Craft + Cuppa: Brush and Bleach

Date

23 Nov 2026

Time

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Price

FREE

Location

Polden Commons

Location

Polden Commons

ResLife Ollie

Paint it, bleach it, wear it

Turn a plain top into wearable art

Got a dark t-shirt, hoodie or pair of jeans that's feeling a bit plain? Bring it along to this week's Craft + Cuppa and transform it into a one-of-a-kind piece.

Bleach painting is a simple but striking technique. Instead of adding colour, you paint with a thin bleach solution that lifts the dye out of the fabric, leaving bold designs in warm oranges, golds and soft tones. Sketch your design, trace over it with a brush and watch it slowly appear as it dries. Flowers, moons, animals, lettering, the choice is yours.

Not much of an artist? No problem. You can draw your own design or use one of our stencils, and our ResLife Ambassadors will guide you through every step.

It's a fun, sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe, get creative and start the week with something new.

Please note: you'll need to bring your own clothing to paint. Dark-coloured, natural fabrics work best, such as 100% cotton, cotton blends with at least 80% cotton, and denim. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics, and anything with spandex or elastane, won't work.

Brush on, bleach out, stand out.

Polden Common Room is on the ground floor of Polden B Block, next to the Polden Cafe and just along from the West Accommodation Centre. The room is fully accessible with step-free access and a range of booth and table seating. There are accessible toilets on the same floor.

ResLife Ambassadors will be there to welcome you. You'll be able to recognise them in their light blue RLA hoodies and t-shirts with the ResLife logo on.

You can find out more about Polden Common Room here.

Craft + Cuppa is a relaxed, drop-in session. There's no formal start or end, so arrive when it suits you and stay for as long (or as little) as you like.

When you arrive, our RLAs will talk you through how it works and how to use the materials safely. Instructions and safety equipment, including masks, will be provided. As bleach needs good ventilation, the doors and windows of Polden Common Room will be open throughout, so bring a warm layer.

Wear old clothes you don't mind getting splashed, as bleach can mark fabric. The colour takes around 20 minutes to develop, and RLAs will explain how to rinse and wash your item when you get home.

There's no official icebreaker. You can chat with other students while you make, or keep to yourself if that's more your vibe.

Hot drinks will be available throughout. Help us make this a sustainable event by bringing your own mug.

If you need a quieter spot or a break, just let one of our RLAs know and they'll be happy to help.

If you would like to attend more events like this one, make sure to check the ResLife Events page regularly for our latest updates.

For more ways to connect, you can see events hosted by the SU here, as well as information on societies and how you can join.

Please note:

We have photographers and film-makers at some of our events to capture footage to share online and for use in future promotional materials. If you don't want to be featured, please inform a member of the ResLife Team.