GALLERY: Indigenous Artisan Market inspires Christmas gift ideas at the Lighthouse Toowoomba

A proud Gunggari woman has showcased her love and respect for the land through her hand designed and painted jewellery at a special Indigenous Artisan market. See the photos here.

For several years a proud Gunggari woman had been creating hand designed and hand painted jewellery on the side, and this weekend she unveiled her work to the world.

Judy Kirby created her business Indigenous By Design several years ago, but for the first time, decided she was ready to sell her products to the world at the Indigenous Artisan Markets on Saturday.

“I was quite surprised and pleased … everybody loved my products,” she said.

“I was so happy, I even got orders for more pieces.”

The markets, hosted by The Lighthouse and supported by Emerge Cafe and the Regional Art Services Network, was designed to support First Nations artists and showcased a wide array of talent.

Ms Kirby said it was important for her to focus her art on Australian woods, including Tassie oak and jarrah.

“I always tap into my spiritual side of Mother Earth and look to see how I can honour her,” she said.

The success of the markets has inspired the market holders to host future Indigenous artisan markets across Toowoomba.

“The whole vibe of the market was very supportive and everyone really worked well together,” she said.

“We want it to grow from there.”

Stacey Trindall of Baru Maranga Art works on a piece of art at her stall at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Stacey Trindall of Baru Maranga Art works on a piece of art at her stall at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Ruth and Matt Yinn look over products by husband and wife duo Greg and Dee Locke (DG Murri Wood Art and Australian Indigenous Cards) at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Ruth and Matt Yinn look over products by husband and wife duo Greg and Dee Locke (DG Murri Wood Art and Australian Indigenous Cards) at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Stacey Trindall of Baru Maranga Art works on a piece of art at her stall at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Vanessa Muller (left) performing as V Miiller with Sue Ray after providing the music (separately) at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Vanessa Muller (left) performing as V Miiller with Sue Ray after providing the music (separately) at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Husband and wife duo Greg and Dee Locke (DG Murri Wood Art and Australian Indigenous Cards) at their stall at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Stacey Trindall of Baru Maranga Art works on a piece of art at her stall at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Ailie-Ciaan Englart (left) with her handmade earings and Judy Kirby of Indigenous By Design incorporating Gunggari Girl Designs at their stall at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Stacey Trindall of Baru Maranga Art works on a piece of art at her stall at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Tanya Kirkegaard (left) and Monique Mennie of Tanique with their products at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Vanessa Muller (left) performing as V Miiller with Sue Ray after providing the music (separately) at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Jessica Moore with mum Vanessa Moore check out the Indigenous By Design stall at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Peta Horton buys scented candles from Tanique owners Tanya Kirkegaard and Monique Mennie (right) at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Husband and wife duo Greg and Dee Locke (DG Murri Wood Art and Australian Indigenous Cards) at their stall at the Indigenous Artisan Markets at The Lighthouse, Saturday, December 17, 2022.