Overview
Want to learn something new without falling into another YouTube black hole of not-quite-right how-to videos? A crafty, IRL workshop could be the answer. And The Windsor Workshop is just the place to find one.
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's inner southeast at the Windsor-end of Chapel Street, The Windsor Workshop is a creative hub for the arts, crafts and design movement. The brainchild of sisters Sarah and Bree Hankinson and friend Belinda Galloway, the idea for the workshop came after the three voiced their dreams of creating a co-working project together. So when space to rent came up in the historic Paterson's Cakes building in 2012, they decided to jump in headfirst — and they haven't looked back.
But in October last year, they decided to move the co-working space next door and start doing some workshops in the original space. Now it acts as a studio for public classes, workshops and events. "It's a beautiful, inspiring space," says co-owner Belinda. "Think exposed brick wall, Japanese floorboards, lots of light."
Their workshops have been described as "the craft version of a day spa", which is right on the money; the classes are just as much about gaining skills as they are about creative therapy. Their monthly Colour for a Cause nights aim to facilitate mindfulness through colouring in an artist's illustration alongside wine, snacks and good company — and a portion of each ticket sold goes to a charity of the artist's choice.
They also bring in some of Melbourne's best artists to pass on to their skills in areas as diverse as Mexican Day of the Dead jewellery making, book binding, weaving and Japanese stoneware decoration.
"We mainly use Melbourne-based artists who don't really need the exposure from us," says Belinda. "One of our main aims is supporting artists in pursuing their craft by providing this opportunity to share their skills with the public – and paying them correctly. We're big on treating artists right."
If you've always dreamed of becoming a skilled collagist or making your own bespoke pieces of Japanese stoneware — or you didn't even know these crafts existed but want to get in on them — it's hard to not feel excited by their list of upcoming events. In April alone, they're hosting workshops on gift wrapping, watercolour illustration and beginners weaving. And the absolute cherry on top is that all workshops are accompanied by an epic food table and a glass of wine or two. Yep, that's our kind of creative day spa.
The lovely ladies at The Windsor Workshop are giving one lucky CP reader a chance to join them at their Watercolour Forest Floor Workshop with Sarah. Just enter below.