Christmas Alcohol Ink Day: Baubles & Cards, Arley Hall & Gardens, November & December 2026

Christmas Alcohol Ink Day: Baubles & Cards, Arley Hall & Gardens

Saturday 15th November & Sunday 20th December | 10.30am–3.00pm | £75pp

For the overthinkers, the curious, the creatively starved, come get lost in colour, just in time for Christmas.

I’m Steph — a full-time artist and qualified counsellor who rediscovered art after experiencing PTSD. Painting became a way to switch off the noise and let go, and that’s the spirit I bring into my workshops. I’ll guide you through the flowing, unpredictable magic of alcohol inks, working with them, and controlling them, when they allow it.

Arley Hall is one of Cheshire’s finest historic estates, home to the Ashbrook family for over 500 years. Its Jacobean-style architecture and award-winning gardens make the most beautiful backdrop for a day of creativity — and in winter, the gardens take on a hushed, frosted stillness all their own.

You may recognise it without realising, Arley Hall doubled as Tommy Shelby’s grand family home in Peaky Blinders, and has also featured in Coronation Street, The Forsyte Saga, and Disney’s Evermoor.

We’ll be creating in the Olympia Room, an open eaves, bright and welcoming space set within the grounds.

✨ The Workshop

A day at Arley Hall, slowing down to create something personal.

You’ll paint: 

🎨 5 premium glass baubles (2 large, 2 medium, 1 small)

✉️ A set of alcohol ink Christmas cards — a hand-cut tree design and a hanging bauble design

You’ll warm up on alcohol ink paper first, experimenting with colour and texture before moving onto your baubles and cards. Alcohol inks have a mind of their own — so rather than arriving with a fixed idea, you’ll learn to let go and be surprised by what unfolds.

On glass baubles, the ink behaves like nothing else, it slides, pools and blooms across the curved surface, refusing to stay where you put it. There’s no straight lines or safe corrections here, just colour finding its own way, sometimes into something better than you’d planned. It’s a lovely lesson in letting go of control, and by your fifth bauble you’ll be moving with it rather than against it.

Your Christmas cards begin the same way, with colour left to wander and bloom across the page, and finish as something delicate and entirely your own: a little tree catching the light, a cluster of baubles that feels almost hand-painted from memory. The kind of card that doesn’t get thrown away.

Baubles are tied with your choice of luxury velvet or chiffon ribbon, and can be personalised with names or dates. Everything is wrapped in tissue and packed in a gift bag to travel home safely.

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.

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 — with a little Christmas magic thrown in.

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

🎅 Festive Extras

This is more than just a workshop — it’s a chance to pause, laugh, and soak up the magic of the season.

• Welcome teas, coffee & festive treats included
• A warming lunch available to buy in the café
• A wintry walk through Arley’s gardens, included with your ticket — even in winter, they’re beautiful
• A cosy, creative atmosphere to enjoy with friends, family, or colleagues — a Christmas get-together with a difference!

Make a Day of It

After the workshop, your ticket includes access to the gardens until closing. Wander through the borders, follow the trails, or simply soak up the historic atmosphere before you head home.

✨ What’s Included

• 5 premium glass baubles (2 large, 2 medium, 1 small)
• A set of alcohol ink Christmas cards (tree & bauble designs)
• All inks, tools, ribbons, gloves & aprons
• Practice paper for experimenting
• Tissue paper & gift bag for your baubles
• Welcome teas, coffee & festive treats
• Garden entry & parking

N.B. We’ll be working with isopropyl alcohol, which produces strong fumes. The room will be ventilated, but this workshop isn’t suitable for pregnant women or for children unless supervised by an adult.

🎟️ Spaces are limited to 12 per date and always sell out fast — book your place now and create a little Christmas magic.

✨ If you can’t make it, no worries — while I can’t offer refunds, I’m happy to give you a credit to use at another workshop, or towards a print or original artwork of mine ✨

Find us — click above

Arley Hall is at the centre of a triangle formed by Northwich, Knutsford and Warrington. Less than 10 miles from both the M6 & M56, signposted from M56 junctions 9 & 10 or M6 junctions 19 & 20. Please follow the brown tourist signs or use postcode CW9 6NA for sat nav — this gets you to the edge of the estate, then follow signage from there.

What3words: ///sheds.badminton.barn

Parking 

Parking is included in your ticket, in Arley’s visitor car park.

Any issues at all, please call me — Steph 07971 188498

£75pp | Arley Hall & Gardens, Olympia Room | 15th November & 20th December