Design your own festive artwork using vibrant alcohol inks, and have them transformed into 6 professionally printed, personalised Christmas cards
If you’ve ever looked at Millie Moth’s colourful card range and thought “Ooh, I’d love to do that!” – now’s your chance! This festive workshop is all about getting creative with alcohol inks and designing your very own Christmas cards – the kind your friends and family will definitely want to keep. Guided every step of the way by Karen, aka Millie Moth, you’ll be using alcohol ink pens and splashes of alcohol on yupo paper to make vibrant, wintery artwork (think festive foliage, mistletoe, holly, berries and maybe a few swirls of gold…). Don’t worry if you’ve never used alcohol inks before – she’ll show you exactly what to do, and it’s all very forgiving and fun. You can make one special design or a few if you're feeling inspired!
Once you’ve made your inky masterpiece(s),Karen will whisk your artwork away to photograph and work a bit of Christmas magic – turning it into a beautifully designed card layout. It’ll then be professionally printed (just like her Millie Moth cards) onto lovely thick, slightly textured FSC certified card, with kraft envelopes to match. Please note, each design has to be ordered in a pack of 6 so any personalisations you make need to be suitable to send to 6 different people!
You can choose to create a single design or explore a few variations during the session. Once finished, Karen will take away your original artwork, photograph it, and transform it into a beautifully designed Christmas card layout which will then be professionally printed. You’ll have the option to include your own text or imagery on the front and back if you wish — making each card a true reflection of your style. Just like her Millie Moth cards, they will be printed onto lovely thick, slightly textured FSC certified card, with kraft envelopes to match.
🎨 What’s included in the workshop:
Create one or more festive designs using alcohol ink pens and techniques on yupo paper
Help and guidance throughout to bring your ideas to life
Option to include personal photos and/or your own text (you’ll see examples on the day)
Karen will then take your artwork home to create your Christmas card design and send it off to be professionally printed
Your original artwork, plus 6 square (150mm) cards featuring your design, will be posted to you to arrive at the end of November/beginning of December, in plenty of time to send out for Christmas!
🎁 Extra special touches:
Want to include a photo on your card? Bring it along either as a physical print (which will be returned to you) or a digital version on your phone – Karen can help you to send it to her on the day
The cards will be blank inside, but you can personalise the front and back with wording, photos, or a little festive message
If you create more than one artwork, or just want extras of your favourite, you’ll be able to order additional packs of 6 on the day too
🛍️ Optional extras:
Add 6 more cards (same or different design): +£12
Add 12 more cards (same or mix of 2-3 designs): +£22
📅 Workshop details:
🖌️ All materials provided – just bring yourself, a photo if you'd like one included, and a sense of festive cheer!
🎄 Suitable for all skill levels or anyone wanting a creative Christmassy moment for themselves
🧑🏻🎨 Meet the tutor: Karen Johnson is a local artist working from her home studio in Allestree, Derby, where she creates vibrant floral artwork for her small business, Millie Moth. Inspired by the joy she feels in her garden, Karen uses flowing alcohol inks to capture the colour, movement and essence of flowers and plant life. She regularly sells her colourful artwork as large canvas prints and cards at art trails and markets, and teaches her technique in workshops across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas.
⚠️ A quick note about materials and safety from Millie Moth: This workshop is for adults only, and places are limited. During the session, we’ll be using 91% isopropyl alcohol as part of the painting process. You’ll use it sparingly—dripping a few drops onto your artwork and occasionally spraying a fine mist over the surface. Some people notice the smell (though I’m completely used to it now!), and I’ll do my best to keep the room well ventilated if needed. There’s also a bit of gentle blowing through a straw involved—just something to keep in mind if you’re prone to breathlessness or lightheadedness. If that sounds tricky, I can provide a small hand-pump blower as an alternative.
While this technique generally isn’t messy, alcohol inks can stain clothing. They’re not harmful if they get on your skin—I’ve had more than my fair share of inky fingers over the years! An apron or old top is a good idea, just in case.