Denim painting workshop
Our Denim Painting Workshop invites young people (12–18) to transform old denim into custom wearable art—while building confidence, friendships, and practical skills that can support future pathways.
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn simple painting and up‑cycling techniques that can turn a plain jacket, jeans, or bag into something totally your own. All equipment and materials are provided, and you’re welcome to bring along an old pair of denim pants or a jacket that could use a glow‑up.
This workshop is designed as a relaxed, social space where you can chat, craft, laugh, and connect—helping build confidence, belonging, and positive social networks. The creative activities make it easy to unwind, express yourself, and meet new friends in a supportive, youth-friendly environment.
As you paint and customise your piece, you’ll also get a gentle introduction to creative entrepreneurship. We’ll explore how up‑cycled denim can become an income opportunity—perfect for markets, commissions, or small personal projects. You will pick up useful insights into pricing, presentation, and how other young creators get started, supporting your developing life and work skills.
Whether you’re here to hang out and have fun, build new friendships, or explore a potential side hustle, you’ll leave with new connections, new confidence, and something awesome you made yourself.
What to Expect
- A chilled, welcoming environment with music, conversation, and creative vibes
- Step‑by‑step guidance on painting and up‑cycling denim
- Time to sketch, experiment, and build confidence in your artistic ideas
- Youth-friendly facilitators who can help spark inspiration
- Casual discussions about how creative skills can open up future opportunities
- A fun, low-pressure chance to meet new people and build your social network
What to Bring
All you need to bring is your creativity and maybe a few design concepts or inspiration images! You’re welcome to bring any old denim you’d like to breathe new life into—jeans, jackets, shorts, bags—whatever you’d love to transform.
If you don't have denim to up‑cycle, we’ll provide recycled denim garments for you to paint and take home.
Sara is a young Bendigo-based artist whose creative practice spans entomology, jewellery-making, and visual art. Beginning her journey just before COVID, she developed a distinctive style through experimentation—transforming insects and natural forms into detailed, expressive pieces now sold online, at local markets, and through Pagan Lore Tattoo and In.cube8r Melbourne Central.
As the graphic designer of Ambedo Magazine, Sara brings creativity, patience, and a thoughtful approach to hands-on making. With her artistic experience and eye for detail, she will be a great support in the upcoming denim upcycling workshop, helping young people explore new materials, techniques, and forms of self-expression.
Sara Ellen (@s.araellen)
Got a Workshop Idea?
Are you a young person with a skill, creative idea, or activity you’d love to run for others?
We’re currently looking for young workshop facilitators to lead sessions by young people, for young people.
You might be into anime or cartoon drawing, sewing, upcycling or fashion DIY, Procreate art or digital illustration, or even slime‑making. Maybe you’d love to run a chatty walking club, host a board‑gaming or video‑gaming day, share your best Sims hacks and build tips, or help others start a small craft side‑hustle. If you have any fun, creative, social, or skill‑building ideas you think other young people would enjoy, we’d love to hear from you!
You’ll get support to run your workshop, materials provided, and yes—you’ll get PAID for delivering it.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services