Junior Paint & Pudding: Cupcakes

At the Elk Tipi in Elkstone Studios, on the edge of Tewkesbury, Junior Paint & Pudding: Cupcakes turns a simple Saturday into a hands-on art and sugar rush for kids aged 6–12. The workshop begins in a circular tipi studio where natural light pools across low easels and the smell of acrylic medium mixes with warm sponge cake. An artist-led, step-by-step lesson guides young makers through painting a bright cupcake on canvas, teaching basic brushwork, colour mixing, and composition in an encouraging, small-group setting.

After the canvases dry briefly, the session moves to a decorate-your-own cupcake station stocked with buttercream, squeezable icing, and an array of sprinkles and toppings so participants can recreate their painted designs on real cakes and then eat their creations. This short, 90-minute programme is family-friendly and intentionally low-stress; parents are asked to stay on site while children work, and complimentary hot drinks are available in the studio's waiting area. The Elk Tipi itself is a standout feature—a circular, timber-framed tent that channels a camp-like atmosphere while keeping the event clearly inside a professional teaching space.

That sense of place connects the class to the wider Tewkesbury area: the town sits above the River Severn and is defined by red sandstone architecture and the long silhouette of Tewkesbury Abbey, a medieval landmark that makes an afternoon in town feel like a small history lesson. Materials are provided, so attendees simply need to arrive ready for a little mess and a lot of fun. The mix of tactile painting and hands-on baking appeals to kinesthetic learners and gives children two ways to express the same creative idea.

For visiting families, this is an easy, weather-proof stop between river walks or a visit to the abbey; for locals it's a reliable place for birthday parties or rainy-day entertainment. Why book this: the session pairs focused artistic instruction with the immediate reward of a sweet treat, creating a loop of creativity that ends in a proud, edible keepsake. It's also short enough for commuter parents and energetic enough to leave kids pleasantly tired.

Practical notes: minimum age is six, sessions run for about 90 minutes, and the meeting point is The Elk Tipi, Elkstone Studios. This workshop is a smart, joyful way to introduce children to painting without fuss—and to add a biteable souvenir to the gallery wall. Bookings are limited to keep group sizes manageable and to preserve a relaxed teaching pace; check availability on the booking link before you travel.

Parents should bring a small tote for finished artwork and a change of clothes for younger decorators. The studio provides hand-wash facilities and rubbish bins for tidy-up, making this a low-hassle option for a creative family outing.