THE festive season is almost upon us and the Annual Wonthaggi Woodcrafters Christmas Shop will return for the 23rd consecutive year. Once again, it will be held at the Woodies workshops at 239 White Road, behind Bass Coast Adult Learning and adjacent to U3A and South Coast FM radio studios.
The Christmas Shop will be open every day for three weeks from Saturday, November 29, until Saturday, December 20. We’re open each day from 10am to 4pm. Look out for road signs and banners.
On display and for sale will be the usual huge range of quality locally crafted timber products. There will be beautifully turned bowls, platters, vases, wall displays, containers and pens, wall and mantle clocks, kitchenalia, chopping boards, small furniture, artistic display items, and so much more. Children’s toys feature a new range of wheeled toys, completed or for the kids to paint at home.
This year, a highlight will be creations of Kumiko, the art of traditional Japanese joinery. Kumiko is a woodworking technique for creating intricate, geometric patterns from thin strips of wood joined together without nails, screws or glue. The method relies on precise cuts, angles, and grooves to interlock the pieces, and it is famously used for decorative elements in architectural pieces like shoji screens and latticework. Many Woodies members are now creating beautiful work in this discipline. Some have even done training with Japanese masters in the field in Tasmania and Sydney.
The shop will open with over 600 items, all made by Woodies members and all at very reasonable prices. Get in early for a great choice, although stock will be topped up along the way. If you’re looking for that really unique and special Christmas gift, what could be better than something locally made from beautiful, resilient, natural timber?
If you would like to call in and browse, you will be made very welcome. Have a talk to the Woodies on duty about how they create some of their fabulous works – they love a chat. Or ask how to become a Woodies member yourself. There are currently 100 members, both ladies and men. You can learn how to create your very own wonderful products from timber. No prior experience is necessary, as all Woodies workshop sessions are supervised and guided by experienced and skilled woodworkers.
The Woodies offers a broad range of woodcraft activities in three spacious, well-equipped workshops. Skill areas include woodturning, segmenting, toy-making, joinery, pyrography, scroll-sawing, carving and Kumiko.
If it’s made of timber, it’s likely available at the Woodies Annual Christmas Shop.
If you’re interested in joining the Woodies, or would just like to find out more, email the secretary at woodiessec@gmail.com, visit the Woodies on the web at wonthaggiwoodcrafters.com.au or look us up on Facebook and Instagram.