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Community & Business

15 November, 2021

A vast variety of crafts at Art in the Park

For those looking to see something out of the ordinary, the first ever Art in the Park hosted by Clifton Dabblers Craft Group at Pioneer Park failed to disappoint.


Marie Crispin presenting a sunflower made from milk bottles, plastic bottles and bottle tops and a handbag made using soft drink tin ring pulls.

There was perfect weather on Saturday 6 November for the event, which saw twenty crafty folk under tent cover or under shady trees.

Dabblers Publicity Officer Cynthia Conway said if you had other things to do on Saturday, you missed seeing a Tai Chi demonstration. 

“Showing that the Chinese exercise is no barrier to those with wheelie walkers, or even wheelchair limited.  

 “Looked like an art form to me,” Mrs Conway said.

There were many innovative recycling uses on display, including decorative lights in bottles, an idea Mrs Conway can see becoming popular.

She said she will not look at fence palings, old boots and ring pulls from soft drink tins in the same way again.  

“These bits and pieces can be made attractive and purposeful with a bit of paint, glue, cement and a bit of patience,” she said.

“Diamond Dots also have many devotees.  

“It seems to be that if you just have to have a go and you are hooked.  The designs can be colorful, olde worlde, animal, vegetable but not quite mineral, but a warning, try it once and you will be hooked.”

Glass etching was another craft on display, one which takes patience but the result is a gift worthy of a special celebration, such as a wedding, birthday or graduation.  

Mrs Conway said the Dabblers Den became the  Information Centre for the event and filled space with quirky quilting, origami and interestingly, Chicken Scratching. 

“Animals drawn in chalk always fascinate, chain mail jewellery, special cards, old photographic equipment (very old) and the variety of interest goes on,” she said.

“Visitors  remarked  on the beauteous setting – under trees or tents, being encouraged to pick things up and have a look or feel.  

“A big thank you must go to the TRC (Toowoomba Regional Council) for their advice and assistance.“

Mrs Conway said Dabblers now have 44 members.  

“They don’t all live around Clifton but a fair whack do.  

“They aren’t all older ladies either. Men are welcome to join us at 97 King Street, Clifton.    

Look for Art In The Park next year, see if the chickens are still scratching,” she said.


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