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Useful information before booking a workshop

How do I book a workshop?

 

In the very near future I will have an online booking and payment system, but in the meantime please follow the below instructions. Thank you for your patience in the meantime!

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Visit the What’s On page to view the complete month by month listing of all available workshops. Once you have chosen the event, click the Contact to Book button on the page and this will open up the Contact page. From there you can reach out via phone call, text message or email to book. I'd be happy to explain how your place is secured and payment is made.

Would it be possible to book myself and a couple of friends onto the same workshop?

 

In principle yes the more the merrier, often Ladies like to make a sociable day or even weekend of my workshops. Before settling on a particular date or event, I would advise that you contact me to ensure there are enough spaces to accommodate you all.

Do I need to supply or bring anything to a workshop?

 

All materials are supplied (unless otherwise stated) as part of the course, even aprons are provided as we will be using paints that permanently fix to fabric. My advice is to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting mucky.

Are the workshops suitable for complete beginners?

 

Yes 100%, all of the workshops are designed to inspire, teach and support people of all levels of abilities and confidence. Each event starts with an introduction to the basic and fundamental stencilling techniques, time for practice and building confidence. If a course is more advanced, it will state this in the event information.

Do your workshop venues allow for wheelchair access?

 

Could I please suggest that you contact me via email or the Contact Page before choosing a workshop as some of the venues would be more suitable for wheelchair access than others. I can then help and advise you accordingly.

Do I need to bring food and drinks with me?

 

Light refreshments such as tea/coffee/biscuits are served during the event. If you have any specific dietary needs or preferences, I would suggest that you bring them with you.

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If doing a full day workshop I would advise bringing a packed lunch with you as not all venues are near to cafes or places to purchase food. Lunch break is usually about 30 minutes as everyone is eager to get on with stencilling.

Leaf stencil, stencil brushes and pot of metallic gold fabric paint on a table alongside a stencil project on a brown Kraft paper gift bag.
Wild flowers and scabious pattern hand printed onto cream cotton fabric, a bundle of purple, blue and green threads lay next to the embroidered project.
- Hand holding two stencil brushes, in the background chalky blue fabric has been printed with daisy and grass designs.
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Can I purchase stencilling equipment at the end of an event?

 

Yes most definitely, I will have my full range of stencils, hand mixed fabric paints and brushes available to purchase at the end of a workshop, pay by either cash or card.

Can I request a private stencil printing workshop for a special event?

 

If you would like to send me as much information as you can about what you are seeking via the Contact page form, I will reply as soon as possible. You might also like to view my Guest Tutoring page.

Do you have on-line workshops?

 

Currently all are live, in-person events, however I plan to have online courses in the near future.


The best way to be kept informed is via my monthly Newsletter or by popping me an email via the
Contact page.

If my booked workshop is cancelled

 

Unfortunately, if there is an under-subscription for a workshop it may need to be cancelled or rearranged. I will do my best to accommodate you on an alternative event or offer you a same value gift voucher to be used within 12 months. If none of the above are suitable, a full refund will be given. I cannot accept liability for travel or other costs.

Are the workshops suitable for children?

 

The workshops have been designed as restful and enjoyable havens for women, although guys are more than welcome too. Therefore, the content is tailored for an adult learning level is not suitable for children. However, after participating in a workshop and acquiring the foundational skills of stencil printing, you'll be well-equipped to share and enjoy the experience with your own children or grandchildren.

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I do get Mums who are seeking some quality time with their older teenage daughters coming along to workshops, this age range is perfectly suitable.

Are Stencil Kits available to purchase?

 

I have many exciting things planned, these will be launched in 2024. If you would like to know when they become available send me an email via the Contact page. Better still sign up for my monthly Newsletter, receive ideas for nature inspired creative projects, stencilling tips, and be the first to know about new products and events.

What happens if I need to cancel a workshop booking?

 

Due to the amount of work involved with organising a workshop, purchase of materials and pre-payment for venues, I have to operate a non-refundable policy. I appreciate that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may mean that you can’t attend an event, in which case I would be happy for you to send a friend along to take your place. I would need their name and contact details prior to the workshop.

-  Woman sat at craft table applying paint to her stencil brush, in the background samples of botanical printed cushions and lampshades are on display
Student lifting up stencil to reveal the wild flower pattern she has just stencil printed on a table runner.
Lady’s hands stencil printing a richly coloured design made with poppy seed heads, wild flowers and little snail designs.
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Helpful information after an event or purchasing

Can I use your stencils to make items to sell?

 

No, the stencils are intended for personal use only, it’s perfectly fine for you to make items for yourself or to give away as gifts. Any commercial use or reproduction of the designs for profit or monetary exchange is strictly prohibited and may infringe on copyright.

Can I wash my stencil printed fabric item?

 

Once your project has been ironed and fixed with heat it can be washed, I recommend a gentle hand wash, I suggest you avoid rubbing or scrubbing the printed surface.

Remind me how to fix the fabric paint to make it washable

 

The fabric paint must be fixed by ironing. Your iron needs to be set to the dry setting (no steam) and a suitable temperature for the fabric you have used. I recommend cotton or natural fibre fabrics for stencilling onto.

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Place a piece of baking paper over the printed area/pattern before you iron. Work in small areas, moving the iron around in circular motions to ensure a good amount of heat is applied, but without burning the fabric. Iron both sides of the fabric.

How do I clean my stencils and brushes?

 

Let your stencils soak in some warm soapy water for about 15 - 30 minutes, this will soften any dried on paint. A soft bristled vegetable brush is an ideal item for cleaning the stencils as it is not too abrasive. One at a time place the stencils on a flat surface and whilst still wet and soapy gently brush the paint stained surface in a circular motion, take extra care with the finely cut areas and sections of your stencil. Once all the residual paint has been dislodged and removed, rinse the stencils in clean water. To dry, either lay flat on an old towel or kitchen paper, ensure that they are completely dried before storing flat or using again on your project.

How do I find out about other workshops and events you will be running?

 

The best way to be kept in the loop about exciting new workshops, stencil designs, seasonal fabric paint colours and all things to do with the love of the Countryside is to sign up to my monthly News Letter. Offering ideas for nature inspired creative projects, stencilling tips, plus you’ll be the first to know about new products and events.

Can I purchase more stencils and paints from you?

 

Yes, I would be delighted to help you with other stencil designs or paint colours.


Until my online shop is ready, please contact me via email or the Contact Page.

Can I use paints that I already have at home with your stencils?

 

I’m often asked this question and here is what I always say to folks…


The reason why I make my own paint is to ensure that not only are the colours pleasing to use, but also that the viscosity/thickness of the paint is optimal for use with stencils to avoid unwanted bleeding. The best approach is to try your existing paints on a test material/item and see if you achieve satisfactory results.

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© 2024 Melanie Ward Creative

Website design by reenamatharu.com

All bookings are currently arranged and paid for through contact with myself. Please take a look at what's on and click on the Contact to Book button to send me an email. Alternatively, please give me a call on 07798 800 961. I look forward to hearing from you.

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