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25 October 2022

Millie Moth Hosts Extraordinary Ashbourne Painting Workshop!

Untitled design

Here at Handmade Design, we’ve been thrilled to host our first Ashbourne painting workshop since 2020!

On 5th October, five of our amazing customers learned a very distinctive and unique style of painting – using alcohol inks.

Taught by our very own Karen – otherwise known as Millie Moth – the class was a great success.

We have two more classes coming up, so be sure to keep reading to find out more!

Who is Millie Moth?

Karen is an incredibly talented individual! Not only is she an experienced Alcohol Ink Artist, but she’s also a jazz singer as well as previously a jewellery maker.

Originally from Sheffield, Karen moved down to Derbyshire back in 2009. She then began selling her work online and sharing her work with the local community.

As a self-taught Artist, Millie Moth discovered her artistic passion was with alcohol ink painting!

Taking inspiration from across Derbyshire, she has become a staple of the Ashbourne painting community.

Ashbourne Painting Christmas cards from Millie Moth
A collection Millie Moth’s cards for the holidays

What is alcohol ink painting?

Alcohol ink painting is both a description of the materials used when painting and a style in its own right.

As the title suggests, this artistic genre involves mixing together alcohol with different colour pigments, creating unique compositions.

Alcohol inks are known to dry quickly but create pictures that can easily be added to later.

To get started, you’d need access to alcohol inks – to make it easier, these are provided at our workshops.

What did the evening involve?

From 6:15 pm, Karen taught her signature style, particularly how she creates her amazing wild garden paintings!

“People seem to really enjoy choosing the colours and applying the various techniques,” said Karen. “I love how everyone created something truly unique to them even though they’re all following the same instructions and using the same materials.” 

Tea, nibbles, and art materials were provided, with multiple attendees commenting on how relaxing the experience was. On the night, visitors were even able to take advantage of 10% off Handmade Design’s amazing product range!

Check out the successes of the evening below!

What other Ashbourne Painting Workshops are scheduled?

For those who would like to try their own hand at Alcohol Ink Painting, you’re in luck. We’ve planned two more Ashbourne Painting workshops to give you the chance to express your creativity!

Millie Moth will be returning to teach you to paint on the 29th of November and 18th of January.

These classes will make perfect gifts for one of the lucky few who will be able to attend these events. Are you still looking for a Christmas gift for someone special? What could be more relaxing than an evening of ink painting?

Want to hire our shop for a private workshop?

Handmade Design is excited to announce we’re available to hire for private functions!

Looking for something quirky and different to do for an upcoming birthday party, hen do, or baby shower? Handmade Design is here for you! offering private workshops in Ashbourne all through the year. Whether it’s outside of opening hours on an evening or bright and early on a Sunday morning, just contact us with your preferred date and we’ll try and accommodate you. Party sizes are between 6 & 9 people. We look forward to hearing from you!

About Handmade Design

Based in the market town of Ashbourne in the Derbyshire Dales, Handmade Design is the home of handmade gifts from over 100 local and British small businesses.

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