Workshop Overview
Discover the joy of turning your treasured keepsakes into a beautiful bespoke Memory Box artwork in my one-day Memory Box workshop in Hastings, East Sussex. Whether your objects are joyful, nostalgic, or deeply personal, this workshop is a chance to tell their story and celebrate the significance they hold in your life.
Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to explore their creativity, this hands-on workshop teaches you how to arrange, secure, and finish your objects using professional assemblage art techniques. You will create a Memory Box you’ll cherish and proudly display or gift to a special someone.
In a small-group setting for an intimate, personalised experience (maximum 4 participants), you’ll receive guidance from a professional artist, learning how to balance colour, texture, and storytelling to create the best possible composition. Held in my sunny garden studio on the East Sussex coast, the workshop includes all materials, a pre-prepared 28 × 28 cm backing board, homemade lunch, and refreshments throughout the day, providing a relaxed and inspiring environment to bring your memories to life.
By the end of the day, you will leave with a finished Memory Box ready for framing and the confidence to continue exploring assemblage art with your own collection of keepsakes.
“I absolutely loved everything about Pippa's Memory Box workshop: from the inspiring and beautiful location to her passion of memory boxes and artistic view. It was lovely to spend a day with like-minded creative people and I welcomed Pippa's guidance and help on my memory box. She is super friendly, very helpful, informative and explained everything very well. It was my first memory box, but I'm sure it wasn't the last!” - Gizella
What You’ll Learn
During the day, you will:
- Curate your collection of keepsakes
- Learn about the design principles I follow in my work, experimenting with layout, spacing, balance, and storytelling
- Learn how to secure different types of objects to your board appropriately
- Finish your piece with guidance and advice on framing options
By the end of the workshop, you will leave with a beautiful artwork ready for framing, feeling proud of what you have created and excited to give it pride of place in your home.
What’s Included
- All materials needed to create your bespoke Memory Box
- Handmade 28 × 28 cm canvas backboard
- Expert guidance and tuition from a professional artist
- A Curious Collection notebook and pencil for note-taking
- Homemade lunch served in the garden (weather permitting), made from produce from my veg garden — all dietary requirements accommodated
- Refreshments throughout the day: tea, coffee, still and sparkling water, cakes, and biscuits
What’s Not Included
- Keepsakes: You will bring your own collection. If you would like to attend a workshop which allows you to select items from my collection to use in your arrangement, see my other workshop here.
- Additional Boards: Extra backing boards can be pre-ordered at least 5 days before the workshop or purchased after the workshop and posted to you.
Location & Setting
Held in my sunny garden studio in Hastings, East Sussex, this workshop provides a calm and inspiring environment perfect for exploring assemblage art and giving your keepsakes the attention they deserve.
You’ll create your artwork surrounded by my collections of vintage keepsakes and other artistic inspiration. The studio sits on the edge of our acre garden, with views across the vegetable garden, chicken coop and down over Linton Gardens, offering a peaceful backdrop that nurtures creativity.
I also offer a 2-day workshop at my studio in Hastings, please see here for more information.
Address: Linton Road, Hastings, TN34 1TW
Nearest station: Hastings Railway Station, 10–15 minute walk
Accessibility: Please note that the workshop is held in my garden studio, with a step into the studio and a few steps into the house for the bathroom, and therefore I’m afriad unsuitable for wheelchair users. If this affects you, please contact me to discuss alternative locations.
Hastings is ideal for a mini-break, with castles, coastal walks, wood-fired seafront saunas, restaurants, and antique shops. Check out my guide to local inspiration and vintage shopping on my blog here.
Running Time & Dates
Workshops run from 10am to 4.30pm
Spring/Summer Dates:
Friday 26th June 2026
Friday 21st August 2026
Friday 9th October 2026
Friday 5th December 2026
Autumn/Winter: Coming soon
Sign up to my workshop email list to be the first to hear about these dates.
Price
£130 per person
Who is this workshop perfect for
This workshop is perfect for anyone who wants a relaxing and creative day in Hastings, sharing experiences and memories through the objects they are turning into a bespoke artwork.
No artistic experience is needed. I will be there to help with composition, fixing tricky items, and bringing everything together.
If you are hoping to create something larger with a bigger collection of items, please see my 2-Day Memory Box Workshop.
Workshop gift vouchers
This unique experience makes a thoughtful gift experience for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or Christmas.
If you are ordering for yourself and a friend, let me know after you place your order that one of the tickets is a gift, and I will send a beautifully wrapped voucher to you or directly to the recipient. Alternatively, you can purchase a single workshop gift voucher here.
"Looking for a special milestone gift or just fancy getting creative with a brilliant artist? I purchased a workshop voucher for a friend’s 60th birthday and couldn’t be happier with my choice. The prompt and friendly communication with Pippa, the gorgeous gift-wrapped voucher, accompanied by a handwritten message and quick delivery. I know my friend is going to love this workshop!” – Jo
Ready to Tell Your Story Through Objects?
Places are limited due to the small class size, so workshops do book up quickly.
You can read more testimonials here, and if you have any questions or would like to book a private workshop for yourself or a small group, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Terms & Condition
Capacity
A minimum of 3 participants is required. If not met, your workshop may be transferred to the next available date. You will be notified at least 10 days in advance.
What to Bring
Apron (optional) and your keepsakes (20–30 items recommended; typically 10–20 used). Guidance will be sent before the workshop.
Cancellation Policy
Notify at least 10 days in advance for a refund or transfer. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. Transfers are at the artist’s discretion and can be made once. If the workshop is cancelled by the artist, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.
Intellectual Property
Workshop content, including methods, techniques, and processes, remains the property of the artist. Participants retain ownership of the artwork they create.
Photography & Use of Images
Photos may be taken for documentation or promotional purposes. You may opt out at any time. Permission may also be requested after the workshop.
Responsibility for Personal Items
You are responsible for the keepsakes you bring. The artist cannot accept liability for loss or damage.
Health & Safety
All workshops are run with full risk assessments in place, and public liability insurance is held to ensure a safe and professional environment for all participants. Workshops involve the use of basic tools and materials. Participants agree to follow guidance given by the artist and take reasonable care. Please inform the artist of any medical conditions, allergies, or access requirements.
Studio Access
Please note that the Clerkenwell venue is on the first floor with no lift access. At this time, I cannot offer a step-free access workshop, but there is better access at my Studio Workshops in Hastings.
Force Majeure
Please note that in the unlikely event that the workshop is cancelled by the artist due to unforeseen circumstances, the artist will offer a full refund of the workshop fee or an alternative date. The artist cannot accept responsibility for any travel, accommodation, or other expenses incurred by participants in connection with the workshop.
What Happens Next
Once your place is booked, you will receive a confirmation email. 10 days before the workshop, I will request:
- Guidance on curating your keepsake collection
- A photograph of your items (helpful for fragile or complex materials)
- Personal information such as dietary requirements and an emergency contact