THE HAPPY DOODLING CREATIVE SOCIAL CLUB - In Bristol with Kate Elkington

A joyful, pressure-free creative evening to switch off, play and reconnect with yourself.

📍 Southville, Bristol
📅 Thurs Sept 10th
📅 Oct 15th
🌈 Adults • Complete beginners very welcome

£24 per person

2 hours of Happy Doodling • All materials included • Gentle guidance • Light-filled venue • Snacks • Drinks available from the bar • Your own colourful, abstract artwork to take home

Can't make the date? Sign up for my Happy Doodling Community Updates here and you'll be the first to hear of new dates, venues and workshop themes.

10 in stock

6 in stock

£24.00
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"I loved that! It felt so fun, and calming at the same time. I was buzzing with what I made! Definitely coming to the next one." - Jo

Two hours where nobody needs anything from you.

Come alone or bring a friend. Grab a drink from the bar, sit down amongst a ridiculous amount of colourful art materials and spend the evening playing, experimenting and making something entirely your own.

No art experience. No pressure to be good at it. No awkward forced socialising.

Just colour, music, creativity and a couple of hours to lose yourself in making.

What you'll experience

‘Happy Doodling’ — my very own intuitive, expressive version of doodling — is a free and playful way of making art using fun materials and techniques.

I’ll give gentle demos to get you started, but the atmosphere is relaxed, playful and intuitive.

There is no right or wrong way of 'Happy Doodling' and it isn’t about making “good art.” It’s about letting go, exploring, and simply enjoying the materials and processes. A 'go-with-the-flow' creative experience where you are free to follow your curiosity, chat, sip, and create in your own way.

And did you know that art-making, especially doodling, especially alongside others, is beneficial for your health and wellbeing? It can:

  • calm you
  • uplift your mood
  • regulate your nervous system
  • Focus scattered thoughts
  • Spark new ideas

What you'll leave with

  • a lighter mood
  • some new creative skills
  • maybe some new connections
  • and a colourful, abstract artwork that came from YOU 💛

Feeling Nervous? Uncertain? Not Sure If You’re “Creative”?

You are certainly not alone. Being extremely shy as a child myself, and growing up to be a 'Highly Sensitive Person', I can absolutely relate!

Many people arrive feeling slightly unsure. I get it, and I see you. This space is especially for you 🤗

There is no pressure to perform or be chatty unless you want to be. You can simply sit, sip your tea, and doodle quietly if that feels good.

If you would feel more comfortable arriving a little early to settle in, you’re very welcome. Whatever your worry, just message me — I’m more than happy to reassure you 💛

A beautiful inspiring space

The workshop will take place upstairs at the Steam Crane pub — a light-filled space with huge windows and a high beamed ceiling, located on vibrant North Street in Southville, Bristol.

It’s the perfect calm, creative environment to relax into the process and feel inspired.

There is some on-road parking along the roads outside, and a car park 4 minutes away - you'll get more detailed info in your booking confirmation.

Optional finishing touch

If you’d love to take your artwork one step further, there will be a small selection of perfectly sized frames available to purchase on the day.

Most of my attendees are so surprised at how much a frame elevates their artwork and they can't wait to take their piece home to brighten up a shelf or wall. A framed hand-made piece of art also makes a fabulous, thoughtful gift for a loved one! 💛

No need to decide now — just drop me a message if you'd like one reserved.

How to Book

Choose your date from the dropdown menu and secure your space at checkout.

Keep an eye out for 2 confirmation emails, the second one will include everything you need to know before you arrive.

And please do check out the Frequently Asked Questions below. If you have any other questions, just drop me a message via my contact page.  

Stay in the Loop

If you'd like to be kept in the loop about future sessions and other creative events, my Happy Doodling Community gets updates and early access. Sign up for The Happy Doodling Community Here or in the pink box below 👇

Come once or come often — I’m building a little creative community here, and you’re warmly invited. Wheter this feels like a nourishing treat or part of your wellbeing toolkit — you absolutely deserve this time! 💖

FAQ

Do I need any art skills/experience?

Nope! This workshop is all about play and is for EVERYONE! There’s no right or wrong way to do it, no expectation of skill level, and suitable for all age brackets.

You will be messing about with all sorts of very simple mixed-media techniques - all of which will be demonstrated to you. And I will be on hand to help if you need some encouragement.

I feel a bit nervous about coming on my own?

Many people come to this club on their own, and many of them feel nervous - it's completely normal.

I've intentionally created a warm, relaxed, pressure free atmosphere - no forced sharing or intense introductions and no expectations to be confident or chatty.

The art making will naturally give you something to talk about if you’d like to — but there is absolutely no pressure to be social in a way that feels uncomfortable.

You can simply sit, sip your tea and quietly doodle if that feels good.

If you would feel more comfortable arriving a little early to settle in, you’re very welcome.

Whatever your worry, just message me and i'll do everything in my power to make you feel comfortable 💛

Do I need to bring anything with me?

No. All the materials will be provided. Just bring your curiosity. It's not a particularly messy workshop (small amount of painting but mostly pen and stamp work) but don't wear your best clothes if you're worried!

What's the food/drink situation?

I will supply squash and snacks, and you are also welcome to buy what ever drink you fancy from the bar and bring it up to the workshop with you.

Is there any parking?

Parking will vary for each venue - your Ticket Email will contain more details. Please be aware that you may need to pay the Clean Air Zone charge depending on the age of your car and the area you are driving to/from.

  • The Steam Crane - Southville. There is some on road parking to the left of the pub up North Street and along it's side roads (double check you are not in a permit only spot) or Diamond Street Car Park is 4 minutes away.
  • HOURS - Colston Yard, has limited metered road parking near by and Trenchard Street NCP multi-story car park is 4 minutes away.
  • L'etoile Studio - On street metered parking directly outside the venue.
Can I get a refund?

If you can no longer come to the workshop and would like a refund, please give me 7 days notice so that I can fill the spot. After the 7 days i'll be happy for you to transfer your ticket, either to a friend or to a new workshop date. Please get in touch with me as soon as possible on my contact page so we can work it out.

Is there an age restriction?

The social club has been put together with adults in mind but i'm happy for children aged 10+ to join in too. If you want a younger child to join in, just get in touch first via my Contact Page so we can chat and make sure it will be appropriate for them.

Parent & Child Workshops have been designed with children in mind - it's a slightly longer session and will go at a slower pace with a little extra guidance. I have no official age restriction because every child is different, but i'd suggest age 6+. Get in touch on my Contact Page if you aren't sure.

How accessible is the workshop space?

This varies from venue to venue and i'd advise you to contact the venue yourself if you have any specific questions or requirements. I can give a brief overview below:

The Steam Crane Pub - Unfortunately, due to the age and layout of the building, the upstairs area is only accessible by stairs and cannot be accessed in a wheelchair.

HOURS - Street level, washroom has disability access

L'etoile Studio - Ground level. The room is fairly narrow though and might be awkward for a wheelchair user, but get in touch and I will make sure I can accommodate you.

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