AWAY from the action in the arena, Darling Downs artists had a chance to showcase their talents in the Clifton Show pavilion displays.

From photography to handicraft, there were plenty of different categories for Clifton creatives to enter.

Member of the Clifton Dabblers craft group Rhonda Glare said she was impressed by the quality of entries at this year's show.

"Clifton is a very creative community," Mrs Glare said.

"The entries at the show seem to be moving the benchmark up every year.

"We have donated a cash prize for the junior handicraft section as well as having our own little display in the pavilion."

As well as encouraging local entrants to hone their skills, Mrs Glare said she hoped they would consider joining the ranks of the Clifton Dabblers.

The group practices crafts such as mosaic and sewing, as well as creatively re-purposing old items, like glass microwave plates into stained-glass displays and vinyl records into handbags.

"We started off about three years ago with only 12 people," Mrs Glare said.

"Now we have about 38 people on our books and we meet every week to do silk art, mosaics, sewing and folk art.

"Someone recently approached me about tatting making lace and so I'm trying to find someone who can do that.

"Having the group is really about encouraging and expressing creativity and keeping older crafts alive, sometimes recycling things for a novel purpose."

Fellow Clifton Dabbler Judith Daley also took home a prize in the baking entries, winning over the judges with her fruit cake.

"It was a first-time thing so it was a bit of a surprise," Mrs Daley said.

The crafters meet at the Dabblers Den in the old fire station on King St every Monday from 10am.

To join the Clifton Dabblers or for more information, phone Mrs Glare on 4612 3201.