penny simons
artist
WORKSHOPS
Penny runs workshops both in Sydney and regional NSW. She is also available to teach on request.
Below are future and previous workshops
Community Tapestry Workshops
- Rising Tide Activist event over long weekend. Newcastle in November 2025
Penny facilitated with 3 other TVS members, a community tapestry drop in event over the 4 day long weekend of the Newcastle coal mine blockade annual protest.
- Big Weave Tapestry drop in workshop for the 100yr anniversary of the Balls Head Reserve.
Generously funded by North Sydney Council.
Weaving led by Penny and 4 other TVS members, for the local community on September 6th 2026
The Coal Loader Sustainability Centre, North Sydney.
sculptural woven, paper
and cane lampshades
north sydney community centre
Sunday 22 November, from 10am - 4pm
Course Outline:
Cane & Tissue Paper Lantern Making
Overview
A hands-on workshop exploring the art of creating simple sculptural lanterns using flexible cane, tissue paper, and dried leaves for final decoration. Suitable for complete beginners and more experienced makers.
Introduction & Materials
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Understanding your materials and tools: cane and its preparation, tissue paper and thin glue.
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Basic Cane Techniques
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Using soaked cane we will learn fundamental bending and shaping methods
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Creating simple geometric frames: spheres, cubes, cylinders
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Joining techniques: binding, taping, and weaving intersections
Take Home:
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A completed decorative lantern ready to display, along with the skills to create more in your own style.
sculptural woven, paper
and cane lampshades
Learn the woven basketry technique of pairing and how it can be used to create a sculptural lampshade
Utilising a combination of foraged and upcycled materials, including strappy leaved grasses, recycled dress patterns, and cane, this workshop offers a hands-on experience in creating a one-of-a-kind piece using sustainable and repurposed elements.
PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS
produce basket workshop. essington park 2023
obelisk workshops. glenmore house and kangaloon hall, kangaloon
living willow dome workshop. glenmore house, glenmore
totem making workshop- ancestors women's weekend retreat. wollombi 2024
mobile workshop. sturt, mittagong
