The aim of all of my workshops is to provide a relaxing, facilitated space for you to have some fun experimenting with crafty things..

A self-professed expert by experience and experimentation, (rather than a formally trained artist) these are experience workshops, not technical lessons, with the aim of giving you a few hours of fun with something to show for it.. we’re not looking for perfection!

     

    What I offer;

    • small group (max 4) workshops in my studio at home in Bidford – perfect for friends and small groups etc. weekdays, evenings or weekends

    • larger group (max 8) workshops easily accommodated in local venues – dates and venues shared on my Facebook page

    • workshops at your place - (max 8-10) - let me come to you and bring what is needed for a few hours of fun and relaxation..

    • Charity fund-raising workshops - a limited number of workshops available for charity fund-raising - please get in touch to discuss..

    What you can expect;

    • price per person includes all materials, tea/coffee and (where possible) homemade cake (please advise allergies/dietary)

    • informal, fun and relaxing – we're aiming for enjoyment not perfection and to go home with something that makes you smile

    • All workshops suitable for beginners/non-artistic/never-crafted-before unless states otherwise. 

    • Aprons provided

    To see scheduled dates and locations, and to book your place, please click here..

     

    Indian Block Printing - Introductory Classes

    Introduction to Indian block printing – tote bag, drawstring bag or tea-towel (2.5hrs)

    An introduction to this simple but effective art, using hand-carved Indian blocks and a range of carefully selected colours to create your unique tote bag or tea-towel with your own design. Plenty of inspiration means you can copy a design you see, or experiment with your own selection. With an emphasis on fun, come and see what you fancy making.

    Indian block printing – cushion cover/apron/beach bag (3hrs) 

    Had a go with the introductory session and want to try something else? With an extensive range of blocks and two palettes of six colours of paints, there are plenty of design decisions to make. With a choice from cushion covers, apron or jute beach bag, (or another tote bag or tea-towel – choice is yours) what will you make?

    Indian Block Printing – stationery (2.5hrs)

    Using the same range of blocks and paints, we will craft beautiful hand-made greetings cards and gift tags, along with wrapping paper to really personalise your gifts, whilst having a relaxing time with the paints!

    Indian Block Printing - next steps

    Indian block printing – words and letters – tote bag or tea-towel   (3 hours) 

    If you’ve had a go at Indian Block printing and fancy something to challenge you slightly more, personalise your item with a phrase or name using one of a choice of fonts. Planning the spacing and positioning takes a bit of practice (though ‘intentionally-wonky’ works well too!) Alternatively, we can stencil a larger letter for you to fill with prints making an effective personalised item.

    Indian block printing – napkins and runner (6 hours) 

    Ready to spend a whole day with the blocks and creating a table runner with 6 napkins? Try different designs on each napkin before pulling it all together into a table runner. With so  many items to complete, my extensive range of blocks and paints means there are lots of decisions to be made!!  

    Stone Painting

    Come and play with my range of acrylic paints, brushes and dotting tools and beautifully smooth stones – with plenty of examples for inspiration, enjoy a relaxing couple of hours making a keepsake or personal gift. (examples of stones – mandala/dot patterns, words, fruit/veg for garden, animals etc.)

    Felt Balls

    Felt Ball Garlands (2hrs)

    With an extensive selection of felt balls, come and choose your favourite colours to make a garland/hanging to add some fun and colour to a corner of your house, or perfect as a gift for a nursery or to decorate a classroom..

    Felt Ball Key-rings/Bag-tags (2.5hrs)

    Same difficult decisions with the choice of colours of felt balls, but this time the option of tassels and beads to make a key ring or bag-tag.. tactile and distinctive, one to give and one to keep?

    Felt – hearts and garlands – (2.5/3hrs)

    Simple slow stitching of different size felt hearts – with beads or sequins if you choose - or simple colour contrasts adds interest to your felt-ball garland or hanging..

    Gift tags and decorations

    Using a range of patterned papers, wooden embellishments, sequins, ribbons, tape, beads, paint, glitter and glue, come and relax for a couple of hours, and make some gorgeous gift tags or hanging decorations.. Christmas themed or for birthdays, it’s a bit of me-time whilst making something personal to bring a smile to your next gift recipient.

    Personalised Letters

    Make a truly unique gift or keepsake - a framed initial, using a range of paints, buttons and embellishments - your choice, it will be completely unique. Choose your initial or name in advance, and we will decorate it, set it in a frame and add details personal to the person for whom it is intended.. 

     

    I take commissions for these, but am also able to lead a workshop for one or two people to make their own..