£0.00 Cart
£0.00 Cart

London Shoreditch

What is Mindful Art? – The Benefits and Engaging Activities

by
Mindful Art Painting

What is Mindful Art? - The Benefits and Engaging Activities

In today’s fast-paced, technologically-driven world, the need for mindfulness has become increasingly crucial for our self care, inviting us to slow down, breathe and be present.

Worried you aren’t much of a Picasso? The great news is there’s no artistic experience required! Mindful art is all about the process, not the end product! Creative expression is a fundamental aspect of being human and engaging in fun, mindfulness based art activities is a valuable and accessible tool for anyone looking to enhance their well-being and enrich their lives!

Mindful art combines the benefits of mindfulness and creative expression, offering a pathway to self-discovery and healing, along with stress and anxiety reduction There are various types of mindfulness based art therapy you can explore, each offering a range of benefits.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the creative process. It involves paying deliberate and non-judgmental attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise. Mindfulness allows us to cultivate self-awareness and self-compassion and invites us to be gentle and kind to our inner critic.

The beauty of mindfulness is you can practice mindfulness anywhere, anytime. It may be as simple as taking a deep breath, smelling the aroma of your morning coffee or savouring the taste of that crispy bacon. Listening to the birds chirping outside your window or looking up at the sky and taking in the wonder and serenity of the vast cloudscape above you.

What is Mindful Art?

Put simply, mindful art is a creative form of meditation. Applying the benefits of mindfulness to artistic endeavors enables us to explore emotions and thoughts in a calm, gentle and fun way.

Mindful art often induces a natural flow state where you are encouraged to focus on your breath, thoughts, emotions and sensations while creating. Using art activities to explore these feelings in a fun and stress free way allows us to externalise our internal struggles, making them tangible. This process often leads to a sense of catharsis and can contribute significantly to healing and improving emotional well-being.

Pinot & Picasso Mindful Art

Benefits of Mindful Art:

Creative expression can be profoundly healing, serving as a form of therapy, allowing individuals to process complex feelings and experiences.

Helps with reducing stress:

You focus on the process and the being in the present moment, meaning outside stress, duties and concerns go out the window during creating. The calming effects and enjoyment also put us in a more relaxed state, decreasing everyday stressors.

Helps increase self awareness and self acceptance:

Creating from a judgement free mindset fosters a sense of self acceptance, empowerment and gratitude.

Enables emotional healing:

Art making allows us to turn inward and express ourselves in gentle way, offering clarity and insight into feelings and thoughts and the processing of difficult emotions.

Boosts creative thinking:

Surrendering to the flow of making art without overthinking or self-criticism allows a true, authentic freedom of creative expression to emerge. This can reveal new curiosity help unlock

Mindful Art Activities:

There are many fun and mindful art practices to explore using various art materials that are appropriate and beneficial for children and adults. Many children find a level of peace and relaxation in art as it focuses their minds and helps them look at the world around them in a more engaged way.

Attend a mindful art studio HERE!

Collage journaling:

Collage journaling is a versatile style of art making that combines images, text, drawings, and other art elements to express thoughts and emotions in a visual format. expressive means to This form of self-expression is highly personal and allows you to explore and document your inner thoughts.

Meditative colouring:

Portable and convenient, meditative colouring is accessible for everyone and might take adults down memory lane! The designs in meditative colouring books are specifically created to be complex, encouraging individuals to pay attention to small details while filling your pages with all the hues of the rainbow, whether it be with pencils, markers, or crayons.

Hand Colouring In With Pencils

Breathwork painting:

Breath work painting combines the therapeutic benefits of engaging in slow, conscious breathing with intentional breaths during the act of painting. This cultivates a heightened sense of awareness, allowing you to connect with your inner self on a profound level and aims to promote emotional release and alleviate anxiety.

Hand painting brush on canvas pinot & picasso blog

Mindful origami:

Mindful origami combines the ancient art of paper folding with the principles of mindfulness. It offers a way for individuals to cultivate presence through the meditative process of folding paper and for forming intricate designs.

mindful origami

Photography meditation:

Also known as contemplative photography, this mindful practice involves using a camera or a smartphone to capture images intentionally. The focus is on exploring one’s surroundings with a fresh perspective, appreciating the inherent beauty of nature and the present moment.

Body and finger painting:

Body and finger painting offers a unique tactile and sensory experience beneficial to all ages and abilities. Whether using the body as canvas (non-toxic paints please!) or feeling the smooth texture and squishing movement of paint under your fingers, these methods engage the senses in a fun and interactive way.

What is the Difference Between Art Therapy and Mindful Art?

Art therapy and mindful art both use creative expression for therapeutic purposes but they have distinct differences in their approaches and goals.

While mindful art is practised in an informal setting (at home or in an art class) and can be a self-directed practice, art therapy occurs in a clinical setting with a qualified art therapist. The therapist is trained to interpret the artwork, providing insights and facilitating discussion about the artwork and its emotional significance. 

Explore the Different Functions Offered by Pinot & Picasso.

Learn How To Hang A Canvas On A Wall With Ease

by
Pinot & Picasso UK

Your canvas is complete, your masterpiece is perfection, so naturally you are ready to show it off! But how do you hang your wall art in an easy, no fuss way?

Follow our step by step guide to display your Picasso worthy creations with ease.

What to Consider Before Hanging Your Canvas Art:

Lighting:

You want to show off the beautiful textures, details and colours of your masterpiece, so choosing an area with soft natural lighting is a must! However, direct sunlight hitting the canvas should be avoided as it may fade or discolour artworks over time.

Canvas weight:

Smaller canvas prints (up to 16 x 16 inches) can be easily supported on the wall with a saw tooth bracket attached to the top of the timber frame.

For a larger canvas, wire or string attached to the sides is the way to go as it can bear more weight and offer hanging stability.

Most importantly when choosing your hanging method, purchase hangers that are rated for the weight of your canvas, these are typically easily identified on the packaging!

Wall material:

It is essential to consider your wall material in preparation for hanging your canvas print and clean the surface before you start!

Brick or Concrete

If you are comfortable using a drill, hanging your canvas print will come with relative ease! Some important factors to consider:

  • You may need to drill holes in the wall for additional support.
  • Measure twice, drill once!
  • Both the brick and the mortar which holds the bricks together are suitable to drill into with the right tools, mortar tends to be easier to work with.
  • You will need a 1/8 inch masonry drill bit and a masonry screw of the same thickness (or slightly thicker) to screw into the hole.
  • A masonry anchor or sleeve may come in handy, these anchoring systems expand when the screw is tightened, providing a stronger hold.

Plaster

Plaster tends to be brittle and is more susceptible to cracking or breaking so drilling a small hole in the and using a plaster screw reduces the risk of damage to your wall.

You will also want to locate a wall stud, this is a piece of timber behind the plaster that you can anchor your screw to. You can pick up an electronic stud finder at the hardware store or try gently knocking along the wall, listen closely and you will hear where the cavity is hollow where there is a stud there will be a higher tone and more solid sound.

Drywall

Drywall is a user friendly surface to hang canvas art and luckily the majority of walls are constructed with this material!

There are a range of quick and straightforward drywall hanging methods that can be tackled with a few simple tools.

The best part is, unless you’re hanging something really heavy, like the weight of a baby Hippo heavy, you don’t even need to find the wall stud to hang your canvas print.

Protecting your wall:

Avoid using too much force when hammering, be careful not to scratch or dent your walls when measuring and mark out pencil lines with a light touch.

You can protect your walls from being scratched or marked by the wooden frame by applying stick on wall protection pads to the back of your canvas print.

What You Will Need to Hang Your Canvas Print:

You have read over all the basic tips on how to hang a canvas, now it’s time to collect your kit.

Head to your local hardware store and get ready to feel like Bob the Builder as you fill your trolley with these essential tools:

  • Measuring tape
  • Hammer
  • Steel wire or art wire/cord
  • D rings or sawtooth hanger
  • Spirit level

Different Ways to Hang Canvas on a Wall:

Your canvas is ready for its spotlight moment, prepare it for hanging with one of these methods.

Sawtooth hangers:

Sawtooth brackets are perfect for small, lightweight canvas prints and art, easily attached with two small screws to the wooden frame of your artwork.

D-ring hangers:

D rings come in various sizes and shapes with screw holes and screws to attach to your canvas frame. Like sawtooth hangers, these are attached with a screw to the wooden frame and string or wire is added. Take the wire or string and thread it through both D-rings, tie a knot to fasten each end, pulling taut.

Wire or string hanging:

An alternative to D rings is simply stapling wire or string to the wooden frame and tying knots firmly on each end. Standard staple guns can be purchased at your local hardware or craft store and are easy to use, just mind your fingers and make sure to double staple for a firm hold!

Picture hanging adhesive strips:

This invention is perfect for those wanting to hang a smaller canvas print who are more reluctant to grab that drill, change their minds often or are living in a rental property.

Adhesive strips for wall mounting allow you to hang smaller canvases without making holes or leaving sticky residue. They are affordable, super easy to put up and can hold up to 16 pounds.

  1. Measure and cut strips for all four sides of the canvas.
  2. Remove the backing and carefully place strips on all four sides.
  3. Position and firmly stick it to the wall.
Pinot & Picasso Hang A Canvas

FAQ:

How can I maintain my canvas and keep it clean?

Enhance the lifespan of your artworks with a regular Spring clean! The best part is, you don’t need to purchase any special cleaning products to keep those canvas prints looking fine and dandy!

For dust and surface dirt a clean, dry cloth will do the trick. If you have some more heavy residue to take care of, take a slightly damp cloth (using distilled water) and gently wipe over the canvas.

Over time temperature changes may cause your canvas print to sag a little inside of its frame and we have a simple fix!

Fill a clean spray bottle with distilled water and spray a fine mist over the back of the canvas. Leave to dry and notice how it slowly tightens up and pulls itself back into position like magic! Once fully dry, you can hang your clean, newly stretched masterpiece back on the wall.

How can I make sure my canvas art is level without using a spirit level?

A wonky picture on a slight angle is quite distracting but have no fear, there are two surefire hacks to achieving perfectly level picture placement without a spirit level!

#1 Smartphone apps – Bubble level and Spirit Level are free and easy to use, acting as a digital version of a spirit level tool.

#2 Measuring tape – Start from the ceiling and measure down the wall to the top corners of the canvas, adjust your canvas print until both corners are the exact same measurement.

What is the ideal height for hanging canvas prints on the wall?

A general rule is to hang your canvas print on the wall at eye-level, especially if you are planning to hang your masterpiece above a sofa or bed frame.

If you are ready to get fancy and follow Museum guidelines to accurately hang your canvas at eye level follow these basic tips:

  1. Lay the canvas print on a flat surface and measure from the top left corner to the bottom corner.
  2. Divide this number by two to find the canvas height centre.
  3. Add 57 inches (140cm) to this number.
  4. Measure your total number on the wall starting from the floor up mark with a pencil. This is how high the top of the canvas print needs to be from the floor.

How do I measure out a set of canvas art to hang together?

Hanging a set of wall art doesn’t need to be daunting! Consider these few basic hints to ensure a gallery worthy display:

  • Lay out your canvas prints on the floor and decide on the placement. This is where you can get creative ideas flowing, consider which one will be central, do the colours or patterns of each canvas look more complimentary in a particular order?
  • Measure out a distance of 2-4 inches between each canvas print.
  • Mark each spot on the wall with a pencil.
  • The first artwork you hang will be the central focal point of the complete layout and should be hung first, working outwards to hang the remaining canvas prints.

Are there places I should not hang canvas art?

Avoid direct sunlight so those harsh UV rays can’t infiltrate your art!

Rooms that are humid like bathrooms or kitchens tend to have a lot of moisture build up so take this into consideration when choosing the perfect location to hang your canvas.

If you absolutely need to display some awesome canvas art in your bathroom or kitchen, it’s important to apply a protective coating to your canvas to keep out moisture and clean it regularly.

Explore the Different Functions Offered by Pinot & Picasso’s Here!

Pinot & Picasso

12 Fun Things To Do In Shoreditch (London)

by
Things to do in Shoreditch

12 Fun Things To Do In Shoreditch (London)

Whether you’re visiting London or live in the area, Shoreditch is one of the most hip and happening places in East London. With Shoreditch street art near Brick Lane, street food eats and plenty of shopping close by, Shoreditch is quickly becoming the place to be for young professionals in London.

With that being said, here are 12 fun things to do in Shoreditch with your friends, partner, parents or even just yourself.

1. Visit the Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market sees the regular street transformed to a colourful, floral strip every Sunday. The Columbia Road Flower Market isn’t just limited to sunflowers and roses – anything from plants for your bedroom to a tree in your backyard can be purchased from local vendors.

This popular activity occurs every Sunday from 10am to 3pm so it can be a blissful start to your day or the perfect way to  round out the afternoon. Pick up some new florals for you to take home or to gift to someone special. The Columbia Road Flower market may be the main attraction on Sunday, but there are also some cute retail shops on Columbia Road where you can browse for antiques, artworks or stop for a food and drink break.

Columbia Road Flower Market

2. Visit the Museum of the Home

The Museum of the Home will have you rethinking the way we live and what home means to you. Its displays and galleries represent many diverse cultures, their domestic life, and the relationships people have to their home.

Major perk of this museum? It’s free and you don’t need to book! Talk about saving AND learning – a two-for-one bargain.

3. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium

Not only is Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium London’s first cat cafe, it’s also one of the most fun things to do in Shoreditch. Take a break from your worries in a relaxing environment enjoying a fine, hot British cuppa while petting and playing with some cats or start your night surrounded by cats sipping on a feline-themed cocktail.

This unique cafe is a short walk from Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market and the Columbia Road Flower Market, so you can make this snazzy cat cafe a stop along the way.

4. Truman Brewery

London’s largest brewery, the Truman Brewery, has been an iconic landmark in Brick Lane for over twenty years. This estate is home to many bars, clubs and restaurants in the Shoreditch area including All Star Lanes, DF Tacos and Ninety One Living Room. They often have live music events and street food stalls at old Truman Brewery. You can also enjoy window-browsing independent shops like the Brick Lane Vintage Market.

Brick Lane Shoreditch

5. Visit Brick Lane

The most hip and vibrant alley in the whole of Shoreditch is Brick Lane. With street art, many-a flea market and street food, Brick Lane is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. Visitors can gaze at the street art while stopping for a food break at one of the many curry houses or Beigel Bake.

A must-see place has to be the Brick Lane Vintage Market in Truman Brewery. From fur coats to vinyl records, it’s a vintage heaven! There are plenty of exciting discoveries and hidden gems to be found.

6. Hoxton Square

Enjoy the greenery and fresh air in Hackney’s Hoxton Square. Hoxton Square is surrounded by bars and restaurants and is classed as the ‘beating heart of the Hoxton art scene’.

This green space is a short walk away from Shoreditch venues including the rooftop bar Queen of Hoxton.

7. Go on a night out and experience Shoreditch’s nightlife

One of the most fun things to do in Shoreditch also includes experience the vibing nightlife in Shoreditch. From Old Street to Shoreditch High Street, the streets are lined with clubs and bars that know how to get the party started in East London, and restaurants serving great food at all hours.

Enjoy some fun and games with crazy golf, shuffle clubs and darts clubs before hitting the bars around Shoreditch. Some of our top recommendations for hitting the town in Shoreditch include rooftop bar Queen of Hoxton, cocktail bar Callooh Callay and the pumping dance floors of Simmons.

No matter where you go in Shoreditch, you can always have a fun night out with your friends by your side.

Shoreditch Nightlife

8. Attend a paint and sip session

Enjoy a little healthy competition among friends with a paint and sip session at Pinot & Picasso Shoreditch. Among many creative businesses, Pinot & Picasso Shoreditch brings art aficionados and novices together to sip, dip, splash, slosh. Best thing? There’s no talent necessary when it comes to having fun.

A local artist will guide you through an artwork step-by-step so you walk away with a masterpiece to show off and hang up at home. With these paint and sip sessions in Shoreditch London, it’s the perfect activity for your next girls night out, date night, after work event or private party.

Prices start from £30 per Picasso. A great time is free.

9. Old Spitalfields Market

Shoreditch is a melting pot of creatives and Old Spitalfields Market brings local artisans into the spotlight. As the first East London Market Place, Old Spitafields Market is one of the fun things to do in Shoreditch for find hidden gems in vintage shops and support local producers.

Open every day, this market place is visited by vintage shopping enthusiasts and lovers of street food stalls. The stores at Old Spitalfields Market also host many events during the week and up to 200 events across the year.

Old Spitalfields Market

10. Hackney City Farm

Farming in the city? You bet. Hackney City Farm brings children and grown-ups together to get up close and personal with farm animals like pigs, donkeys, sheep and more. Hackney City Farm also offers educational farming workshops for all ages.

In addition to learning all about agriculture, you can get your hands dirty with pottery classes and woodworking. This hard work making you hungry? There’s an Italian cafe for you to enjoy a nice feed before leaving.

11. Visit BOXPARK

Next to Shoreditch High Street station and walking distance from Brick Lane is BOXPARK, the world’s first pop-up shopping mall. Since 2011, this venue, constructed out of shipping containers, has become a staple of the East London scene.

Not only is BOXPARK Shoreditch known for its unique shopping and food vendors, they also host a variety of events. From live music & DJS to markets and comedy nights, there is something for all East Londeners – even paint and sip classes.

BOXPARK Shoreditch

12. Visit an Art Gallery

While Shoreditch’s street art is worth its own walking tour, there are plenty of art galleries to visit in the area including Rich Mix in Bethnal Green and Kimistry Gallery in Shoreditch.

Where is Shoreditch Located?

Shoreditch is one of London’s most vibrant areas with street art, food markets, vintage shopping, and a vivid nightlife. Shoreditch is located in East London in the Hackney and Tower Hamlets boroughs.

How can I get to Shoreditch?

Visiting Shoreditch is very easy thanks to public transport. Buses run regularly along Shoreditch High Street from all directions. If you’re coming from out of the area, Liverpool Street station,Old Street Underground station and Shoreditch High Street station are walking distance from the main streets of Shoreditch.

Book a Paint and Sip Session with Pinot & Picasso Today!

If you want to have a great time in Shoreditch, a paint and sip session with Pinot & Picasso is the way to go. Paint along with a helpful instructor with a glass of Prosecco in hand and unleash that artistic flair you’ve always possessed.

Get your gang together and book a session today at our Shoreditch studio.

PAINT & SIP IN SHOREDITCH
Pinot & Picasso
Login to your account
Pinot + Picasso
Sign Up

Already have an account? Log in