Shirley Barber Card Making – Collage Crafting Workshop (Paint With Me Northcote, Melbourne)

Step into a storybook at Paint With Me Melbourne and create your own Shirley Barber collectable artwork using real illustrations from real vintage Shirley Barber books. Each card in this class will be completely one of a kind, so we're offering this dreamy, vintage collage craft workshop for a very limited time in Northcote. For fairies big and small, join us in an art class that feels like a fairytale. Surrounded by illustrations from your favourite stories, create your unique artwork and learn about the beautiful design rules behind it

In this hands-on card making class in Melbourne, you’ll choose from vintage Shirley Barber storybook illustrations and learn how to cut, arrange, and assemble them into a one-of-a-kind handmade card (or mini artwork) that looks polished, clean, and frame-worthy. Think: tiny fairies, gardens, florals, woodland creatures, and with you as the fairy art director.

Located for a limited 2 class run at Paint With Me Melbourne, 579 High St, Northcote VIC 3070

Duration: 2 hours

Style: Beginner-friendly, guided, relaxing, creative

What you’ll do in this Shirley Barber card making + collaging class

You’ll create your own handmade Shirley Barber collage cards using premium card stock and professional materials. We’ll guide you step-by-step so your final piece looks intentional, balanced, and beautifully finished without a hitch! Forget the messy glue, wrinkled paper, and post craft shame. Our art teachers (who are Shirley Barber lovers themselves) will teach you how to protect the artwork and assemble your collages perfectly.

This is the perfect Melbourne craft workshop for all. Our Northcote art class studio teaches all ages and mediums, and this magical alternative to a typical paint and sip in Melbourne is great for families, kids, adults, and anyone who loves Shirley Barber's famous fairytale illustrations. 

What you’ll learn (easy, practical skills that make your card look amazing)

• How to choose and combine vintage illustrations (so they tell a story together)

• Composition basics: focal point, balance, spacing, layering (fairy logic + real design rules)

• How to cut, arrange, and stick collage pieces cleanly (no glue marks, no lifting edges)

• Colour and styling: building a cohesive palette using Shirley Barber artwork

• Finishing touches to make your handmade card ready to gift or display

What’s included (premium materials + vintage magic)

You’ll receive everything you need at our Northcote studio:

• Vintage illustrations and Shirley Barber-style storybook imagery to collage with

• Premium cards + professional quality art materials

• A curated selection of Shirley Barber first edition artworks/illustrations to take home and keep

• A guided, warm, creative session at Paint With Me Melbourne

You’ll leave with:

• Your finished handmade Shirley Barber collage card (or mini artwork)

• Extra vintage pieces to keep creating at home

• A head full of fairytale inspiration and real design skills you’ll reuse forever

Who it’s for (kids, adults, families — everyone welcome)

✅ Beginner crafters welcome ✅ Ages 5+ (kids with a parent/guardian recommended) ✅ Families, friends, couples, solo creatives ✅ Great for a wholesome weekend activity in Melbourne’s inner north

If you’ve been searching for card making classes Melbourne, collage workshop Melbourne, kids craft classes Northcote, or family art activities Melbourne—this is it.