Handmade 2011 - Workshop Report 1

I took two workshops at Handmade 2011 and enjoyed them very much.  I was also able to spend a bit of time at the Knit Lounge, but will report on that tomorrow. My first workshop was with Jo Pearson who uses many recycled elements in her classes and the work she sells.

Whskr Rosette in Progress

Jo values the resonance that we can find in old things and how we honour the women of the past when we create things again like rosettes and bangles using scraps of lace, vintage fabrics that are long out of fashion - but which can be treasured and loved anew.  

Our Class Space in the Oceania Foyer

We had lots of vintage fabrics, charms and doilies to choose from and everyone created a completely different work of art.  I was there tp play and not to worry about creating so I had a good time.  I much preferred my bangle which I thought was successful, while my Rosette 'needs work'!  Picture of my bangle to follow tomorrow.

A fellow crafter's bangle work in progress

MEET WHSKR - HANDMADE 2011

Sunday I will be crafting 'live' at Oyster at 252 Jackson Street in lovely Petone just outside Wellington.  The shop is between Bay Street and Beach Street.  I will have dolls in various states of construction so you can see how each one is made - on the spot!

Pip and Jacquie are the talented sisters who own and run one of Jackson Streets best gift shops.  Their focus is on ecologically sound and/or New Zealand made items and the shop is a treasure trove of gifts of high quality.

HANDMADE 2011

Handmade 2011 is nearly here and with a ** BOOM ** the craft, art, printing, cooking, gardening and brewing extravaganza will kick off! Find out more about Handmade 2001 here.  What am I doing at this amazing event?  See below :-)

I hope to fit in a trip to the Holland Road Yarn Company Knitting Lounge and the Crafters Must See Lecture(s) by Sue Tyler.  'Making it at Markets' (10 am)  and 'Pricing Your Craft' (2.30).  Tash of Holland Road is rumoured to be involved in some marvelous Knit Graffiti too.

My Classes are :- 
Smart Craft - the futuristic craft of e-textiles with Bridget McKendry - to learn fun stuff.  I mea what's not to like about crafty stuff with LED lights twinkling in them, this has to be just the best fun.
Look what I found down the back of the Couch Phyllis  - with Jo Pearson - for fun FUN FUN. A relaxing how to do something creative with what I already have class - taking recycling into the studio with all my boxes of stuff.


What are other people doing?  Check this out from someone who can't wait to get to Handmade 2011
“My two daughters and I are doing three workshops at HANDMADE together. Now that they’re grown with their own busy lives it’s a nice way to spend time with them. We’re going to the Ruth Pretty masterclass, the beginnings and endings knitting workshop and having high tea at Martha’s Pantry to listen to the speakers — Diane Massey-Molloy and Janice Mariott. We love to shop so we’ll be at the Meet the Makers and Pop Up Store Party I’d like to buy some handmade things as gifts — I might even stock up for Christmas while I’m there!”

   —  Christine, Waikanae

Handmade 2011 - THURSDAY EXCITEMENT

Today - some of the more unusual and fun workshops to discover at Handmade 2011. Things you can try for a modest outlay this coming week-end - all of these classes come with kits to purchase, sometimes combined with a few 'bring from home' items.  The whole point of the workshop is fun without pressure - so, read on for super fun ideas.......

Have you wanted to see what it takes to do a Linocut? Heike Theis of Minu can take you through the basics.  A kit is available with most of what you need.

How about making a cloth art doll? Heleen Webb will guide you through a great 'How To' double length class.

Smocking - not a lost art as Lin Crutchley will show you - a kit provides you with enough to finish making a baby gown after the workshop.

Oriental Bookbinding with Jan Jang might be beyond us but with a combination of home brought materials and a small kit from Jan you will be all set to create your own book!

The full list of classes and materials is here.

HANDMADE 2011 - SOME OF THE BEST STUFF

Some of the treasures at Handmade 2011.  There are spaces on most workshops, so get in touch with Handmade 2011 for the most crafty fun over Queens Birthday Week-end in Wellington, at Te Papa.

Masterclasses - journeys of discovery as you listen

My top selections :- For knitters, the renowned Margaret Stove, one of the world's foremost lace knitters is giving a talk 'Journey through a Wedding Ring';  Ruth Pretty welcomes artisan cooks at home, and the vital issue of pricing your craft work is covered by Sue Tyler of Supervery.  Sue is the main creative force behind Craft2.0 one of New Zealand's premiere crafting events so knows her stuff.  Finally, Emily Harris does Urban Edible gardens - know how to grow your own greens for urbanites.

Workshops - journeys of creative adventure - for you


For Fibre fans.  Workshops worth checking out; Sock Knitting for Beginners, Crochet a Queen Anne scarf and Learn to Spin; as well as, "How to Cast On and Off".  For non-knitters there are lots of ways to do both!

Crafty jewellers can choose their own corner of heavenly fun!  Revamp Broken Baubles to make something awesome;  make a tape measure rosette, brass lockets with embroidery, Smart Jewellery (using LED - how cool is this YES!!),  a whole one-day workshop making Precious Metal Clay jewellery and Making Bracelets from recycled baubles.

Workshops cost $45. Some include the supplies you need, others ask you some bring along.  Many of the workshop teachers will be selling kits of what you need which will save heaps of time running around looking for stuff!