Sewing Up a Storm in the Tropics

Sue De Vanny

Sue is a master artist, winning major awards both internationally and here in Australia. Always extending her art practice to try new things herself, so this brings a wealth of experiences and ability. Sue has agreed to join us for this years teaching facility and has created this rain forest Platypus artwork especially for the Port Douglas Retreat.

Bree Thomas

Bree is a celebrated Gallery Artist in textiles with a strong connection to nature and her surroundings, The world of moths, butterflies and insects are a strong influence to Bree’s designs and her uncanny way to make life-like sculptural creations is a feast for the eyes.

Denise Burkitt

Denise is a Fabric Designer for FreeSpirit Fabrics in the USA.  Her designs are known for being inspired by nature, colourful and organic her art fabric designs are sold in boutique fabric stores worldwide. Denise exhibits her beautiful fabric ranges at the Houston Quilt Convention each year and very well known in fabric designer circles.

Caroline Sharkey

Caroline is a textile artist with a passion for changing the surface design and construction of fabrics, thread painting and textural embellishments also feature in Caroline's beautiful creations.

Pauline Rogers

Denise is a Fabric Designer for FreeSpirit Fabrics in the USA.  Her designs, are known for being inspired by nature, colourful and organic her art fabric designs are sold in boutique fabric stores worldwide. Denise exhibits her beautiful fabric ranges at the Houston Quilt Convention each year and very well known in fabric designer circles.

Puddles Platypus with Susan de Vanny

Textile art at its best! Work with Sue to create this exquisite piece of textile collage art.
The fabric layers and drawing with the needle are some of the techniques you will experience to make your own platypus picture. Sue has a very sharp eye for details that brings art to life.

The Ulysses Butterfly with Bree Thomas

Create a 3D textile sculpture of Queensland’s symbol for tourism, the Ulysses butterfly. Ulysses takes flight from a cluster of 3D eucalyptus leaves- these can be mounted on a quilted panel background as Wall ART. Use texture and stitch on fabric surfaces with Bree, thread painting and blend colour to enhanced your individual artworks.

Bring the Lush Bush to Life with Denise Burkitt

The best designs are created when taking the time to play on the surface with colour and design. Learn Denise’s unconventional brush painting methods, ideal for the beginner to advanced. Mix pleasing colour combinations and learn all Denise’s tips for composition and flow, to create beautiful one-off overall designs, using small varieties of shapes and inspiration from nature to design and create your piece of original whole cloth fabric art. You will start your painting process with pieces of fabric to learn several of Denise’s techniques using found objects, household items, then plants and brushes, you will then progress on to a larger piece, using the methods learnt, to create your own individual piece fabric art. Ideas for your piece of wall Art, or embellish further with free motion or hand stitching to create a quilt or larger fabulous cushions.

North meets South in Art and Tradition with Pauline Rogers & Caroline Sharkey

The true magic unfolds when close friends unite to collaborate on a project combining textile art and clever sewing techniques. Caroline and Pauline, each bringing their own unique textile- sewing backgrounds, they have eagerly come together to offer a special class at Port Douglas Retreat.

Combining their skills, they have crafted a mesmerizing piece that beautifully merges textile art while adding a modern twist to traditional techniques.

Perfectly positioned on famous Four Mile Beach and nestled between the UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is the perfect slice of tropicalparadise for nature lovers, adventure seekers and those looking to indulge in a getaway filled with rest and relaxation.​Famous for the two hectares of expansive palm-fringed lagoon style pools filled with water harvested from the ocean, guests can float the day away, relax in a private poolside cabana or enjoy cocktails at the swim up pool bar.​With seven unique restaurants and bars to choose from and 147 hectares of tropical gardens including the Mirage Country Club. Whether guests choose to leave the resort to explore nature’s wonders or enjoy the resort facilities, Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas is the ultimate tropical escape.

• 3 Days with the Tutor of your choice
• 3 Days Gourmet lunches and breaks
• Luxury conference centre
• Meet the tutor poolside soiree/party
• Surprise Retreat Prizes
• Flames of the Forest dinner dance
• Resort Island treat farewell drinks

Your ticket purchase covers the cost of the retreat sessions, workshops, workshop meals and treats, special outings and dinners.
You are responsible to book your own accommodation and travel for this retreat.
The Sheraton has kindly offered a discount stay for the delegates.

The Sheraton Grand Mirage, Port Douglas

Address & map

168-190 Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877

Google Map link

TBC