Craft Academy HALF-DAY Workshop THERE’S A GNOME IN MY DOME with Alex Hellawell - Thursday 5th November 2026 - 1.30pm
Thursday 5th November 2026 - Sunday 8th November 2026
NEC, Birmingham
3-Hour workshop – cost £59.00
Join Alex, fantasy sculptor and creator behind Dark Fairy Creations, for a magical clay sculpting experience where you’ll build your own whimsical gnome emerging from a dome base.
In this relaxed, friendly workshop, you’ll learn how to construct a tin foil armature, sculpt expressive features, and add charming details before your piece is fully cured and ready for painting.
All tools, materials, and guidance are provided. You’ll leave with a finished, cured sculpture ready for painting and display. Perfect for solo creatives or a fun activity with friends.
No experience needed – just bring your imagination and enjoy creating a unique character to take home.
Under Alex’s guidance you will:
• Build a tin foil armature to support your sculpture
• Create your gnome character (body, head, beard, hat, hands)
• Add textures, details, and fantasy embellishments
• Have your sculpture fully cured during the session
• Leave with a finished painted piece
Half-day Academy Masterclass tickets also include:
A complimentary entry ticket for you to visit the main shows on Thursday morning, plus all equipment, materials and consumables.
Advisory Note:
This workshop is suitable for all ages and abilities 16+ due to heat of the clay once cured.
Meet the Tutor
Alex Hellawell
Alex is a UK fantasy sculptor and founder of Dark Fairy Creations. She teaches friendly, beginner friendly workshops that blend simple sculpting techniques with imaginative character design. Her work appears at Comic Con events nationwide, where she showcases playful creatures and encourages makers to explore creativity in a fun, pressure free environment.
* Show times are subject to change. Please check the ICHF Events website for up to date timings.
Choose your tickets
3-Hour workshop – cost £59.00
Join Alex, fantasy sculptor and creator behind Dark Fairy Creations, for a magical clay sculpting experience where you’ll build your own whimsical gnome emerging from a dome base.
In this relaxed, friendly workshop, you’ll learn how to construct a tin foil armature, sculpt expressive features, and add charming details before your piece is fully cured and ready for painting.
All tools, materials, and guidance are provided. You’ll leave with a finished, cured sculpture ready for painting and display. Perfect for solo creatives or a fun activity with friends.
No experience needed – just bring your imagination and enjoy creating a unique character to take home.
Under Alex’s guidance you will:
• Build a tin foil armature to support your sculpture
• Create your gnome character (body, head, beard, hat, hands)
• Add textures, details, and fantasy embellishments
• Have your sculpture fully cured during the session
• Leave with a finished painted piece
Half-day Academy Masterclass tickets also include:
A complimentary entry ticket for you to visit the main shows on Thursday morning, plus all equipment, materials and consumables.
Advisory Note:
This workshop is suitable for all ages and abilities 16+ due to heat of the clay once cured.
Meet the Tutor
Alex Hellawell
Alex is a UK fantasy sculptor and founder of Dark Fairy Creations. She teaches friendly, beginner friendly workshops that blend simple sculpting techniques with imaginative character design. Her work appears at Comic Con events nationwide, where she showcases playful creatures and encourages makers to explore creativity in a fun, pressure free environment.