Our Workshops
Contact us with your name and which workshop we can walk you through, we look forward to hearing from you and sharing some of our knowledge to help you make something beautiful!
Paintology 101
We have been painting furniture for years and sold it in our popular store in Port Stanley before moving to London, Ontario. Success was found in following the traditional ‘sand, prime, paint and varnish method,’ but have honed our techniques in Cottage Paint and other premium manufacturers as well. We are Certified Paintologists and have trained through study at the Van Gogh institute in British Columbia.
The essentials of Paintology, instruction from experts, and the boundless inspiration for new projects.
Total cost of workshop is $120 + HST
Hands On Level II
This hands-on workshop is for those who have already completed the introductory course. We designed this for those who would like to refinish a piece of furniture they already own, and have a bit of experience in technique but are looking for a bit of help in what to do next. We will provide design ideas, inspiration, and support while you work on your item in our studio.
This class is 4 hours and allows for assistance, insight, and inspiration from experts excited to help make your pieces beautiful. Workshop materials will be included in the price up to a 6 oz jar of paint and the wax or other finish used to finish the project, and a surprise project or two will help drying time go by in a flash.
Total cost of workshop is $25.00 per hour + HST
Best Friends Forever
This workshop brings people together in learning a beginners panel of the different skills that we teach. In this workshop, we will lead you through the proper application of various paints and associated products in a number of different styles, and explain how to best use them. We will then show you how to use waxes to best finish projects, and the two of you will have learned the process start to finish! You will learn the use of glazes and finishes with the various paints and learn other methods of application. You then get to take home the following:
A number of different boards and projects showcasing the use of various tools of paint application including brush techniques you will learn.
There will be a maximum of 2 groups of 2 per workshop, giving quality time for instruction for each attendee. This workshop is typically 2 days and your first day with be 4-5 hours in length. All Workshop materials are included. Notes on all our Stan Portley Paintology techniques that are specific to Stan Portleys- Timeless and Unique.
Come and learn a fun and productive new hobby with a special person in your life!
Total cost of Workshop is $225.00 + HST
Pallet Wood and Barn Board
This workshop will teach you different ways to create the popular pallet wood and barn board effect that is so popular. You will also learn various painting and glazing techniques to get unique colour effects
Your day will start at 9 am or 5:30 pm and be 3 – 4 hours in length.
Total Cost of workshop is $65.00
51 Shades of Grey Finish
This is one of the most stunning finishes we have created and a product we are very proud of. Using our Cottage Paint texturing plaster, van Gogh fossil paint, our own Liquid Metals and our satin and dead flat, we will recreate this finish and show you how to adapt it to create others. An example of the results include such lustrous shades as our Corinthian Bronze Finish.
Your day will start at 9 am or 5:30 pm and be 3- 4 hours in length.
Total Cost of the workshop is $65.00
Reinventing the Chair
Coming Soon!
As classy as refinishing can be, students will bring one chair and one yard of fabric and we will “reinvent” the chair over wine & hors d’oeurves!
Workshop will be three hours in length. Held off-sire at a licensed location, more details will come soon!.
Total Cost of the workshop is $150.00
Cabinet Renaissance
Redo your kitchen or bathroom into one that friends can’t help but be envious of with the Cabinet Renaissance Workshop. Students bring photos and a cupboard door and a drawer front from their kitchen or bathroom for a personal consultation. After being introduced to select techniques, students will have the chance to hone their skills on our sample cabinets. You will leave our workshop confident and capable of revitalizing your own kitchen!
Your day will start at 10 am and be 4 hours in length.
Total Cost of workshop is $125.00 + HST
Venetian Plaster Finish
Venetian plaster is a very popular wall finish but usually requires more skill and investment than most decor styles. In this class, we use an acrylic version which is much easier to use for a Do-it-yourself-er! Using boards of styrene, the students will hone their skills and will leave with the confidence to execute this finish like a professional.
Your workshop will start at 10 am or evening at 6 pm and be 3-4 hours in length.
Total Cost of workshop is $90.00 + HST
Glazing and Furniture Makeup
This workshop will teach you four new ways to accent your furniture, including embossing, texturing and various styles of glazing!
Your day will start at 9 am or 5:30 pm and be 3 – 4 hours in length.
Total Cost of workshop is $65.00
Furniture Makeup Level II
This workshop will teach you how to work with the more difficult but elegant materials of crackle, ancient crackle (stone plaster), crystal embellishments, stencils, and gilding!
Your day will start at 9 am or 5:30 pm and be 3- 4 hours in length.
Total Cost of the workshop is $75.00
Metal Finishes
This workshop will teach you the many aspects of working with the Cottage Paint Urban paints, metallic waxes, Modern Masters and van Gogh Liquid Metals and various textures and plasters. We are also excited to share with you the Stan Portley’s ‘tye-dye’ technique, something we specialize in and can help to add unique flair to any piece.
Your day will start at 9 am or 5:30 pm and be 3- 4 hours in length.
Total Cost of the workshop is $90.00
Cotton and Burlap Throw Pillows
Customize your pillow with a charming design chosen from one of our preselected stencils. Learn how to paint fabric with the various premium paints available at Stan Portleys. We will also show you how to add decorative embellishments- if you have any, such as buttons, bring them and we will help apply them, as well as any of the selections we have for you to pick from!
The instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, a pillow case (with pillow form) and support while you work on your item in our studio. Workshop materials will be included, but extras can also be purchased.
Total cost of workshop is $45.00 + HST
Wooden Crates and Trays
Learn the intricacies of Decorating these popular items through painting, decoupage, and stencilling.
The Instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, a wooden crate or tray and support while you work on your item in our studio.
Total cost of workshop is $65.00 + HST
Rustic Wood Signs
This workshop gives visitors a particularly artistic outlet where you can learn and use some basic chalk paint skills to make your own rustic wooden sign, popular for decoration of indoor and outdoor locations. A variety of options are available for visitors to choose from.
The Instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, and support while you work on your item in our studio. We will pre-sand and prepare the boards for painting your design. We will also help you apply any of the finishes shown in the introductory workshop.
Total cost of workshop is $55.00 + HST
Large Wall Clock
Large wall clocks are very popular but finding the one that is just right for you can be difficult. We are here to help students determine their best fit and how to decorate it to best be part of your own decor.
Your workshop will start at 10 am or 6 pm and will be 3 hours in length. Bring your enthusiasm, colour swatches and pictures: you will have the “time” of your life.
Total Cost of workshop is $95.00 + HST
Porch Signs
Learn the intricacies of decorating your own porch sign through painting, decoupage, and stencilling.
The instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, a 6′ x 12″ board and support while you work on your item in our studio. Single porch sign workshop is approx. 3 hrs in length. The two-sided sign may take a second class to finish.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Total cost of workshop is $95.00 + HST
Total cost of workshop for double sided porch sign is $125.00 + HST
Transfer Watercolour
This workshop gives students a particularly artistic outlet where you can learn and use some basic chalk paint and India ink skills to make your own faux watercolour popular for decoration of indoor locations. A variety of options are available for students to choose from.
The instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, and support while you work on your item in our studio. We will prepare the media for painting and transferring your design. We will also help you apply any of the finishes required to complete the workshop.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Classic Bouquets Paintable 12″ x17″ is $65.00 + HST
Winter Song Wreath Paintable 24″ x4 is $105.00 + HST
IOD Moulds Workshop
Join us while we play with IOD MOULDS. Our examples here were done by multiple IOD Stockists Members. Come create your very own masterpiece on a galvanized bucket or plaque with the IOD air dry clay and Mango Paint. Learn the tips & tricks along the way and leave with your completed project. Reservations are required.
Your workshop will start with preparing the surface of your project, which we provide. We will then help you create your own amazing artistic creation. Students are encouraged to bring other objects to incorporate into the project after consulting with the instructor.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Total Cost of workshop varies from $75.00 to $95.00 + HST depending on content
IOD Paint Inlays
We are so excited to offer this new workshop to our students, it’s been in the making for a few months! We love that this technique can move seamlessly from a tray or a trinket box to a sideboard or a dresser. We are confident that you will be confident using these Paint Inlays on any size project in the future!
We will be creating with Iron Orchid Designs Paint Inlays, a new technique designed by IOD to create gorgeous new finishes. In this workshop we will be combining the inlays with Mango Paint and finishing with Cottage Paint Easy Crackle (a crackling medium) and our own French Caffeine Wax. You will have the choice of three shapes of charcuterie boards.
Our class starts promptly so be sure to arrive a bit early to pick your inlay design and paint colour. There are 9 inlay designs to choose from including one Christmas option.
Sizes: 17″ round, 28″ x 8″ long with handles and 11″ x 17″ long
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Total cost of workshop is $95.00 + HST
IOD Stamps Workshop
This workshop gives students a particularly artistic outlet where you can learn and use some basic chalk paint and India ink skills to make your own faux watercolour popular for decoration of indoor locations. A variety of options are available for students to choose from.
The instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, and support while you work on your item in our studio. We will prepare the media for painting and laying out your design. We will also help you apply any of the finishes required to complete the workshop.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Small project 12″ x17″ is $65.00 + HST
Large Project 24″ x24 is $105.00 + HST
IOD Transfers, Moulds & Stamps Workshop
Join us while we play with IOD TRANSFERS, MOULDS & STAMPS.
Learn the tips & tricks along the way and leave with your completed project. Reservations are required.
Your workshop will start with preparing the surface of your project, which we provide. We will then help you create your own amazing artistic creation. Students are encouraged to bring other objects to incorporate into the project after consulting with the instructor.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Total Cost of workshop $120.00 + HST depending on content
Future Steam Punk Decor Workshop
Learn the intricacies of decorating your own porch sign through painting, decoupage, and stencilling.
The instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, a 6′ x 12″ board and support while you work on your item in our studio.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Total cost of workshop is $xx.00 + HST
Future Private Workshop
This workshop gives students a particularly artistic outlet where you can learn and use some basic chalk paint and India ink skills to make your own faux watercolour popular for decoration of indoor locations. A variety of options are available for students to choose from.
The instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, and support while you work on your item in our studio. We will prepare the media for painting and transferring your design. We will also help you apply any of the finishes required to complete the workshop.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Future Workshop is $xx.00 + HST
IOD Future Worksop
Join us while we play with IOD MOULDS. Our examples here were done by multiple IOD Stockists Members. Come create your very own masterpiece on a galvanized bucket or plaque with the IOD air dry clay and Mango Paint. Learn the tips & tricks along the way and leave with your completed project. Reservations are required.
Your workshop will start with preparing the surface of your project, which we provide. We will then help you create your own amazing artistic creation. Students are encouraged to bring other objects to incorporate into the project after consulting with the instructor.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Total Cost of workshop varies from $xx.00 to $xx.00 + HST depending on content
Future Fusion Workshop
Learn the intricacies of decorating your own porch sign through painting, decoupage, and stencilling.
The instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, a 6′ x 12″ board and support while you work on your item in our studio.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Total cost of workshop is $xx.00 + HST
Future Mango Paint Workshop
This workshop gives students a particularly artistic outlet where you can learn and use some basic chalk paint and India ink skills to make your own faux watercolour popular for decoration of indoor locations. A variety of options are available for students to choose from.
The instructors will provide design ideas, inspiration, and support while you work on your item in our studio. We will prepare the media for painting and transferring your design. We will also help you apply any of the finishes required to complete the workshop.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Mango Basic Workshop 12″ x17″ is $65.00 + HST
Mango Paintology 101 Workshop 24″ x4 is $105.00 + HST
Future IOD Advance Skills Workshop
Join us while we play with IOD MOULDS. Our examples here were done by multiple IOD Stockists Members. Come create your very own masterpiece on a galvanized bucket or plaque with the IOD air dry clay and Mango Paint. Learn the tips & tricks along the way and leave with your completed project. Reservations are required.
Your workshop will start with preparing the surface of your project, which we provide. We will then help you create your own amazing artistic creation. Students are encouraged to bring other objects to incorporate into the project after consulting with the instructor.
Payment in full is required to reserve your spot, register online or call 519.601.3666
Total Cost of workshop varies from $xx.00 to $xx.00 + HST depending on content