THE HAPPY DOODLING CREATIVE CHRISTMAS PARTY - In Bristol with Kate Elkington

A colourful Christmas night out — grab a drink, paint baubles, make cards and gift tags, and come and enjoy three hours of playful festive making with me!

📍 Southville, Bristol
📅 Tues Dec 1st
📅 Thurs Dec 17th
🌈 Adults • Complete beginners very welcome

£35 per person

3 hours of festive Happy Doodling • All materials included • Gentle guidance • Lovely venue • Snacks • Drinks available from the bar • Your own colourful baubles, cards & gift tags 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.

16 in stock

16 in stock

£35.00
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Your Christmas catch-up - but with extra colour!

Come alone, bring a friend, or a gang, grab a drink from the bar and settle in amongst a ridiculous amount of colourful art materials.

Happy Doodling is having a Christmas makeover — with baubles, cards and gift tags for you to paint, print and doodle into something completely your own.

Think bold colours, playful patterns and decorations that make you smile every time you bring them out. If neon pink is your idea of Christmas, you’re in the right place.

I’ll guide you through simple ways to get started, then you’ll have plenty of time to chat, experiment and follow whatever you’re enjoying. A little festive breathing space, with lovely things to take home at the end.

The Christmas Happy Doodling Experience

You’ll explore playful ways to create colourful backgrounds, printed patterns and doodled details on plastic baubles, wooden decorations, cards and gift tags.

We’ll start by painting our baubles so they have time to dry. While they’re drying, you can get going on cards and tags. Along the way, I’ll share ideas for decorative details, ready for you to add the finishing touches to your dry baubles.

You might get happily absorbed in painting decorations, make a card for someone special or go all in on gift tags. You have complete freedom to play and make whatever you want!

There’ll be finished examples to spark ideas, friendly guidance when you need it and plenty of freedom to make things your own.

What’s included?

  • Three hours of festive creative play, hosted by me, Bristol artist Kate Elkington.

  • A selection of plastic baubles, wooden decorations, cards and gift tags to decorate and take home.

  • All art materials and equipment, including paints, pens, stickers and printing tools.

  • Simple demonstrations, colourful inspiration and help throughout.

  • Time to settle in, experiment and enjoy making alongside others.

You are more than welcome to buy drinks from the pub bar downstairs and bring them up to the workshop. It is a party after all! 

Who’s it for?

  • Friends looking for a Christmas catch-up with something lovely to do.

  • Anyone craving a few hours of colourful, creative time for themselves.

  • Happy Doodling regulars and complete beginners alike.

Come alone or bring a friend/s. No art experience needed, and no pressure to make anything perfect.

The details

  • Dates and times:

    • Tuesday Dec 1st -  Start December as you mean to go on, and get your cards and decorations made early.
    • Thursday Dec 17th - Come and enjoy proper little creative-crimbo party! 
  • Venue: The room upstairs at The Steam Crane, North Street, Southville, Bristol.

  • Duration: 3 hours - 6:30 - 9:30pm

  • Price: £35 per person.

  • What to wear: Its not super messy and I have aprons available but just be aware there's a possibility you still might get paint somewhere. 

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.

Join me for a very colourful Christmas

Happy Doodling is about curiosity, colour and giving yourself permission to play. You’ll leave with your own handmade Christmas creations — and, hopefully, a lighter mind and a festive spring in your step!

Looking to celebrate with your whole team or friendship group? I also offer Private Christmas Happy Doodling Parties.

How To Book

Choose your date in the drop down menu above and book your place 💖

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 

Can't wait to party with you! 🎉

    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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