Helpful information to make the most of your time while you’re here!
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Workshop schedule
DAY 1
9-9.30 am: Please arrive at 9am (no earlier or I may still be in my pjs!) so we can get to know each other a little before we start!
9.30-12.30 pm: Playtime!
12.30-2 pm: Lunch break – the studio will be closed so we can reset our brains!!
Please scroll down for suggestions on where to eat and what to do during this time
2-5 pm: The studio will reopen at 1.50pm and we’ll jump right back into our playtime at 2pm
DAY 2
9-9.30 am: The studio will open at 9am (no earlier) for a 9.30am start.
9.30-12.30 pm: Playtime!
12.30-2 pm: Lunch break – the studio will be closed.
2-5 pm: The studio will reopen at 1.50pm and we’ll jump right back into our playtime at 2pm
5-5.30pm: The Mixed Media Store will be open should you wish to purchase supplies before you leave but don’t worry, there will be no pressure from me to do so 😉 Please note only card and direct deposit payments will be accepted (no cash is kept on the premises and ZipPay is only for online orders).
What to bring and special requests
ART SUPPLIES
I will do my best to provide as many supplies as possible for you to play with all weekend however, I would appreciate if you could bring the following along with you:
- Gel medium: preferably Liquitex. Dina Wakley’s is ok but not very strong
- 8×10 in Gel plate (I will have spare ones if you don’t have one)
- Brayer
- Stamps: bring a few of your favourites
- Stencils: stencils don’t take much space so bring a few!
- Other: large acrylic block for your stamps + feel free to bring washi tape, embellishments and any fun little things you love to incorporate into your art journal
You will be able to play with all my stamps and stencils of course (happy to share!) but the more we have to choose from, the more fun we’ll have 😉
FOOD
Light refreshments (spring water, coffee, hot chocolate and tea) will be provided 😉
DRESS CODE
Or lack thereof…! I want you to be at ease and comfortable so come dressed as you would if you were at home! This means comfortable clothing – and UGG boots if you wish 😉
It is also impossible to have one temperature to suit everyone as we all feel the heat/cold differently and…Â It doesn’t matter how warm it is, it’s normal to get a little cold when you’re sitting down for a while so…
Make sure to dress in layers and to bring a warm cardi or jumper just in case.
Aprons will be provided.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
If you have any special requests, please make sure to let me know asap (and to remind me if you already told me) so I can make your workshop as pleasant as possible 🙂
There are no stairs to worry about, only one step up to get inside then one step down to get into the studio.
I use light dining chairs in the studio with a cushion pad for making our bottoms comfortable but, if you need to bring anything else to make yourself comfortable, please do so. If it’s something that takes space, please do contact me with plenty of notice.
SMOKING
I’m very sorry and I hope this doesn’t offend anyone but smoking is not permitted anywhere in or near the studio/store. If you need a cigarette break, you are welcome to step out at any time for a little walk away from the studio (smoke has an unfortunate habit of infiltrating any room!). Thank you for understanding 😉
PARKING
There is plenty of free street parking available!
DON’T SUE ME!
It is a requirement that you sign an accident waiver and release of liability form before starting the workshop (I will give you a form to sign at the workshop). You are welcome to read it here first so you understand what it’s about. There is nothing dangerous at the studio but it basically means you won’t sue me should you hurt yourself – you could spill a cup of coffee, burn yourself with a heat gun, etc – the usual dangers any mixed media faces on a daily basis 😉
Places to eat and relax…
There are a few things you can do during your lunch break, here are a few suggestions:
Mingara Recreation Club – 10 min drive from the studio – Click HERE for map
Mingara is a very popular club on the Central Coast with a cafe and a few restaurants, ideal if the weather isn’t great and if you want somewhere to chill for a while, people watch and even start a friendly conversation 😉
I suggest The Roasted Berry if you want a simple (and delicious) lunch or coffee and cake.
Westfield Tuggerah – 10 min drive from the studio – Click HERE for map
A large shopping centre with many cafes and a food court inside.
Lots of small restaurants right in front (and middle) of the shopping centre including:
Thai Terrific (click HERE for map) for yummy thai food
The Coffee Club (click HERE for map) for light lunches
Grill’d (click HERE for map) for healthy burgers
Diggers @ the Entrance – 14 min drive from the studio – Click HERE for map
A friendly club with a relaxed restaurant called Bites at the back past reception where you can see the lake. The food is usually really nice there!
If it looks busy make sure to check on waiting time before you order.
If you’re really hungry you could also try the Feast Buffet (all you can eat) on the left past reception.
Just want something from the supermarket/bakery? 3 minute drive from the studio – Click HERE for map
If you don’t want to eat somewhere, you could grab something from the bakery or from Coles at the Chittaway shops 😉
Tuggerah Lake
If it’s a nice day and you’d like to get some fresh air, or maybe just relax by yourself, I suggest driving down to the lake (at the end of my street here)…
Just walk along the water, it’s really lovely! You’ll meet plenty of people cycling and walking their dog, and if you’re lucky you’ll see lots of ducks chilling by the wooden bridge…
The Entrance
Lovely pedestrian area on the water, with shops, ice creameries and restaurants… It’s dead in the evening during winter so if you’re after a nice dinner, try restaurants along the Entrance Road or Diggers @ the Entrance above.
Accommodation
The following places have been HIGHLY recommended by previous students (and many other guests):
Chittaway Motel – 3 min drive from the studio / 12 min walk – Click HERE for map
Many of my students have stayed there and recommend it! Great reviews and most convenient location as it’s the closest from me and has a petrol station, supermarket, bakery, newsagent, doctor, pharmacy and more. Not a ‘scenic’ location but you won’t really be there during the day anyway 😉
Although I have not stayed in any of the following (since I live here!), here are some places with good reviews:
Ibis Styles The Entrance – 14 min drive from the studio – Click HERE for map
Affordable, great reviews and more scenic location 😉
The Clan Terrigal – 19 min drive from the studio – Click HERE for map
4 star hotel on the relaxed Terrigal waterfront.
Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat – 20 min drive from the studio – Click HERE for map
Great reviews, a bit more fancy with amenities.
Can’t wait to meet you!!
Love and Sunshine,
Mimi.