‘The Wood Expo promotes sustainable use of our beautiful native timbers through the work of local and regional wood artisans.  We invite you to join us for two days of clean country family fun at the beautiful Maleny Showgrounds.’

Once again, it’s that time of year for the Maleny Wood Expo. I have been previously and found some of the most amazing pieces to add to the décor of my home. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than the touch of real, handcrafted wooden pieces and at the expo you’ll find just about everything you could imagine, from artworks to all kinds of furniture. It’s not just about buying though; there are also a number of workshops on offer for the budding carver and woodworker to help improve their abilities, or even to get their start. It’s a great, warm and sociable environment where everyone and anyone can find something of interest.

‘Join Master Woodcarver, Don Powell for two days of individual hand-held, carving tuition – your chance to work with a top carver who is widely acknowledged as an excellent woodcarving teacher.’ This particular workshop is for anyone interested in hand woodcarving, from beginners to the more experienced – this is the one that will take your work to the next level. All projects will be prepared with good quality timber, ready for you to mold to your creative inspiration, under the watchful eye of Mr Don Powell. Both group and ‘one on one’ tuition is available, demonstrating correct techniques and tips for every stage of the carving. He’ll also cover tool care and sharpening, design and material choice as well as answer any questions you may have for a master carver. Curious about the art form, I gave this workshop a try and while I was shaky to begin with, Don and everyone involved was very supportive of ‘newbies’ like me, and under his guidance I was able to make a piece I’m still quite proud of today, as well as discovering a new found joy in a whole new art form. To book your tuition with Don, visit the Maleny Wood Expo site.

For the young at heart or just plain young, we have ‘Steveo’s Make Your Own Skateboard Deck’. ‘This hands-on workshop helps you design your own, one-of-a-kind skateboard deck. Steveo has taught people of all ages and skill levels  – you don’t need any woodworking knowledge to be able to make your very own fantastic wooden skateboard. The two-hour hands-on workshop helps you design your very own, original skateboard deck. All our skateboard decks are made from sustainably harvested, plantation-grown timber’.

Steveo is a craftsman with an eco-conscience, and a master of what he does, from crafting, shaping and molding his hollow wooden surfboards to carving some of the most creative skateboards you’ll ever see. If you’re a skater or just interested in learning something new, this is definitely a workshop to book and check out.

Now for something truly unique, if you’re a fan of American Blues, you’ve more than likely heard the instrumental styling of the legendary Diddleybow. ‘The Diddleybow is a single-stringed American instrument with has its origins in West Africa. It is fundamental to the BLUES, is played with a slide and is the Grandfather of what we know as the Slide-Guitar and Lap Steel. This workshop offers you the chance to create your own Diddleybow from recycled materials in this one-day, hands-on workshop’. This instrument is seriously cool, and to not only craft your own, but all participants are invited to a follow up lesson and jam session with Eb’n’Flo on the following Sunday, 3rd May. Sounds like a great way to spend your time at the expo this year. To style your own Diddleybow, you can book online.

There really is something for everyone who is interested in timber and the woodworking craft, from kid’s creative spaces, to Woodshed Workshops and Woodwork for Women, as well as some delightful food and fabulous local music to carry you on throughout the day. All wood artisans are required to work with sustainably harvested native timbers, weed and recycled timbers. A great day of responsible and safe fun for the whole family and for more information visit Maleny Wood Expo.