Unique workshops for young and old

Sydney is full of makers making – and it is also full of makers teaching making skills. Here, we have collected some of the most unusual, unique and off-the-wall workshops for when you feel like learning something new and having fun while you’re doing it.

Kids

From “Heroes and Villains” to “Pizza Box Robots”, makers around Sydney are offering a number of incredible kids craft workshops in the coming months, including during the school holidays.


Heroes and Villains by Jeff McCann and Samantha Relihan
“Join Artist Jeff McCann and Arts Educator Samantha Relihan for this fun, costume based workshop where you can unleash your inner hero.... or super villain!”

When: Monday 16 April, 10:30am – 3:30pm
Where: The Tribe - Art & Design, 21 Foley Street, Darlinghurst


Pizza Box Robot Workshop
“Using recycled materials and electronics, design, make and take home a mini cardboard robot. Get an interactive introduction to the world of programmable electronics using an Arduino”

When: Wednesday 18 April and Thursday 19 April, 10am - 12pm
Where: Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills


For Families: Prop Design (Ages 8 - Adult)
“Props are essential to building the world of film. In this exciting workshop, design and make your own prop based on your favourite movie or game. Use tools and learn crafting techniques to bring your idea to life!”

When: Saturday 21 April, 10am – 12pm
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo


Emu Egg Explorers
“Led by Aboriginal Educators, kids will discover more about the emu and create their very own emu egg using bushcraft and natural materials. They'll then go on a fun emu egg easter hunt to track down the nest, but watch out for the mother emu!”

When: 16, 17, 18, 24 & 27 April | 10am - 11:30am or 12:30pm – 2pm
Where: Learning Centre, The Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney


Kids and Teens Make a Dream Catcher Workshop
“In this workshop kids will get to create their own dream catchers. Originally from Native American cultures, dream catchers were handmade and believed to give their owners good dreams.”

When: Monday 23 April, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Sew Make Create, Suite 4, 38 City Rd, Chippendale

Adults

Why go to a regular clay or knitting class when you can drink Persian tea while you make toy felt animals, or learn Viking knitting and Chainmaille? Here are some fun workshops to keep you engaged this autumn.


Art from the World: Persian Felt Animals
“Share some traditional Persian tea while artist Hilin teaches the tricks and techniques to make your very own toy felt animals, a craft hailing all the way from the artist’s home country of Iran.”

When: Thursday 19 April, 6pm - 9pm
Where: Work-Shop HQ, Cnr Cleveland & Eveleigh Street, Redfern


Clay Totem making with Lisa Hoelzl
“Come along to Lisa's wonderful workshop and make your own personal totem.”

When: 4 Week course: Wednesday 2, 9, 16, 23 May, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Happenstore, 55 Parramatta Road, Annandale


Leather Working: Make a belt
“Learn some sweet leather working skills while making your very own custom leather belt. Taught by leather craftsman Iain Finlay”.

When: Saturday 19 May, 10am - 4pm
Where: Maker Space &Co, 1/17 Barclay Street, Marrickville


Stretch and Sportswear Sewing Course
“Stretch and Sportswear is all about working with two and four­-way stretch fabric, stretch lining, knits, elastic and fasteners. Learn how to best combine fabrics with different properties and stretch, and how to achieve a great fit and professional finish!”

When: Saturday 19 May and Sunday 20 May
Where: Bobbin and Ink, 412 Parramatta Rd, Petersham


Viking knitting and Chainmaille
“Medieval crafts for 21st century jewellery! Viking knitting and Chainmaille can be incorporated into your current jewellery designs to provide alternative linking structures and enhanced textural elements.”

When: Saturday, 19 May, 9:30am – 4pm
Where: Sydney Jewellery School, Suite 7, 2-6 Hunter Street, Parramatta