WEEKEND PREVIEW: Get crafty at big weekend show

For those who make crafts and those who just love to buy them - The Dunkleys Great New Zealand Craft Show is returning to the Bay to produce another unbelievable and unforgettable experience.
For three days, beginning tomorrow, Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre will be bustling with activity as artists present their unique creations.
More than 90 professional craftspeople, from as far away as Christchurch, will venture to Tauranga to sell their varied and unique work at unbeatable prices, when the show begins tomorrow.
This year the event will tour ten New Zealand venues, from Whangarei to Invercargill. The Dunkleys Great New Zealand Craft Show is one of New Zealand's most popular and exciting craft events which show organiser, Kim Dunkley, was very proud about.
"It has grown immensely over the years and this is the 28th year and it's still ticking along," he said.
"The interest [in crafts] is definitely still out there and we will continue to provide an event where people can show off their creations."
Mr Dunkley and his sister, Fiona, came up with the idea in the early 80s after Fiona returned to New Zealand after a few years abroad. When she travelled across America, she came across a number of craft fairs. However when she returned to New Zealand, she realised there was nothing available here to match what she had discovered. So she pitched the idea to her brother and as they say, the rest is history.
Tauranga is the fifth venue the craft show will visit during its 2010 tour and Mr Dunkley said it would be a weekend of fun and excitement.
Almost anything and everything will be available to purchase, including Maori pottery, merino scarves and garden art. All the old favourites will be back plus a host of new work that has not been seen before, said Mr Dunkley.
"This is a great opportunity for local, emerging artists to break into the scene and it also gives people the opportunity to meet the people that make all the products," he said.
Artists from all over the country, including Kerikeri, Auckland, Wellington, Marlborough and Kaiapoi, will attend the Tauranga show.
Mr Dunkley said many of the items sold at the fair were handmade, which was a drawcard as people liked to purchase unique things that are not mass-produced.
Some of these items include custom-made jewellery, glass art, games and puzzles, children's wear and much more. And for those who like to make their own crafts, there is a full schedule of workshops.
For something to tickle your tastebuds, Mr Dunkley said there would be cheeses, venison salami and locally grown food and produce. For people with a sweet tooth, Mr Dunkley recommended the Belgian truffles. "They are to die for," he said.
And if you need to take a break, there's a cafe with hot food and coffee.
Eftpos is available but bring lots of cash as there will be some great items at bargain prices, said Mr Dunkley.
 "These items are worth every cent because you're supporting the local industry and giving back to the community," he said.
Over the last 28 years, the Dunkleys have held over 365 craft shows and attracted more than 3.9 million visitors nationwide.
Info: www.craftshows.co.nz
WHEN AND WHERE
What: Dunkleys Great New Zealand Craft Show
Where: Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre
When: Friday 9 - Sunday 11 July
Time: 10am-5pm
Cost: Adults $8, seniors and students $7, school children $5, under 5 free.