Brisbane skaters to realise a dream in Disney On Ice first

On July 1, in one history-making show only, a group of young skaters from Brisbane will realize their dream and take part in a pre-show performance before the international skating superstars take over and perform Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy.

For the first time ever, local skaters have been invited to perform on the ice before a Disney On Ice show in Queensland. A troupe of 42 from the Iceworld Figure Skating Club based at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane, home to some of Queensland’s top skaters, will perform their custom-created show, A Disney Dream, at 2pm on Friday, July 1.

All tickets to the 2.30pm performance of Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy include the pre-show, representing a wonderful opportunity to see some of the State’s top skaters, from a 5-year old tot to leading representative skaters, strut their stuff on the ice.

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy comes to Brisbane from June 30 through to July 3, and stars some of the biggest names in entertainment – Lightning McQueen and Mater from Disney/Pixar’s Cars; Lion Simba, along with Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King; Ariel, Eric and the wonderful Under the Sea creatures from The Little Mermaid, and the magical cast of Fairies from Walt Disney Pictures Tinker Bell, and of course the world famous Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

The pre-show performance is being choreographed by Iceworld Figure Skating Club’s Tina Wang, a coach and a former Australian representative at the highest levels in world figure skating. Three of the stars of the show include Taylor Dean (Forest Lake) and Rikkilee Smith (Crestmead), who are both Junior National Level Ladies Skaters, and Lochran Doherty (Sunnybank Hills), who is a National Junior Mens Level Skater, along with an ensemble local cast of all ages – all sharing one dream – to skate like their Disney On Ice heroes. (local contact details available for all local skaters on request).

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy is performing at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre from Thursday, June 30 to Sunday, July 3 (perfect school holiday entertainment) tickets are on sale NOW through Ticketek on 132 849 or visit www.ticketek.com.au/disneyonice

There’s something so satisfying about creating a whole handmade set that feels like it belongs together. After experimenting with my grandmother’s doilies on flat slabs of clay, I wanted to see how they would look when pressed onto a curved form. That’s how this set of three doily pinch bowls was born—each one textured on the outside with lace, glazed in soft tones, and displayed together on a matching pink speckled doily platter.

It’s a beautiful way to combine sentimental textiles with modern pottery design. The finished set makes a charming serving arrangement for nibbles, dips, or trinkets, and it doubles as a decorative centerpiece when not in use.

Materials You’ll Need

White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain)

Rolling pin

Crochet doily (preferably a smaller one for consistent texture)

Sponge and water

Small bowls or your hands (to form the pinch bowls)

Knife or clay cutter

Plastic wrap

Kiln access (or community pottery studio)

White glaze

Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Cut your clay into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball about the size of a small orange.

Step 2: Form the Pinch Bowls

Using your thumbs, gently press into the center of each clay ball and pinch outward, rotating as you go, until you form small bowl shapes. Keep the walls fairly even, but don’t worry about perfection—pinch bowls are meant to have a rustic, organic charm.

Step 3: Press the Doily Texture

Drape a crochet doily around the outside of each bowl. Gently press it into the surface with your fingers or a rolling pin. Carefully peel it back to reveal the lace impression. Each bowl will carry the delicate detail of the doily, almost like a frozen textile pattern.

Step 4: Refine the Shape

Smooth the rims with a damp sponge, rounding off any sharp edges. Leave the outside textured, but clean up the insides of the bowls so they’re smooth for glazing.

Step 5: Dry and Fire

Let the bowls dry slowly until bone dry. Bisque fire them with the platter if you’re making the full set together.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

For a cohesive look, glaze the pinch bowls in soft white or cream, allowing the doily texture to stand out. Place them on the matching pink speckled doily platter (created using the earlier technique) for a complete serving set.

Styling Ideas

Serving Set: Use the three bowls for nuts, olives, and dips when entertaining.

Jewelry Dishes: Perfect for holding rings, bracelets, and earrings on your dresser.

Decorative Accent: Place them on the platter as a centerpiece with seasonal décor inside (dried flowers, crystals, or potpourri).

Gift Idea: Wrap the full set as a handmade, one-of-a-kind present for weddings or housewarmings.

Why I Love This Project

These bowls carry a story. The lace impressions remind me of my grandmother’s hand-crocheted doilies, yet the final design feels fresh and modern. Displayed together on the platter, they become more than functional—they’re a handmade heirloom set that blends memory with everyday beauty.

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