THE HAPPY DOODLING CHRISTMAS PARENT & CHILD CREATIVE WORKSHOP - In Bristol with Kate Elkington

A colourful Christmas afternoon to slow down, connect and make something lovely together.

📍 Southville, Bristol

📅 Sunday 6th Dec & Monday 21st Dec

🌈 Suitable for age 6+, teens, adults

£65 - includes 1 adult + 1 child / £90 - includes 1 adult & 2 children

2.5 hours guided festive making • All materials • Light filled venue • Squash & Snacks •  Handmade baubles, decorations, cards & gift tags to take home  • Kids' goody bag

Only 5 left

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Only 5 left

Only 2 left

£65.00
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Take a break from your Christmas to-do list and spend a playful afternoon making together.

I'm giving Happy Doodling a festive makeover! Think colourful baubles, boldly patterned decorations, handmade cards and gift tags — all full of your own marks and personality.

Grown-ups get to make too. Settle in alongside your child, explore the materials and enjoy creating a collection of Christmas things you can give, display and bring out year after year.

What you’ll experience 

In this relaxed 2.5-hour session, I’ll introduce you to Happy Doodling — my playful approach to making art through colour, marks, shapes and curiosity.

You’ll try simple painting, printing and doodling techniques, using them to turn Christmas blanks into something entirely your own. Go neon, try unexpected colour combinations or cover a bauble in joyful dots. There’s plenty of room to follow your own ideas.

We’ll start by painting our baubles so they have time to dry. While they’re drying, you can explore cards and gift tags. I’ll share ideas for adding patterns and decorative details along the way, ready for you to return to your dry baubles and finish them.

No rushing to keep up — just friendly guidance and time to enjoy making together.


No art experience needed

Complete beginners and experienced makers are equally welcome.

I’ll show you how to get started and be on hand throughout. There’s no pressure to copy my examples or make anything perfect — the joy is in experimenting and seeing what happens.


What you’ll create

You and your child will have a selection of:

  • Plastic baubles to paint and decorate.

  • Wooden decorations to fill with colour and playful patterns.

  • Christmas cards for someone special.

  • Gift tags to give your presents a handmade touch.

You don’t have to make one of everything. Spend longer on something you love or try a little of each — this is your time to play.

You’ll take home your handmade Christmas creations, plus a small Happy Doodles goody bag for each child ✨


A beautiful, inspiring space

We’ll be upstairs at the Steam Crane pub on North Street in Southville — a lovely, light-filled room with huge windows and a high beamed ceiling.

I’ll bring colourful Christmas examples to spark ideas, alongside plenty of materials to explore.

There is on-street parking nearby and a car park around four minutes’ walk away. Your ticket email will include more detailed information.


Why this is so special

Sharing creative time gives you space to chat, laugh, try things out and enjoy each other’s company.

It also helps children:

  • Build confidence and self-expression

  • Feel proud of what they create

  • Relax and be present

And for you, it’s a rare chance to:

  • Properly switch off

  • Be playful again

  • Make cute memories together 🤗


A relaxed, easy afternoon

All art materials and equipment are provided, so you can arrive ready to enjoy yourselves.

Squash and snacks will be available during the session. You’re also welcome to buy tea, coffee or other drinks from the bar downstairs and bring them up with you.

I have aprons available but wear something you’re happy to paint in, and bring your curiosity.


How to Book

Choose your date and ticket option from the dropdown menus, then secure your places at checkout.

You’ll receive an order confirmation followed by a ticket email with your booked date, time and everything you need to know before arriving. Please check your junk folder too.

Spaces are limited to keep the workshop relaxed and personal.


Stay in the Loop

 

For future workshop dates and creative events, join my Happy Doodling Community Updates Here

 

Also check out my main Joyful Creative Workshops page to see what else is currently on offer.

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.  


Come and make some colourful Christmas memories together 💖

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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