Make Without Fear: An All-Inclusive Creative Wellbeing Retreat – Bookings close 27 July!!

with Elemental Art Flow

28–30 August 2026 | Old Rectory House (The Setting), Somerset Coast

This weekend is a 3-day rebellion against the ‘shoulds’. This isn’t an art retreat for ‘artists.’ It’s a wellbeing sanctuary for the dreamers, the seekers, and the ones who feel a little bit constrained by the noise of the world. Through Movement, Art & Meditation, we aren’t just making things – we are unmaking the barriers between you and your most inspired self.
​No critique. No grades. No ‘doing it wrong.’ Just pure, unconstrained expression.

​Are you ready to meet the version of you that isn’t afraid to be seen?

In keeping with Chinese healing wisdom, we’re leaning into the energy of Fire: joy, expression, connection, courage — the inner heat that helps you move from hesitation into creative flow. Rooted in the Chinese Five Element Theory, the retreat focuses mainly on Fire while gently supporting the balance of all five elements, so you leave feeling more grounded, energised and clear.

What to Expect:

* ​The 5-Element Cycle: Flexibly structured, fluid days moving through Water (flow), Wood (growth), Fire (expression), Earth (grounding), and Metal (clarity).
* ​Tactile Exploration: Mindful Chinese brush painting, energetic mark-making, and transformative clay work.
* ​Holistic Integration: Opening and closing ceremonies featuring qigong movements, conscious breathing, and visualizations.
* ​Nourishment: High-quality, fresh catering designed to support your energy throughout the weekend.
* ​A Judgment-Free Space: A neurodivergent-friendly and accessible environment where the goal is “messy honesty” rather than gallery masterpieces.

If you’ve ever been told you “can’t draw” or you’re “not arty”, you’re especially welcome here. Both Ruth and Paula heard that when they were younger — and it simply isn’t true. Creativity isn’t a talent you either have or don’t have; it’s something you return to when you’re given the right space, support, and permission.

We’re keeping numbers to a maximum of 10 so everyone feels held, seen, and properly supported — creatively and emotionally — throughout the weekend.

🌿 Retreat Programme Summary   

The retreat is designed as a weekend journey inspired by the five elements, combining creativity, reflection, mindfulness, and time in nature. The programme balances guided activities with opportunities to relax and connect with the surroundings.

Arrival and Welcome – Participants arrive at the retreat centre and settle into the cottages, shepherd’s huts, or annex accommodation. The weekend begins with an introduction to the space and the overall five-elements theme, welcome dinner and guided full moon meditation.

Earth – The opening creative session focuses on grounding through clay work. Participants create pieces using natural textures and materials, encouraging a connection with nature and hands-on creativity. Air-drying clay was chosen so everyone can take their creations home.

Wood – Creative expression continues with large-scale painting using bold colours, alongside journaling and coaching exercises to help participants explore their creative voice and personal growth.

Fire – A fire-based evening activity provides space for reflection and release. Saturday evening also includes use of the sauna and jacuzzi facilities after dinner, supporting relaxation and wellbeing.

Metal – Cutting away what’s no longer needed and sharpening focus on what’s really important.

Water – The retreat concludes with a closing ceremony focused on integration and flow. The water element centres on meditation and reflection, with quiet contemplative activities.

Optional beach walks are included to deepen the connection with the natural environment.

All participants will have meaningful items and knowledge to take home.

🍽️ Meals and Daily Flow

The planned rhythm for the weekend includes scheduled creative sessions alongside shared meals and free time.
• Breakfast and lunch are served as help-yourself buffets.
• Activities are interspersed with time to enjoy the retreat facilities and woodland setting.
• The programme combines individual reflection with group experiences throughout the weekend.

Wear: Clothes that don’t mind a bit of clay and a lot of movement. Bring your favourite cosy socks and the sweater that feels like a hug.

​Bring: An open heart (even if it feels a bit heavy right now) and a curiosity for your own rhythm.

​Leave Behind: The Inner Critic, the ‘Professional’ hat, and the need to produce something ‘good.’ We have plenty of space for the messy, the quiet, and the ‘unfinished’ versions of you.

Your guides:

* ​Paula: University-trained artist, ceramicist and mentor with nearly 30 years of practice. Paula’s award-winning sculptural work explores the hidden potential inside all of us — and she brings that same searching, generous spirit to everything she teaches. A “Wood Tiger” who brings structure, deep craft knowledge, and a working studio to the journey.
* ​Ruth: Published author, Art and TCM coach, Zen Mindfulness teacher and creativity facilitator. Ruth came back to free, open-hearted self-expression herself — as a way to process grief and find her way back to emotional balance — and that lived experience sits at the heart of everything she holds space for. A “Fire Snake” who brings calm presence, intuitive methods, and a deep belief that authentic self-expression is the key to staying whole.

Ready to find your fire? Reserve your place below — only 10 spaces available!

The setting: the gorgeous Old Rectory House

This amazing gem of a location is hidden on the Somerset coast and blends rustic woodland charm with boutique luxury — including an outdoor heated pool, sauna, and woodland banqueting hall with views over the Quantock Hills, plus beautiful spaces for gathering and making. Surrounded by nature and peaceful in a way few places are.

Choose your space

Every ticket includes the full retreat experience — all meals, all creative materials, all facilitated sessions. The only difference is where you rest your head.

Not ready to pay in full? Secure your place with a £200 deposit by emailing elementalartflow@gmail.com

Need a ground floor room with an ensuite? The ground floor cottage room is our most accessible option — just mention it when you get in touch and we’ll do our best to reserve it for you.

You don’t need to come with someone to book a shared room — we’ll match you with a fellow retreater. And if you’d like to chat through which option feels right before you book, just drop us a line at elementalartflow@gmail.com

What’s included in your all-inclusive retreat

Everything is taken care of — so you can fully switch off and immerse yourself into the experience.

• A weekend guided creative wellbeing retreat spanning 3 days (6pm 28th to 4pm on 30 Aug 2026)
• All creative materials for mark-making, painting and clay exploration
• Meditation, Qi Gong, visualisations, journaling and mindful beach and woodland inspiration walks
• Full catering throughout the weekend (all meals included)
• Tea, coffee and refreshments available at all times
• Access to all the venue’s retreat facilities and spaces.

What’s not included

• Transport to and from the venue (please arrange your own travel) That’s genuinely it. Everything else — food, materials, the spa hamper in your room — is taken care of.

There’s plenty of parking for cars but if you’re not coming by car there are 2 train stations nearby – Kilve train station is 20 minutes by taxi and Taunton train station (mainline) is 30 minutes by taxi.

Ready to find your fire? Reserve your place below — only 10 spaces available!

Start your journey before you even arrive.

When you book we’ll send you a little something to get your creative fire going!

• Paula’s Creative Kickstarts Bundle (Flora, Geometric & Animal) worth £39

Bookings close 27 July.

FAQs

Do I need any artistic experience? No — this is designed for beginners and the “I’m not creative” crowd as much as anyone else. You’ll be guided gently, step by step, with zero judgement.

What should I bring / wear? Comfortable clothes for movement and making (and something that can get a bit messy). Layers and suitable footwear for woodland walks.

Dietary requirements? Absolutely — let us know when booking (or message us afterwards) so we can cater for you.

Can I pay in instalments? Yes — payment plans are available. Email elementalartflow@gmail.com and we’ll arrange a plan that works for you.

Find out more about your hosts at Elemental Art Flow.