Inside the sparkling new studio encouraging

A LIFELONG friendship and love for creativity is fuelling Geelong’s newest – and glitziest – craft experience.

Ria Cooke and Jessica Thomas are the duo behind Bedazzle Bazaar, a creative studio in Belmont where visitors can transform everyday objects into sparkling works of art.

After feeling disconnected by the “grey” of everyday life, the pair have embraced whimsy and are helping others find creativity through craft.

Cooke, Bedazzle Bazaar’s creative director, first began bedazzling as an escape from the pressures of daily life.

 

After searching for a new hobby, she began adding sparkle to her children’s snack wrappers before turning her attention to everyday objects around the home.

As her confidence grew, so did her passion for the craft, with the creative process becoming both calming and rewarding.

Cooke said bedazzling is an art form anyone can explore.

“It’s a creative outlet that everyone can do,” she said. “You don’t have to be creative in the ways you need to for painting or drawing.

 

“It’s a simple thing that every person can do and make something they feel proud of.”

From chocolate wrappers to giant snakes, every sparkling piece in Bedazzle Bazaar’s Belmont studio has been hand-jewelled by Cooke.

She said the craft not only encouraged creativity and mindfulness but also taught patience – something she and her business partner, Thomas, hope to foster through junior workshops.

 

Thomas said it had been rewarding to watch children discover their creative side.

“It’s been really good seeing them getting into that flow state. You might think it would test some younger kids’ patience, but they actually really enjoy it and get into it,” she said.

Thomas said combining her business skills with Cooke’s creativity was a natural fit, and together, the pair has embraced the chaos of business.

 

“Ria is definitely the creative one, and I’ve got the more boring business background, but together we knew that we could bring something special to life,” she said.

Bedazzle Bazaar has its grand opening on Saturday 25 July, which will include bedazzling workshops, free face painting, spot prizes and giveaways and so much more (for ticket holders). Normal schedules including private children’s party bookings, after-school programs, and casual sessions are also already available to book.

 

While the studio’s early focus will be children’s activities, Thomas hopes the business will expand to offer creative experiences for people of all ages, including future aged care programs, corporate events, and custom large scale pieces created for private events such as weddings

For inspiration, visitors only need to look around the studio itself.

 

Covered in sparkle, the Belmont space has been transformed into a creative playground, and Cooke is already experimenting with new techniques using gems, charms and coloured mirror pieces to create more unique designs.

Thomas hopes the studio will become a welcoming space where people of all ages can connect, create and express themselves.

“We want to be all inclusive,” she said. Bookings and inquiries can be made through their IG @bedazzle_bazaar or to [email protected]