By Erica GendaIn this story:
- Bead your own jewellery on the Gold Coast
- Iced matcha and custom ceramics, anyone?
- Make your own suncatcher in Melbourne
- Press pretty flowers into a frame in Sydney
- Make an everlasting seascape terrarium in Adelaide
- Fix your op-shop finds in Melbourne
- Embroider a honeybee in Melbourne
- Tuft a custom rug in Melbourne
If you and your crew are tired of overpriced cocktails, or you’ve already eaten your way through all your fave restaurants, local craft classes are the new go-to this summer. But why are summer craft activities the next big thing? Well, there are some pretty great pros:
1. They take us away from our never-ending doomscrolling and put our hands to better use!
As Sarah Brunnhuber, founder of Danish label Stem, put it:
“I feel like more and more, social media isn’t necessarily going to be how we reach our community. People are craving physical experiences.”
2. We get the privilege to experience creativity with our best friends and family.
3. We can make memories that last a lifetime (as well as a cute trinket, homeware, or something to wear!).
4. Crafting brings whimsy back to our lives.
5. A creative class lets us be present, helping us make the most of summer!
So, here’s our guide to the best summer craft activities across Australia that deliver big on breezy vibes, creativity and quality hangout time.
1. Bead your own jewellery on the Gold Coast
Beaded jewellery is the one accessory that literally screams ‘summer '. Gather your friends for an afternoon of stringing together freshwater pearls, colourful glass beads and cute charms, all while sipping on your favourite drinks. You’ll walk away with beach-ready necklaces, anklets, or bracelets handmade by you (is this not the perfect excuse to make friendship bracelets!?).
The vibe: Beachy and effortlessly social.
Fun things nearby: Catch a friendly game of putt-putt afterwards or take a stroll down Mermaid Beach and let the memory of sea-spray, sandy feet and friendship really sink in!
Book your sip and jewel beading workshop
2. Iced matcha and custom ceramics, anyone?
What’s more summery than iced matcha paired with pastel glazes? Spend an easy couple of hours sipping whisked matcha lattes while turning plain ceramic mugs, plates, or trinket dishes into trendy homewares you can use daily.
The vibe: Peaceful, aesthetic, the most unique cafe hangout you’ll ever have!
Fun things nearby: Depending on which location you attend, there are plenty of things to check out! If in Woolloomooloo, you can keep the creative vibes high and check out Artspace gallery after your session.
Book your matcha and ceramic painting workshop
Tugce K. had a gorgeous time at this workshop (it was her second time visiting!):
“I loved making my own matcha and drinking while painting my mug. This was my second time in this workshop; definitely won’t be last. It’s a super fun activity for a girls' date.”
Stop letting screens distract you from IRL activities with our digital detox guide!
3. Make your own suncatcher in Melbourne
Using the prettiest crystals, you'll magically bring a hanging talisman to life! By the end of this session, your suncatcher will be ready to throw mini rainbows across your bedroom wall all summer long. That’s a pretty great trinket that’ll keep the sunshine alive and well, even after summer ends (not to mention you and your besties end up with some matching decor!).
The vibe: Sparkly, dreamy, sure to bring the high-frequency energy.
Fun things nearby: You can choose your venue for this one! Perhaps you can enjoy a picnic at Sherwood Picnic Grounds, or simply enjoy a crafternoon with your best friends from the comfort of home. Watching rom-coms after making suncatchers is a pretty elite vibe!
4. Press pretty flowers into a frame in Sydney
Learn how to arrange delicate dried petals, ferns and stems into a botanical composition that keeps summer alive through every season. The perfect keepsake to set on your desk and reminisce about that time you all embraced the whimsy of pretty petals.
The vibe: Magical, botanical and calming.
Fun things nearby: Head to Hyde Park for a picnic or grab an ice cream in Barangaroo and enjoy the harbour views!
Book your pressed flower frame class
5. Make an everlasting seascape terrarium in Adelaide
Bring the coastal aesthetics indoors with an easy, aquatic-inspired terrarium. Summer may end eventually, but the carefree beachy energy can remain! This one makes sure you and your closest will have a little summery world at home all year long.
The vibe: Salty, miniature coastal wonderland.
Fun things nearby: Head to Port Noarlunga beach for a refreshing swim or hang out on the jetty and soak up the summer breeze.
Book your air plant seascape terrarium workshop
6. Fix your op-shop finds in Melbourne
Thrifting vintage linen and summer dresses is half the fun, but getting them to fit perfectly is where the magic happens.
According to Vogue Business, “the hashtag #CraftTok has seen a 60% increase in videos globally over the past 12 months” and “searches for 'thrift flip ideas' are up 610%”. There’s clearly a huge movement towards more mindful hobbies that not only serve as a summer craft activity, but also give us valuable skills!
This sewing workshop in Melbourne means you and your mates can bring in pre-loved garments and learn how to rework your second-hand scores so they’re perfect for you.
The vibe: Resourceful, retro and sustainable.
Fun things nearby: Spend the morning scouring Footscray Savers to find some awesome pieces to repurpose!
Book your sewing workshop: Fix your op-shop finds
7. Embroider a honeybee in Melbourne
Portable and light, embroidery is the ultimate summer craft activity. In this nature-inspired workshop, you’ll master foundational embroidery stitches to create a mini honeybee brooch that adds a little touch of sunshine to any outfit.
The vibe: Gentle and tactile.
Fun things nearby: Docklands isn’t short on fun or food. Explore the District Docklands and surrounds for a bite to eat and some shopping. Or head to an interactive art exhibition at ArtVo!
Book your embroidery bee workshop
Dana A. loved it from start to finish!
“A wonderful experience from start to finish. I learned so much and genuinely enjoyed the whole class. It was also a pleasure meeting such lovely people. I’ll definitely be joining more courses in the future!”
8. Tuft a custom rug in Melbourne
Feel like mixing a bit of casual craft with adventure? Step into this chill studio and arm yourself with a tufting gun! You and your crew will weave your own custom mini rug or wall hanging using bold, vibrant yarns that speak exactly to your personalities. This one’s a great group activity, perfect for those who love to live a little loud and wild.
The vibe: Bold, modern and high energy.
Fun things nearby: When on Lygon St, you must have a classic Italian feast; we don’t make the rules!
Ready to unplug, get creative and make lasting memories with your crew? Pick your favourite summer craft activity and book a workshop to soak up the best vibes this season.
