Workshop News: March & April 2016

Nerida hosted a Children’s Learn-to-Knit Workshop on February 21st, and our eager young knitters came and learned the basics from a pro.

Fun and frustration was had by all, and with Winter coming, the girls will be able to keep practising their knitting skills.

We had 3 eager participants at Tasha’s Photography for Kids workshop on March 5th.

The girls had a brief lesson on the history of photography, before going on to learn about composition and lighting, and finished the afternoon with a camera-walk around town, putting into practice all that they had learned.

What workshops are coming up in the Studio?

April 9th and 16th sees Gail hosting Paper Folding Workshops in the Studio.

At each workshop you will learn how to fold and create amazing geometric objects from a simple piece of paper, and using these, create a cool hanging!

Both workshops run from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and all materials are provided.  You are more than welcome to BYO string and sticks though!
The workshop costs $25 per person and places are limited, so book today.

You can join Lorna  on April 24th for a Learn-to-Sew Workshop, where you will learn basic sewing skills while making an easy-to-sew cushion!

Materials are provided for this workshop, although you will need to bring your own sewing machine and thread.
Running from 10.30am to 12.30pm, morning tea will be supplied, and the cost for the workshop is $35.
Again, places are limited, so book soon to secure your spot.

Contact Leanne to book your spot on 6777 2911 or 0407 244 860 (evenings preferred) or
email to lavenderpatch@bigpond.com

Meet Our Makers: Jackson Cook

Our ‘Meet Our Maker’ series celebrates the people behind the scenes of Walcha Handmade, and encourages an understanding of the care and attention to detail that goes into the handmade products we carry.

This month we are meeting Jackson Cook, one of our youngest members and sewer extraordinaire.

Tell us about yourself and your background leading to your handmade endeavours.

My name is Jackson Cook, and I am a 14-year-old with a passion for creativity.  One day I watched my  Nan make my brother & I a lumberjack hat each and I said “I reckon that I can make that!”, only to be told that they were too difficult for me to make.

My thoughts were “No way.”, so Nan challenged me and three attempts later I had nailed it.  Since then, I have won many prizes including Champion and Most Successful Exhibitor at local shows for my artwork & needlework.

Where did your business name come from?

My business name, House Of Jackson, came about when Kate (who organised The Farmers Market) became bored  writing ‘Jackson’ and decide that she was going to write ‘The House Of Jackson’ instead.  It has much more business appeal and is a fitting name that has stuck and will grow as I grow.

What materials do you use?

I like to use natural fabrics for most items I create.  I particularly like prints  by American Fabric designers Tula Pink and Amy Butler because they are colourful with bold designs.  While I  design most of  my patterns I sometimes use purchased patterns, which I often modify to suit the final product I want.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a new range of bags with pockets on the outside and a new range of babywear.

What is the one piece of advice you wish someone had shared with you when you were younger?

At 14 years of age, I’m still only young.  I’ve always been encouraged to let my creativity out as it can never cause much harm.

Where can we find more of your work?

My creations can be found at Walcha Handmade, Highland Living in Uralla, Armidale Farmers Markets, Armidale Markets in the Mall and the Uralla and Kentucky Markets also.

I have Facebook and Instagram where I am always posting my latest creations.

Thanks, Jackson, for sharing with us!

Inspiration #025

Even though life gets in the way, don’t you just wish that you could sometimes….?

This week’s inspiration is a free printable.  Want more?

Follow the link to see what other craft-inspired printables are available at The Plaid.

Image credit: Duality

My Favourite Things: Sue Bowden

Each month, one of our members gets to pick their favourite things in Walcha Handmade…

This month we caught Sue as she was working her day, and asked her what her 5 favourite things were currently in-store…

I’m fond of all of the stuffed toys.  They’re so cute, and obviously well made (and made with love!)

Dominique’s plants are fresh and unusual, and the bulbs always look healthy.

Emma’s scrap fabric wall art is such a unique and creative piece.

The steers made by the Men’s Shed – I just love them! They’re quirky and it’s a really nice use of recycled materials.

This driftwood timber hanging is lovely and rustic and reminds me of the Aussie bush.

Thanks, Sue.

Inspiration #024

what bit of awesome are you going to achieve today?

Image credit – Positive Print by Mad Kitty Media

Workshop News: February 2016

January was a busy month at the Walcha Handmade studio!

Art classes with Clarissa were a hit, with lots of kids creating their own masterpieces inspired by both the Masters and contemporary artists.

The ladies who attended Megan’s woven wall hanging workshop had a wonderful morning.  It was interesting to see the wall hangings come together, with the variation of colour schemes that the ladies chose.

And the colour combinations the ladies chose with their patchwork quilts was many and varied – and wonderfully bright!

February is looking just as busy with two workshops available.

First is a Children’s Learn-to-Knit workshop with Nerida.  During this two-hour workshop, children will learn the basics of knitting and create their very own knitted square.

If your child is interested in learning how to knit, ring our Workshop Coordinator Leanne on 6777 2911 or 0407 244 860 (evenings preferred) to secure their place.

On February 27th is the Phone Photography for Mums workshop with local photographer Tasha Chawner, where participants will learn how to create stronger everday photographs using either their mobile phone or tablet.

To book a place in this workshop, telephone Tasha on 0437 523 027.

For more details on either of these workshops, vist the Walcha Handmade Facebook page or the Upcoming Workshops page here on the blog.