Armidale crafters have a new place to pick up a skill, meet like-minded locals and take home something they made themselves, with The Clique Curation launching its “Create & Connect @ Clique” workshop series.
The idea has been years in the making. The business had considered running hands-on workshops for some time, but its previous premises were not large enough to make it possible without hiring an outside venue. A move to bigger premises finally opened the door.
“Our makers are passionate about their creative interests and love to share that passion with others,” said Cheryl, from The Clique Curation.
The workshops are built around three core values: creativity, connection and community.
“We believe creativity workshops can have wide-reaching benefits for happiness and wellbeing, from lifting mood and creating a sense of accomplishment by making something yourself, to building social connection through conversation and shared experiences, as well as a sense of community with like-minded people,” said Cheryl.
The first session on the calendar is Craft Your Own Vintage Keepsake Journal, running Saturday, 15 August at 1pm. The workshop will be led by the business’s in-house paper artist.
“They will learn how to create their very own unique journal that reflects their personal creativity, while capturing a nostalgic feel with a timeless vintage theme,” said Cheryl.
An earlier Make Your Own Macrame Hat Hanger workshop had to be rescheduled due to facilitator illness. It will now run Saturday, 5 September at 1.30 pm.
No prior experience is needed for either session.
“Both creative workshops are designed with beginners in mind, so participants don’t need any prior experience in macrame or paper-crafting to complete the project,” said Cheryl.
Each session runs as a relaxed, guided experience rather than a formal class, with home-cooked goodies and light refreshments included, along with a few optional ice-breaker activities to help participants settle in and get to know each other.
Materials are supplied, and attendees leave with a finished piece they made themselves. Workshops require a minimum number of attendees to proceed, and anyone affected by a cancellation will be offered a refund or the chance to reschedule.
The Clique Curation has more workshops planned beyond August and September. An upcoming herbal tea-tasting and blending session will let participants create their own blend from a selection of botanical ingredients while learning about different herbal properties. A pebble art workshop is also in the works, guided by the business’s resident pebble artist.
As the year moves toward the Christmas period, workshops may be spaced further apart, but Cheryl said an experience gift can be a meaningful alternative for people who are hard to buy for.
Bookings for the Vintage Keepsake Journal and Macrame Hat Hanger workshops are open now at thecliquecuration.square.site/workshops.
“If you’ve never done a craft workshop before and feel a little nervous, please know you won’t be alone, and you absolutely don’t need to be ‘creative’ or experienced to join in,” said Cheryl.
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