Calm Before Christmas Journaling Course
The Calm Before Christmas Journaling Four mornings to slow down, explore and enjoy a little seasonal creativity.
Thursday mornings, 5th–26th November 2026 10.30am–12.30pm | Four-week course
Before the Christmas bustle gathers pace, make a little space for yourself at The Art Cabin. Join me for four relaxed mornings of artistic journaling, inspired by winter windows, comforting scents, little treasures and the gentle glow of seasonal lights.
Each week, a fresh creative prompt will offer a starting point for your journal pages. We’ll combine painting, sketching, collage, colour, words and collected bits and pieces, with gentle guidance and opportunities to try different techniques.
You might illustrate a favourite recipe, create a little winter scene, layer beautiful papers or build a page around a few words from a poem. Everyone can take the theme in their own direction, so your journal becomes something individual and personal.
There’s no pressure to produce a perfect page, and no need to arrive with a fully formed idea. I’ll provide plenty of inspiration, with time to think, experiment and enjoy the process.
Our four creative prompts are:
5th November — Through a Winter Window Pause and notice the world beyond the glass: bare branches, visiting birds, frosty mornings or glowing windows. Create a real or imagined view through little sketches, soft washes, collage or seasonal words.
12th November — Comfort & Spice Explore the ingredients of a cosy winter day: cinnamon, orange peel, a favourite mug, woolly textures or something delicious from the kitchen. Your page might become an illustrated recipe or a colourful collection of winter comforts.
19th November — Paper, Ribbon & Little Treasures Find creative possibilities in wrapping paper, handwritten tags, ribbon, old Christmas cards and favourite decorations. Experiment with pattern and layering, perhaps adding a little pocket to hold gathered treasures.
26th November — A Little Winter Light Capture the glow of candles, fairy lights, lanterns or a winter sunset. Explore luminous colours, scattered stars and welcoming scenes, with the option to weave in words from a poem or carol.
All art materials are included—please bring an apron. You’re also welcome to bring any photographs, paper scraps, recipes or small items that inspire you, although this is entirely optional. We also provide you with a journal to keep.
Refreshments aren’t provided, but please feel free to bring your own drink or pick one up from Arthurs Café to enjoy during the session.
The course takes place at The Art Cabin, Hut 2, Craft Village, Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, Kent, TN14 7NN, behind Arthurs Café. Free parking is available.
If you have any questions, please email sara@theartcabin.org or call 07540 688720.
I’m looking forward to sharing four lovely mornings of seasonal creativity with you.
