KAREN STAMPER · SIGNATURE COURSE
When did you last open your sketchbook and actually enjoy it?
Free Up Your Sketchbook and Grow is six weeks of mixed media, mark making, and creative play, designed to quieten the inner critic and remind you why you loved making art in the first place.
Course opens once a year
4th September 2026
All levels
Self-paced · 1 year access
Waitlist members purchasing Free Up get £40 off and qualify for a £25 voucher for a concertina sketchbook course (after week 6 of Free Up)
WHO IS THIS FOR
You don't need to be "good at art."
You just need to want to create.
Is this you?
"I found my joy."
— Alex, Free Up student, 2025
THE TRANSFORMATION
It's not about drawing better.
It's about feeling free again.
This course won't teach you rules.
It will help you break them, gently, joyfully, one page at a time.
"I couldn't make a mess. I just couldn't. And I've learned to. That's the biggest breakthrough I've had."
— Seena, Free Up student, 2025
"This year, I don't care. I just feel this amazing sense of freedom."
— Jacki, returning student, Free Up 2025
WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE
Six weeks. One page at a time.
Week 1 - Let go
Free marks, new marks, happy accidents. You'll start to see that the "mistakes" are often the best bits.
Creative benefit: freedom, working in the unknown
Week 2 - Build
Found papers, rubbings, tissue, collage. Confidence quietly builds, page by page.
Creative benefit: growing confidence, no pressure
Week 3 - Paint without fear
Acrylics, limited colours, no rules. You'll wonder why you were ever afraid of paint.
Creative benefit: playful, not afraid of painting
Week 4 - Bring it together
Ink washes, photographs, images embedded into layers. This is where things get exciting.
Creative benefit: experiment, see what happens
Week 5 - Pause and look
We stop, reflect, and look at your work with fresh eyes. A moment to breathe — and to plan.
Creative benefit: pause, reflect, plan
Week 6 - Keep going
Scale up. Simplify. Push further. This isn't the end of something — it's the beginning.
Creative benefit: momentum, personal development
WHAT'S INCLUDED
It is like six creative weekends, all from your own home.
90+ short videos
5–10 mins each, watch at your own pace
3 live Zoom sessions
Connect, ask questions, stay inspired
Weekly artist interviews
UK, US and Australia
Private community
Share your progress, stay motivated
1 year access
No rush, no pressure
Bonus: make your own sketchbook
With Ali Manning, Vintage Page Designs
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
It changes how they see their art and themselves.
Who is Karen Stamper?
Karen is a UK based artist and teacher who helps people break free from creative blocks and fall in love with their sketchbooks. She loves collecting inspiration from her travels in her concertina sketchbooks.
She has taught thousands of students through in-person workshops, art holidays and online classes to play with collage, and enjoy the process even if they don’t feel “good at art”.
Her approach is simple: no pressure, no perfection, just joyful, expressive sketchbooks.
PRICING
One course. One window. Once a year.
The next chance after September 2026 is September 2027.
Standard Price: £290
(or 2 × £145 — no discounts apply to the split payment option)
Waitlist price: £250
The best price available — waitlist members only
Waitlist closes 31st August
✓ £25 voucher for any Concertina Sketchbook course — sent after week 6
✓ 14-day refund guarantee
Best available price
Already bought the Taster Lesson?
You'll have received a £10 discount code by email. Apply it at checkout alongside any of the above prices.
The split payment option (2 × £145) does not accept coupons or discounts.
Cart opens 4th September · closes 13th September
Returning student?
If you've joined Free Up before, keep an eye on your inbox!
You'll be receiving a special alumni discount by email.
Use that link to enrol at your exclusive rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have access to the course?
How will the course content be delivered?
What materials will I need?
What this course is not
How much does it cost? What if I am unhappy with my purchase?
Do I need to be able to draw?
I have done some of your courses, will this build on what I have learnt so far?
Is your sketchbook still waiting for you?
Join the waitlist before 31st August.
Secure the best price.
Open 4th September — once a year, that's it.
Join the Waitlist
Prefer to spread the cost?
You can join Free Up Your Sketchbook and Grow with two monthly instalments of £145.
✓ Your first payment is taken when you sign up.
✓ Your second is taken automatically one month later.
✓ Full access from day one — no waiting.
Please note: coupons and discounts cannot be applied to the split payment option. If you have a discount code, the single payment option will give you the best price.
