Millinery Courses

Our 4-day millinery courses are designed to guide students from beginner to intermediate levels, providing a comprehensive understanding of hat construction and traditional techniques. You'll learn how to apply these skills to create your own unique hats and headpieces, crafted from sinamay straw, a versatile base material that requires specific techniques to shape.

Course Curriculum

Over the 4 days, you'll:

  • Learn essential millinery tools and techniques to shape and construct your designs

  • Design, block, and trim two stunning headpieces:

  • A classic hat with a crown and brim, mastering the art of marrying these elements together

  • A cocktail or fascinator hat, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit

  • Develop a deeper understanding of millinery principles and practices, empowering you to continue exploring your creativity

All millinery materials and trims are included in the course price.

A cluttered craft or sewing table with various tools, fabrics, and decorative items, including a mannequin head with a hat, a spool of thread, scissors, and artificial plant decorations.
Three women gathered around a sewing or craft table, examining a circular fabric piece. The table is cluttered with various crafting items, including a mannequin head, scissors, and fabric. The background features a stone wall decorated with hanging utensils and a shelf with various teapots, teacups, and a large clock.

Course Outcomes

By the end of the course, you'll take home two beautifully crafted hats, each showcasing your newfound skills and artistic flair. Our goal is to provide you with a solid foundation in millinery, inspiring you to continue exploring this fascinating world and creating pieces that reflect your unique style.

A woman with curly brown hair wearing a white shirt and a black and white patterned apron is leaning over a large table, working on a craft project. The table contains various tools and materials including an iron, scissors, a hammer, a ruler, a piece of wood, a sweet potato, and a pink polka dot cushion. There is a water spray bottle, a container with small items, and a notebook. In the background, there is a sofa, a framed picture on the wall, and a white bag on a side table.

  • "Donna is a really good teacher and very patient. Whilst none of the techniques are difficult there is a skill to holding the hat and placement and type of stitches. I have been on two courses and the atmosphere was fun, I learned new skills and have some beautiful hats."

    Jane

  • "I absolutely loved Donna's millinery course. She is a wonderful teacher, so patient and detailed. I didn't expect to learn so much in one week! Being a maker I expected to be familiar with some of the steps, but it was all so new and exciting. I can't imagine a course where you would get a more rounded and intensive introduction to millinery and the setting was so beautiful and unique. I was surprised by the quality of what we managed to make for first attempt 2 hat making, but that's all down to Donna's guidance and support throughout. We also had so much fun whilst making- laughing a lot whilst enjoying a French feast everyday for lunch! I couldn't recommend this course more to anyone interested in hat making. Thank you for such an inspiring week."

    Liberty

  • "Studying with Donna is such a treat! The photos of her gorgeous creations may have already convinced you to do it. What you should also know is that Donna is the most kind hearted, sweet, and warm person, who is TONS of fun. She’s well organized enough to keep things right on track. After only 4 days of instruction, I took home a wide brimmed hat and a fascinator. I hand sewed every stitch on both of them and learned so much in the process. Staying with the Belhomme Boys at their chateau, where the course was given completed the picture. They treated me like an old friend. David’s cooking was fabulous. I miss all three of them- Donna, Laine and David. Hope to see you all again soon!"

    Patricia Foltz

  • "I had a wonderful course with Donna in a beautiful setting. She was attentive to learning and encouraging of creativity and supportive throughout the process. I was delighted to come away with new hats and plenty more ideas. The setting was very relaxing and hosts kind and welcoming. I would definitely recommend!"

    Norella

  • "I wanted to learn how to design and construct a hat and discovered Donna’s classes online. After seeing the beautiful hats she’s created, I was instantly inspired and booked one of her courses in France. Donna is an engaging, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable instructor who encourages each student’s vision. With her guidance, I completed two hats over the four-day course and enjoyed it so much that I returned the following year. Building on my previous skills, Donna introduced new techniques that expanded my knowledge and refined my craftsmanship. I highly recommend Donna’s hat-making classes. A blend of creativity, skill-building, and fun (plus, you are in France)!"

    Laura

Donna Hartley Millinery offers two types of courses: Non-Residential and All-Inclusive.

Course Options →

Non-Residential Courses

Our Non-Residential courses are held at two charming châteaux in the Lot et Garonne region:

  • Chateau Belhomme in Fumel

  • Hotel de Cours de Thomazeau in Castillonnes

Both courses follow the same 4-day itinerary and are designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Accommodation is not included in the course price, but we can provide recommendations for local options (see below). Lunches and beverages throughout each day are provided and included in the course price.

Recommended Accommodation:

  • Brit Hotel

  • Place Leo Lagrange 47500 Fumel

We can suggest a range of local accommodation options, but please feel free to choose your preferred arrangements. Accommodation costs are not included in the course price and are payable directly by the client.

All-Inclusive Residential Courses

Our All-Inclusive Residential courses are held at:

  • Manoir de Roquegautier at Cancon, Lot et Garonne

  • Chateau Mespoule in Ferrensac, Lot et Garonne

These courses include full board, accommodation, and access to a swimming pool. We can arrange pick-ups from Bergerac airport; however, pick-ups from Bordeaux Airport incur an additional charge.

Airport and train station information is provided below.

Please let us know if you have any questions or would like more information on our courses.

Nearest Airport:

  • Bergerac Dordogne Perigord Airport (Airport pick up included)

  • Bordeaux Airport (Airport pick ups/drops offs charged)

Closest Train Stations:

  • Bergeract Train Station (For Chateau Mespoule, Manoir de Roquegautier & Hotel de Cours de Thomazeau courses - Pick up/drop off included))

  • Monsemprom-Libos Train Station (For Chateau Belhomme Fumel Courses only- accommodation choices are close to train station)

If you wish to hire a car, both airports offer car hire. Please consult the airport website for further details

FOR COURSE DATES CONTACT DONNA

Course Locations

A large, old, ornate three-story house with decorative architecture, including arched windows, balconies, and chimney stacks, situated on a street corner with trees and a wrought iron gate.
A castle-like house with turrets and ivy on the walls, surrounded by a lush green lawn and trees on a sunny day.
A large historic house with steep, gabled roofs and multiple stories, surrounded by a gravel driveway, green lawn, and sparse trees, with a vintage red car parked in front.
A stone building behind a decorative wrought iron gate with stone pillars, enclosed by a fence, with potted flowers at the entrance, under a clear blue sky.