A Brush with Christmas: Handpainted Cards with Sam Scott

A pheasant begins with a splash. A stag begins with a line. Christmas slowly appears in the paint.

This is three hours to step away from the rush of December and disappear into colour, character and Christmas for a while.

With artist Sam Scott, you’ll choose from a selection of festive designs and turn them into your own hand-painted Christmas cards. Robins, pheasants, stags, snowmen and winter foliage all offer something different to explore, with plenty of room to choose the characters that appeal to you most and work at a pace that feels relaxed rather than hurried.

Sam will show you how to use loose washes, layered colour and expressive detail to create that wonderfully whimsical look her work is known for. You’ll learn how to suggest feathers, fur, scarves, berries and winter foliage without overworking the paint, and how just a few carefully placed marks can completely change the expression and personality of a character.

The focus is not on perfection. It’s on switching off, enjoying the paint, and watching each design slowly come to life in front of you.

No experience is needed and everything is included. Tea, coffee and refreshments are provided, groups are kept small, and Sam will be there throughout to offer guidance whenever you need it.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a collection of original Christmas cards, each one full of colour, charm and character — and a few peaceful festive hours that felt like time very well spent.