Within 30 minutes during our first miniatures group meet-up for 2018, I hear our mentor and club founder of Ipswich Mini Crafters, Alan Lindup, cheerfully say “so how is everyone’s entry for the Ipswich Show going”. I hear silence from our group and non-committal replies that the show is months away, before we continue with our conversations about our Christmas break.
The Ipswich Show Society was established in 1866 which then became the Queensland Pastoral and Agricultural Society in 1872. The Ipswich Show Society is a not for profit organisation and its objectives are to promote and encourage the development of pastoral, agricultural, horticultural and industrial interests in the Ipswich area of Queensland, Australia.
The annual event showcases a variety of displays and competitions. From camel races to chainsaw races, wood chop competitions, dog agility, monster truck demonstrations, motor cross and demolition derby. Other attractions include sideshow alley, show bags, talent competitions, animal nurseries, stud cattle competitions, working dogs, sheep shearing and various exhibits. With roving entertainment and fireworks also included, people of all ages will find something fun and interesting to do.
The Ipswich mini crafters have held a very long association with the Ipswich Show Society and have from time to time put on various displays for the community to enjoy. We have also donated a working scale model we made, of a carousel as pictured below. At this time Ipswich Mini Crafters were the Karalee Mini Crafters, the name and location of the group changed many years ago.
The 2018 Ipswich Show was held over three days from the 18th, 19th and 20th of May. Each year, miniaturists are invited to enter the fine arts category to not only showcase their work but to also compete for a prize. There are three categories in the fine arts section: Class 47 whereby the piece must be wholly made by the entrant and usually includes a single item and or room box skeleton or completed. Class 48 – handmade by the exhibitor but may have minor inclusions that are bought. Class 49 – model ornament made by the entrant. Most of our members have elected to exhibit their creations over the years and our small group does very well with not only winning places but also champion miniaturist.
Watching the gradual construction of their beautifully crafted items is an absolute pleasure. Everyone is keen to offer assistance and advice and although we are essentially competing against each other, no one is actually competitive. The goal is to encourage each person and help them in creating their vision and at the same time have fun.
This year three of our members entered their room boxes in the Ipswich Show. They are shown here:
The first entry was lovingly created by Joanne Walken. All the flowers were hand crafted and of no surprise to any of our other members, the flowers were so close to the real thing, (Joanne’s amazing eye and talent for the tiny is extraordinary) you almost expected a lovely aroma as well.
The second and third entries were created by Yvonne Penman. Yvonne has a special knack of being able to put together room boxes each with a distinct flair and detail. It’s always a pleasure to see her vision come to fruition. Yvonne’s fruit stall received second place.
The final entry by Sally Heatherington received first place and Champion Sash. Sally’s room boxes are sometimes quirky, very interesting and full of imagination. Sally’s attention to detail always keeps one finding different things each time they look. As usual, Sally’s trademark is placing a calendar in her room box indicating when it was finished and this can be clearly seen in her kitchen room box.
The Ipswich Show is a wonderful event and gives our members the opportunity to show the public how wonderful the world of miniatures is and with luck inspire future generations to take up this hobby. By Allison Smith
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