The November workshops are artist Lee van der Geest making decorative wire Christmas trees, and Clare Ryan teaching how to make cheeses and other pantry staples.
Mrs van der Geest, who makes large garden sculptures out of natural elements and wire, said her steel trees were a sleek, stylish and simple way to decorate for Christmas.
Her husband makes the frames, and workshop guests learn how to artfully wrap steel wire around the structure and add stars and fairy lights.
The artist recently opened a workshop in Lake Hayes, where she teaches her wire-art, but as she was born in Southland, she likes to bring the experience to the region.
"A lot of people are off farms and they can’t get the time away," she said.
"It’s just nice to go down and spend time with them creating."
The creative, who makes works from grapevine, willow, driftwood, bones and steel, used to work as a florist, so using wire is "second nature" to her.
Ms Ryan, who has taught the art of making cheese at Riversdale Arts before, is hosting three workshops.
The cheesemaker said making cheese was easier than everybody thought.
While there were certain non-negotiables, such as the right culture, temperature and time, she saw making cheese as a truly creative pursuit.
"It’s that beautiful mix between, you know, artisan and creativeness."
She will be teaching her simple trade secrets at workshops on November 22 and 23.
Mrs van der Geest’s workshop will be the following Sunday, November 30.
More information can be found on Riversdale Arts’ website and social media.
