Crafting community connections

We know Logan loves a market.

That’s why we’ve decided to chat to a number of local artisans and stall holders about what makes them tick, what they produce, and why it’s so important for them to be part of the local community.

Name: Jo Thomas

Business: Fair Dinkum Aussie Designs

How did you get started as an artisan? What inspired you to pursue this craft?

I first made myself a set of giant dice for the game of Yahtzee. We wanted to take it camping. I have seen giant lawn games elsewhere and decided to make one for myself. To my surprise my friends asked me to make one for them so they could gift it. 

That was 2018 when we started making games and in 2020 when the pandemic hit I had to change the direction of my little business and I started sewing.

What was (or is) your day job? Is this related to your art?

I was not working at the time I started making my games.

What makes your products stand out from others in the market? Is there a specific aspect or feature that sets your work apart?

There is no other business that makes the giant games. Almost all other business who sell these large outdoor lawn games drop ship them for overseas. 

Ours are made by hand in our back yard. The fact that we make all our games is a definite selling point for consumers.

How do you ensure the quality and craftsmanship of your products? Do you have any specific quality control measures in place?

When I make a game or sew a product I always stand back and take a good at it and say to myself if I was a stranger would I buy this? Is the quality good enough to sell?

How important is community support for your business?

When you are an artisan and you create a product as unique as mine it is very important for our local community to support us.

I have supported many small business and community groups over the years by way of sharing our games with them for community fun days. 

Local childcares have even purchased through us as our games are perfect for early development.