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Santa’s Workshop seeks creative ‘Elves’ With little more than two months before Christmas, the manufacture of Christmas decorations at Santa’s Workshop is reaching its peak, but more of Santa’s ‘elves’ are welcome to participate. By Latrobe Shire Council - 14th October 2004 - Back to News Located at the former Morwell East Preschool in Vincent Road, Santa’s Workshop provides the community with an environment where they can create their own Christmas decorations with the help of Santa’s Workshop Coordinator, Keith Peters.
Mr Peters said that people generally use the decorations they create in conjunction with outdoor lighting displays in their gardens, on verandahs, or sometimes on the walls of their homes or even the roof.
"Often their displays are viewed in the days leading up to Christmas by thousands of people who tour the streets to look at Christmas lights. Their work brings a great deal of joy to a lot of people," Mr Peters said.
Mr Peters said people making Christmas decorations don’t need to be expert artists. "Anyone can make the decorations, because we make it very easy to do so. Help and advice is always on hand," Mr Peters said.
"There are stencils that can be used to draw the festive shapes onto Masonite board. Some people prefer to create their own designs from a Christmas card or a piece of festive artwork, and in that case we can show them how the design can be graphed up to the size they want their decoration to be. I then cut the design for them, and then they take over again and do the painting," Mr Peters explained.
The first sheet of Masonite board participants use is free, and they can then purchase any others they require at cost price. The paints and other materials are all free to those creating their projects in the workshop.
Mr Peters said that Christmas icons such as Santa, reindeer, elves, stars, holly, sleighs and snowmen are all popular. "Some lovely Nativity scenes can be created, while some people like to create cartoon characters and incorporate them into their displays," Mr Peters said.
Latrobe City Councillor, Bruce Lougheed, urged Latrobe residents to take advantage of Santa’s Workshop. "The Workshop is a great way to get involved in spreading the joy of Christmas. It’s extremely satisfying and creative for those participating, and anyone in the community can take part," Cr Lougheed said.
"Council provides the premises and utilities to encourage our community to get involved, so why not make the most of it," Cr Lougheed suggested.
"Santa’s Workshop is a great place for ideas, inspiration and materials to make large Christmas decorations for the outside of your home. While some people who first attend the Workshop are doubtful about their artistic capabilities, in no time at all they discover how creative they can be. Many return year after year to work on their decorations," Cr Lougheed added.
Mr Peters said Santa’s Workshop welcomed donations of paint. "While many donated colours can be used to help with the decorations, we still have to buy substantial quantities of the primary colours. After all, not many people paint their houses ‘Holly green’ or ‘Santa red’," Mr Peters explained.
Santa’s Workshop is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am – 4pm at the former Morwell East Preschool, Vincent Road, Morwell. "Booking in for the Workshop is not necessary. Just come along," Mr Peters added.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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