This Might Be the Most Fun Night Out You’ll Have All Summer
What if you could spend an evening laughing, chatting, enjoying good food and creating something beautiful, without worrying whether you can draw?
That’s exactly what Create & Bloom is all about.
It’s not an art class. It’s not about talent or getting things “right”. It’s about switching off from everyday life, trying something different, meeting new people and spending a few hours immersed in colour, flowers and creativity.
If you’ve been looking for a night out that’s a little different, this could be just the thing.
Where the idea began
A few months ago, a friend invited me to a collaborative painting workshop in Norwich, run by the wonderful Hannah Taylor-Matthews from her riverside studio.
The whole trip was lovely, but it was those two hours around a table with people I’d never met that stayed with me.
We drew, we painted, we chatted, we laughed, and nobody cared whether they were “good” at art. We simply enjoyed making something together.
I came home thinking one thing. Everyone needs an evening like this.
So Create & Bloom was born.
Maldon’s First Create & Bloom
A few weeks later I held a trial evening at Salero Lounge in Maldon. Eleven of us gathered around a long table covered in paper, with fresh flowers arranged down the middle. Then I gave everyone their first challenge.
Draw the flowers… with your non-dominant hand.
There were a few nervous faces at first, but within moments everyone was laughing, because nobody can draw perfectly with the “wrong” hand!
The pressure disappeared almost instantly. Conversations flowed, confidence grew and for the next hour we moved around the table responding to different prompts while one large artwork slowly came to life.
It reminded me exactly why I’d wanted to bring this experience to Maldon in the first place.
Good Food, Great Company and Lots of Colour
Halfway through the evening we paused for Salero’s delicious food before returning to the table with paints, pastels, crayons and paint sticks. Together we added colour, layer by layer, until one giant floral painting emerged—created by every single person around the table.
From future Create & Bloom evenings, everyone will take home a unique section of the finished artwork as a reminder of the evening we created together. One lucky participant will also take home the beautiful flowers that inspired it.
What People Said
“We had such a fun evening. Sandra was a great host. I’m no painter, but that didn’t matter.”
“Can thoroughly recommend it. Go on, give it a go!”
“It was a fun night!”
“Really enjoyed it, thanks Doris.”
“A lovely evening.”
“Thank you Sandra, really enjoyed the experience. It was also lovely to see everyone.”
Why People Love Create & Bloom
Life can feel busy, repetitive and always connected to a screen. Create & Bloom gives you permission to step away from all of that for a few hours.
You’ll laugh.
You’ll make connections.
You’ll enjoy great food.
You’ll create something together.
You’ll leave feeling happier, more relaxed and with a unique piece of artwork that couldn’t have existed without everyone around the table. Whether you come on your own or with a friend, you’ll be welcomed from the moment you arrive.
What’s Next?
Create & Bloom is becoming a regular event, with a few different experiences planned.
Create & Bloom at Salero Lounge is the original evening experience. Relaxed, sociable and full of laughter.
Create & Bloom at Lofts Farm offers a peaceful afternoon surrounded by beautiful countryside, with a close to nature vibe.
Create & Bloom with Posy is a collaboration with Sage & Soil, an eco conscious local florist where every guest leaves with a beautiful hand-tied posy.
Each one shares the same welcoming atmosphere, simply in a different setting.
Fancy joining us?
If you’ve been searching for creative workshops in the Maldon area, art workshops in Essex, or simply looking for a different kind of night out, I’d love you to come along.
You can find all the latest Create & Bloom dates and book your place, explore my other creative workshops and bird art experiences, or join the Beak & Brush newsletter for creative inspiration, workshop news, offers and 20% off your first order.
Come on your own or bring a friend.
Either way, you’ll leave with happy memories, a unique piece of collaborative artwork, and hopefully the feeling that you should have done this years ago.