By TANIA PHILLIPS
TEXTILE artist Isabella Torrisi loves nothing more than turning recycled fabric into functional products and she is hoping others will too after the Creative Makers Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
Ms Torrisi, who has just opened a new boutique Bridget Bunchy in The Summit, said the shop was designed for local artisans.
“The Bridget Bunchy shop is designed to provide local artisans and indie designers specialising in sustainable design and recycled materieals, with a platform to showcase and sell their work,” she said.
“The shop is also a working studio for me.”
Ms Torrisi said this weekend they would be hosting their first Creative Makers Weekend on Saturday and Sunday 8 and 9 March from 9am-4pm each day.
“We are inviting people to join local artisans and designers for a free cuppa and wood-fired biscuits,” she said.
“The weekend program will include free nuno felt demonstrations by Gail Grunske Designs and a chance to make your own custom set of bead earrings with Beads of Ambrosia.
“There will be craft stations for all ages, where you can make your own up-cycled t-shirt necklace, vintage sewing pattern paper roses and pom-pom monsters.”
A long held dream of Isabella and her husband Samuel, the Bridget Bunchy story started back in 2012.
“We left our life in Brisbane and bought a camper van and travelled around Australia,” Ms Torrisi said.
“Stopping in small towns to explore, we sourced recycled textiles and leather from op-shops and recycle centres, turning it into jewellery, home wares and accessorie to sell at markets.
“After eight months on the road we visited Stanthorpe to enjoy the slightly cooler climate over Christmas and decided to park up the van and call the Granite Belt home.”
After taking part in close to a hundred markets, festivals and artists events while travelling the duo are hoping to build on their expereinces.
The studio has a colourful workshop room out the back which they hope will become a hub for local artists, crafters and anyone who shares their love of making lovely things.
“We encourage local designers and makers looking for a platform to promote and sell their wares or run classes to contact us,” she said.
