Makers Workshop…Burnie, Tasmania…Another wonder in this special area…

Locally crafted dress made of paper.

We’d planned to lay low for a few days to recover from the early mornings and late nights on the 33 night cruise which ended a week ago today. It hasn’t been possible. We’re entranced by Penguin and its nearby towns.

We’d considered buying cheese at the Makers Workshop but instead, yesterday we placed an order to be shipped to us in Penguin from the cheese factory, Pyengana Dairy, that we visited on our way from St. Helens to Penguin last Sunday. We’d purchased a block of caraway cheddar and were hooked. It was the most delicious cheese we’d ever had.  We ordered three kilos which should arrive in a week, especially now that I won’t be baking a sugary treat for Tom.

This amazing small town and surroundings has kept us heading out the door as often as possible to see yet another interesting aspect of this quaint community and its nearby towns each with their own personality. 

Dairy farming is prevalent in this region.

The only day we stayed in it was pouring rain, cold and windy. As we acclimate to cooler weather after spending the past several years in tropical climates, this 18C, 64F, requires a bit of adjustment. We don’t wear our jackets when going out in an attempt to toughen up a bit. But, we do wear our newly purchased flannel shirts with layers.

We’d hoped to find caraway cheddar here, but none was available, resulting in the order we placed from the above mentioned dairy.

A few days ago, we headed to the neighboring town of Burnie, a pleasant 20 minute drive from Penguin on the oceanfront road which has proven to be a worthwhile scenic means of traveling from town to town along the ocean as opposed to taking the quicker inland highway. Who’s in a hurry?  Certainly, not us.

Locally made wines, olive oils, jams, jelly and condiments are offered for sale at Makers Workshop.

Burnie has a population of 25,000 as opposed to Penguin’s less than 4,000. As we made our way to Burnie as mentioned in a post of a few days ago to head to the Harvey Norman store for a computer power cord, we were amazed by the highway complex in the relatively small town.

Many possible holiday gifts are available at the Makers Workshop.

The downtown area was impressive in size with multiple shopping options, although parking was at a premium and we had little interest in walking in the rain and wind with neither of us wearing coats.  Instead, after purchasing the replacement power cord, we headed to Makers Workshop as planned and suggested by Terry, described below from this website:
 
Burnie’s newest visitor attraction Makers’ Workshop is a place that honors Burnie’s history, makers, innovators and artists. Opened in November 2009 this contemporary structure is a new concept for Burnie, part contemporary museum, part arts center and visitor information center. The building won the Tasmanian Architectural Award in May 2010.

Locally made wines and waters.

Volunteers at the information counter will help you find your way around Burnie and beyond.You can shop for some interesting locally made gifts and mementoes in the gift shop or check out the latest Tasmanian exhibition in the gallery.

You are invited to try your hand at making paper under the guidance of experienced and informative paper makers. Depending on the day, there may be one or several makers working on site, producing any number of interesting things.

Handcrafted cutting boards and cooking planks.  These were hard for me to resist. But there’s no room in our luggage for wood.

You are encouraged to meet the makers and have a chat about what they’re making or see their objects for sale in the gift shop. Discover what makes Burnie tick from the interpretive displays or simply appreciate the stunning giant sepia images taken by Wolfgang Seivers, still recognized as one of the world’s finest industrial and architectural photographers.

Grab a coffee, a plate of fresh local fare or enjoy an all day breakfast and reflect while enjoying the view. ”

More expertly crafted wood products, some for the kitchen, some as decorator items and some toys.

The moment we entered the architecturally interesting building, our eyes widened in wonder of the impressive décor, design and wide array of options to peruse. Our plan was to take photos, which we’d done enthusiastically while wandering through the massive building to investigate the purpose and intent of this well planned venue for both locals and tourists alike.

Another woodworking display, including this necklace, coasters and candle holders.

Although there are many items one could purchase, all but a few were geared toward those “with a home” to adorn with the creative and artfully made and manufactured products, many handmade on the premises. 

Extensive display of more appealing wood products.

Of course, we don’t qualify to make such purchases, but over these past four plus years we’ve learned to become avid window shoppers, inspecting each item with enthusiasm and appreciation for quality workmanship and the dedication exercised by each craftsperson. How we admire such skills!

Adorable handmade dolls in felt-like pockets.

We wandered from area to area occasionally chatting with a vendor while they worked and yet remained sensitive to the fact that many were engrossed in their particular area of expertise.

Poppy/opium is farmed in Tasmania for medicinal purposes accounting for 50% of the world’s product.

Over the next few days, we’ll continue to share photos from the Makers Workshop. We can’t help but encourage tourists and locals who’ve yet to visit this unique space to head to Burnie for an interesting (no entrance fee required) look at this impressive concept. Ample free parking is available.

Decorative waterfall at office building in Burnie.

Speaking of Burnie, tonight we’re headed to a concert in Burnie with Terry, our new friend and landlord and his mother-in-law.  He’s playing in the concert and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to watch him and many others perform. Photos will follow! Please check back!

Ferry in Burnie, Tasmania. Many ferries are available in Tasmania for passengers, cars and shipping purposes.

Be well.  Be happy.

Photo from one year ago today, December 9, 2015:

A resort in the Pacific Harbour area in Fiji was in the process of renovation. For more photos and details, please click here.