TASMANIAN CRAFT FAIR
DELORAINE
2nd - 5th November 2018
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| Meander River Deloraine |
Words and Pics by Allison O'Donoghue
In 1980, a group of local Deloraine artists got together to showcase their wares, 38 years later the Tasmanian Craft Fair has grown into a behemoth. The Fair is now the largest in Australia, attracting artisans from all over Australia and overseas. The four day event is held every November at the picturesque village of Deloraine, centrally located North/North West of Tasmania.
In 1980, a group of local Deloraine artists got together to showcase their wares, 38 years later the Tasmanian Craft Fair has grown into a behemoth. The Fair is now the largest in Australia, attracting artisans from all over Australia and overseas. The four day event is held every November at the picturesque village of Deloraine, centrally located North/North West of Tasmania.
Deloraine is farming country, surrounded by lush green pastures nestled in the foothills of the Great Western Tiers mountain range. The Meander River runs through the center of this historic town making it an ideal tourist destination no matter what the season. The local population of 2000 swells to over 30,000 during the Arts & Craft Fair, and this year is no exception. Even the inclement weather couldn't keep the punters away.
To make life easier for fair goers, shuttle buses do regular runs from one venue to another in a loop. Eight venues are spread out throughout various locations around Deloraine, but if you're up for it, its an easy 7-10 minute walk from one venue to another. There is something for everyone at the Tasmanian Craft Fair from soap, woodwork, metal work, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, wine & spirits as well as a vast array of culinary produce and much, much more.
Whatever your tastes, you'll find it at the Fair. Its a good idea view the itinerary and local map to plan out your movements so you don't miss anything.
Every year artisans pick the best of their wares to enter the Premier's Award for Excellence, and this year the lucky winner is ceramic artist Jean Swinyard who creates beautiful ceramic dishes for every day use. Jean wins $10,000 to continue her work and expand her business.
Other winners:
First time entrant: Suzette Watkins - Australian Landscape jewelry.
Best Working Exhibit: Bridget Farmer. Vic.
Stand Presentation: Jennifer G Frost.
Provedore's Award: Tyler Clark and Harry Foster - 7K Distillery
JENNIFER G FROST
Winner Stand Presentation.
Jennifer G Frost
Jeweller & mixed media artist
0437931281
There are over 200 stalls featured across eight venues displaying hand crafted fine art with over 40 stalls dedicated to fine foods, and a selection of wines, spirits and beverages. Tickets can be purchased from the gates at each venue or online at www.tascraftfair.com.au
Ticket prices: Day passes Adults $17. Children $8. Family (2 adults, 2 kids) $40. 4-Day passes: Adults $30. Children $12. Family $70
Ticket prices: Day passes Adults $17. Children $8. Family (2 adults, 2 kids) $40. 4-Day passes: Adults $30. Children $12. Family $70
With over 200 stalls its impossible to write them all up, so I've picked a selection to showcase, in no particular order. Here we go...
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| Venue Map |
HANNAH WEBSTER DESIGN
Macrame' is making a comeback. It was all the rage in the 70's and I remember having heaps of it in my house but not a big fan anymore. Having said that the Hannah Webster designs are lovely and will add interests to any hipsters home. Hannah sells more than just macrame' she also weaves beautiful totes, bowls and cloth containers.
MARLENE RAY
Marlene crafts beautiful furniture from reclaimed timbers. Shaping unloved and un-cared for timber into stunning shaker style furniture, with simple, clean lines and expert finishes. Her work revolves around the timber. Finding an old door, Marlene built the cupboard around the door, complete with creaking hinges, which to her, tells the story of the piece. Many people have opened and closed what she calls the secret cupboard, and as you open the creaky door you add to the story. Marlene Ray's work are one off pieces, expertly crafted breathing new life into old timber oozing love from every piece.
Marlene Ray
03 63623062
OLD KEMPTON DISTILLERY
Gin is big in Tasmania. Just about every distillery produce their own Gin products. Situated 40 minutes from Hobart is the Old Kempton Distillery set in the historic town of Kempton. Surrounded by beautiful luscious pasture sits the 1840's colonial inn, Dysart House where you can wander through and drink in the history. After taking part in a guided tasting tour you can indulge in your favourite spirit and dipping plate.
With Tasmania's rich convict history it's no surprise that convicts who earned their freedom went on to great success, and what better way to show your wealth but to build an extravagant mansion. A demonstration of your wealth and freedom.
Ex-convict William Henry Ellis did just that. The story goes William Henry Ellis was sentenced to seven years transportation to Hobart for embezzlement. He was granted his freedom in 1832 and went on to build a Georgian mansion where the Kempton distillery is located today, hence the name of one of Old Kempton products - Embezzler Gin.
To find out the full story of William's escapades take the tour at Old Kempton Distillery and visit his 32 room mansion at Kempton.
Old Kempton Distillery
Dysart House
26 Main St
Kempton, Tasmania
Chilli D
Tasmania is famous for its produce. Beautiful luscious rolling green pastures producing the best of the best, that holds its own on the world stage. So its no surprise over 40 stalls are dedicated to showcasing Tasmanian culinary delights. Chilli D is one of those delights. Specialising in all things chilli - if you want a mild chilli relish or condiment, you'll find it here at Chilli D.
Denise: 0427442620
ELFREDS OF THE PENINSULA (VIC)
Some like it hot, and I'm one of them. I searched high and low to get my hands on some Harissa, and finally found some at Elfreds of the Peninsula producers of Gourmet foods. Unlike Chilli D, Elfreds harissa is burn your bum hot and absolutely delicious. Hailing from the Mornington peninsula Elfred, a British Rasta dude with a mop of dregs, specialises in jams, honey, chutneys, relishes, preserves, pickles, marinades, marmalade's, rubs, and hampers.
KILLARA DISTILLERY
Kristy Booth-Lark is just one of many female gin makers taking over Tasmania and she has made a delightful gin with a great name called Apothecary Gin. Making up Xmas packs, Kristy coupled her gin with Capri dry Tonic, made and bottled in Melbourne. I bought myself a Xmas Apothecary Gin pack, initially to give to someone but couldn't resist the taste test. So glad I did, lovely refreshing summer drink. I highly recommend one of Kristy's fragrant Apothecary Gin gift packs.
KILLARA DISTILLERY
Kristy Booth-Lark
TARRANT GUITARS
Handcrafted musical instruments are on offer at the Craft Fair. Located at the gateway to Tasmania off the Spirit of Tasmania is Devonport, and home to Tarrant guitars. Beautifully handcrafted using solid tone wood, guaranteeing your guitar's sound will improve with age. Custom made by Billy Tarrant, with bone for nut and saddle, these guitars give out a stunning sound. But don't take my word for it. Next time you're in Devonport pop into Tarrant guitars and check them out for yourself.
TIMBER GALORE
You'll find timber products galore at the Craft Fair. Stands to reason, since Tasmania is timber country with loads of controversy, like the felling of old growth forests, which appears to have settled down, for now. Here are some of the many wonderful uses for all the lovely timber surrounding vast swathes of the Tasmania landscape.
David R Herring Timber Products
Maker of therapy, Lap and Little harps from Tasmania Timbres'
0427 511 012
PO Box 350
George Town.
LITTLE CHOPPER CHOPPING BOARDS
The Little Chopper Chopping Boards specialise in cheese boards, cutting boards, carving boards, butcher blocks, large or small hand made by husband and wife team, Craig and Sharon Cashion from the finest Tasmanian timbers like Blackwood, Myrtle, Sassafras, and Celery top pine.
So if your in the market for all things chopping boards contact Craig or Sharon on: 0408 384 595
cashionc@bigpond.net.au
cashionc@bigpond.net.au
SIMON ANCHER STUDIO
You can't miss the work of Simon Ancher. If you want beautiful handcrafted one off pieces of extraordinary furniture then Simon is the go to guy for that. He moved to Tasmania in 1980 from NSW and hasn't looked back since. Simon has a team of 3 woodworkers who create unique furniture to fit out your home or office at his Invermay workshop in Launceston.
SIMON ANCHER STUDIO
CHRIS MITCHELL
Woodturner and master craftsman Chris Mitchell specailises in traditional turning methods to produce delicate one off pieces of lovely useful kitchen ware, corporate gift-ware, architectural and heritage features.
CHRIS MITCHELL
KIRKMAN KNIVES
Using local timber from Tasmania for the handles, these handmade knives are made with your culinary needs in mind. Not only are they beautifully made they are usable with excellent functionality, they can cut through anything. Local fishermen swear by them. But if you just need one good knife in the kitchen, and lets face it we all do, then Kirkman Knives will do the trick.
Kirkman Knives put this Thylacine knife up for the Premiers prize. It is a tribute to the demise of the Tasmanian Tiger which became extinct in the 1940's.
KIRKMAN KNIVES
OTHER THINGS
The other things you'll discover at the Tasmanian Craft Fair is a vast array of food trucks and watering holes so you can rest your weary feet, drink in the atmosphere while listening to the big band before embarking on another round of sensory overload. You'll find a whole host of stalls catering to all your wants and needs, so if you like jewelry, soaps, pottery, bags, glassware, you name it the fair has it. Here is just a few random shots I took while wandering around...
If you missed the Tasmanian Craft Fair at Deloraine this year then don't despair, its on again next year, no doubt bigger and better than the last, run like a well oiled machine and one of the best fairs I have ever been to. So for your next holiday to the amazing Apple Isle the event is well worth adding to your itinerary.
DELORAINE HOTEL
NED KELLY ALES & WINES
SALLY GREEN GLASS ART (NSW)
0415 953 968
www.glass-art.net.au
glassart1@gmail.com
Benjamin timber studio (SA)
Handcrafted functional art
Benjamin Timber Studio
5 Benjamin St, Newton, SA 5074
btstudio@internode.on.net
(08) 8336 3751
0414 307 442
PEACE POD
MAMA AFRICA
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