excotic culture of  Benin & Togo.

Peaceful waterways and a rich culture that is an harmonious blend of diverse beliefs - Christianity, Islam, and Vodun - woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Truely amazing place to experience.

Similar to 2025 - Take a look

Amorelle Dempster is joining Creative Arts Safaris to share an extraordinary food and cultural experience in Sri Lanka. 

Together, we’ll explore the vibrant flavours of the island - enjoying everything from street food to fine dining. 

We’ll step into local kitchens, gather recipes, and cook together, immersing ourselves in the heart of Sri Lankan culinary traditions. 

Along the way, we’ll visit the gardens where indigenous foods are grown, meeting the people whose dedication keeps these traditions alive.

Amorelle Dempster has a deep passion for fine food - no, REAL fine food - and the people who dedicate themselves to producing it. 

Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, she came to Australia as a young woman and has carved out a fascinating niche for herself. 

Today, she runs the Earth Market, a local Slow Food initiative in the Hunter Valley, where her commitment to authentic, sustainable food shines through. She participates in steering Slow Food International and organising the Food Rescue Kitchen, where no food it left to waste and hungry tummies meet.

Join us for a fascinating exploration into the culture and food traditions of Sri Lanka.  

Embark on an extraordinary tour through Ghana’s rich textile and craft heritage, where weaving, basketry, bead-making, and indigo dyeing come to life.

Explore the vibrant culture of Ghana, once the seat of the powerful Ashanti Kingdom and now a beacon of stability and progress in Africa.

Similar to 2025 - take a look

Explore Sri Lanka’s rich crafts and culture on a 14-day adventure through exotic landscapes, vibrant villages, and timeless artistic traditions. 

Discover intricate textiles, visit artisan workshops, and soak up the beauty of lush hills, ancient temples, and coastal havens.

Explore Tunisia’s crafts and enjoy a fabulous journey through sites real and imagined - from ancient civilisations to iconic Star Wars locations.

Classic India - bright colours, old Forts and beautiful Palaces,

Traditional textiles and an interlude looking for tigers.

Can't miss the iconic Taj Mahal as we are so close.

ack your curiosity and your sense of wonder!

Get ready to dive headfirst into a kaleidoscope of colour, creativity, and adventure. 

In Gujarat, you’ll stay in family run palaces and visit ancient stepwells that feel straight out of a fairytale.

You'll meet talented artisans who are breathing new life into centuries-old embroidery traditions as modern entrepreneurs, and explore landscapes so dramatic you’ll be reaching for your camera at every turn.

This is a lively, hands-on celebration of textiles, traditions, and the sheer joy of discovery.

Discover the exotic beauty of Southern Mexico, a region steeped in rich textile and craft traditions. 

Explore vibrant natural dyes, charming Old Towns, and breathtaking monuments that beckon you to explore..