The Creative Arts Course Summer School of Australia

What is HOT MOSAICS? It is the newest level in glass mosaic art creativity. With a small kiln and basic fusing skills you will create mosaics of extraordinary depth and finish. It is a simple technique which combines fused glass components or pattern pieces fired in a kiln, these components are then incorporated as features within mosaic designs. Hot Mosaics - a technique combining two of the hottest trends in glass - mosaics and glass fusing! The effect is unusual and unique, the softened – rounded edges of the fused glass pattern pieces are a dramatic contrast to the neighbouring non-fired flat glass pieces. Students will learn the technical aspects of fusing glass in a kiln while designing specifically for mosaics. In creating your project you will learn in detail the many innovative HOT MOSAIC techniques featured in Christine's latest book - "Mosaics Unlimited". The Hot Mosaic components created in the kiln are the main feature of the design, these are adhered to the surface and the project completed with flat glass pieces cut and composed to complement the design. Project possibilities are endless. The most popular - pictures for the wall - small or large, tables - indoor or outdoor, garden pots, bird baths and watergardens, furniture - or the more unusual 3D objects - see what you can find. This class is suitable for both beginner's and those with some experience, no previous fusing skills or glass cutting experience is required. Throughout the five days we will cover in detail - glass cutting, glass selection and compatibility, designing for mosaics, surface preparation, project possibilities, design assembly, the addition of 3 dimensional treasures within designs such as seashells, ornaments, glass nuggets etc. As well as various gluing applications, grouting - including grout colouring choices, cleaning and finishing. Join us for an inspiring 5 days exploring the endless
possibilities of creating glass mosaics - a shimmering art form!

Course is full

Explore the possibilities of clay as a means of expression in this creative ceramic workshop. This course will cover hand building techniques such as slab building, coiling, pinch pots and extruding. We will use hump moulds to create curves with slab work to better utilize this technique and allow more scope for expression. Decorative techniques and glazing will be covered with students individually depending on the needs of the pieces they produce. This course is suitable for both beginners and more experienced clay workers who wish to better develop their skills and gather inspiration. For those that wish, a glaze workshop will be held after the conclusion of Camp Creative to finish pieces and complete the ceramic process.

Course is full

This is a unique opportunity for all ages and abilities to learn to carve stone with relative ease using soft Hebel Stone - aerated cement block with a texture like pumice or volcanic stone. It can be carved with a small knife, files and with wood chisels. Being soft it is ideal for translating ideas into form quickly and with minimum effort. This technique is called direct carving which means that the sculpture evolves as the artist works into the block, exactly as Michelangelo did! No failures here - only adaptation and seeing new possibilities. We will start by carving a totemic head. Then you can choose your own form or be guided into other possibilities like a full figure, an animal, a relief or something abstract. This process will educate your eye into seeing in the round and appreciate the ancient art of cutting away the material to reveal that which waits to be liberated from the stone.

Course is full

It’s never been easier to start woodworking- hand tools and power tools are cheap and everywhere. You can make beautiful boxes, frames, trays, boards, mirrors, tables, bookshelves... but you need to understand joints! The art of joining pieces of wood together is the key – strong, durable or aesthetically pleasing or both! Mortise and tenon, dowell, biscuit, butt, housing, fingerjoints....Come and learn how to use hand and power tools to make something with your own hands and begin a new era of creativity and empowerment. We will have a range of projects that you can choose from to complete within the week e.g. mirror, picture frame, boxes and boards and others, from some lovely Australian hardwood timbers.
Safety Requirements: All participants must have protective footwear,safety glasses, dust masks and ear muffs and must be used when instructed.
Material cost: $50-$180 depending on timber and projects chosen.

Course is full

Using the excellent equipment at Bellingen High School you will learn
precision turning using a lathe, internal and external screw cutting, MIG welding, oxy cutting, fabrication and construction techniques. The course is restricted to 12 places and apart from the general instruction each student will construct 150mm Bench Vice. There will be a $170 material (minimum) charge paid at the start of the camp for the vice. Material costs may change if there is a major change in metal costs at time. Additional material costs for any other projects will be paid at time of construction. This is a very challenging course that, with Gerald’s expert help, will enhance the skills of participants. Personal protective equipment you will need to bring will be overalls or similar and solid leather shoes or boots. We can provide, or you can bring, safety glasses, a welding mask and welding gloves.

Course is full

Explore and delight in the new artists medium of polymer clay to make your own unique beads, pendants and earrings. You will learn how to make inros (miniature wearable boxes) and how to mimic the look of precious stones like amber. Techniques such as transferring graphics onto pendants, use of millefiori techniques to make intricate patterns and the use of foils, metal leaf, inks, metallic paints and translucent clay to create luscious laminates. All manner of bead, pendant and earring construction will be given, as well as professional finishing tips. You will also be taught design methods and be encouraged and assisted in making your own unique designs. Open to beginners and those wishing to breathe new life into their jewellery making, you’ll find this workshop a lot of fun! Please note: While there is some overlap, those who attended last years workshop will find some new techniques and projects taught in this workshop.

Course is full

Learn the skill of paper making from Aunty May and Lola from Euraba Artists & Papermakers, a group of indigenous artists from Boggabilla, northern NSW who specialise in handmade paper art. In the Goomeroi language euraba means place of healing from the healing leaves of the eura tree. The papermaking process at the mill uses natural fibres, a continuation of a tradition linking the women to their ancient culture. Their ancestors wove local fibres into baskets as part of their role in traditional life as gatherers. The fibres from both the river and surrounding land give the papers locality, identity and tradition, all of which are reflective and important to local papermaking. Learn this unique skill to produce your very own personal paper and products from these two wonderful ladies. For more information about Euraba visit: www.eurabapaper.com.au Material costs: approx $20

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