A couple of weeks ago, I packed up my creative suitcase and headed off down the M5 from Gloucestershire into Cornwall, to deliver a festive mosaic workshop at the awesome Eden Project, which was a truly wonderful experience.

I remember receiving the email, back in September, asking if I would be available to run a mosaic workshop as part of their month of festivities and replying that, yes in theory, I would LOVE to deliver a workshop, but did they realise I’m in Gloucestershire and not in Cornwall?! But they already knew, because the powers of Google had already informed them, and they still wanted me!

So, it was all agreed, and the date was set and off I went with a boot full of sparkle to inspire creativity on my little Cornish road trip. I decided, as Cornwall is just so beautiful, I would have a couple of extra days to explore a few places before the big workshop day, which made it extra special. I visited the pretty fishing village of Mevagissey and enjoyed the biggest ‘small’ Cornish pasty I’ve ever seen – you should’ve seen the large one – it was an absolute monster! I then went and explored Charlestown, the setting for Poldark. I’m not sure why, I’ve never actually watched Poldark, but it was interesting all the same and you could just imagine the tall ships setting sail from the dock after unloading all their wares.

I also took a trip to St Ives – one of my favourite places and late November is the perfect time to visit, less people and less annoying sea gulls. I had a mooch around the Tate gallery and saw a colourful and inspiring exhibition by the Casablanca Art Group, then wondered around the quirky shops in the narrow streets. I also saw some of my awesome friends perform in a Sea Shanty festival which just happened to be performing that day. Shout out to my buddies in the Rusty Tubs, a cross between Fisherman’s Friends and the Peaky Blinders – the best beardy, sea shanty singing, boy band in the South West!

Anyway, after all my Cornish adventures, it was then time to inspire creativity at the Eden Project. I was met in the carpark by Jemhah, who took all my mosaic making kit in her van onto the site, which was an amazing experience, driving down into Eden and seeing the huge bio domes get closer and closer. I was delivering my workshop in a really cool tippee just opposite one of the domes, which was already dressed like a Christmas grotto and the perfect setting for a festive workshop. Everything was set up under twinkly lights and the participants began to arrive. Each person made a cute little bauble for their tree and then worked on a larger festive shape for display. As with all my workshops, the mosaics were taken home to finish off with grout, but even without it they all looked so stunning and unique.

I really did enjoy my time inspiring creativity at the Eden Project. I didn’t get chance to explore but I really hope to be back delivering another cool mosaic project really soon and will definitely have a wander round next time to see how much it’s changed since visiting with my family a few years ago. I’m sure there will be lots of new things to see and to learn.

Thank you so much for having me, Eden! I absolutely loved working with you and my Cornish road trip!