Never a Critter Wasted: TQ Creations' Journey from Recycled Offcuts to Fun Critters

Showcasing their unique Critters each with their own personality, Scarborough local TQ Creations uses WA timber offcuts of jarrah, she oak, marri and mallee roots to make their delightful, friendly Critters.

Sustainable and Unique Critters

Terry has been making things with recycled and reclaimed timber for many years and did not like throwing away the off-cuts. He realised some pieces of timber had a lot of character and out this realisation, 'Critters' was created.

Full of Personality and Charm

To make these wonderful Critters, Terry looks at the shape of a fallen branch, an offcut or the grain of timber and then he cuts or sands them into a head or into feet. The character grows as he cuts timber and as he thinks of the screws, metal or other pieces he has gathered over the years. He uses the timber grain for facial features, and from this starting point he chooses the perfect eyes and feathers to bring the Critters to life. Each Critter is individually named because they each have their own identity. No two pieces are alike!

A Creative Break from the 9-5

Creating Critters or other woodworking projects like tables, picture frames and other art pieces is a side project that gives Terry a break mentally and physically from his daily profession. It allows him the opportunity to be creative, with no pressure. The only thing he must think about is, 'what will this bit of timber become'? It is really cool when timber is transformed into something useable or fun.

Growing, Learning and Facing Challenges Head On

TQ Creations' biggest challenge to yet has been working out the best way to market and sell these cute Critters. For Terry it has been a process of discovery and growth, not knowing how much to time and money to invest and not knowing the market for these Critters. It has been a delicate balance that has ultimately paid off.

The Critters Will Keep Getting Bigger and Bigger

In the future, Terry would like to see the Critters continue to bring smiles to people's faces. This will inspire him to build and create more Critters. He would love to start creating large outdoor Critters for people's yards.

Woodworker at Heart

From beds to tables, picture frames to shelving, garden art to interior décor, Terry loves creating with wood and he loves that this led to the creation of one, and then many adorable Critters. It is wonderful realising all pieces of timber can be transformed into something that he hopes will bring a smile to a face somewhere.

TQ Creations’ at Perth Makers Market

We asked Terry what he loved about Perth Makers Market and he said, “Perth Makers Market is in an awesome location with plenty of open space, no matter how busy it gets. The mix of market stalls and products is always enjoyable to look at and it’s fun to walk around.”

TQ Creations will be showcasing their “Critters” at Perth Makers Market on Sunday 6^th November at Goolugatup Heathcote.

Make sure you stop by his stall to pick up your own Critter and meet Terry himself.
You can also follow TQ Creations on their Instagram page here:

@shroomee2022