3–8 June 2026 · 6 days / 5 nights

Furniture Painting Retreat (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint)

With Tristan Merriam

Past retreat

Step into the world of Chalk Paint® and immerse yourself in the richly creative universe of Doghead Designs.

Illustrated workshop building at Court House Farm

Illustrated stable range at Court House Farm

The retreat

Your time at the Manor

Day by day

Dates 3–8 June 2026 · 6 days / 5 nights
Skill level All levels welcome

Step into the world of Chalk Paint® and immerse yourself in the richly creative universe of Doghead Designs. This Six day retreat is a rare opportunity to explore decorative furniture painting and upcycling within the historic, soul-stirring setting of Court House Farm.

Led by Tristan of Doghead Designs—a celebrated Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® brand ambassador—the retreat brings together expert technique, creative play, and inspiring conversation. During the week, you’ll be joined by Annie Sloan herself, whose pioneering approach to colour and decorative paint has inspired people all over the world to join the Chalk Paint® family and rediscover the joy of making.

Expect hands-on workshops, lively demonstrations, and one-to-one guidance as you transform a small piece of furniture and explore your own creative rhythm. It’s a retreat that blends skill with soul—part workshop, part gathering, part creative reset.

What you’ll do

• Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® techniques including blending, distressing, gilding, stencilling, and ombré
• How to build colour palettes and surface texture through creative mark-making
• Approaches to upcycling and repurposing with imagination and flair
• How to design and style a finished piece for photography and display
• Ways to nurture your creative process and confidence, from concept to completion

What's included

Five nights’ accommodation at Court House Farm (private ensuite or shared bathroom options)
All meals & refreshments, Our in-house chef Kirstie produces seasonal, bountiful food, shared slowly over conversation
Daily workshops with Tristan of Doghead Designs
Annie Sloan Techniques Workshops (blending, distressing, gilding, stencilling, ombré and more)
1:1 tuition while working on your own small piece of furniture (brought from home or ordered through Tristan so the piece will be here waiting for you)
Creative upcycling sessions for example canvas colour work, glass painting, and napkin dyeing
Demonstrations and Q&A with Annie Sloan, founder of Chalk Paint®
Styling and photography session with your finished piece
Guest activities: mindful movement and art history talk
Optional trip to local landmark and a trip to Doghead Designs studio & shop in Clevedon

What to bring & other costs

As a residential guest, expect delicious fresh food created by our wonderful chef Kirstie, as well as tea, coffee and more throughout the day, and the bar is open for you from 6pm.

Tristan Merriam

Your tutor

Good company.

Expert guidance.

Founder of Doghead Designs | Annie Sloan brand Ambassador | BBC Money for Nothing Designer

Tristan Merriam is the creative force behind Doghead Designs, known for bold, expressive furniture transformations that celebrate character and craftsmanship. Based in Clevedon, North Somerset, Tristan is an official Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® stockist and leads regular workshops from his flagship shop.

His passion lies in rescuing quality vintage furniture and reimagining it with specialist paint techniques, rich colour palettes, and unexpected finishes. No two pieces are ever the same — and that’s exactly the point.

A regular designer on the BBC’s Money For Nothing, Tristan brings humour, hands-on knowledge, and a deep respect for the stories objects carry. His teaching style is energetic, empowering, and endlessly encouraging — whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refine your skills.

dogheaddesigns.com

In their own words