Join me for a botanical casting workshop at the magical Dell of Abernethy in the Cairngorms. I am a huge huge fan of what Polly and Ross have created at the Dell, its a truly spectacular place and I cannot wait to set up our casting workshop in the stunning woodland tipi.
During the workshop you will learn her botanical casting method and create your own 20cm roundel by capturing the delicate impressions of fresh flowers and foliage in clay and preserving them in plaster to create a unique artwork.
We will start the day foraging for flowers and foliage to cast within the woodlands around the Dell. I will then teach you how to roll out clay and preserve the imprint of your chosen foliage to create your own botanical cast. After pouring plaster into your botanical cast impression you will have the chance wander through the ancient forest around the Dell, poke around the Dell Grocer as well as enjoying a delicious seasonal lunch.
We will return to the yurt to reveal and clean the casts in the afternoon. You will headhome with your own botanical plaster cast artwork made using seasonal flowers, a belly full of delicious food and emotionally grounded from your soundwalk.
I’m excited to invite you to a creative workshop and look forward to seeing the beautiful casts at the end of the session. No prior casting experience is necessary—this is a beginner-friendly session. We’ll be foraging outdoors, so please bring sturdy shoes and a warm jacket for the forest walk, and don’t forget an old shirt to wear during the messy casting process.
DAY OUTLINE
10:00 am Arrive/welcome Tea/coffee
10:00 - 1:30 Walk into the ground to pick flowers/foliage to cast followed by making a 20cm roundel cast
1:30- 2.30 Lunch
2:30 - 3:00 Removing the plaster from the moulds, cleaning and Q&A
About the Venue:
If you haven’t visited the Dell of Abernethy then you are in for a treat. I first visited in January 2025 where I took part in a Wintering retreat and essentially fell in love with the Dell and Polly, who owns the Dell.
The Dell has been in the Cameron family for generations. Originally built for the local forester, this wonderfully rambling old farmhouse is surrounded by the beech, lime and oak trees he planted all those years ago, many of which are still standing today. Polly and Ross, the third generation to call The Dell home, have lovingly restored the property and transformed it into a collection of peaceful places to stay, all nestled amongst the ancient Celtic rainforest.
It's one of those places that feels a little bit magical. During the summer months, the woodland tipi comes alive every Friday evening as the local pub takes over, serving wood-fired pizzas and local beers beneath a canopy of fairy lights and lanterns strung through the trees.
For one day only, the tipi will become my pop-up casting workshop, and I honestly couldn't imagine a more perfect setting. Spending a day making with your hands, surrounded by woodland, birdsong and the quiet magic of The Dell feels very special indeed, and I can't wait to share the experience with you.
There is limited availability to stay at the Dell over the weekend of the workshop but plenty of accommodation options nearby.
The Dell of Abernethy, Dell Road, Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire, PH253DL
Join me for a botanical casting workshop at the magical Dell of Abernethy in the Cairngorms. I am a huge huge fan of what Polly and Ross have created at the Dell, its a truly spectacular place and I cannot wait to set up our casting workshop in the stunning woodland tipi.
During the workshop you will learn her botanical casting method and create your own 20cm roundel by capturing the delicate impressions of fresh flowers and foliage in clay and preserving them in plaster to create a unique artwork.
We will start the day foraging for flowers and foliage to cast within the woodlands around the Dell. I will then teach you how to roll out clay and preserve the imprint of your chosen foliage to create your own botanical cast. After pouring plaster into your botanical cast impression you will have the chance wander through the ancient forest around the Dell, poke around the Dell Grocer as well as enjoying a delicious seasonal lunch.
We will return to the yurt to reveal and clean the casts in the afternoon. You will headhome with your own botanical plaster cast artwork made using seasonal flowers, a belly full of delicious food and emotionally grounded from your soundwalk.
I’m excited to invite you to a creative workshop and look forward to seeing the beautiful casts at the end of the session. No prior casting experience is necessary—this is a beginner-friendly session. We’ll be foraging outdoors, so please bring sturdy shoes and a warm jacket for the forest walk, and don’t forget an old shirt to wear during the messy casting process.
DAY OUTLINE
10:00 am Arrive/welcome Tea/coffee
10:00 - 1:30 Walk into the ground to pick flowers/foliage to cast followed by making a 20cm roundel cast
1:30- 2.30 Lunch
2:30 - 3:00 Removing the plaster from the moulds, cleaning and Q&A
About the Venue:
If you haven’t visited the Dell of Abernethy then you are in for a treat. I first visited in January 2025 where I took part in a Wintering retreat and essentially fell in love with the Dell and Polly, who owns the Dell.
The Dell has been in the Cameron family for generations. Originally built for the local forester, this wonderfully rambling old farmhouse is surrounded by the beech, lime and oak trees he planted all those years ago, many of which are still standing today. Polly and Ross, the third generation to call The Dell home, have lovingly restored the property and transformed it into a collection of peaceful places to stay, all nestled amongst the ancient Celtic rainforest.
It's one of those places that feels a little bit magical. During the summer months, the woodland tipi comes alive every Friday evening as the local pub takes over, serving wood-fired pizzas and local beers beneath a canopy of fairy lights and lanterns strung through the trees.
For one day only, the tipi will become my pop-up casting workshop, and I honestly couldn't imagine a more perfect setting. Spending a day making with your hands, surrounded by woodland, birdsong and the quiet magic of The Dell feels very special indeed, and I can't wait to share the experience with you.
There is limited availability to stay at the Dell over the weekend of the workshop but plenty of accommodation options nearby.
The Dell of Abernethy, Dell Road, Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire, PH253DL
