Featured in Australian Country Issue 27.3 (June / July 2024)
Our Fairy Wren Marquetry Artwork and Banksia Nut Tea Lite Candle Holder were featured in the June and July 2024 issue of Australian Country. The magazine celebrates the people, homes and creative traditions that define rural and regional Australia. Each edition shares real stories about real communities, showcasing everything from sprawling outback homesteads to quirky cottages, all built with love, ingenuity and a strong sense of place.
Australian Country highlights the food and fibre produced across the wide brown land, along with travel, fashion, recipes and decorating inspiration that are deeply connected to Australia’s regional identity. The magazine offers readers an authentic glimpse into the country lifestyle and the makers who contribute to it.
The feature included our Fairy Wren Marquetry Artwork, created by French-trained marquetry artist Max Clerteau. Using the traditional craft of marquetry, Max cuts each small piece of wood by hand, choosing different grains and colours to form a detailed design. The pieces are then carefully glued into place, with the process requiring patience and precision. A single artwork can take many hours, using fret saws, scroll saws and scalpels to achieve the fine detail needed.
This Fairy Wren piece uses both natural and dyed timbers. The background is Camphor Laurel, the hill is Sycamore and the outer border is Golden Sassafras, with additional fine detailing in the frame corners. Professionally framed and ready to hang, it brings a breath of nature to any room. Each artwork is signed and dated by Max and makes a thoughtful gift for bird lovers and admirers of handcrafted work.
The issue also showcased our Banksia Nut Tea Lite Candle Holder, hand turned from the seed pod of the Banksia Grandis tree of Western Australia. Once the rough exterior is removed, the inner structure reveals a striking pattern and texture unique to Banksia. When lit, the candle holder emits a soft, dappled glow that highlights the natural cavities and warm colouring of the timber. Each piece comes boxed with information about the Banksia Nut and instructions for use.
The inclusion of the Fairy Wren Marquetry Artwork and Banksia Nut Tea Lite Candle Holder reflects Australian Country’s appreciation for craftsmanship rooted in natural materials and regional identity. Each piece brings a sense of authenticity and artistry that aligns with the magazine’s celebration of life in rural Australia.