A weekend of art and creativity in Walcha ~ October 3
and 4
Experience the creative spirit of Walcha at Create in Walcha, a hands-on arts event bringing local artisans together to share their skills through a range of inspiring workshops and classes.
Held over two days, Create in Walcha offers a choice of half-day, one-day and two-day workshops, giving participants the opportunity to learn directly from local creators in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Details of each workshop, including the artisan leading the session, are provided below.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, develop your creative skills or simply enjoy a creative weekend away, there’s plenty to choose from.
Come for a day or make a weekend of it. You can choose a single workshop, combine several workshops across the weekend and leave time for some spare time, or fill your Saturday and Sunday with a full creative program. The hour-long break between morning and afternoon sessions gives you time to explore Walcha, visit the galleries and shops, grab a bite to eat or simply enjoy the town.
And because Create in Walcha falls on the long weekend, why not stay a little longer? Take your time on Monday to explore more of Walcha’s local attractions, history, shops, cafés and beautiful natural surroundings before heading home.
Planning to stay? Find accommodation options at walchansw.com.au/where-to-stay and make a weekend of it.
Workshop Times & Location
Sessions will run from 9.30am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday at:
Walcha Central School
154 North Street, Walcha
Saturday Evening Dinner
Saturday evening will provide an opportunity for participants to relax and chat with the artists over a special dinner at Walcha Bowling Club. Bookings are required for catering purposes. Dinner and drinks will be at each participant’s own expense.
Workshop details are below. When you’ve chosen how you want to CREATE in WALCHA, book on the Red BOOK NOW button.
Two-day workshop choices
When you register for a two-day workshop, you will participate in the same class across both days of Create in Walcha.
Two-day workshops run from 9.30am to 4.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday, with a one-hour lunch break each day.
Workshop Cost: $220 per person
Additional materials may be required for the workshop you have chosen. The cost and details of any material requirements, if applicable, are in the course description, or available via the tutor after you have booked into the workshop.
Please note that you can only participate in one two-day workshop across the weekend. If you choose a two-day workshop, you cannot also book a one-day or half-day workshop.
Hardanger for Beginners
Two day workshop
Tutor: Yvette Stanton OAM
In this class you will learn the basics of Hardanger embroidery, including stitches such as satin stitch, eyelets, cable stitch, four-sided stitch, cutting threads, woven bars and dove’s eye filling stitch. The project is worked in pearl cotton thread on 28 count linen. This is a beginners class, so if you’ve never done Hardanger before, this class is for you, and even if you have done Hardanger before, you’re welcome to join us! The finished size of the stitching area is approximately 6 x 13 cm. The band could be made into a bookmark, needlebook or pincushion.
The project supplies pack (cost $30) is mandatory for all students, and includes pre-tacked fabric, thread, needle and class notes.
You will need to bring the following with you:
– 5, 6, or 7 inch embroidery hoop (optional – some prefer not to use a hoop for Hardanger)
– fine-pointed, sharp, embroidery scissors
– notebook and pencil for any notes required, though course notes will be supplies
– we strongly recommend bringing your own magnification and lighting. It is better to have it and not need it, that not have it and need it. Students are not able to gain full value from a class if they can’t see properly to do the work, and that’s disappointing!
Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Two day workshop
Tutor: Sue Jackson
This 2-day workshop is designed for beginners who have dabbled with art in general and would like more specific tuition on brushstrokes, colour mixing, light and shadow and depth, using acrylic paint. Participants can expect to create a small, simple work utilizing the skills learned.
Please bring the following equipment:
1. Acrylic paint – a basic red, yellow, blue, and black and white. Chromochryl or Jo Sonja’s are good brands and reasonably priced available at Spotlight
2. A canvas pad – must contain cotton. Monte Mart is a good brand, these can be purchased at the discount shops in Tamworth, art supply stores or otherwise online.
3. Various brushes if you have them – I will have some to use.
4. Container for water, old rag, something to mix paint on (plastic plate or pallet)
If you are unable to source these materials, I will have a supply to use which will incur a small $10 fee per person.
With a Bachelor degree in Fine Art and Visual Culture from Curtin University, Sue has participated in several local Art Shows and have sold several commission works. She currently teaches a senior art class for Walcha Council Community Care which is very popular. “Sharing my experience with others and seeing how art helps awaken a sense of awe and a new way of seeing the world inspiring people to create their own artistic works is my greatest love and achievement”, says Sue.
Ukulele for beginners
Two day workshop
Tutor: Howard Greenwood
For those looking for a new musical experience. This class teaches the fundamentals of ukulele playing.
It includes how to string, tune, play rhythms and chords and learn simple songs to get you started.
Taught by Howard Greenwood a local multi instrumentalist who also makes a variety of stringed instruments.
Come and learn the basics of beginner ukulele in a relaxed environment.
Bring your own ukulele or purchase one from Howard on the day.
Ukulele…$50
Tuner….$40
Mosaics
Two day workshop
Tutor: Katie Street
Details to be confirmed
One day workshop choices
When you register for a one-day workshop, you will participate in your chosen class for one full day of Create in Walcha.
One-day workshops will run from 9.30am–4.30pm, with a one-hour lunch break, on either Saturday or Sunday. (Some workshops will run multiple times across the weekend.)
Workshop Cost: $110 per person
Additional materials may be required for the workshop you have chosen. The cost and details of any material requirements, if applicable, are in the course description, or available via the tutor after you have booked into the workshop.
You can book one one-day workshop, or combine it with a half-day workshop on the other day of the weekend. This gives you the flexibility to create your own Create in Walcha experience.
Growing beyond summer: year-round eating from a cold climate garden
Full-day workshop SATURDAY only
Tutor: Eliza Lockyer
Do you sink under the weight of a tomato glut in summer, but can’t grow a head of broccoli in winter?
Harvesting vegetables over winter means preparing months ahead – when you’re still in the thick of summer crops.
This course will inspire you to stretch the growing season by planning ahead for seed sowing, bed preparation, and challenging weather.
Topics of the day will include:
– Establishing, or reinvigorating, a vegetable garden using no-dig and
permaculture techniques
– Soil health, compost and mulch
– Organic techniques to manage weeds for the long term
– Seed sowing, potting-on, and planting using no-dig principles
– Selecting plants that provide multiple harvests
– Storing and preserving to ensure minimal waste
Eliza has grown food for more than 20 years across the varying climates of
Tasmania, WA’s Pilbara and Kimberley, and Walcha. She has taught gardening and cooking in remote Aboriginal communities, and has a passion for connecting people through food. She has a Churchill Fellowship in agritourism.
Weave a Wall Hanging
Full day workshop – Saturday
Tutor: Rosalie Gibson
Use a simple loom and create your own unique design.
Learn patterns, how to knot, what to use, how to mix your wools and fibres for a stunning effect and finish off with creative ideas.
All materials needed for the workshop are supplied in a kit, at a cost of $40 payable by cash to the tutor on the day.
Weave a Circular Wall Hanging
Full day workshop – Sunday
Tutor: Rosalie Gibson
Use a simple loom and create your own unique design.
Learn patterns, how to knot, what to use, how to mix your wools and fibres for a stunning effect and finish off with creative ideas.
All materials needed for the workshop are supplied in a kit, at a cost of $40 payable by cash to the tutor on the day.
Eco Printing for the curious
The same workshop runs Saturday and Sunday
Tutor: Janine Wright
Join local artist Janine, who loves to explore the possibilities of the natural world.
Using easily sourced local materials and basic tools this workshop will explore the wonders of eco printing.
On paper, wool and silk we will experiment with a variety of techniques to give you an understanding of the process, ready for more discoveries and play.
Materials needed for the workshop will be $30, payable to the tutor on the day.
Woodturning Bowl & Texturing
Tutor: David Barden
Full day workshop – Saturday
Discover how a raw piece of timber becomes a beautifully crafted bowl in this close‑up, expert‑led woodturning demonstration. While you won’t be making your own bowl, you will get to try a few techniques and experience the craft firsthand. Watch an experienced woodturner at the lathe, learn how the tools work, explore creative texturing methods, and ask questions throughout. You’ll gain practical insights, see details you’d never catch from afar, and finish with a Q&A to deepen your understanding.
Come curious, get close, try a technique, and see woodturning from a whole new perspective.
Transform fresh timber to naturally warped bowl
Full day workshop – Sunday
Discover what happens when a freshly cut log is turned into a bowl before it has time to dry. In this close‑up green‑woodturning demonstration, you won’t be making your own bowl, but you will get to watch every stage, ask questions, and see the unpredictable magic of wet timber in action.
We’ll start with a raw log, show how it’s prepared with a chainsaw, then mount it on the lathe and turn a thin‑walled bowl from moisture‑rich timber. As it dries, the wood naturally shrinks, twists and warps — creating flowing, organic shapes no two bowls will ever share. You’ll learn why timber behaves this way, what happens as it stabilises, and the decisions involved in embracing movement rather than fighting it.
Get close to the tools, watch the transformation unfold, and finish with a Q&A to explore anything you’re curious about.
Felt Hat Workshop
Full day workshop – SUNDAY only
Tutor: Jo Barr
elt Hat Workshop
Come and discover the magic of turning beautiful Australian Merino wool into your very own unique felt hat. In this hands-on workshop, Jo from JAMB Hats will guide you through the wet felting process, from laying out the fibres to shaping and forming your hat using one of Jo’s specially designed hat blocks.
No previous felting experience is necessary. You’ll learn practical techniques, explore colour and design, and leave with a handmade felt hat that is uniquely yours.
A relaxed, creative day celebrating wool, making and the joy of learning something new.
What to bring – 2 towels.
Materials and equipment cost is $65pp, payable to Jo at the workshop.
Half-day workshop choices
When you register for a half-day workshop, you will participate in your chosen class for one three-hour session during Create in Walcha.
Half-day workshops will run from either 9.30am–12.30pm or 1.30pm–4.30pm on Saturday or Sunday. (Some workshops will run multiple times across the weekend). One of the workshops is run as an hour-long workshop and has multiple time options each morning.
Workshop Cost: $55 per person or $20 per person for the scone making workshop
Additional materials may be required for the workshop you have chosen. The cost and details of any material requirements, if applicable, are in the course description, or available via the tutor after you have booked into the workshop.
You can book one or more half-day workshops across the weekend, subject to availability. Why not combine different workshops and try something new in each session?
Leather work
Saturday afternoon workshop only
Tutor: Bernie Brady
Master Saddler and Walcha local Bernie Brady will showcase his skills in whip plaiting, helping you plait and create your own whip to take home.
This workshop will only be available on Sunday afternoon between 1.30 and 4.30pm. All materials will be supplied.
Pottery Workshop
The same workshop runs morning and afternoon, Saturday and Sunday.
Tutor: Jodi – JLB Pottery
Working with clay offers a calming, hands‑on way to slow down, reconnect, and explore your creativity. In this workshop you’ll learn the foundations of hand‑building pottery in a relaxed, welcoming environment — perfect for complete beginners, and equally enjoyable for those who’ve dabbled before.
Across the session, Jodi will guide you step‑by‑step as you choose and create your own pottery project. You’ll learn how to shape, refine and prepare your piece for glazing and firing, with all tools and equipment provided. The focus is on creativity, connection and a little self‑care, making this a grounding and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Topics of the session will include:
Choosing a beginner‑friendly pottery project
Hand‑building techniques and tool use
Shaping and refining your piece
Understanding glazing and firing
Creative exploration in a calm, supportive atmosphere
A $25 materials fee applies, payable directly to JLB Pottery.
These workshops will run morning and afternoon on both days of Create in Walcha.
Jodi is the hands and heart behind JLB Pottery. With many years of experience and a passion for sharing her craft, she creates workshops that bring people together through creativity, offering a warm, encouraging space to unwind and make something meaningful.
Learn to make Scones
The same workshop runs each hour (9.30, 10.30 and 11.30am) on Saturday or Sunday morning.
Tutor: Vicki McIvor
The Scone making workshop has a price of $20 per session.
Learn from a scone-making aficionado, the useful art of making scones. They look great and taste even better. The recipe can be adapted after learning for other purposes.
Participants will need to bring 300ml of cream (not thickened), 300ml of lemonade and 1kg of Self-raising flour.
You will also need to bring a tea-towel and a container to take your scones home in.
Saturday Night Dinner
Join the tutors of Create in Walcha for an informal social dinner on Saturday night from 6pm at Walcha Bowling Club, 14E Croudace Street, Walcha.
Dinner and drinks are at your own expense, but please indicate when booking if you plan to join us so we can let the club know numbers for catering.
It’s a great opportunity to meet other participants, relax after a day of creating and chat with your tutors about their creative passions, experiences and inspiration.