Get crafty at BISM

Hands-on workshops, expert demonstrations and fun activities for kids will transform Bribie Island Seaside Museum into a hive of craft creativity during its Hammer Axe Needle exhibition.

Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Division One Councillor Gary Parsons said the museum’s latest temporary exhibition, which officially opens at 11am on Saturday, October 8, would present contemporary crafts using skills of the past.

“While there will be a display of craft items, the thing that sets this exhibition apart is that it offers workshops and demonstrations as well,” Cr Parsons said.

“At Hammer Axe Needle’s opening, local crafts people will demonstrate bobbin lace making, Polyclay beaded jewellery and drawing with coloured pencils.

“Then, every Saturday  for the following nine weeks, there will be a live demonstration of a different craft with leatherwork, glass etching, sewing, paper craft, embroidery and illuminated calligraphy among the skills displayed.

“During the exhibition, which runs until December 11, there will be industry talks offered on quilting, wood turning, and book binding to provide insights into how traditional craft skills are being used to create contemporary crafts pieces.

“If you’ve ever wanted to bind your own book, try stone polishing or give woodworking a turn then sign up for one of the exhibition’s workshops. For details, ring the museum on 3408 0007.”

Cr Parsons said there would be a different fun activity for children every Saturday during the exhibition with crafts on offer including  paper weaving, creating your own dice, decorating your own illuminated calligraphy initial, making a leather strip beaded bracelet or creating a book from a single sheet of paper. 

Program highlights (workshop fees include materials used).

October 13, 11am - Quilting craft industry talk, free, places limited, bookings essential

October 15, 10am to 3pm – Beginners Book Binding Workshop, $45 per person, bookings essential

November 17, 11am – Wood turning craft industry talk, free, places limited, bookings essential

November 24, 9,30am to 3pm – Stone polishing for beginners at Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, $12 per person, bookings essential

November 24, 9.30am to 3pm – Silver wire wrapping for beginners at Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, $25 per person, bookings essential

December 1, 11am -  Book binding craft industry talk, free, places limited, bookings essential

December 8, 9.30am to 4pm – Wood crafting tool care beginners workshop, at Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, $10 per person, bookings essential

Bribie Island Seaside Museum, at 1 South Esplanade Bongaree, is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am to 3pm. Admission is free. For information about the museum and its programs, or for workshop and demonstration bookings, phone 3408 0007.