The Maker's Journal
Our Maker’s Journal is where we share the heart behind our work. Here you’ll find stories from our artisans, updates on projects we’re passionate about, and opportunities to join our creative community. From handcrafted treasures to studio initiatives, this is where creativity comes to life.
Maker's Notes
Every handcrafted item has a story. In this section, our artisans share what inspires their creations, the techniques they use, and why they're passionate about their craft.
Old Wood, New Purpose
Hexagonal Modular Coffee Table Duo
These tables started with timber that already had a story. The Silky Oak came from a discarded coffee table, while the 100-year-old Hoop Pine tongue-and-groove came from a local Queenslander. Both timbers had character, history, and warmth that I wanted to preservce, while giving them new life in a modern, modular design.
Each hexagonal table is carefully shaped, assembled, and hand-finished to showcase the grain, texture, and colour of the timber. The modular design allows the tables to work together or independently, making them adaptable for a variety of spaces.
I enjoy working with reclaimed wood like this because it has personality - you can feel the past in every knot, groove, and mark.
The process is hands-on and thoughtful. I select, cut, join, and sand each piece with care, making sure the tables are solid, stable, and visually appealing. I love that the finished product is not only functional but also tells a story, connecting the old with the new and celebrating the craftsmanship inherent in timber.
Working with reclaimed timber is rewarding. These tables are practical, modern, and show the character and history of the wood.
A Study in Harmony
Contrast Wooden Trug
I've always enjoyed working with my hands and experimenting with different ypes of wood. The Contrast Wooden Trug grew from a simple idea: bring together two very different timbers - dark, hard Merbau and light, soft Paulownia - to create something useful that also highlights their natural beauty. I wanted a piece that was practical for everyday use but also had character and a story behind it.
Each trug starts with careful timber selection. The Merbau gives the piece strength and durabiity, while the Paulownia adds lightness and a warm tone. I shape and join each piece with care, paying attention to how the woods behave, so the finished trug feels sturdy but balanced.
Once assembled, I finish it with a hard wax oil to bring out the grain and protext it for daily use. The final trug is versatile: perfect for carrying flowers from the garden, holding small items around the house, or just sitting on a bench as a simple decorative piece.
For me, making this trug is about taking time to do something well, using materials thoughtfully, and creating something that's both functional and pleasing to the eye. Each one is unique, carrying the natural qualities of the timber into everyday life.
I like creating pieces that are useful, well-made, and show the character of the wood. The Contrast Trug is simple, practical, and something you can enjoy using every day.
The Craft Behind the Wave Top Box
As a child, visiting Bargara Beach was always a highlight of summer. After a long drive, I'd leap out of the car, race across the blistering sand, and finally feel the cool whispers of the tide washing over my feet. That memory of contrast - the heat of the day against the calm of the waves - has stayed with me, and it's what inspired the Whispering Tide Rose Wood Box. I wanted to capture that feeling of movement and relief, solidified in timber.
This box is crafted from repurposed New Guinea Rosewood offcuts, giving new life to what would otherwise have been scrap. Rosewood is a favourite of mine for its strength, warm tones, and fine grain, making it ideal for both structure and detail work.
The defining feature is the hand-shaped, undulating lid. I spent hours carving and sanding to ensure the curves felt natural and fluid, like water in motion. Precision was key - each pass with the rasp or sandpaper was deliberate, gradually refining the form until the lid almost looked alive. The box body was then carefully constructed and fitted, ensuring clean joinery and proportions that showcase the lid's sculptural presence without overshadowing it.
For the finish, I used hand-rubbed hard wax oil. This not only highlights the depth and warmth of the Rosewood but also offers durability for everyday use. It's a finish that feels as good as it looks, designed to be touched and handled often.
The Whispering Tide Rosewood Box is intended as both a functional object and a small piece of art. It's perfect for holding keepsakes, jewellery, or everyday items, but it's also a reminder of the ocean's rhythm and calm - a way to bring nature's poetry into your home through craftsmanship.
Every curve, join, and layer of finish tells a story, not just of the ocean's waves but of the time and care that went into creating something that's built to last and be cherished.
Nature Inspired Craftsmanship
When I'm not in the workshop, I take every chance I can to be outdoors. Birdwatching has been a favourite way to slow down over the years - watching the movement of birds through branches and noticing the small details of the natural world. Those quiet moments outside often spark ideas for my work, influencing the flowing shapes and organic patterns that define pieces like the Vines & Leaves Clutch.
The design is brought to life with precision laser cutting, carving the intricate vine and leaf patterns directly into timber. From there, I hand-assemble every clutch, ensuring the panels align perfectly and the finished piece feels balanced and refined.
The Timber is finished with hard wax oil, which enhances its natural warmth and grain while protecting it for daily use. A detachable leather wristlet adds flexibility, so the clutch can be worn or carried to suit any occasion.
For me, this piece is a way of bringing the calm and inspiration I find outdoors into something functional and beautiful. Each clutch is unique, reflecting not only the individuality of the timber but also my dedication to craftsmanship and design.
The Vines & Leaves Clutch is a practical accessory with a story - crafted with care, influenced by nature, and made to be treasured.
Studio Projects
From prototype sketches to the smell of freshly sanded timber, this section offers a glimpse into what we're building next. Keep an eye out for limited runs, custom commissions, and exciting collaborations.
Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes
Community Corner
We're proud to be part of a vibrant creative community. Here's where we share news about local projects, upcoming events, and ways you can get involved - whether it's joining a workshop, supporting a cause, or becoming a part of our artisan collective.
Summer Season Second Intake Soon!
Term 1 Courses for Adults
Everyone is Welcome!
There’s something special about settling into a creative rhythm over summer, and our Summer Season Adult Woodwork Courses are designed to do exactly that.
Across the term, adult makers will build confidence, skills, and projects through hands-on woodworking using real tools, guided by experienced instructors in a relaxed, supportive studio environment.
Our summer courses run weekly across the season, giving participants the time and space to:
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learn foundational and intermediate woodworking skills
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work through projects at a comfortable pace
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enjoy the process of making without the rush of a one-off workshop
Whether you’re stepping into the studio for the first time or returning to deepen your skills, our Summer Season courses offer a welcoming place to create, learn, and reconnect with making.
Places are limited, and enrolments are now open online.
Summer Season Starting Soon
Term 1 Courses for Kids & Teens
Kids & Teens (8 –17 years)
Summer is a wonderful time for young makers to explore, build, and grow — and our Summer Season Kids & Teens Woodwork Courses are ready to spark curiosity and confidence.
Across the term, children and teens will learn real woodworking skills using real tools, all within a fun, structured, and safety-focused learning environment.
Our Summer Season courses run weekly, allowing young makers to:
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develop skills progressively over time
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build confidence and independence in the workshop
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create meaningful projects they can be proud of
Whether your child is joining us for the first time or returning for another season of making, our summer courses provide a steady, creative rhythm that supports learning, focus, and hands-on discovery.
Enrolments are now open, and places fill quickly.
Calling Local Makers
We’re passionate about celebrating local creativity and soon we’ll be inviting expressions of interest for artisans to display their handcrafted works in our gallery on a commission basis. If you’re a local maker and want to be part of our community, keep an eye out—we’d love to connect when applications open!