PEOPLE from Wellington who want to practice mindfulness in their busy lives can learn the art of painting with chalk paint during workshops at a shop in the town this summer (June, July and August, 2018).
Interiors expert Cato Cooper is hosting daytime and evening chalk painting workshops at The Emporium Somerset on June 19, July 3 and 28 and August 16.
Cato, who is the co-owner of the shop on Mantle Street, which includes more than 50 different shops across three floors, selling thousands of home and gift items, said: “I find restoring and painting furniture a great way to relax and research has suggested that it is a great way to practice mindfulness too. Just 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lessens the stress in the body, regardless of your artistic experience or talent.
“I want to bring that same feeling of calm to my workshops where people will learn the basics of using using Autentico Chalk Paint and waxes. I will teach them how to paint their practice piece from start to finish with useful handouts and tips included.
“I will provide wooden boards with some detailing, so that attendees can try out the different paints and we will cover distressing techniques, as well as layering.
“Attendees will be able to take the skills they have learnt home with them and use them to upcycle their own furniture. Doing so allows you to get lost in the moment, to put all your focus into the piece you’re working on and the motion of sanding or painting can be extremely therapeutic.”
Materials such as paints, brushes, boards to paint, waxes, an apron and gloves will be provided in the workshop price as well as refreshments and a picture frame for attendees to paint and take home.
The workshops are suitable for beginners and people with some experience in using chalk paint and will cost £40 per person. Payment is required up-front before the workshop takes place. To secure your space, please call The Emporium Somerset on 01823 660076.
Cato added: “The workshops are great for individuals hoping to learn a new skill and they’re also great for groups of friends who want to have a go at a bit of a different activity from the norm. We welcome people of all ages, so we hope lots of people book up.”
The Emporium Somerset is home to more than 50 shopkeepers selling thousands of homeware, garden and gift items.
Housed in a Victorian chapel, it stocks cards, home accessories, furniture, home and garden wares, knick-knacks, plants, fresh flowers and a small selection of children’s toys.
Cato added: “Our store is fresh, vibrant, light and airy with lots of inspirational, contemporary items, as well as traditional and vintage ones.
“Most of our shopkeepers’ products are either handmade here in the Westcountry, sourced from other British craftspeople and makers, or from ethical and Fairtrade companies. So, there are plenty of unusual items here for people to have a look at and they are reasonably priced too. By buying from us, shoppers are supporting the very backbone of the nation’s economy – small, independent, local businesses.”
As well as running the store, Cato also specialises in restoring furniture and runs a paint and home accessories studio and workshop in-store.
The ‘introduction to chalk paint’ workshops will take place on Tuesday, June 19 from 10am until 12.15pm, Tuesday, July 3 from 7.30pm until 9.45pm, Saturday, July 28 from 10am until 12.15pm and Thursday, August 16 from 7.30pm until 9.45pm.
For further details, please call The Emporium Somerset on 01823 660076, email info@theemporiumsomerset.co.uk or visit www.theemporiumsomerset.co.uk.
