Cold Winter days seem to be made for art and craft activities – whether it’s sitting by the fire knitting a beanie, hand pouring a candle or arranging a beautiful vase of flowers as you listen to music. And if you’re looking for inspiration for a new hobby, you’re in luck! The Inner West is home to some of the most creative folk in Sydney – so we’ve scoured the local studios to bring you a list of unique art and craft workshops so you can get the creative juices flowing this Winter.
Fancy getting arty with the family? Whilst many Inner West families are familiar with Julie Peadon’s art classes for kids, this Drummoyne based studio and art gallery is one of the few that offer Family Art Workshops – so you can paint a portrait with nan by your side. From classes inspired by Monet, Van Gogh and Pop Art, these fully guided workshops will have the family bonding over easels and acrylics and include all materials, tuition and light snacks.
Want to find out more about Julie Peadon Art? Read more here.
Everyone from absolute beginners to experienced crafters will find something to suit them at a Skein Sisters’ group class. Pick from basic knitting and learning to crochet, private lessons, project based classes like knitting a beanie or sweater, as well as advanced masterclasses for those in the know. There’s even a Help Clinic where you can get advice on solving a knitting or crochet problem. Love a craft circle? Skein Sisters hosts a free Social Knit and Crochet Night on the last Thursday of the month from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. BYO project.
Skein Sisters
721 New Canterbury Rd, Dulwich Hill 2203
www.skeinsisters.com.au
Did you know one of the Inner West Mums’ favourite art studios also offers sewing classes for adults? ArtSpark runs workshops for complete beginners through to intermediate sewers covering sewing machine basics, overlocking and pattern reading. If you’ve always wanted to create that perfectly fitted dress, wondered how to read a pattern, or have a sewing project you’ve been putting on hold, these workshops could be for you. Best of all you can sign-up for one or several – with discounts available if you book in four classes in the same term.
Want to know more about ArtsSpark’s kids’ art classes? Check out our recent term activity guide here.
ArtSpark Studio
43 Merton Street Rozelle 2039
www.artspark-studio.com.au
Want to re-live one of the most iconic clay wheel romance scenes of the 90s? Yes. We’re talking Ghost. At Clay Sydney you and your significant other can play Swayze and Moore at a ‘date night’ class where you’ll both learn the basics of wheel throwing. Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll reach master potter status in one session, the good news is Clay Sydney offers 4 and 6 week workshops where you can refine your wheel throwing skills or learn to hand build a ceramic piece.
Clay Sydney
Enmore Studio: 37-39 Stanmore Road, Enmore 2042
Marrickville Studio: 146 Victoria Road, Marrickville 2204
www.claysydney.com
Want to make new friends and learn a craft? Chrissy Flanagan, who helmed the old Sausage Factory in Dulwich Hill, has turned her hand to helping adults make new friends over quirky craft nights ranging from Fat Muses Life Drawing to a rowdy sausage making class and acrylic jewellery. There’s also a speed dating event if you’re more on the market for a date than a mate. Check out Chaotic Social for more info.
Chaotic Social
256 Stanmore Road Petersham 2049
www.chaoticsocial.com
Always fancied trying your hand at resin art but didn’t know where to start? At Seed & Spark’s guided 2-hour workshops, you’ll not only learn how to work with food-safe epoxy and resin, you’ll also walk leave with a resin-decorated cheese board or a gorgeous Terrazzo trinket tray and coasters – depending on the workshop you select. But if resin isn’t your thing, you can pick from several other craftivities including a succulent terrarium workshop, candle pouring, and flower arranging. Want to know more about Seed & Spark? Read our profile of founder Alana Piper here.
Seed & Spark
186B Victoria Road, Drummoyne 2047
www.seedandspark.com.au
Chances are you’ve attended a lively hen’s night, joined a team building day, or celebrated a friend’s milestone at a group painting event. And if you haven’t, now’s the time to gather up your besties, bring a bottle of your favourite drop, and book a session – there’s nothing quite like it. And thanks to the popularity of these group classes, there are themed workshops to suit everyone’s tastes. Love Van Gogh? The Night Cats workshop is inspired by our fave Dutch artist. Prefer something more contemporary? The Chanel & Flowers could be just the thing.
Brush & Sip
547 King Street and 559 King Street, Newtown 2042
www.brushandsip.com.au
Everything 70s is back in fashion again. Don’t believe us? Just check out this season’s flared jeans and cool platform boots. And nothing says the 70s like a macrame wall hanging. Whether you’re a fan of retro craft, or just keen to explore the intricacies of this creative knotting technique, at Pidego Art studio in Dulwich Hill, macrame and stained glass artist Hideko will guide you through a fun and friendly workshop to create a mini-macrame plant hanger of your own. Bookings of two or more attraction a discount so bring your bestie along too. Keen for more? Pick from a large wall hanging or creating a macrame holder for your hat. Kids don’t have to miss out either with dedicated workshops for the little ones.
Pidego Art
Shop 1 / 867 New Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill 2203
www.pidegoart.com
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Recently attended an art or craft workshop that you absolutely loved? Leave a comment below or email us at info@theinnerwestmums.com.au – we love hearing about creative workshops in the Inner West and beyond.