A cosy, creative space for toddlers and preschoolers. Gentle guidance, quality materials, and projects that spark imagination.
Term 1 just got a little brighter. The Canterbaby Club is launching a weekly craft club for preschoolers at Messy Mates Studio, and it’s all centred around something kids instantly get excited about: their own craft tackle box. It starts empty-ish, gets topped up every week, and goes home bursting with supplies and creations at the end of term.
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How It Works
Every Thursday morning, children jump into a new themed project. Their tackle box arrives loaded with whatever they need for that day: paint, brushes, paper, little bits for sticking, glue, and the occasional surprise material that makes everyone sit up a bit straighter. Some weeks are all about colour. Others are about experimenting with texture or trying tools they might not have used before. It’s messy, busy, and very hands-on in the best way.
Each child has a craft journal where they can stick scraps, draw, or save small pieces from the session. The sticker system is simple but strangely powerful and keeps kids excited about turning up each week. We also snap a quick photo of each child with their creation so you can watch the collection grow over the term.
Every week, one child becomes Crafter of the Week and takes home a Make Company craft. It’s chosen for small wins and curious moments, not for whose craft looks the tidiest!
What Parents Need to Know
This is a together-type class. Parents stay, help with tricky bits, and keep an eye on the moments where enthusiasm moves faster than coordination. We set everything up, run the activity, and keep things flowing.
The craft club runs as a full ten-week term, and payment is for the term only. The cost is $250 for all ten weeks. Sessions run on Thursdays, 9:30 to 10:30am at Messy Mates Studio, with a maximum of 12 children. After each class, families can grab a discounted stay and play pass for $12 (usually $18).
At the end of term, every child receives a certificate and takes home their tackle box, now full of supplies, stickers, and ten weeks of proudly made projects!

What’s Included in Your Term Fee
– A personalised craft tackle box
– Weekly additions to your child’s tackle box
– All materials and tools needed for each project
– A craft journal to fill over the term
– Weekly photos of your child with their creation
– A chance to be named Crafter of the Week and bring home a Make Company craft
– End-of-term certificate
– A fully stocked tackle box to take home and keep creating
Session Dates
The 10-week term starts on Thursday, 29 January 2026 and runs through to Thursday, 2 April 2026 at Messy Mates Studio at The Hub, Hornby.
Timing: 9.30-10.30am
How to Sign Up
Fill out the Google Form here. Once we receive your form, we’ll be in touch with payment details and confirmation. Spots are first-come, first-served and limited to 12 children.