Is the crazy pace of modern life getting you down?
Maybe it’s time for a little mindfulness, a new project or a hobby where you can lose yourself for an hour or two. Here are a few ways to get your creative on in Ipswich, from crafty workshops to fun experiences you can share with a pal.
Who knows, one of these sessions might unlock a whole new world to explore.
Sip ‘n’ Dip or paint at a picnic
Paint a Stormy Morning or a Moonrise, a Firefly or a Jellyfish – or any other theme you care to choose from the class schedule offered by Sip ‘n’ Dip Ipswich.
These are fun sessions that anyone can join regardless of their experience with a paintbrush.
And perhaps that sipping part – a glass of something cold on the side – will help you really unleash your creative potential.
Sip ‘n’ Dip has also teamed up with The Soul Nook Collective to offer beautiful Boho-styled Sip ‘n’ Dip Picnics so you can hang out in lovely surrounds enjoying food, wine and an art class.
Succulent love
At Dinmore Cottage, the cute tearoom and function space that has earned a following for their high teas and gardenesque setting, succulents classes are offered with Quirky B Creations, where participants create ornate living pieces of art such as Christmas wreaths and trees, and native bee hives adorned with myriad succulents.
Check the Facebook page for the ever changing class schedule
Spin a yarn – or knit it
Art and Craft Cottage in the historic Top of Town stretch offers crafty sessions throughout the year.
This is one of Queensland’s largest suppliers of specialty yarns and patterns, with many hard-to-find imported brands as well as their own hand-dyed versions.
It’s more emporium than cottage, with vast colourful displays that inspire creativity the minute you walk through the door.
Classes here cover everything from beginner’s crochet to felting, weaving, spinning and craft nights where you can simply bring your own project and work alongside other crafty types.
Check the Facebook page for upcoming classes.
Enjoy your ArtTime
Staying in this ‘hood, right next door to Art and Craft Cottage is Arttime Supplies complete with its own framing service, gallery, artisan retail space and classes on offer. Try calligraphy or water colour painting, silversmithing or book binding. Or learn how to make those handy bees wax wraps.
Mandala dot painting and decorating
Another Ipswich hub where people can get busy creating is the Trevallan Lifestyle Centre at Brassall.
Trevallan is a plant nursery and retail space with a fabulous range of flowering and fruiting plants and trees, gardening supplies and homewares.
And there’s an eclectic range of quite interesting events on offer, including classes where you can create anything from a Mandala dot painting to Christmas decorations and woven baskets.
Sew What
If it’s sewing you are interested in, get in touch with Sew What Ipswich with its range of courses available – including children’s sessions during the school holidays.
And if all this crafting is not really your cup of chai, head to the monthly Handmade Expo Market at the Ipswich Turf Club, Bundamba where you can shop to your heart’s content for lovely things some other creative soul has stitched, painted, crocheted, baked or bottled.
