A crafty gift solution

Run out of ideas for Christmas presents? Christine Penhall discovers a foolproof way of creating a completely unique gift.your very own work of art

If the prospect of trawling around busy shops this Christmas searching for something “different” for someone special fills you with dread, then why not unleash your creative side and make something yourself?

That's exactly what you can do at the hobby painting sessions at Hazle Ceramics in Great Warley near Brentwood - paint something individual and professional, and you don't have to be Van Gough to do it.

The workshop is a hive of activity with tile painters of widely differing experience and abilities producing all sorts of things from bowls and teapots to ceramic dragons.

Hazle Ceramics provide the bisque (the basic tile) and the paints, then fire the end result ready for collection the following week.

The hobby painting sessions were started four years ago by Hazle Boyles, the owner of Hazle Ceramics who produce the Nation of Shopkeepers range, and have proved very popular ever since. Says Hazle: “You need to expertise at all before you start. Assistance is available from our professional painters, and if you prefer not to draw we have stencils and tracing paper. It is helpful, though, to come with an idea, an image or just some colours in mind - something to match your kitchen for example. Failing that, you can just watch what the others do and get inspiration from them.”

The workshops last for two hours, but you can attend as frequently as you wish; some people just come to do a one of piece, others attend every week. One of the regulars is Maureen Bouch from Leigh-on-Sea. “The company's lovely,” she says, “and you can spend a couple of hours doing something completely different.” Jane Elman agrees adding: “It's also nice to produce pieces that are unique and personal.”

But where do the ideas come from? Anywhere, from serviettes, cross-stitch patterns, and even the wrapping on a pot of humus. Recent convert Susannah Bedwell, says: “I hadn't picked up a paint brush since school until I came here and had no time to do any crafts, but now I look for ideas everywhere. I've brought in a bowl from Lanzarote and am adapting the pattern to use on another piece, then I'm going to start decorating some Christmas baubles.”

For those with experience of painting, ceramics provides a new challenge. As Joyce Cornes, a watercolorist explains: “I paint mainly animals and have really enjoyed learning the different techniques you need to paint on tiles. I keep coming in, and keep aspiring to my masterpiece!”

It's not only individuals who can participate: children's parties are often held in the workshop, and there are allsorts of little figures for them to paint. Hazle Ceramics have also welcomed WI groups, scout leaders and even looked after a hen party!

So, why not lose yourself for a couple of hours, forge the stresses and strains of Christmas shopping, and create something unique!

Hobby painting sessions are held from 11am to 1pm on Fridays and at 11am and 2pm on Saturdays. Extra sessions are held during half terms and over bank holiday weekends. It costs £6 per session plus the cost of the bisque.

Booking is essential. Telephone 01277 220892

Copyright Chris Penhall 2003

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