It’s almost Christmas, but there’s still time to get that last-minute gift shopping done. “CityNews” is showcasing some great gift options that will be warmly received on Christmas Day.

It’s almost Christmas, but there’s still time to get that last-minute gift shopping done.

“CityNews” is showcasing some great gift options that will be warmly received on Christmas Day.

Jeweller who can cater for any budget

“THOMPSON Bespoke Jewellers opened in 2018, but I’ve been in the business for close to 40 years now,” says Diana Thompson, co-partner. 

“I’m a gemologist and a valuer, so I really enjoy the beauty of the gems,” she says. 

“The coloured gems are superb, and the diamonds are beautiful too, of course.

“There’s always something new and fresh.

“My son Travis, he is our master jeweller, has been in the industry for close to 25 years.

“Travis has won lots of international and Australian design awards. 

“It’s a family business.”

Diana says they have a wide range of one-of-a-kind pieces available.

“We have pretty much everything, we keep highly exclusive things like Argyle pink diamonds, we have lots of beautiful, coloured stones, rings and pendants, earrings,” she says.

“We keep Australian, Tahitian and natural gold South Sea pearls.

“There’s also a good range of silver, beautiful Sterling silver in big bangles and chains, diamond rings, earrings and line bracelets.

“We have a cupboard of estate and secondhand jewellery, which we are increasing as our pink diamonds sell out, because they cant be replaced, the mines have shut. 

“All the pieces are specifically chosen because the stones are fabulous or the design is beautiful. 

“We’ve got the high-end items, but we’ve also got the silver so we can cater to any budget.”

Thompson Bespoke Jewellers, 119 Wallace Street, Braidwood. Call 0459 955991 or visit Thompson Bespoke Jewellers on Facebook.

Gift shop ready for an Aussie Christmas

WOMBAT Cards and Gifts is a small family business started by Monica and John Rolls in 2015.

“We started as a small market stall selling homemade greeting cards that I started making when I retired,” says Monica.

“Now I have most of my Christmas stock and decorations in, and people need to get in early because they sell quickly.”

Monica says all Christmas decorations will have a 10 per cent discount in the lead up to Christmas.

“We have all of the Australian animals with little Christmas hats on, and nativity scenes with Australian animals, too,” she says.

Monica says she loves what she’s doing and loves that she’s achieving something by introducing people to Australian animals.

“We have indigenous, dot-painting laser-cut animals that my granddaughter painted,” she says.

“I love the Australian animals, I just think they’re so unique and I love expressing my joy through the store. 

Monica says Wombat Cards and Gifts will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm, Saturdays from 9am to 3pm and Sundays 9am to 1pm. 

“We will also be open until midday on Christmas Eve,” she says.

Wombat Cards and Gifts will also have a market stall open at Summernats 2024, January 4-7.

Wombat Cards and Gifts, Shop 2, 31-35 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen. Call 0423 786222, or visit wombatcardsandgifts.com.au

A Christmas present that’s sure to take off

JET Flight Simulator Canberra has the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who’s ever wanted to fly, says owner Trevor Vickers.

“Visitors get to operate a full-size replica of a Boeing 737-800 cockpit and can choose from 24,000 airports around the world to fly in or out of,” he says.

“Our instructor is there to point out what all the buttons and levers do and when to use them, but it’ll be you that’s doing the flying.

“Sometimes people want to fly over where they’ve been on holiday, others want to do things like fly under the Sydney Harbour Bridge – it’s all possible.”

But that’s not the only experience they’re offering, says Trevor.

“Our new VR Paraglider Simulator offers a great way to experience paragliding without leaving the ground,” Trevor says.

“It’s a fantastic experience. You can see how close you can land to the target, or conquer the skies with a tomato gun to fire at other paragliders!”

Visitors also have the opportunity for a more fast-paced, virtual reality experience called “ICAROS” which Trevor says is a “completely different way to fly”.

“The way it works is that you lie on a frame and just by shifting your body weight it steers you in the virtual world,” he says.

“The sensation is more like flying with a wingsuit or like you’re Superman. It’s a Superman simulator.”

Whether it’s flying a 737, paragliding over the coast, or soaring through a virtual world, Trevor says there’s multiple booking options on their website, including gift certificates.

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, 4 Montford Crescent, Lyneham. Call 0438 834026, or visit jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au

Here’s how to experience glass blowing

CLASSES in working with glass at the Canberra Glassworks are available to be booked online.

“We’re thrilled to introduce new experiences like glass blowing and flower arranging, couples glass blowing, and sand casting, alongside all-time favourites like ‘make your own bird’ and beginners neon sign making,” says public programs manager Lilith Silva. 

“In our state-of-the-art workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to get your hands-on an experience unique to Canberra. 

“Our classes are led by artists who are experts in their field, making them suitable for everyone from complete newbie to glass veteran. 

“Reserve a spot for you and a friend in these fantastic classes today before they’re full. 

“You don’t want to miss out on these incomparable memories!”

Next year Canberra Glassworks will showcase excellence in craft, contemporary art and design through a curated program of exhibitions featuring leading and emerging artists in the field of studio glass, says Aimee Frodsham, Canberra Glassworks artistic director.

“With the appeal of Canberra Glassworks’ world-renowned facilities, the exhibitions you will see next year will support both expert makers and artists new to glass, fostering a diverse group of creative talents,” she says.

Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Ave Kingston Canberra. Call 6260 7005 or visit canberraglassworks.com

A shop filled with  ‘all things wonderful’

“THE Shearer’s Wife in Cooma is a treasure trove of all things beautiful waiting to be discovered,” says Maddie Banks, owner of The Shearer’s Wife.

“My love for fashion and homewares inspired me to purchase this beautiful shop,” she says.

“I have curated a collection of beautiful brands and creations, from gorgeous homeware pieces to rustic leather accessories to beautiful fashion and bright fun accessories. 

“It is a one-stop shop if you’re looking to treat yourself or searching for the perfect gift. 

Maddie says the Shearer’s Wife will be offering a one-time discount of 20 per cent off for in-store purchases on Saturday, December 23. 

“Until you come inside and explore what we have to offer you don’t know the extent of our products,” she says.

“Customers can expect a welcoming experience, filled with helpful staff and a discovery of beautiful pieces 

“It is hard to choose just one product to call my favourite, but I will have to say that our Woven Leather Boots and gorgeous range of TSW candles are two of my favourite products. 

“It really is a shop filled with all things wonderful.” 

The Shearer’s Wife, 80 Vale Street, Cooma. Call 0436 837511 or visit theshearerswife.com.au

Store celebrates the benefits of hemp

BERRIMA’s Natural Australia promotes the Australian Merino industry by showcasing the highest quality merino knitwear in fashionable garments, says owner Angela Rodgers.

“Berrima’s Natural Australia was opened in 1995 by my parents,” she says.

“My parents were retired sheep graziers from south-west Queensland. In those days all garments in the shop were produced from Australian-grown Merino, and designed and made in Australia.”

Angela joined the business in 1996, excited by the qualities of Merino fibre and garments it created.

Berrima’s Natural Australia has a range of fine Merino knitwear, either made in Australia, NZ or Europe, and Merino, possum and silk garments and accessories from NZ, cashmere from Italy and the UK, and Australian cotton in summer, says Angela.

“It is a very exciting experience to discover beautiful knitwear made with a passion for perfection and detail. My customers often comment that it is a pleasure to walk into the shop and see such beautiful quality garments, made totally with natural fibres.

Angela says that Christmas shoppers can enjoy a 50 per cent discount on some items throughout December. 

“There are beautiful linen in wide and straight leg pants, and dresses from Italy,” she says.

“Also, fine cotton, floral printed tops, Australian made silk kaftans which are perfect for a little warm weather, are all 25 per cent off. 

“All items are made in ethically operated workshops who employ local staff. 

“Quality control is ensured.”

Berrima’s Natural Australia, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 4877 1598, or visit berrimawool.com

Give the gift of local theatre

TICKETS for the Queanbeyan Players February show “Next to Normal” are now available, says co-director and musical director, Christopher Bennie.

He says “Next to Normal” addresses mental health issues, particularly how not only the individual who is affected by mental health deals with it, but how it affects the family.

“It’s a show that doesn’t shy away from it,” says Chris. 

“Local theatre is great because it gives you the opportunity to get out in the community, support local artists and have a great night of entertainment. 

“Next to Normal” is a great opportunity for young people to come and explore theatre, says Chris. 

“They can also work backstage and be a stage tech, they can learn from the lighting and sound people,” he says.

“If they’re involved in the cast or production they will work with people who are older, and Queanbeyan Players is such a family orientated production company that we like to engage them and teach stagecraft through the process.

“So you don’t only just perform, we work with you to bring out the best performance you can bring.

“We want to work with people as holistically as possible.

“You can put down an expression of interest through the website.”

“Next to Normal”, Queanbeyan Players, Belconnen Community Theatre, February 15-24, call 0402 353443 or visit qplayers.sales.ticketsearch.com

Store celebrates the benefits of hemp

SOUTH Pacific Hemp’s manager Sue Booth says the store celebrates the versatile benefits of the plant.

“We support Australian small businesses and producers who work with hemp, an eco-friendly, sustainable material that can be used in a myriad of products,” she says.

“We have branched out to a new clothing wholesaler – Braintree – offering an extended women’s range of dresses, jumpsuits and tank tops.

“Our clothing is designed for wearability and versatility, is breathable, natural and easy to care for.”

Sue says in the lead up to Christmas, South Pacific Hemp is offering a variety of discounts.

“We have 10 per cent off marked price hats, that’s in store only,” she says.

“Or $15 off marked clothing, and if you spend $250 you get a free T-shirt valued at $70, that’s in store and on the website.

“We also offer free postage Australia wide, and we have gift vouchers available with no expiry dates.”

Sue says South Pacific Hemp’s selection of products extends to a collection of hemp foods, hemp seed oils, with balms and skin creams, babycare, homewares, bags and accessories, fabrics and pet products.

“The team is always excited to help customers explore the extensive range,” she says.

“Come ask us about what the hemp plant offers, from the benefits of CBD oil to the selection of skincare and beauty products.”

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898, or visit southpacifichemp.com.au