On the search for unique things to do in Sydney? Head over to Hornsby Heights and discover the fascinating and satisfying art of making gorgeous botanical prints!

In a garden setting, surrounded by bushland, you’ll learn how to create unique permanent prints on watercolour paper and a pure silk scarf using natural botanicals.

After an introduction to the plants collected locally, and a short demonstration of the process, you’ll lay out your design using plant materials and create bundles ready to set in pots.
While the pots simmer, choose from a menu of drinks, including wine, tea and coffee, and individual light refreshments including sweet and savoury options.

Our adjoining studio/gallery will be open for you to look at a wide range of artwork and textiles as you wait, and look through volumes of natural printing research books created over years. Items suitable as gifts and reference materials will be available for you to buy on the day.

Now comes the fun part. Opening bundles is just like Christmas! The alchemy between plants and paper and fabric is always a surprise. Even after many years of using this process, we are still filled with excitement every time we open a bundle.

Join our workshop and experience the wonder of botanical prints for yourself and take home your lovely creation to admire!

Spinning yarn is an ancient art, still practised, but not all that easy to get set up to try. Why not come along to our workshop and try it out?

With everything supplied, you will learn the basics about slightly different spinning wheels, and practise spinning the wheel, drawing the leader and then spinning your first bit of fleece into yarn.

The mindful rhythm of spinning may be just what you need to provide mental relaxation while resulting in the production of beautiful handspun yarn that will be a joy to you, and anyone you know who loves textiles, knitting, crocheting or weaving.

Plus, we offer delightful refreshments in the comfort of a bushland studio, where you will hear only the sounds of nature and the relaxing whirr of the spinning wheel!

Using sewing leftover fabric, or second-hand material from an op shop, you can join in the “second life” textile movement, and create unique basketry containers, platters and even sculptures that will be useful and beautiful.

In three hours, with all materials provided, you will make your own textile basketry vessel, while mastering a new skill for life, and for the good of our planet.

Combining up-cycled cord, wrapped in off-cut fabric, and a simple blanket stitch, you will combine colours and textures to create something amazing. It’s easy and addictive! This is a wonderful addition to your skill set with plenty of opportunities to add in your own personality and ideas.

Wendy’s bushland studio/gallery space provides a comfortable, welcoming environment amid the sights and sounds of nature. The addition of a little break for tasty refreshments makes this a perfect outing for individuals or friends.

• Environmental awareness. An opportunity to engage and connect with the environment, increasing awareness and respect for the natural world surrounding us even in an urban landscape.
• Team building. Working in groups of 2 or 3, practise a new task, supporting one another in production of Botanical print, and discover how individual choices result in unique outcomes, despite access to all the same materials.
• New creative techniques. Join other educators in learning an environmentally responsible method of creating prints and colour. Useful for students from preschool to Year 12.
• Stress management. Connection to nature is widely associated with alleviating the tensions of modern life. Immerse your team in a bushland environment while using locally sourced plant material to create unique prints. Experience the awe of opening a bundle to reveal a unique pattern created purely from plants in simmering water.