With over 20 years of experience as a school teacher and a dedicated reenactor in a 16th-century stillroom, I offer unique, hands-on workshops that bring the past to life. Perfect for individuals, schools, historical societies, and organizations looking to explore traditional crafts and knowledge.
Today’s Take: Modern Versions of Timeless Workshops
Historical Herbal Remedies: Crafting Natural Solutions
Participants will learn to make a range of herbal remedies and natural medicines using traditional recipes and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the healing properties of herbs and plants, as practiced in historical stillrooms.
Topics Covered: Essential oils, simples, salves, tinctures, lozenges, troches, pastilles, electuaries, poultices & more
Vintage Beauty Secrets: Making Natural Skincare Products
Explore the art of crafting natural beauty products with ingredients and techniques from the past.
Topics Covered: Natural cosmetics, salves, face oils, pomanders, sweet perfumed waters & more
Astrology Workshop: Decode the Secrets of Your Birth Chart
Explore the fascinating world of traditional astrology, focusing on how the positions of celestial bodies were believed to shape personality traits, career paths, and relationships. Participants will learn to create and interpret their own astrological charts using traditional techniques and symbols.
Topics Covered: Basics of traditional astrology, constructing astrological charts, interpreting signs and planets, insight into one's personality, career, and relationships as seen through the birth chart.
Materials Included: Chart templates, colored pencils, historical astrology reference materials
Herb Walks: Discovering Local Plants and Their Traditional Uses
Whether you choose the quaint surroundings of Bookham or a location near your home, 1 to 1 guided walks are perfect for nature lovers, families and anyone interested in the history of herbal remedies. Learn about the geography and history of the local flora from an experienced educator and historical reenactor.
What’s Included:
Guided Plant Walk: Explore the rich biodiversity of Surrey, learning to identify various plants and their uses.
Foraging Session: Discover edible plants and herbs, understanding sustainable foraging practices.
Plant Identification Chart: A handy reference guide to take home, helping you continue your plant identification journey.
Herbal Tea & Treats: Enjoy a refreshing herbal tea made from locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by delightful homemade treats.
Herbal Salve: Receive a handmade herbal salve, crafted from the plants we discover, perfect for natural skincare.
Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: Wildflowers and fresh greens.
Summer: A variety of herbs and flowering plants.
Autumn: Berries, roots and seeds.
Winter: Evergreens and winter roots.
Summer: A variety of herbs and flowering plants.
Autumn: Berries, roots and seeds.
Winter: Evergreens and winter roots.
Custom Workshops
If you have specific interests or needs, I can create a custom workshop tailored to your group.
All necessary materials and ingredients are provided for each workshop. Participants will take home their creations and recipes. Contact me for more details and pricing.
Get in touch
To book a workshop or inquire about custom options and fees, please contact me at:
Email: geaninagri@gmail.com
Testimonials from participants:
"As a nature lover and history enthusiast, the guided walk was perfect for me. I chose a location near my home, and the personalized attention made all the difference. Geanina's expertise in both geography and history was evident as we explored the trails. The plant identification chart we received has been incredibly useful, and the foraging session opened my eyes to sustainable practices I can continue on my own. This experience is well worth the price and is a wonderful way to learn and connect with nature."- Emily R.