If you want to try weaving, repurpose old furniture or even make your own ice cream, North East Artisans has you covered.

Although the ice cream making workshop is only open to 6-10 year olds, it is a great skill for them to learn.

And everything goes well, the whole family can benefit from their know-how by returning home and showing their new skills.

Maybe you have an interest in weaving. If you do, Walker’s Weaving workshop will teach you some traditional First Nations weaving techniques.

Maybe you’re wondering what to do with all the old chairs and tables cluttering the shed.

In that case, the Unused Wooden Furniture Reuse Workshop will help you give them new life.

All three workshops will take place at NEA, 28 Carrier St, Benalla.

NEA President DeSales Turner said many more workshops are planned throughout 2022.

Keep an eye on the pages of the Badge and to www.benallaensign.com.au to learn more about them.

Workshop details:

What: Walker weaving

When: May 14 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: $50, all materials included.

Numbers for this workshop are limited to 12 and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the first session, through demonstrations and discussions, members are introduced to the art and craft of traditional First Nations weaving.

At the end of this session, members take their work home, so they can continue practicing the techniques learned.

The second session focuses on making your piece and decorating it, using materials such as shells, feathers, beads, and materials found in nature.

What: Repurpose unused wooden furniture

When: Every Wednesday in April from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $30 per session

Bring your own wooden furniture. Other materials are supplied, but please note that NEA has a limited color range.

If you have a chair, stool, high chair or small table that you just don’t use, this workshop might be just what you need. The workshop is led by Anne, a member of the NEA, who specializes in transforming unused pieces into works of art. She will guide participants through the process, from design ideas to creating and realizing a piece. She also intends to make sure you have fun along the way.

What: Making ice cream for children aged 6 to 10.

When: April 11, 12, 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Note: These are repeat sessions, so you only need to register for one.

Cost: $10 per person, all ingredients provided.

This workshop is led by Ms. Turner, who says her grandchildren love her ice cream making sessions and she’s sure your kids will too. She will take special care to ensure that everyone has a turn and that no one is left out. Please note that dairy products are used and some ingredients may contain wheat and peanuts. If that could be a problem, be sure to let her know when you book so she can vary the ingredients.

To book a place at one of these workshops, please telephone NEA on 0401 511 482 and leave your name, contact details and the name of the workshop you wish to attend.

To learn more about NEA and its workshops, visit its home at 28 Carrier St or visit www.northeastartisans.org