Find your creative hen do at Blueprint Woodcraft, Canvey Island

 
Blueprint Woodcraft, is a family-run Essex studio based on Canvey Island, that handcrafts stunning bespoke wood furniture and resin pieces. We were invited along to take part in an exciting resin woodwork class, the perfect idea for a get together with your best gals or guys for the ultimate creative hen or stag activity. Our deputy managing editor, Kelly Andrews, jumped at the chance. Here, she tells us all about her two hours crafting a beautiful and unique serving board.  

Today’s hen and stag dos are much more about spending quality time together, enjoying a life experience, rather than ‘going out on the lash’. The older you get, the worse the hangover are, am I right? With craft workshops high on the agenda for many, this felt like the perfect choice. 

When I arrived, my workstation was laid out for me with everything I need. As a hobbyist who loves creating resin jewellery this was a great opportunity to learn more about bigger resin pieces. What I’d not experienced before, and was interest to know about was putting your own mould together. First, we adhered the four sides of the wooden frame around the gorgeous slice of 400-year-old English brown oak we’d be working with before filling in every last gap with silicone. It’s very important that the resin not be allowed to escape. It’s a tricky customer and will find any tiny nook or cranny given the chance, so this is a crucial step. It’s fair to say, my mould was far from pretty at this point. With no experience of using silicone in a bathroom this was all new to me. The perfectionist in me was screaming! However, wonderful business owner, skilled artisan and tutor for the morning, Alex Dzikuan, reassured me that function was way more important at this state than aesthetics! 

The silicone started to dry quickly, so in no time, we were on to learning the equations needed to calculate exactly how much deep pour resin was needed, and ratio of resin to hardener, to ensure not a drop was wasted. Once stirred and completely clear, it was time for the even more fun part – colour and design! There was a wonderful array of liquid pigments and shimmering mica powders available create bespoke, jaw dropping designs. I opted for the colour scheme of my kitchen, green. My plan was to show off the raw edge of the wood, so I set about attempting an ombre affect with a clear green pigment close to the edge moving out to a more opaque metallic green at the outer edge (I can never keep things simple!).  

Despite maths being by far my worst subject at school, I’m happy to report that my resin pour was perfect and was just the right amount. All that was left was to let it settle and begin its cure, entrusting my work of art to Alex’s capable hands for finishing. His instructions were clear and helpful throughout, and he was always on hand to offer top advice.

Within two weeks, my board was ready to collect and I’m absolutely thrilled with it. It had been polished and sanded beautifully by Alex and gold tone handles were affixed for a high-end feel. I can’t wait to display it on my dining room table.  

I can report that this would make a fun and memorable experience for a hen gathering. While the workshop space is small and can accommodate up to six, Alex is more than happy to accommodate groups of 12 and even beyond out in the main workshop. In fact, all you need to do is get in touch as Alex will be delighted to plan a group experience for you and your group complete with prosecco and snacks, or whatever vision you have for the session. Why not borrow the boards you’ve created and use them as table centrepieces on the big day to hold your flowers, breads or starter platter (since they’re food safe)? You’re even welcome do supply your own wood, should you have some you’d like to repurpose, just discuss your ideas with Alex in advance. Discounts are available for larger groups. Children under 14 are welcome too with adult supervision. 

If you’d rather leave your wood and resin centrepieces to the experts, Blueprint Woodcraft will also happily take commissions according to your colour palette and ideas, including laser engraving should you choose.  

While the main part of the business is creating commissioned bespoke dining room tables for clients, Alex has great plans for the future of the education size. “I think resin training is underprovided here in the UK, so I’m aiming to get a bigger place, perhaps in London, to open up an academy and do this every day,” he shares. He currently offers three workshops from his base on Canvey including the small board, a bigger board alternative and liquid art. The latter uses a different type of resin, which will start to go off in 45 minutes, so students have a limited time to create their pieces incorporating various other media such as seashells.  “I can easily write another 10 of these experiences and I know the classes will go down well based on the responses I currently get – everyone loves it!” Alex explains.  

If you can’t wait to attend a course or you want to keep learning after attending Alex is working on educational content for social media, with a YouTube channel in development. He's also written a book, which is in its editing stages and contains step-by-step projects with more than 250 pictures. So, keep your eyes out for that.  

For a wonderful, creative group experience, this workshop comes highly recommended. Find out more at blueprintwoodcraft.com