Garden Secrets Lino Printmaking Day
GARDEN SECRETS Lino Printing: A Creative Day at Chester House
Thursday 14th May 2026 | 10am – 4pm
Looking for a creative way to welcome spring and start 2026 on a fresh note? Join me at the beautiful Chester House Estate for a full day of 'Garden Secrets' lino printing. It’s a wonderful chance to switch off, meet some lovely like-minded people, and let your creativity blossom in a relaxed setting as we capture the hidden life of a British garden. We’ll be turning those everyday visitors—from cheeky robins to busy blue tits—into striking pieces of handmade art using traditional carving and inking techniques right here in Northamptonshire.
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What we’ll be doing -
This May, we’re going to look past the 'everyday' and turn our local garden visitors into striking pieces of art. Instead of general wildlife, this workshop is all about capturing the hidden life of a British garden—those busy blue tits, curious robins, and morning blackbirds we see from our back windows right here in Northamptonshire.
I’ll show you how to take a simple sketch of a garden bird and transform it into a bold lino print using traditional carving and inking techniques. It’s a lovely way to celebrate the nature on our doorstep, and the best part is, you'll be using accessible tools and materials that prove you don't need a professional studio to create something beautiful for your home.
Small Group, Big Support
To make sure everyone gets plenty of help, I limit the class to 15 places. It’s a very friendly atmosphere where you can focus on making something truly special to take home.
Price: £80 (This includes all your professional materials and a delicious lunch provided by the estate!)
The Practical Bits (Important Info)
- Arrival: Please arrive from 9:30am so we can grab a cuppa and get settled for a 10am start.
- Safety First: We use sharp, professional carving tools. I provide a full safety induction and non-slip rubber mats for every workstation to keep things safe and steady.
- Age & Supervision: This workshop is primarily for adults, but I’m happy to welcome creative teens (aged 13–14+). Anyone under 16 just needs to be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Booking Note: If you're booking for a young person, please just pop their age and an emergency contact number in the "Additional Notes" box at checkout.
Workshop Schedule
9:30am: Arrive and get comfortable
10:00am: Welcome, introductions, and a look at inspirational wildlife examples
10:30am: Guided design session—sketch your ideas
11:15am: Carving your lino blocks
12:30pm: Lunch break - Provided by Chester House Estate.
1:15pm: Printing session—exploring single and two-block (multi-colour) techniques
3:30pm: Finishing touches, group sharing, and photos
4:00pm: Workshop ends
As one participant from a previous class said:
“Learning how to lino print in a fun, supportive environment. Perfect introduction, friendly, funny, and a great lunch. I would 100% recommend this course!”
Reserve your spot for just £80 (includes all materials and lunch).
Please bring your own apron to protect your clothes and add a bit of your own personality to the creative day!
Directions to Chester House Estate:
Click the Postcode here NN29 7EZ
- Expert Guidance: Jamie will guide you step-by-step through the lino printing process, from designing and carving your block to inking and printing your own artwork.
- Inspiration & Creativity: Start the day by exploring a variety of inspirational images and examples, including Jamie’s own work, to help spark your ideas. You’ll have time to sketch and develop your own festive or nature-inspired designs.
- Hands-On Learning: Use professional lino tools, brayers, colourful inks, and a hand-operated printing press to create your prints. Jamie will demonstrate both basic techniques and the two block printing method for those ready to try multi-colour designs.
- All Materials Included: Everything you need is provided—just bring your own apron to protect your clothes and your enthusiasm to learn!
- Delicious Lunch & Refreshments: Enjoy a silver lunch with a variety of goodies, plus tea and coffee throughout the day, all included in your ticket price.
- Small Group Setting: With a maximum of 15 students, you’ll receive plenty of personal attention and have the chance to connect with like-minded creatives.
- Your own lino prints or handmade cards, perfect for gifting or displaying at home.
- New skills and confidence in lino printing, with techniques you can use again and again.
- A sense of achievement and creative fulfilment from a day spent making art in a supportive setting.
- Date: Saturday 21st February
- Time: 10am–4pm (arrive from 9:30am)
- Location: Chester House Estate
- Price: £80 per person (includes all materials, lunch, and refreshments)
- What to bring: Your own apron, comfortable clothes, and any personal source images or ideas if you wish.
Who Is This Workshop For?
This workshop is perfect for adults of all ages—whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to art after a break, or looking to try something new in a welcoming, creative environment. Jamie’s teaching style is friendly and encouraging, with a focus on helping you achieve results you’ll be proud of.
Book your place now and enjoy a memorable, creative day at Chester House! If you have any questions, please get in touch via the contact form or email.
