Clay, cards and coffee

THE solution to bored kids over the school holidays could be Clay Play classes at Paper Creations Paper Craft.

Store owner Samantha West will teach children aged eight and above to make a special gift for a family member, friend or teacher.

“There is nothing like a personal, handmade gift that recipients can treasure forever,” said Ms West.

“Participants will have a one-hour session to make an item.

“Then, after it has dried and had its first firing, they can come back for another session to glaze it. “Once it has been fired again it is ready for collection.”

For a total cost of $35, children over eight-years-old, accompanied by an adult are welcome.

Lauren Armistead said her daughter and friend recently participated in the classes and thoroughly enjoyed them.

“They had a great time and love their creations,” she said.

“My daughter said Samantha was lovely and she is looking forward to doing more classes in the future.”

Ms West is also offering beginners card making classes at the shop at 174a High Street Heathcote.

“It’s not too early to start making cards for Christmas and, of course, birthdays and other special occasions,” she said.

“Participants will learn the basics of cutting different sizes of cards, use the Big Shot cutting die to create shapes, decorate, emboss and make stamping blocks.

“Each class goes for two hours and the cost is $25 or participants can pay in advance $90 for four classes.”

Ms West has been making cards for as long as she can remember.

“I love personal cards. They mean so much more than mass produced ones,” she said.

“They are not all the same. They are made with love and are very unique.”

Ms West and husband Christopher opened Paper Creations Paper Craft two and a half years ago.

As well as pottery and cardmaking, they recently started a Cup ‘n Craft café in the shop with space for crafters sit and enjoy their crafts with friends.

“We have just installed a new, bigger coffee machine and we are hoping to have snacks available very soon.”

Paper Creations Paper Craft and Cup ‘n Craft are open Tuesdays, and Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

For more information on the clay or cardmaking classes contact 0434 629 372.