A Handmade Christmas: Festive Printmaking and Brass Decorations

> Make this Christmas a little more personal with festive making at Arnolfini.

Join Arnolfini's Creatives-in-Residence Let’s Make Art for a relaxed, hands-on workshop exploring traditional printmaking and metal embossing techniques to create beautiful handmade gift wrap, matching tags and a brass decoration to treasure for years to come.

Whether you're making something for someone special or simply enjoying a little creative time for yourself, this is a chance to slow down, experiment with materials and get into the festive spirit.

### What will you make?

Hand-printed gift wrap & tags

Discover two simple and satisfying printmaking techniques to transform plain paper into your own unique gift wrap.

Wooden block printing: Use beautifully carved wooden blocks to stamp patterns and create your own designs.

Styrofoam relief printing: Draw into a soft printing surface, roll on ink and transfer your designs onto paper.

Choose your favourite technique or combine the two to create a collection of coordinating wrapping paper and gift tags, ready for Christmas.

Embossed brass Christmas decorations

Explore the traditional technique of repoussé, using  a simple tool to press and emboss designs into thin sheets of brass. Create your own decorative ornament, adding texture, pattern and detail to make something truly personal to hang on your Christmas tree year after year.

Both activities are suitable for complete beginners, with plenty of inspiration, examples and guidance throughout. All materials are provided, and everything you make is yours to take home. 

### Book Your Place

Our workshops are friendly, informal and limited to just 18 people, giving everyone plenty of space to experiment, make and chat. Come along with friends, enjoy a creative morning after the school drop-off or make it a festive get-together with colleagues. Our Thursday daytime sessions offer a lovely alternative to the traditional work Christmas social. You're equally welcome to come on your own and enjoy meeting other makers.

We'll have refreshments from Wiper and True and FED to keep the creativity flowing.

Thursday 3 December 2026 | 10am–12pm

Tickets: £25 per person, including all materials and refreshments

Capacity: Maximum 18 people per session

All materials, equipment and inspiration are provided. You'll leave with your own handmade gift wrap, matching tags and an embossed brass Christmas decoration [max of 4m gift wrap, unlimited gift tags and one brass ornament].