Alcohol Ink on Canvas, Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, Sunday 26/04/26

For the overthinkers, the curious, the creatively starved — come get lost in colour.

I’m Steph — a full-time artist and qualified person-centred counsellor.

Art found me again after PTSD pulled the rug from under me. What started as a way to fill the quiet hours became something deeper — a way to soften the noise, ground my thoughts, and find calm in the chaos.

Now I help others find that same quiet magic — through colour, movement, and a bit of beautiful mess.

The Setting: Arley Hall & Gardens

Arley Hall is one of Cheshire’s finest historic estates, home to the Ashbrook family for over 500 years. Its Jacobean-style architecture, award-winning gardens, and peaceful trails have inspired countless visitors — and it provides the most beautiful backdrop for a day of creativity.

With vibrant borders still in bloom, sculpted topiary, and winding garden walks, Arley offers an atmosphere that feeds the imagination and soothes the soul.

The Workshop

In this extended 3.5-hour alcohol ink workshop, you’ll explore the fluid, meditative beauty of inks — a medium that surprises and delights with every movement.

You’ll begin with practice pieces before creating your own 40 x 50cm canvas to take home. I’ll guide you through techniques including blending, layering, creating texture, and shaping space, so you can bring to life abstract forms, moons, landscapes, florals, or something entirely your own.

This workshop is open to everyone — whether you’ve never picked up a brush since school or you’re a seasoned maker looking for a fresh approach.

Why Longer?

This Arley Hall session runs longer than usual, giving you more time to relax and create. At the halfway point, you can:

• Enjoy lunch in the Gardeners Kitchen (not included in ticket price)
• Bring a packed lunch and picnic in the gardens
• Or keep going with your masterpiece if you’re in flow

Teas and coffees are available to purchase at the Gardeners Kitchen throughout the day 

What’s Included

• Welcome teas & coffee, cake 🧁 

• All art materials (inks, canvas, tools, gloves, apron)
• Your own 40 x 50cm canvas to take home as well as your paper pieces
• Free parking
• Entry to Arley’s gardens, grounds, and trails until 5pm

Make a Day of It

After the workshop, your ticket includes access to the gardens until closing at 5pm. Wander through the borders, enjoy the garden trails, or simply soak up the historic atmosphere. Dogs are also welcome, so you don’t have to leave them behind.

Is it for you?

If you’ve ever said “I’m not creative,” you probably need this the most.

This is a no-pressure, no-judgement space for anyone who wants to switch off the scroll, make something with their hands, and feel like themselves again for a while.

Whether you’re an artist in disguise or just creatively curious, you’re welcome here.

Note: We use isopropyl alcohol (it has strong fumes), so this isn’t suitable if you’re pregnant or a child without adult supervision.

✨ Spaces are limited to just 10 participants for a relaxed, personal experience.

N.B

🎟️ Please note: tickets are non-refundable, but if something unexpected comes up, please message me as soon as you can — I often have a waiting list and can usually fill your spot.

Book now and spend a day creating, exploring, and being inspired at Arley Hall & Gardens.

Find us click here

Arley Hall is at the centre of a triangle formed by Northwich, Knutsford and Warrington.

Less than 10 miles from both the M6 & M56 we are signposted from the M56 junctions 9 & 10 or the M6 junctions 19 & 20.

Please follow the brown tourist signs or use the postcode CW9 6NA for sat nav (this will get you to the edge of the estate, please follow signage from then on.

For WHAT 3 WORDS please use ///sheds.badminton.barn

Any issues at all please call me 

Steph 07971 188498