Each year, the Australian Lace Guild proudly celebrates the creativity and skill of young lacemakers through the Nimble Fingers Award. Open to all lacemakers under 18 years of age, this award invites participation from members and non-members alike.
About the Award
Established in 1996, the Nimble Fingers Award was created to recognise and encourage the talent of young lacemakers across Australia. This prestigious award is presented annually at our conference, offering a platform for budding artists to shine.
Prize Categories
Participants are judged in two age categories:
- Under 12 years of age (as of the entry closing date)
- 12 to under 18 years of age (as of the entry closing date)
Get Involved!
We warmly invite young lacemakers to prepare a piece of lace to be judged and displayed at the 2025 Conference in McLaren Vale, South Australia.
Key Dates:
- Entry Forms and Fees Deadline: 31st August 2025
- Lace Submission Deadlines:
- By mail: 15th September 2025
- In person: 22nd September 2025
Entry Fees:
- Free for Australian Lace Guild members
- $5 for non-members
Important: Entry forms must be signed by a financial adult member of the Australian Lace Guild. Please download the form from here:
For more details, please contact our Awards Coordinator.
Calling all young lace-makers (and their grown-up helpers)! This is your chance to dive into the wonderful world of lacemaking and showcase your creativity. We’ve got some tips to make the journey as fun and rewarding as possible for both kids and helpers.
Keep It Simple and Fun
Choose a pattern that sparks your child’s interest but isn’t too complicated. A simple design with fewer elements will help them stay motivated and see progress. Remember, it’s all about enjoying the process!
Set Small Goals
Little steps lead to big achievements. Use a striver pin to count the number of pins completed during each session. For children under 10, a good rule of thumb is to aim for one pin per year of age. And don’t worry—missing a goal is perfectly okay!
Make It a Game
Kids love a challenge! Why not turn lacemaking into a friendly competition? Sit beside them and see who can complete two pins before you peel the potatoes or finish another quick chore.
Reward Their Effort
Celebrate their hard work! Small rewards, like extra playtime, a special treat, or an extra bedtime story, can go a long way in keeping them excited about their next lace-making session.
Listen to Their Needs
Everyone has off days, and kids are no exception. If they’re distracted or just not in the mood to make lace, don’t push it. Encouragement and flexibility will help them stay enthusiastic about their project.
Let the Creativity Begin!
Ready to get started? Dust off those easy patterns and inspire a young lace-maker to join the fun. We can’t wait to see what they create—send us your entries!
Let young lacemakers showcase their creativity and join us for this wonderful opportunity to celebrate their talents!