Creative Experiences Competition 2026

Competition Details

We’re excited to offer one reader the opportunity to win a Creative Experiences retreat with a choice from three unique embroidery holidays.

Option 1) 3D Goldwork Embroidery Retreat with Hannah Mansfield

• Location: Madeira, Portugal (Hotel Quinta da Bela Vista)
• Date:  from: 15/02/2027 to 22/02/2027
• About the tutor: Hannah Mansfield is a hand embroiderer who specialises in tambour beading and 3D goldwork embroidery. She is known for combining traditional embroidery techniques with modern designs and creating detailed 3D goldwork flowers using specialist wires and sculptural techniques. Hannah is also an award-winning artist and the author of Tambour Beading: Techniques and Projects. She works with organisations including CHANEL and The King’s Foundation.

Option 2) Fairy and Dragon Embroidery with Taetia McEwen

• Location: Somerset (Hotel Hurds Hill)
• Dates: 21/06/2027 to 28/06/2027
• About the tutor: Taetia McEwan is an Australian embroiderer known for creating richly detailed embroidered scenes filled with flowers, birds, butterflies, and magical creatures. Her work combines femininity, texture, and a signature touch of whimsy. Introduced to stitching by her mother at the age of twelve, she later rediscovered embroidery after the birth of her first daughter, when it quickly became a lifelong passion. Inspired by childhood memories of beautiful books and rambling gardens, she creates whimsical embroidered scenes filled with flowers, birds, butterflies, and magical creatures.

Option 3) Christmas Embroidery retreat with Deborah Wilding

• Location: United Kingdom (TBC)
• Dates:  from: 06/11/2027 to 13/11/2027
• About the tutor: Deborah Wilding trained at the Royal School of Needlework, graduating with distinction in 2015, and specialises in historically accurate embroidery techniques including Goldwork, Silk Shading, Crewelwork, Blackwork, and Stumpwork. Her work combines exceptional craftsmanship with a passion for preserving traditional embroidery methods through both teaching and contemporary design. She was honoured to be part of the Embroidery Studio team at the Royal School of Needlework, contributing to several pieces created for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including The Queen’s Robe of Estate, the Anointing Screen, Chairs of State, and the Stole Royal.

Prize Details

Win 1 place on a one week “Creative Experiences” embroidery retreat and enjoy a week devoted entirely to stitching, learning, and relaxation in beautiful surroundings. Choose from three inspiring retreats led by renowned tutors from 3D goldwork flowers in Madeira with award-winning embroiderer Hannah Mansfield, to enchanting fairy and dragon embroidery in Somerset with Taetia McEwen, or even elegant historical embroidery with RSN tutor Deborah Wilding in the UK this December.

The prize includes:

• Accommodation for the duration of the retreat (single occupancy unless otherwise stated)
• Tuition and workshop fees
• Materials and kit required for the programme
• Meals included within the official retreat itinerary
• Scheduled group excursions included within the retreat programme
• A contribution towards travel expenses from Embroidery Magazine will be included as part of the prize experience, with £100 provided for the Madeira, Portugal retreat option and £50 for the UK retreat options. Winners travelling from outside the United Kingdom will receive a £100 contribution regardless of the retreat selected.

The prize does not include:

• Additional international or domestic travel to/from the destination
• Travel insurance
• Personal purchases
• Meals not included within the official retreat programme
• Beverages (unless explicitly stated)
• Any additional excursions or services not listed as included
• Visas or entry requirements

Competition closes 30th September 2026. The winner will be picked at random. To be announced by @embroidery_mag. The winner will be contacted by @‌embroidery_mag only.

How to Enter

To be in with a chance of winning 1 place on a one-week Creative Experiences craft retreat, simply complete the online entry form on this page. Good luck!

By entering this competition, you will automatically opt-in to receive Creative Experiences and Embroiderers Guild e-newsletters  You can opt out at anytime by clicking the 'unsubscribe' button at the bottom of the email newsletter when received.

The winner will need to provide proof of purchase of Jul/Aug issue or be a subscriber.