Get crafty now Tasmania has reopened its doors

Tasmania has re-opened its doors and is welcoming  back Australian travellers from Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 

The Tasmanian Government continues to monitor the situation in New South Wales, with the hope that border restrictions may ease in early November. 

Tourism Tasmania CEO John Fitzgerald says: “Tasmania is excited to welcome back visitors and provide them with a much-needed holiday. Tasmania has bucket loads of character that no other destination in Australia offers. 

"Tasmanians are creative bunch so it’s fantastic to see new and unique experiences being developed during 2020 for visitors to now come and enjoy. Our passionate tourism industry are ready to greet visitors safely, but with our customary warm Tassie welcome.” 

Among the new events for both locals and visitors are two arts and crafts fairs on the same week in December; from December 4-6.

Artists and Makers of the Huon - Art and Wine Trail sees local artisans join forces with two local wineries to welcome visitors to the Huon Valley, south of Hobart. 

This offers a rare opportunity to visit some of the secret studios hidden away in the valley and visit the artists in their creative environments. 

Each of the participating business has implemented a Covid-19 safety plan. 

Participating wineries and artists include: Kate Hill Wines, Home Hill Winery, Lisa Britzman at Campo de Flori Ceramics, Ross Patston-Gill, Brian Looker , Henrietta Manning, Bronwyn Clarke, Lysbeth Driessen, David Rauenbusch of Phoenix Creations (pictured above) and Richard Stanley.

In Hobart, the designed:made - makers market will take place in Hobart's historic Town Hall and will feature some of Tasmania's best emerging and established designers.

This design market is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Tasmania's best market style events for high quality craft and design. 

Organised by designed:made inc. the design market includes a wide range of work including furniture, jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, prints and more, with nearly 40 designers and makers present, including Sonja Cook (wallaby leather bags, above).

The stall holders are selected to ensure a mix of both established and emerging designers and makers, so there is always new and interesting work on display.

“This makers market showcases what talent Tasmania has to offer with high quality designed objects made in a host of different mediums. The event brings together a unique range of product which often is hard to access, and meeting the maker directly, definitely adds to the experience," said Linda Fredheim, one of the event organisers.

"2020 has been a difficult year for many of Tasmania’s designers and makers. With galleries and markets closed, and general widespread uncertainty, artists and designers have struggled financially and creatively. Everyone has had to adapt. Lots of our designers took the opportunity to completely rethink their practice, and used the time to develop new processes and perfect new techniques.”

See www.facebook.com/pages/category/Artist/Tasmanian-Artists-and-Makers-of-the-Huon-791028121265796/

www.designedmade.com.au/dm-makers-market-2020