Braidwood has a reputation for distinctive local shopping, and it’s because this is a town for thoughtful shopping rather than quick purchases. In Braidwood, you will find objects and treasures made with intention, from the handmade to the carefully curated, all created or sourced by people deeply connected to place, craft and process. The stops below sit within a walkable square around town, allowing you to loop through them on a relaxed wander.
Braidwood Quilt Store
Braidwood Quilt Store
For almost four decades, Braidwood Quilt Store has been a destination for fine patchwork and quilting, and Bronwyn Hill has been the driving force since 2019. The showstopping item here is, of course, a handmade quilt. Asked why she thinks they continue to hold such appeal, Bronwyn says, “Handmade quilts are cherished for their uniqueness. The hours spent designing and creating these pieces, using quality materials ensures they become heirlooms with treasured memories that are passed down through families.”
There is a large range of pre-made quilts available in store, or for something extra special, a commissioned quilt can be the start of a truly personal story. If you have a quilt in need of repair, or a project that could use a hand getting it to completion, Bronwyn offers expert quilting services. She also makes custom jackets for those wanting a wearable piece of textile art.
Smaller souvenirs such as hand knitted items and cushions are also available, while a vast and varied range of more than 3,000 fabrics attracts both local and overseas visitors.
Visit Braidwood Quilt Store at 119 Wallace Street, Braidwood next to The Albion; open Monday, Thursday and Friday between 10am–4pm and Saturday and Sunday between 9.30am–4pm.
Braidwood Clayworks & Vetro E Metallo
Braidwood Clayworks
At Braidwood Clayworks Gallery, you can find rustic wheel-thrown tableware and one-of-a-kind pieces made by Kate and Michael Warner, who have lived in Braidwood since 2009. There are the usual suspects like mugs and bowls to take home, with complete matching sets that make everyday meals feel considered. Practical items like mixing bowls, canisters or colanders add beauty to household tasks. Or, you can find sculptural works such as hand-carved lamps and ceramic figurines.
Find Braidwood Clayworks at 30 Elrington Street, Braidwood.
Braidwood Botanicals
Catherine Jewel started Braidwood Botanicals in mid-2024 to bring small-batch edible flowers, herbs and botanical ingredients to cooks, bakers and cocktail makers. Everything is grown and made on Catherine’s sustainable garden property in Braidwood with a focus on flavour, beauty and a thoughtful connection to the land.
Catherine’s collection of botanically infused soap is widely praised for its gorgeous scents, particularly the rosemary and peppermint soap. Bakers will love the rose-infused sugar to add depth of flavour, while mixologists can garnish their summer drinks (made with Braidwood’s Hold Fast Distillery gin and liqueur, of course) with dried edible flowers.
Currently, you can find Braidwood Botanicals at the Braidwood Farmers Market, held every first and third Saturday morning of the month at the National Theatre. Occasionally, Catherine is at Ryrie Park Market and Canberra’s Haig Park Market as well. She is currently working towards introducing orris, a rare botanical used in gin and perfume, to Australia, so stay tuned!
For art and gifts, Catherine recommends the BRAG makers market. “The BRAG makers market is perfect for locally made gifts you might not find elsewhere, from beautiful hand-printed tea towels to artworks,” she says. Catherine also loves the next maker to be spotlighted…
Vetro E Metallo
When it comes to unique, upcycled and locally made jewellery, Vetro E Metallo (V&M) ticks all boxes, and then some. For 15 years, Wendy Lees has been working with copper, silver, brass, gold and glass to handmake stackable, adjustable and collectable pieces. She salvages materials locally and everything is produced in forges and kilns in Braidwood itself.
In addition to classic styles like snake chains, bangles and cuffs, there are more characterful creations too, such as earrings and brooches that hark to Julia Gillard’s infamous “Not Now, Not Ever” speech and original brass typesetter letter pendants.
Visit V&M’s Showroom at 68B Wallace Street, Braidwood on Monday to Friday between 10am–4pm, Saturday between 9am–3pm or Sunday between 10am–2pm.
Born Vintage
Born Vintage
Vintage lovers, antique collectors and thrifters cannot miss Born Vintage, especially since it’s located in the 1860s Braidwood Old Maternity Hospital. The historic setting, once operated by Anne Gardiner, sister of the Clarke brothers, adds to the sense of discovery as you hunt for porcelain, furniture and decorative curios to take home.
Every room is packed with treasures, so if you find yourself overwhelmed, here is a simple suggestion: a floral teapot or a set of cut glassware will undoubtedly add character and charm to your everyday life.
Born Vintage is located at 25 Elrington Street, Braidwood and is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am.
Written by Thuc Do for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.