MAKING AND CREATING Bec de Podolinsky
We’ve all spent a lot of this year at home, and it’s helped us to appreciate the small joys in our lives. For many, hobbies had dropped by the wayside, but it appears that now we are reacquainting ourselves with the things we love – crafting, making and learning new things.
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ow is a great time to visit this beautiful part of the world and share a creative experience with family and friends, while supporting some of these fantastic local businesses. You’ll also learn new skills and enjoy an experience-to-remember with one of our very talented local makers. Spend time making and creating, and at the end of your workshop or class, you’ll be proud to take home your handmade masterpiece. From distilling gin to handcrafting jewellery, here are six local experiences you’re not going to want to miss. Immerse yourself in the art of guitar making with Luthier, Nick Carpenter from Wildwood Instruments
Daylesford Macedon Life | 20
just out of Daylesford. This is the only course of its kind in Australia and is an exciting opportunity to build a custom guitar in only two days. Choose from a great selection of kit guitar models; everything is provided. No experience is necessary, and you’ll be guided through the whole process of turning your guitar parts into a fully functioning instrument. At the end of this fun class, you’ll take home your custom-made guitar. Courses run monthly and start from $649. Explore your artistic possibilities in the light-filled Cusack&Cusack Gallery in the heart of historic Piper Street, Kyneton. The gallery, built circa 1883, was the town’s original bakery. It’s a grand old building, which has been lovingly restored. Offering a wide range of half and full-day workshop experiences including
drawing, painting and printmaking, they cater to all levels from beginners to masterclasses. So, no matter what stage you’re at, there’s a class to suit your skill level. And if you’re a practising artist, their Artist’s Residency Program is now open for expressions of interest. So, if you paint, draw, sculpt or write, this is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative beauty of Central Victoria. Big Tree Distillery is the result of gin-loving husband and wife team Catherine and Gary who love good gin so much, they decided to make their own. Distilled on Jack’s Springs Farm in the Macedon Ranges, they produce a range of award-winning, small-batch Australian gins. They also offer one-day gin making classes, which is a hands-on experience where you will learn about the
