Question 1

Mindful Art Club

Accepted Answer

Mindful Art Club

Time: 2.00 &#8211; 4.00 pm

Place: The D&#8217;Urberville Centre, Collier&#8217;s Lane, Wool, Dorset, BH20 6DL

FREE monthly creative respite for anyone touched by cancer

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Mindful Art Club is a monthly two-hour art workshop I run on behalf of the Dorset cancer charity Purbeck Workshop

What do the workshops involve?

Free to attend if you have been touched by cancer;

All abilities welcome;

Each session has a different theme;

We try different media and techniques;

I select activities that are wholly, or partly, mindful. These are activities that involve repetition, patterns, are tactile, and can easily be achieved whilst holding a conversation;

Spend time with others who also have experience of cancer;

I encourage positive language about the work we produce &#8211; no comparing!

Each session starts with a demonstration by me, and examples to follow.
Drinks and biscuits provided, as well as all art materials.
Leave perfectionism at home and just enjoy creating!
N.B. Bookings for Mindful Art Club are made on The Purbeck Workshop Eventbrite page and not through this website.

The Dates for 2026
Wednesday 21st January &#8211; Mandalas and Zentangles;
Wednesday 18th February &#8211; Make a Watercolour Heart Garland;
Wednesday 18th March &#8211; Make a Plum Blossom Bookmark 
Wednesday 15th April &#8211; Paint Spring Animals with Tea Bags;
Wednesday 20th May &#8211; Make Tulip Wrapping Paper;
Wednesday 17th June &#8211; Make a Fruit Bowl Collage Inspired by Matisse;
Wednesday 15th July &#8211; Seashore-themed Plasticine Printing;
Wednesday 19th August &#8211; Make lollipop stick sunflowers (pot plant decorations);
September &#8211; no session
Wednesday 21st October &#8211; theme to be confirmed
Wednesday 18th November &#8211; theme to be confirmed
December &#8211; no session
								
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Question 2

Peaceful Landscapes

Accepted Answer

A Chinese brush painting workshop

Date: Saturday 3rd October, 2026

Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Place: The Studo, Café D&#8217;Urberville , Sherborne, DT9 3BJ

Price: £75 per person

Experience the tranquillity of painting with a Chinese brush and ink

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Let me introduce you to a unique style of painting that has been in existence since the Song Dynasty in 10th – 11th century China.
You will learn about the Four Treasures of Chinese brush painting and practice some basic strokes before embarking on your own mindful landscapes.
Landscape painting is referred to as shān shuǐ 山水 and consists of two characters meaning “mountains” and “water”. We will take inspiration from traditional Chinese paintings featuring these important landmarks and create our own reflective landscapes.

What does the workshop involve?

Learn about the Four Treasures of Chinese brush painting;
Learn the correct posture for holding a Chinese brush;
Learn some basic strokes and the importance of controlling water on the brush;
Practise mark-making on unsized Xuan paper;
Understand the importance of space in Chinese landscapes;
Let your imagination run free as you allow the ink to flow on the paper;
This style of painting is less about detail, more about the “feeling” of being in a landscape;
Repetition and patience are the keys to success!
There are no fixed outcomes &#8211; by focusing on the brush strokes your landscapes will evolve naturally from the marks you make on the paper;
Be prepared for unexpected results, and come with an open mind.

The Details

The cost of the workshop is £75 per person;
All materials are included in the price;
The cost of a tea or coffee is included in the price;
The workshop is for adults only;
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows free arm movement. Dangling sleeves are likely to get ink on them!
The workshop takes places in Paula Young’s studio on the top floor above the café, and is unfortunately unsuitable for anyone unable to climb stairs;
Suitable for all levels, and even complete beginners at painting. However, if you have difficulty holding a pen to write, this workshop will pose a significant challenge for you.
Feel free to stay and have lunch together in the café downstairs (at your own cost) once the workshop is finished; I can highly recommend the food and cakes!

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Question 3

Moth Tetra Pak Printing Workshop

Accepted Answer

A printmaking workshop

Date: Thursday 27th August, 2026

Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Place: Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone, Blandford, DT11 0QY

Price: £60 per person

Create your own unique moth prints using upcycled Tetra Pak cartons.

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What better way to remember the wing markings of moths than making prints of them?
In this inaugural printmaking workshop in the Threshing Barn, I have chosen a theme that is very close to the hearts of volunteers at Bere Marsh Farm. They have been monitoring moths here for several years using battery-operated moth boxes purchased with funds raised in 2023. Weekly moth surveys have shown an increasing variety of moths, and in 2025 there were as many as 25 species found on the farm.
This printmaking workshop will give you the opportunity to get to know these 25 species by observing photos of them, then selecting ones you’d like to create in print.
For those who have not heard of Tetra Pak Printmaking, Tetra Pak is the brand of carton packaging used for milks and juices, amongst other things. The interior of the carton is foil-lined and makes a versatile printing plate. The added bonus is, of course, being able to upcycle something that is usually discarded with the rubbish.
Tetra Pak prints look similar to etchings. However, without needing to use acid to etch the lines into the metal plates, this is a much safer way to produce your own original prints.
I am excited to have my intaglio press in residence at the Threshing Barn. It’s a versatile press with a roller, which is suitable for producing etchings, collagraphs and monoprints. I am hoping to offer workshops in several printmaking techniques while my press is in residence, but it all starts with the Tetra Pak!

What does the workshop involve?
In this three-hour workshop you will first incise your moth design into the Tetra Pak carton with a ball point pen. Genny will then demonstrate how to apply ink to the plate using the “intaglio method”. This involves wiping away the ink that you’ve applied to leave only the residue in the grooves you’ve incised. At this point you are ready to print your inked moth onto damp paper.
Once printed, you will be able to hand-tint your prints with watercolour paints and a fine brush. The addition of colour will truly bring your printed moth to life.
Genny will demonstrate all the techniques you need, and show examples to guide you. You do not need to be expert at drawing, as there will be moth silhouette templates that you can trace.

Bookings are to be made direct with me using the booking form

The Details

The cost of this event is £60 per person;
All art materials included;
This workshop is for adults only;
Refreshments will be available to buy from The Buzz Café, our coffee trailer run by CRT volunteers selling homemade cakes, tea, coffee and soft drinks;
Wear comfortable clothing with no dangling sleeves. The ink you’ll be using is oil-based and is unlikely to wash out of fabric, so please wear something you’re not too attached to;
Printmaking is messy; protective gloves will be provided, but ink still might get on your hands; I will show you the best way to remove ink from cuticles and nails but you are advised not to have an expensive manicure just before the workshop. Save it until after!
Public parking in a specially designated and clearly marked field only;
Bring a packed lunch for afterwards, if you’d like to remain and get to know other participants.

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