Arts & Crafts Week in North Karelia
A Creative Journey into Finnish Nature and Karelian Culture
Discover the joy of making something with your own hands in the peaceful surroundings of North Karelia.
During this inspiring eight-day holiday, you will explore a variety of handicraft and art techniques, including ceramics, landscape painting, wool crafts and traditional birch-bark work. You will meet local artisans, learn about North Karelian materials and traditions, and enjoy the region’s pure nature and delicious Karelian cuisine.
This experience is ideal for both enthusiastic craft lovers and complete beginners looking for a welcoming introduction to different art and handicraft techniques. No previous experience is needed—only curiosity and a desire to try something new.
The atmosphere is relaxed and encouraging, allowing you to learn and create without hurry. At the end of each day, you can unwind in the warmth of a traditional Finnish sauna.
Let Your Creativity Lead the Way
This journey is more than a craft course. It is an invitation to slow down, try something new and experience the warmth of North Karelia through its people, traditions, food and nature.
Come as you are—whether you are an experienced craft enthusiast or holding a paintbrush for the very first time. Return home with your own unique creations and a little piece of North Karelia in your heart. Welcome to an all-inclusive creative experience in the heart of North Karelia!
Tour Highlights
- Hands-on art and handicraft workshops
- Local handicraft traditions and skilled artisans
- Ceramics and traditional raku firing
- Finnish landscape painting
- Wool and birch-bark crafts
- Pure nature and peaceful surroundings
- Authentic North Karelian life
- Local, pure food and Karelian flavours
- Learning new skills at an unhurried pace
- Small-group travel
- Responsible and sustainable experiences
- Solo travellers: Warmly welcome – single-room accommodation is available.
Tour Information
Available: April 15 - June 30. 1 August - November 30, 2027
Other dates: Available upon request
Group size: Minimum 6, maximum 15 participants
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Language: English
Programme
Day 1 – Welcome to North Karelia
Arrive at the welcoming guesthouse and settle into the peaceful rhythm of North Karelia.
In the evening, we will enjoy dinner together, meet our fellow travellers and learn more about the creative experiences awaiting us during the week.
Day 2 – Raku Ceramics: Creating Your Own Piece
Our creative journey begins with the first part of the raku ceramics workshop.
Guided by an experienced instructor, you will work with clay and create your own ceramic pieces. No previous experience is required—the joy lies in discovering the material and allowing your hands and imagination to lead the way.
Your creations will be left to dry before the glazing and firing later in the week.
Day 3 – Finnish Landscapes in Colour
Today, we draw inspiration from the colours, shapes and atmosphere of the Finnish landscape.
During the morning, we will explore well-known Finnish landscape paintings, including works inspired by the iconic scenery of Koli. We will observe how artists have captured the changing light, colours and forms of Finnish nature.
After making our first sketches, we will create our own landscape paintings using watercolours or acrylic paints.
In the afternoon, we will continue painting and experiment with different compositions. The day offers time to observe, explore and develop your own creative expression in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
Day 4 – From Local Wool to Beautiful Yarn
Today, we visit Idän Kehräämö, a local wool-spinning mill in Nurmes.
The company purchases wool and natural dye plants from producers in North Karelia, Savo and Kainuu. The wool is washed, dyed and spun at the mill, creating a transparent production chain that supports local producers and celebrates Finnish natural materials.
During our visit, we will follow the fascinating journey of wool as it is transformed into beautiful yarn. We will also learn about local production, natural dyes and the importance of preserving Finnish wool traditions.
Day 5 – Wool and Handicraft Workshop
Inspired by our visit to the spinning mill, we spend the day creating with wool.
Anni from Idän Kehräämö will guide us through a hands-on workshop and share her knowledge of local wool, traditional techniques and the many creative possibilities offered by this wonderfully versatile natural material.
The warm and encouraging atmosphere makes it easy to relax, learn and enjoy creating something of your own.
Day 6 – Discovering Birch Bark
Birch bark has been used in Finnish everyday life and handicrafts for generations. Today, we become familiar with this beautiful and sustainable natural material.
During the guided workshop, you will learn how to handle birch bark and use traditional techniques to create your own piece of jewellery.
As we work, we will also hear about the cultural importance of birch and birch-bark crafts in Finland.
Day 7 – Local Crafts and the Magic of Raku part 2
In the morning, we visit a charming local craft shop—a true treasure trove for anyone who loves handmade products, beautiful materials and creative ideas.
The shop owner, Tanja, will welcome us into her world of crafts and guide us through an inspiring workshop. This is also a wonderful opportunity to discover locally made products and perhaps find a special souvenir to take home.
In the afternoon, we return to our ceramic pieces for the exciting final stage of the raku workshop. We will glaze and fire our work using the traditional raku technique. The combination of fire, smoke and rapid cooling creates beautiful and often surprising patterns, making every finished piece completely unique.
In the evening, we gather for our final dinner and celebrate the experiences, new skills and warm moments shared during our creative week.
Day 8 – Until We Meet Again
After a memorable week of creativity, local encounters and peaceful moments, it is time to say hei hei—goodbye for now.
You will leave North Karelia with your handmade creations, new skills and many warm memories to take home with you.
Price: From €1,800 per person
Includes:
- Seven nights’ accommodation in a shared double room or single room.
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Coffee and tea
- Finnish sauna every evening
- All workshops and activities included in the programme
- All materials and supplies required for the workshops
- Transfers from Kuopio Airport or Kuopio railway station
- Transportation during the programme
- English-language programme
