Paint and Pause

05/04/2026

Pasg Hapus Pawb!

I hope everyone is enjoying their Easter Sunday!

I’m revamping my trusty trolley one bit at a time. Taking things slow and enjoying the process. All whilst having a studio ghibli marathon.

What are you doing today?

02/04/2026

For the next 11 weeks you can join Jo and Vince at Cwmbran Library, every Thursday 2.15-4.15pm. Here you will be introduced to some guest speakers, have a chit chat and cuppa, and do some mindfulness. There is a donation fee of £2. Completely worth it.

If you’re anxious to go, let me know and I can meet you outside as I will also be there.

See you soon everyone

Start of a new project if your free pop in tomorrow at Cwmbran Library 2:15 - 4:15

30/03/2026

Today’s session at Llantarnam Grange sparked some really thoughtful conversations around food, wellbeing and how our senses affect us.

We talked about how food is often at the forefront of our minds; not just in terms of nutrition, but in thinking about where our next meal is coming from and how it fuels us day to day. It reminded us that food isn’t just something we eat, it’s energy, comfort and support for our overall wellbeing.

The group also reflected on how sensory experiences can impact us differently. This is becoming a theme where naturally it’s coming into conversation quite passionately from the participants on how certain foods can influence mood and focus, particularly through dopamine, and how even things like flowers, although beautiful, can sometimes feel overstimulating rather than calming. It was a very interesting insight and I very much appreciate the honesty that took place in these discussions.

It was a gentle reminder that nourishment looks different for everyone, and that wellbeing can come from understanding what helps us feel regulated, grounded and supported.

To finish the session, we all sat together for some delicious cawl and sourdough from Llantarnam Grange Café. A lovely way to leave, feeling relaxed and nourished. Thank you!

Food 4 Growth Torfaen

28/03/2026

Join us for a FREE Paint & Pause session where you can slow down, get creative, and connect in a relaxed, welcoming space. No experience needed, just come as you are.

After the session, stay and enjoy a comforting bowl of cawl, giving you time to chat, reflect, and nourish both body and mind. 🥣💛

Sometimes the best conversations and connections happen once the brushes are down and we gather together.

📅 Monday 30th March at 11am
📍 Llantarnam Arts Grange
📧 To book: PaintandPause@hotmail.com

28/03/2026

Yesterday, the group reflected on how we can grow differently. Each of us planting unique foods, and sharing them. By sharing, we create a more sustainable, resilient community - where everyone has nourishment, and we rely less on outside sources. But we realised it’s not just food we can share. Imagine sharing skills, kindness, and creativity. By doing so, we foster both longevity and sustainability; not only in our food systems, but in the strength of our entire community. What will you grow and share?

A big thank you to The Cookes Bakery for providing us with their delicious pastries, they were a big hit! And also to Amgueddfa Torfaen Museum for hosting us. The hospitality was wonderful and it was great for us to be able to explore the museum!

Food 4 Growth Torfaen

27/03/2026

Today’s session at Pontypool Museum may have been small in number, but it was huge in heart 💜

With just five of us, the intimacy allowed deeper conversations while we painted. We shared heavy topics with support, but also moments of mindful focus. One participant realised the cornucopia symbol reflected her allotment journey and she wrote ‘Our Future’ on the back of her canvas. We spoke about how food energizes us, how dark chocolate comforts us but reminds us of balance, and how we dream of sharing locally grown food.

Even in a small circle, we grew something big together. Let’s keep nourishing ourselves and each other!

Food 4 Growth Torfaen

26/03/2026

Tomorrow!

We have our first session with Food 4 Growth Torfaen and Pontypool Museum Amgueddfa Torfaen Museum with an 11am start.

Now is your chance to get some time to yourself before the chaos of half term arrives next week. We still have a few spaces available so send us an email at paintandpause@hotmail.com and enjoy some of The Cookes Bakery pastries whilst getting creative.

And for everyone who have booked on already, I look forward to meeting with you 👩🏻‍🎨

24/03/2026

Did you know? Our upcoming Paint & Pause sessions aren’t just about mindful creativity? They’re also delicious!

Thanks to Food 4 Growth Torfaen, we’ve got some lovely treats lined up!

⭐️At our Pontypool museum session, The Cookes Bakery will provide a selection of pastries to fuel your creativity.

⭐️At Llantarnam Grange Café, you’ll enjoy a warming cawl.

Come for the art, stay for the nourishment! Grab your free spot and treat yourself!

We have 2 sessions available to book onto:

🗓 27th March – Pontypool Museum 11am - 1.30pm
🗓 30th March – Llantarnam Grange Café - 11am - 2.30pm
💌 Book via: paintandpause@hotmail.com

22/03/2026

*Nourish your body, Nourish your soul*

This piece is inspired by nourishment.
Not just food, but the things that refill us emotionally, mentally and physically.

The cornucopia symbolises abundance and fullness. A reminder that nourishment can come in many forms, and that we all deserve to feel supported and replenished. The fruit represents the different things that feed us, whether that’s rest, connection, creativity, nature or simply taking a moment for ourselves. The leaves and growth elements reflect renewal, showing that when we nourish ourselves, we create space to grow.

During this session we’ll use mindful painting to explore what nourishment looks like for you. There’s no right or wrong outcome. Some may focus on calm, others on growth, comfort or strength.

Just a chance to slow down, be present, and reconnect with what fills your cup.

We have 2 sessions available to book onto:

🗓 27th March – Pontypool Museum 11am - 1.30pm
🗓 30th March – Llantarnam Grange Café - 11am - 2.30pm
💌 Book via: paintandpause@hotmail.com

These sessions are free, but spaces are limited… and they always fill quicker than people expect. To find out more info check out previous posts!

20/03/2026

I’m excited to announce that we have 2 sessions available through Food 4 Growth Torfaen and are fully funded.

These sessions are all about slowing down, taking a breath, and giving yourself a moment that’s just yours. No pressure, no expectations… just space to create, reflect, and be.

We’ll be painting, chatting, and enjoying some beautiful local food along the way (because nourishment isn’t just about what’s on the canvas). We have the fantastic The Cookes Bakery at Pontypool Museum bringing us pastries and Llantarnam Grange Café providing us with a cawl!

🗓 27th March – Pontypool Museum 11am - 1.30pm
🗓 30th March – Llantarnam Grange Café - 11am - 2.30pm
💌 Book via: paintandpause@hotmail.com

These sessions are free, but spaces are limited… and they always fill quicker than people expect 👀

If you’ve been thinking about coming along, this is your sign!