Every first Saturday of the month (except July and September) from 9.30am, the place to be for a 3 hour practical class called “Design In A Box”, is with us in our workshop.
International award winning designer and local Cessnock resident, Kim Baillie, will guide you through making your very own floral creations to take home after the class. In addition, there will be design challenges in which you can participate as well as preparation for local competitions if you are so inclined!
Every month Kim will provide a floral design demonstration using the technique that will then be taught to attendees. Each month is a different project with techniques to be learned in a practical “hands on” workshop.
All materials and tools will be supplied in your “design box”. Everything is yours to take with you at the end of the workshop. The investment for enjoying 3 hours of floral design is just $20, payable at the time you book your place here on the website.
Here is the programme for 2025 –
| 1 February 2025 | Using 1970s String Art In Your Designs |
| 1 March 2025 | Paper Spiral Structures |
| 5 April 2025 | Exploring Bark |
| 3 May 2025 | Collages |
| 7 June 2025 | Banana Leaf Folding |
| 12 July 2025 | Wire Domes |
| 2 August 2025 | Using Hula Hoops |
| 6 September 2025 | Mobiles In Frames |
| 4 October 2025 | Wire Blocks (Not Foam) |
| 1 November 2025 | Just Aspidistra |
| 6 December 2025 | Alternative Christmas Trees |
You’ll be getting individual tuition from an international award winning floral designer (Kim has also been awarded the Ann Williams Clark Medallion of the Garden Clubs of Australia as well as the President’s Medal from the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW/Sydney Royal Easter Show).
There is a limit of 15 per session so you can all get individual help with your project/s on the day. Book now!
String Art February 2025
February 2025 “Design in a Box” is String Art. Revisit the 1970s and 1980s to explore how you can use “string art” as a basis for a floral design – fresh or permanent.. No experience needed – we provide everything you’ll need to create some masterpieces!
Want to see what gets done? Here’s some of the demonstration sections of the session so far. After the demonstration, everyone gets to learn the techniques with step by step instructions from Kim.
The sessions below were completed in 2023 over 20 consecutive weeks. Those who attended were keen to continue – which has resulted in the monthly sessions planned for 2024.
| 9 August 2023 | Floral Gift Topper: Create three special additions for the gifts you give |
| 16 August 2023 | Floral wreath: Create two beautiful wreaths using fresh or dried flowers. |
| 23 August 2023 | Flower crown: Make two charming flower crowns using various blooms and greenery. |
| 30 August 2023 | Bookmarks: Make two bookmarks, one for everday use and one as a presentation on a book for a special gift. |
| 6 September 2023 | Living cards: Design greeting cards that contain fresh flowers. |
| 13 September 2023 | Flower bouquet: Create a stunning bouquet and a posy of flowers using different types and colors. |
| 20 September 2023 | Flower bracelet: Make a bracelet and a wrist corsage using small flowers |
| 27 September 2023 | Flower napkin rings: Craft decorative napkin rings using small flowers and ribbons. |
| 4 October 2023 | Floral centerpiece: Design a captivating floral centerpiece for a table or event. |
| 11 October 2023 | Flower hairpins: Create elegant hairpins with flowers. |
| 18 October 2023 | Floral garland: String together fresh or dried flowers to create a delightful garland. |
| 25 October 2023 | Flower coasters: Make coasters by combining flowers and cork or other bases. |
| 1 November 2023 | Flower fascinator: Make a fascinator to wear to your next party. |
| 8 November 2023 | Floral candle holder: Repurpose a candle holder for a floral arrangement |
| 15 November 2023 | Flower mobile: Assemble a hanging mobile with flowers and lightweight materials. |
| 22 November 2023 | Floral frame: Decorate a plain frame with flowers and other embellishments. |
| 29 November 2023 | Flower headband: Craft a floral headband ready for the party season |
| 6 December 2023 | Floral embroidery hoop art: Using an embroidery hoop to make a freestanding floral arrangement. |
| 13 December 2023 | Floral wreath door hanger: Craft a floral wreath to hang on your front door. |
| 20 December 2023 | Flower-inspired jewelry: Design earrings and necklaces using small flowers. |