The Crafter's Way 134 - Retreat to Craft

 Here is this week's Messenger column, Retreat To Craft.



Have you ever thought about having a crafty holiday? Have you dreamt about indulging in your passion and enjoying the company of like minded people? A craft convention offers you such an experience. Flick through the pages of your favourite craft magazine and you will see heaps of advertisements for such a break. Then you notice they are interstate. You start to add up the cost of accommodation and airfares and you realise that your craft holiday is destined to stay a dream.

Well start planning because this year Koala Conventions celebrates the10th anniversary of their Brisbane International Embroidery, Textile and Creative Arts Event. This event has come a long way; their first convention had 20 students and 4 workshops. This year’s convention will have 88 workshops on offer. Participants come from all over the world and range in ages from 18 to 90 years of age. Many of the Participants return year after year, to meet up with old friends in a warm family environment. New faces are warmly welcomed and made to feel at home.

Many Conventions require you to nominate one workshop that you will attend for the duration. Koala offers a different option, ideal for people on a budget or where time is a consideration. Participants can attend for a single 2 day workshops or the entire nine day event which features banquets, local tours, free evening presentations and much more. You can even attend multiple workshops if you choose.

With a huge selection of superb two or four day workshops in; hand embroidery, knitting, crochet, textiles, felting, doll making, patchwork, millinery, machine embroidery and framing I’m sure that you will have no trouble justifying a short crafty holiday close to home. The Brisbane Event is held 3rd -11th July. If you would like a free colour brochure pop in and pick one up from us or email: koalaconventions@tpg.com.au or phone (07) 4093 9474

Photos from top to bottom: Gary Clarke,Jan Kerton, Robyn AlexanderThis year Koala Convention has 28 of the best Artists, Tutors, Authors and Designers from Australia, England, South Africa and Hong Kong. Wendy Wilson from Koala says, “Our team of tutors are great personalities as well as true experts in their fields, and take the time to help all their students, in a relaxed and fun filled atmosphere. There is always lots of laughter coming from our classrooms throughout the day.” With Tutors of the calibre of Phillipa Turnbull, Gary Clarke, Alison Cole and Jane Nicholas you are sure to learn something new and interesting.