Last weekend, I ran my first daytime creative workshop at the local library—and honestly, it filled my heart.

I’ve hosted weekend retreats before, but this was something different. Smaller. Simpler. More accessible. It was open to anyone in the community who needed a gentle space to breathe, play, and create.

I’m not a trained art teacher or fine artist—but I do believe in the power of creativity and connection. I believe that when we sit down with a paintbrush, a glue stick, or even a pile of old magazines, something shifts inside. We slow down. We soften. We stop trying to fix everything with logic and start listening to something deeper.

That’s why I created this workshop—not to teach perfect technique, but to invite people into peace.

We used canvas, papers, buttons, fabric, ink, watercolours… it was a joyful mess. People chatted, some stayed quiet, but all of them made something beautiful—and left with lighter hearts. One person told me it was the first time they’d felt truly relaxed in months. That’s the kind of feedback you carry with you.

So now, I want to show you how you can do this too.

You don’t need to be an art expert. You just need heart, a bit of vision, and a willingness to start.

How to Run Your Own Creative Workshop (Even if You’re Not an Expert)

Step 1: Know Your WHY

This isn’t about teaching fine art. It’s about making space for people to create.
That’s what gives it meaning.
Why are you doing this?
For me, it was to give people a break from stress, anxiety, and overthinking—and to quietly create a space where God could gently meet them, even if they didn’t realise that was happening.

Step 2: Pick Your Theme

Keep it light, playful, and something you enjoy.
My first workshop was mixed media on canvas—no rules, no pressure. Other ideas?

• Art journaling

• Gratitude collages

• Mindful mark-making

• Visual prayer

• Mixed media affirmation boards

• Creative storytelling with paint and paper

Themes can be faith-based or neutral—let your audience guide you.

Step 3: Find a Venue

Start local. I used my town library.
They helped with advertising and managed the sign-ups—which was a lovely bonus!
You could also try:

• Church halls

• Community centres

• Coffee shops with event space

• Art cafes

• Your own home, if it feels right

Step 4: Set a Date and Booking Method

Keep it simple. A Google Form or Eventbrite link does the job. If your venue handles bookings, even better!

Step 5: Design a Poster

Canva is your best friend here. Make it welcoming, friendly, and clear.
Include what to bring (if anything), the price (if you’re charging), and how to book.
Don’t worry about it being perfect—just make it reflect you.

Step 6: Promote!

Don’t be shy—people need what you’re offering.
Post it in Facebook groups, stick it up in local shops, libraries, churches, and community boards. Chat to your hairdresser. Drop a flyer in the local café.
Word of mouth matters.

Step 7: Prep Materials

Start small. I used what I had—paints, fabric scraps, magazines, glue, buttons, stamps.
Make the space inviting with tablecloths, soft music, and maybe even a biscuit or two.

Step 8: Facilitate, Don’t Overteach

You’re not there to be a masterclass instructor—you’re there to hold the space.
Offer gentle guidance, share an idea to spark inspiration, and then let people create freely.
You’ll be amazed what unfolds.

Step 9: Reflect & Share

Take photos (with permission), ask attendees what they enjoyed, and share some of the beauty online. It helps others see what’s possible—and it builds your confidence too.

Step 10: Plan the Next One

This is just the beginning. I’ve already got 11 more workshops planned for the year—and I’ll be sharing how I mapped them all out in an upcoming post.
(Yes, I used ChatGPT to help! I love combining creativity with a bit of clever tech.)

You can checkout my events page of the other workshops here for inspoiration: https://christianartjournaling.com/events

I’m also dreaming bigger. I recently joined Daryl’s Next Level Up because I want to grow multiple income streams—so I can keep doing this work without burnout. I want to invest wisely, leave a legacy for my children and their children, and create beautiful retreats that are as restful as they are transformative—maybe even luxurious when they need to be.

Because I believe God cares about our peace. About our rest. About our creativity.
And I believe He can use even a quiet workshop table—with glue sticks and torn paper—as a way to draw people closer to Him.

So if you’ve been thinking, “I’d love to run something like this, but who am I to lead it?”
Let this be your nudge.

You don’t have to be qualified by the world’s standards—you just need to be willing.

Your calm presence, your listening ear, your table of art supplies—those might be exactly what someone needs.

And that, my friend, is enough.
Bev x

Ready to Start? Here’s How I Can Help:

🎁 Download Your FREE Joyful Abundance Planner
A beautiful tool to help you dream, plan, and take action—without the pressure of perfection.
👉 christianartjournaling.com/freebie-joyful

💡 Join the Creativity Released Membership (£7/month)
Get ongoing support, inspiration, and creative prompts in a warm, safe community.
👉 https://christianartjournaling.com/sanctuary

🎧 Listen to the Creativity Released Podcast
New episodes to encourage your creative practice, every week.
👉 christianartjournaling.com/podcast

🛠 Want the tools I used?

Here are my go-to creative resources (affiliate links – I only recommend what I truly love):

• Canva – Create stunning slideshows, journals & social posts:
  👉 Canva Affiliate Link

• Buzzsprout – Start your podcast the easy way:
  👉 Buzzsprout Affiliate Link

• Easy Peasy Funnels – Build your business without burnout:
  👉 Easy Peasy Affiliate Link