Sponsored by
GYMPIE AND  DISTRICT COMMUNITY BANK BRANCH,  BENDIGO BANK

quilting showcase, artisan craft, markets

The inspirational display of excellence in handcraft in the Pavilion showcases not only a stunning collection of contemporary and traditional quilts but also includes:
– a “knitting” exhibit that breaks all tradition
– exquisitely detailed  stump and goldwork embroidery
– award winning guest quilter
– blown, cut and etched glass inspired by sea urchins
– delightfully quirky pottery….
AND discover the layers hidden “Under the Victorian woman’s skirt”!

Want more? Don’t miss the MARKETS – specially curated, offering finds for the DIY crafter, wonderful wares, make’n’takes and heaps of free demonstrations.

huge showcase of quilts

On the upper floor of the Pavilion, wander through and admire a labyrinth of tradtional and contemporary works submitted by crafters all skill levels.
Enter your quilts!
Be sure to vote for your favourite!

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A SHOWCASE OF QUILTS

TRADITIONAL CONTEMPORARY ARTQUILTS

EXTREME knitting

What began with simple stitches has grown into a career of creating powerful woollen masterpieces and extreme-sized textiles now in demand world-wide. Australian artist Jacqui Fink has reimagined the traditional craft of knitting…. big time.
 
“It’s one part bonkers, two parts beautiful and three parts the best therapy there is,” she says.

MASSIVE SCALE INSTALLATIONS

PVC FOR EXTREME NEEDLES

KNITTING MASTERPIECES

AWARD WINNNG EMBROIDERY exhibit

For over 30 years, world-renowned Goldwork and Stumpwork master embroiderer Alison Cole has been designing and creating signature and award-winning pieces, richly detailed with texture, flourish and delightful surprises.

GENTLEMAN'S NIGHTCAP

FLAME AZALEA

STUART TREASURE

guest quilter exhibit

Explore the story stitched into every quilt in this exhibition featuring Chris Harvey’s work from across her quilting journey. From her earliest creations and utility quilts to award-winning showpieces, this collection showcases the skill, creativity and passion behind each piece. Meet Chris in person and hear the stories behind the quilts.

A SHOW OF AWARD WINNERS

MASTERFUL STITCHING

STATEMENT PIECES

one of Queensland’s foremost glass artists

Inspired by the colours, textures and organic forms of the Queensland marine landscapes, Jo Bone creates striking sea urchin-inspired glass forms that are blown, deeply cut and intricately engraved, revealing layers of complex surface patterns.

Throughout the Fair, Jo will demonstrate her highly skilled engraving techniques.

ELEGANCE

RECYCLING/ UPCYCLING

STUNNING SCULPTURAL PIECES

POTTER

Joy is unmistakable in the delightful  work of clay artist Sam Keane: boldly quirky, brilliantly colourful, hard-edge punch mixed with a sense of cheekiness and fun! And at it’s heart, each piece is carefully considered for functionality and balance.

BOLD

BALANCED

JOYFUL!

UNDER THE VICTORIAN WOMAN'S SKIRT

Performance and talk presented by historian Dorothy Walsh,
Queensland Colonial Association

10.30am – 11.30am  Saturday July 24
2pm – 3pm Saturday July 24
10.30am – 11.30am Sunday July 25
From petticoats to pantaloons, what exactly was under the voluminous layers of clothing worn by women in colonial times? Two historians tie themselves into the fashions of the 18th century, layer by layer, in this delightful show!

Show and Tell with Dr Janet Lee
12 noon – 1pm Saturday July 24
1pm – 2pm Sunday July 25
Join Dr Janet Lee for a captivating Show & Tell of treasures from her personal collection – delicate jet, antique buttons, exquisite jewellery, vintage bags and period clothing – offering a glimpse into the elegance and social customs of the Georgian and Victorian eras.

Presented by Gympie Family History and family collections
A display of wedding dresses and apparel from 1912 to the 1950s, each accompanied by its own unique story. Discover dresses from the wartime years, and see the wedding gown stored in a Bushells tea tin and preserved there for decades!

1 HOUR SHOW - DON'T MISS IT!

SHOW N TELL

EACH HAS A STORY TO TELL

embellishing with embroidery

Do you remember the stunning embroidered display boxes showcased at the 2025 Heritage Makers Fair? They were the work of a group of mates, all passionate and talented embroiderers whose creativity delighted fairgoers. Well, they’re at it again – busy stitching, creating, and collaborating as they prepare their next display for the 2027 Heritage Makers Fair – embellishing lampshades!.

MEET THE EMBROIDERERS

ONE CHALLENGE

DIVERSE RESULTS!

Offering wonderful wares, make’n’takes and heaps of free demonstrations – you’ll be sure to grab a bargain, find that elusive perfect accessory, source another “must-have” item and find the perfect gift… there’s everything from the latest innovations, machines, fabrics, gadgets and notions to home-made wares: exquisite and elegant to proudly quirky and unique!

We’ll announce our specialist retailers and artisan maker traders soon, but click on “Read More” for a sneak preview and a review of our 2025 traders!

FABRICS, FIBRES, MACHINES, NOTIONS

HANDMADE ARTISAN WARES

MEET THE MAKERS

Workshops are still in the planning stages and will be announced early 2027. But we can announce now that there will be more than ever before, for those who want to learn a a craft or heritage trade  – from the experts.

So far: coopering, spoonsmithing, beltmaking,  basketweaving,  whipmaking,  silverhammering make’n’take, coppersmithing make’n’take, slow stitching…. for a start!

When the workshops are confirmed, please contactadmin@makersfair.au to book and let us know your name, contact details, which workshop you’d like to book…. and enjoy!

MAKE’N’TAKES

No pre-event booking required to join in onsite Make-n’Takes – this is a fun way to create your own take-home treasure. Keep checking and we’ll have a list of exhibitors offering Make-n-Takes.

 

HANDS-ON

LOTS OF MAKE'N'TAKES!

LEARN FROM THE MASTERS

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