Acrylic Pouring Craft Retreat Workshop

I’m Lou, the founder of Create and Bloom Crafts, and creativity has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My journey into craft didn’t begin with a business plan, it grew from a deep belief that creativity is for everyone, not just the naturally “artistic”.Before running my own creative studio, I spent 18 years working in the NHS, supporting people with a wide range of mental, physical, and life-limiting conditions. During that time, I saw first-hand how powerful creativity can be, not just as a pastime, but as a tool for emotional regulation, confidence-building, and connection. Craft became my own anchor, and eventually the bridge between my professional experience and my passion.The pivotal moment came when I realised I didn’t just want to make things, I wanted to create welcoming, supportive spaces where people could slow down, feel safe, and rediscover their creativity without pressure or perfection. That’s when Create and Bloom Crafts truly came to life.Teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I love watching someone arrive saying “I’m not creative” and leave surprised by what they’ve made, and how they feel. My workshops are relaxed, encouraging, and rooted in the belief that there is no right or wrong way to create. I focus on process over perfection, and on making sure every participant feels supported, seen, and proud of their work.Alongside community workshops, I’ve taught in colleges and universities, as well as delivering creative sessions in hospices, care settings, and wellbeing-focused environments. These experiences have shaped the way I teach, with sensitivity, adaptability, and a strong emphasis on inclusivity and emotional safety.I’ve worked professionally with well-known creative brands including Crafters Companion and Hobbycraft, and my work has been featured in Crafters Monthly magazines. In 2023, I was honoured to win the Small Business of the Year Concierge Medical Award for my products and creative classes, recognition that meant a great deal, as it reflected both the quality of my work and the impact it has on others.Over the years, I’ve taught hundreds of students through in-person workshops, online classes, retreats, and community sessions. I also support and mentor other creatives, helping them build and grow their own arts and crafts businesses with confidence and clarity. Alongside this, I’ve built a strong and welcoming online presence where creativity, encouragement, and real-life honesty sit at the heart of everything I share.My creative practice spans resin art, mixed media, pigments, watercolour, acrylics, clay, and intuitive creative techniques, with a strong focus on colour, texture, and self-expression. I also design and produce my own creative materials, which gives my workshops a unique behind-the-scenes insight that many people don’t often get to experience.Above all, my work is about creating spaces where people feel comfortable to explore, experiment, and enjoy the simple joy of making. If you leave one of my workshops feeling lighter, more confident, and a little more connected to yourself, then I’ve done exactly what I set out to do.