From Craft to Code

A week-long program that explores and celebrates the origins of modern computing, digital media, and coding across a range of artistic disciplines such weaving, sewing, textile repair, animation and music making.

This Inspiring Australia initiative is supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week.


National Science Week: Drop In - Optical Illusions- Registration not required
Discover the magical illusion techniques that lead to the invention of movies with early animation devices like the Zoetropes and Thaumatropes. Dive into their fascinating origins and learn how to create your own physical animated sequences!
10 Aug 2024 - 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Nunawading

National Science Week: Drop In - Decorate A Labcoat- Registration not required
Drop by the library to decorate your very own labcoat in Celebration of National Science Week! Using markers and stickers to draw everything from planets, test tubes and animals, we'll turn white uniforms into personalised labcoats celebrating the vibrance of science!
10 Aug 2024 - 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Nunawading

National Science Week: Visible Mending Magic with Sarah Seahorse- Bookings essential 
Learn the art of visible mending utilising repetitive & decorative hand stitching. It is meditative, fun and tells a beautiful story upon your well loved clothing. Participants are encouraged to bring along a ripped or damaged garment to repair on the day. You will leave with new skills and a revitalised piece of clothing.
10 Aug 2024 - 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Nunawading

National Science Week: Family Weaving Workshop- Bookings essential. One ticket per family group of two to five people
Led by experienced textile artist Zsofia Samu, this transformative class will leave you with new skills, a sense of accomplishment and cherished family time to remember. You will use super fun materials including wool, paper and silk yarns, specialty fibres, copper wire and ribbons. At the end of the class, each family will place their artwork in a picture frame, creating a beautiful memory to take home. One ticket per family group of two to five people. Perfect for beginners, ages 5 to 100!
10 Aug 2024 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Nunawading

National Science Week: Introduction to Sashiko - Japanese Needlework- Bookings essential
Join Leanne O’Sullivan of Kimono House Japanese Textiles & Craft for an afternoon of hand-stitching. Leanne will guide you in this relaxing and enjoyable introduction to Sashiko, a traditional Japanese needlework. All materials will be provided and no previous experience is required.
10 Aug 2024 - 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Nunawading

National Science Week: Electronic Embroidery- Bookings essential
Learn to make sewable circuits in this workshop that brings together two skills rarely used together: hand sewing and electronics. Participants will use conductive thread and LEDs to make their fabric designs light up. No sewing or electronics experience required!
12 Aug 2024 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Box Hill

National Science Week: Scribble Bots - Drawing Robots- Bookings essential 
A scribble bot is a simple, homemade robot designed to create random or patterned drawings. We'll use a craft supplies, a small motor, a battery, and some wires to build our bot and then let them loose in an artmaking battle! This fun session puts a creative twist on exploring the basic principles of robotics and electronics.
13 Aug 2024 - 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM
Pines

National Science Week: Weaving in Sequences- Bookings essential
Weaving in sequences offers a hands-on introduction to textile creation, echoing the intricate designs of computerised Jacquard looms on small cardboard looms. These compact, user-friendly tools allow beginners to explore basic weaving techniques, producing unique patterns through simple over-and-under motions. This fun and relaxed introduction to traditional weaving bridges the gap between craft and the history of computer hardware. No experience required.
14 Aug 2024 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Nunawading

National Science Week: Punch Card Automation - Music Box Melodies- Bookings essential 
Inspired by the ingenious punch card automation of the Jacquard loom, we will explore the fusion of traditional crafting with music. Children will punch out their own unique melodies which can be played on provided music boxes. Discover automation, bring compositions to life, and bring your creations home to explore further!
15 Aug 2024 - 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM
Doncaster

National Science Week: Cross Stitch Pixel Art
Explore the fascinating connection between pixel art and it's origins in cross stitch. Inspired by beloved video games and pop culture icons, children will use the timeless craft of cross stitch to bring digital designs to life. From Mario to Minecraft, unleash your creativity and take home your own pixelated masterpieces to cherish!
16 Aug 2024 - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Nunawading