Calling all crafty folks [or wannabe crafters] of the Highlands!
If you’re looking for a new way to unleash your creativity and have a blast while doing it then we’ve got some fantastic ideas lined up for you.
Whether it’s painting, pottery, knitting, or any other crafty pursuit, there’s something for every type of Highlander to enjoy. Taking up a creative hobby is also a wonderful way to have a break from the screens and the hectic pace of life to indulge in some me-time.
And if you’re keen for even more inspiration, be sure to check out our listing of Art, Craft and Special Interest Classes for a load of awesome workshops, classes, and activities.
Let’s get those creative juices flowing!
Unleash Your Inner Picasso
You don’t have to be the next Van Gogh or Georgia O’Keefe to have a go at painting or sketching. And as Mr Bob Ross said, “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”
So here are some spots where you can make happy little accidents of your own.
Corinne Dany Studios in Mittagong runs a large range of interesting art workshops for adults from acrylics, life drawing and even regular Friday night sketch clubs. We also love the paint ‘n’ sip sessions that run around once a month. Vino and art? YES PLEASE!
Speaking of combining your art with something incredible, how good do the ‘Cake & Create’ workshops at Darling Mills Studio in Bowral sound? Each session focuses on a different bespoke art process and comes with yummy cake, talk about a sweet deal!
If you’re looking to get creative as a crew then have a peep at Art Club Studios’ ‘Collab Artwork Sessions’. Working as a group with the guidance of artist and owner Louisa, you’ll create your own beautiful collaborative work. Ideal for families, pals, workmates and hens or bucks.
To try your hand at printmaking have a go at one of the cool workshops held by Printmaking Sisters at the Highlands Hive throughout the year.
Another fun art option is the workshops held at Mount Murray Farm. With choices like ‘watercolours for beginners’ to ‘paint your pet’ and ‘brushes and bubbles’ there’s bound to be an arty adventure you’ll enjoy.
We’ve also gotta shout out to the wonderful Bowral District Art Society workshops and for classes you can sign up for weekly or a weekend workshop and then have a look at the lovely Tracey Miller Art.
Get Those Hands Dirty
Pottery and ceramic pieces are so trendy right now so why not have a go at getting your hands muddy and those wheels turning?
Geoff McKinnon Pottery Studio runs ceramic classes for everybody from beginners to advanced potters. Try hand-building, wheel throwing, turning, decorating and much more.
Sturt Studios also runs weekly pottery classes however the studios are currently under review and the next term of classes won’t be going ahead until the review is complete. We’ll keep you updated when this changes.
Knit Sew Good
Not just a hobby your grandma does but an actual fun way to pass the time and make yourself something cosy or fancy in the process.
Castle Handmade is currently hosting fortnightly social sit & stitch sessions at their pop-up location in Springetts Arcade. If you’ve got a crochet or knitting project, you’re working on this is a great way to meet some like–minded crafters.
CTC Robertson holds regular sewing workshops where local experts can guide you through how to mend, upcycle, alter and other projects. Fixing is the new buying pals!
And if you’re looking to get deep into the sewing game then A Fine Line Quiltery in Mittagong has Masterclass sessions where you get one-on-one sewing support as well as sessions on learning to love your sewing machine by getting to know all the basics plus troubleshooting tips.
Make Something Shiny
We all have a little magpie in us and can’t help but do the ‘oooh and ahh’ at lovely pieces of jewellery. That’s why it’s so cool we’ve got spots around the Highlands where we can make our own special treasure. Don’t worry we promise you won’t go full Gollum… maybe just a little… precious!
A Silver Circle runs plenty of different jewellery and stained-glass workshops from their studio in Colo Vale. Learn how to pierce, heat, shape, solder, file and polish to create something that you can wear with pride.
Creative Space Southern Highlands have earring, jewellery and general bling goodness-making at their open studio every Thursday. The open studios at Creative Space are an incredible community-run initiative where locals can learn and share new skills and art forms in a safe and inclusive environment. And they’re not just for jewellery making, there are many other ways to get creative here so check their socials for what’s on and when.
Something more:
Here are some other out-of-the-box creative ideas we reckon sound pretty neat:
Ashton Park in Moss Vale runs fun and unique artisan workshops from basket weaving to dry stone wall building [we did say they were unique], check their website for what’s upcoming in the year.
Continuing with the theme of unique-ness Green Door Studios in Robbo have a calendar full of one-of-a-kind creative workshops. We’re super keen to try Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing and love the sound of doodle embroidery. Just a heads up these workshops sell out pretty quickly so book as soon as you find one [or many] you’re interested in.
Ngununggula also has a selection of different art-based workshops throughout the year so watch their calendar for the next release.
We hope you’re feeling well and truly inspired to find your next super fun hobby now!
And for even more amazing special interest classes and workshops around the Southern Highlands check out our listing of other Art, Craft and Special Interest Classes here.
We’re incredibly grateful to call this artistic and creative community our home.