madrid through a creative lens

I’m beyond excited to finally spill the beans on a project that I’ve been working on for quite a while now. At the end of next March and in early April I hope you’ll join me for my first-ever creative tour of Madrid! I’ve been working behind the scenes to develop a week-long tour of some of my favorite place in my adopted city and its surrounding areas, where I’ve been living for the past nine years. We’re going to visit some of my favorite museums and shops, with guided tours by myself and by a few experts in Spanish art and culture. And we’ll be making things, too!

You’ll experience authentic Spanish culture, food, and customs, with me and a few friends guiding you and our small group. It’s going to be an amazing week! We’ll be exploring the center of Madrid (my neighborhood) where I’ll introduce you to some of the shop owners and artisans here. I’ll show you why I love it here so much. We’ll eat in some of my favorite restaurants and cafes (and discover some new favorites, too, I’m sure!), catch the best flamenco show in the city, and learn about Spanish crafts while trying our hand at some of those crafts ourselves, including ceramics, glass painting, and even some delicate metal working (called damascene). I’ll also be available to help you with your fabric and trim shopping in some of my favorite spots, where we’ll have special access. I hope you’ll consider joining me!

You’ll be staying in a charming, exclusive boutique hotel in one of my favorite areas of the city, close to everything but set apart from the bustle. Part of Madrid’s charm is the small size of the city center, so pack your walking shoes because we’ll be taking advantage that aspect, discovering little streets and hidden corners that I know you’re going to love. This city is so charming, with so much to explore.

We’ll have time to talk about fashion and sewing and any other crafts and interests you have. In addition to our scheduled activities you’ll be able to explore Madrid on your own or with someone else from the group (or with me!). We’ll have time to get to know each other and to share our ideas and passions and to make new friends and new favorite places. Because of the relaxed but fun pace, this would also be a great opportunity to bring a friend (or your mother, or your daughter!). If you don’t know anyone to bring, come alone and make some new friends.

To arrange this tour, I’ve been working with my good friend Beth Rowan, the former owner of Craft, Paper, Scissors in New Jersey, who is now the owner of Tapestry Travel and who knows the creative world well because she was so active in it. It’s been so fun for us to put this together for you, and I’m so pleased to work with someone who is both professional and equally enthusiastic about this project. You’re going to love working with her, too!

You can download the itinerary and sign up for more information by following these links. There are a very limited number of spots available because I want to keep this tour intimate so we can really get to know each other, so don’t delay.

This will be so much fun! I hope you can come.