Whether you’re learning to crochet or throw a bowl on a potter’s wheel, it seems we’re in the middle of a crafting boom, and our desire to disconnect to reconnect is largely the reason. Luka Vockins of Central Coast Creative Hub says people are seeking to connect through creativity.

‘You don’t have to speak the same language, you don’t have to have the same background, but it’s like music, you just connect,’ Vockins says.

Vockins started Central Coast Creative Hub in 2017 after moving here from Cape Town, South Africa. At the time, craft classes were hard to come by, but when local markets were cancelled during the Covid years, creatives began attending Vockins’ workshops, learning how to turn their products into experiences.

‘I tried to show them it’s about the process not the product,’ says Vockins, who covers fabric dying, resin art, lino carving and more. ‘People wanted to connect by learning how to do these things,’ she adds.

Half a decade later, the Central Coast has more classes on offer with a wider variety of craft disciplines, and a growing number of residents attending them.

Art therapy

A reconfiguring of craft businesses, and a want for community, are not the only reasons many of us are spending our weekends threading needles or perusing Eckersley’s art sale. We’re also taking action, literally, to remove ourselves from digital noise and daily stress.

‘The main comment our students make after attending a workshop is the word ‘therapeutic’,’ says Centered Ceramics co-owner Guy Jamieson, ‘and I’m certain all spaces running art workshops would hear similar comments.’

Jamieson says his Umina ceramics studio, which he runs with his wife Jennifer, has seen a steady increase in bookings over the past few months across all areas. Their eight-week term classes, which have found a solid community of potters, have been particularly popular. Centered Ceramics also runs a stack of short workshops, and Jamieson says they offer more than an introduction to pottery.

‘When we designed our studio space, our intention was to give people the opportunity to escape from all their life distractions and experience some muddy ‘me time’,’ he says.

‘Using your hands to create a cup or bowl or sculpture is all encompassing. The everyday distractions fall away and all that matters is the texture and shape of the clay.’

Craft trends

So what are we spending our time learning? Vockins, who runs a gamut of workshops out of One Lucky Duck Cafe in Woy Woy, Central Coast libraries and Scout halls, says resin art is hugely popular, largely because the product is more readily available than it used to be. Kokedama, Japanese plant binding, is also a favourite of class attendees. Looking ahead, Vockins expects ceramics to continue its upward trend, with many locals renting out their kilns.

Along with our desire for community and to switch off, Vockins attributes the resurgence of craft to such pursuits becoming culturally acceptable, once again.

‘It’s not just the artsy fartsy people, it’s all people…’ she says of those showing interest.

‘Creativity is a form of play, so we all still have that in us. That’s how we learn. Instead of it being just ‘crafting’, it’s become a form of therapy.’

Where to get crafty

Central Coast Creative Hub runs a large range of workshops that teach participants about lino carving, resin art, macrame and wreath making. They also offer mobile kids’ craft parties.

Gosford Regional Gallery is renowned for its creative classes, including term painting sessions for children and adults, life drawing evenings, illustration and storytelling.

Central Coast Council puts on a great selection of craft workshops across its libraries. They include lino printing, making ornamental Hug-a-dreamcatchers, learning Cricut [pronounced ‘crick-it’] vinyl-cutting techniques and jewellery making.

Centered Ceramics is a beautiful studio all about clay art, with workshops on making coil pots, figurative sculptures, wheel-thrown cups and bowls, and even mouse houses for lovers of whimsy.

Hug-a-Bear Workshop at the Davo RSL lets kids make talking teddys. Suitable for ages 5 years and up.

House of Ellery, Wyong runs workshops in pyrography (calligraphy burnt in wood), soy candle-making, textured flower art, resin tray-making, sea glass art, botanical soap- making, and more.

Images courtesy: Central Coast Creative Hub