A Small-Group Tree Net Weaving Retreat in Italy
Come join us in Italy for a small-group, hands-on tree net weaving retreat!
What We’ll Be Doing
Over the course of four days, we’ll work together to weave a complete tree net from start to finish. The process is hands-on and collaborative, with plenty of room for experimentation, questions, and learning by doing.
Why This Retreat
The intention is simple: Spend time outdoors, learn a new skill, meet new people, and work side by side on a shared project in a beautiful place.
The Location
Casa Narauni - Campo Di Bonis, 4, 33040 Taipana UD, Italy
The retreat will take place in a quiet valley in northeastern Italy, near the Slovenian border. We'll all meet up in Udine to transfer up to Campo di Bonis. If you're not from the area, Udine is easily accessed via rail and road connections from Venice or Trieste airport nearby. If you're not quite sure how to get there, we're happy to help organize and travel to make it happen.
The Timeline
Below is a general outline of how the days will unfold.
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Wednesday April 22nd - Arrival & Welcome - Group transfer from Udine, settle into rooms, and a shared meal so everyone gets to meet each other.
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Thursday April 23rd - Acclimation and Begin Weaving - A slow morning to explore the surroundings, followed by an introduction to weaving and our first hands-on session, ending with a relaxed barbecue dinner.
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Friday April 24th - Continuing the Weave - A full day of weaving with time for practice, exploration, and rest woven throughout.
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Saturday April 25th - Finishing the Net - Continuing the build, refining techniques, and finishing the net, with space for optional wandering or downtime before a final shared dinner.
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Sunday April 26th - Closing & Departure - A gentle morning to enjoy the net, final lunch together, and group transfer back to Udine.
The Valley & Daily Life
Campo di Bonis sits at the foot of the Gran Monte mountain chain in the Friuli–Venezia Giulia region, about 500 meters above sea level. It’s a quiet alpine valley, far from ski resorts and crowds.
The surrounding land is actively used and cared for. Nearby, a small farm and riding center run by local families operates year-round, and the area is home to wildlife including owls, hawks, and other protected mountain species. There are a variety of footpaths that wind through the forest, leading to waterfalls and clear mountain streams that you can swim in if you're willing to brave the cold!
Campo di Bonis was built by hand by Mario, whose craftsmanship and long-term commitment shaped the land into what it is today. His son Luca, who will be hosting us during the retreat, now cares for the property and lives nearby.
Mario’s brother Claudio is a respected equestrian expert who helped establish the area as a destination for horse riding and international competitions. While the riding courses themselves typically require a longer stay, guests are welcome to visit the farm and grounds and get a sense of how the land is used.
In the immediate vicinity, there are many opportunities to explore the area by foot or bike, and to visit local producers in the region. This includes a nearby mountain dairy known for goat milk and cheese. Time between weaving sessions is intentionally open ended so attendees have time to wander, rest or embark on a short adventure.
As for the time of year, April is a transitional time in the valley, when the landscape begins to shift from winter to spring. Some days could be crisper as the countryside comes back to life. That's all part of the experience.
Where We'll be Staying
We'll all be staying together at Casa Narauni, a renovated alpine cabin which will function as our shared basecamp to work, eat, and gather throughout the retreat.
The house is spread across three floors:
- Ground Floor: Kitchen, living room, fireplace, and outdoor patio where we'll gather for meals and downtime.
- Upstairs: Three guest bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. One shared room includes bunk beds, a queen-sized bed, and a loft.
- Private Rooms: Bedrooms two and three can sleep anywhere from one to three people each.
- The instructor and hosts stay in a separate lower-level unit.
The group size for this retreat is intentionally small. Living, eating, and building together in one place is a big part of the experience, and keeping the group contained allows for more personal instruction, shared rhythm, and space to actually connect.
Independent Guest Reviews
Casa Narauni is also listed on Airbnb with a long history of 5-star reviews from guests who’ve stayed on the property.
Retreat Tuition
Tree Net Weaving Retreat
$600 per person
This covers the core retreat experience for all participants, including:
- The full 4-day, hands-on tree net weaving retreat
- Instruction, guidance, and materials used during the build
- All meals from Wednesday dinner through Sunday lunch
- Group transfers from Udine to Campo di Bonis
- Shared use of the property and surrounding land
- Lifetime access to both the beginner and advanced CanopyCraft online tree net weaving courses for continued learning before and after the retreat
This portion of the retreat is the same for everyone, regardless of lodging choice.
Three Ways to Stay
All lodging prices are per night. Shared room and camping spots are priced per person. Private rooms are priced per room. The retreat runs 4 nights (Wednesday–Sunday).
FAQ
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Do I need prior weaving experience?
No. The retreat is beginner-friendly. Over the course of the retreat, we'll go from tying the knots to full sized weaves. All skill levels are welcome!
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How physically demanding is the retreat?
We’ll be working with our hands and standing for periods of time, but there’s flexibility and rest built into the days. The most strenuous part will be the weaving on your wrists, but I'll make sure to show techniques to reduce strain over time.
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Is lodging included in the retreat tuition?
Tuition covers weaving instruction, materials, meals, and retreat activities. Lodging is selected separately (shared room, private room, or camping).
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What does the camping option include?
Camping guests bring their own tent, hammock or van setup and have full access to bathrooms, showers, kitchen, meals, and all retreat activities.
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Does the retreat include access to your online course?
Yes. Participants will receive lifetime access to both the Beginner and Advanced video courses so they watch before hand (totally optional) and have it as a resource after the retreat.
