Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

Angels of Hope packed ready to be distributed. Doll making is not usually associated with Rotary Clubs. I think my Rotary club ( Rotary Club of Wallsend-Maryland in District 9670) is very special. We have supported local women's refuges and domestic violence resource centres over the years in many different ways. Making and donating little dolls - angels of hope - is just one of the ways. It is also a wonderful project for us, as our members love coming together and creating, even though many of them have little experience with sewing or making dolls. While we may be doing something for our community, we are learning some new skills and having fun at the same time. On Sunday, 29 September, we had the annual Rotary  "doll making" day. And if you are thinking only the women get involved, certainly not the case!  The men provide the numerous cups of tea and coffee which are necessary for this project, and  always serve the most beautiful and delicious mo...

What is fallalery? It is the using and making of fallals (trifling, decorative ornaments). This was the basis of my talk at NCEATA – Newcastle Creative Embroiderers and Textile Artists on Saturday. I have recently joined this group and will be one of the tutors at their Creative Retreat in May 2010. I am offering a workshop called “Felted Fashion and Fallalery”. The felted art bowls in the photos are samples for the workshop where participants will create beautiful handmade felt for fashion accessories and jewellery and/or decorative art pieces like these bowls or art dolls and embellished them with handmade polymer clay pieces, buttons, beads and embroidery. More information from NCEATA website Second episode of the Homeless Day - packing night was last Sunday., the hottest day of the year so far. I don’t think it needs too much explanation About 20 Rotarians friends came to our place , brought more donations, packed 250+ daily essentials packs and made up ...

It just seems too early to think about a diary for 2010, but this week, I ran out of room in the back of my 2009 diary with dates already booked in for next year. I have made a couple of felted diary covers this week in preparation. I am not sure why I have been attracted to red the last couple of weeks... colour biorhythms? In my colour bible, it says " ...wear red when you need a pick-me-up, or when you are tired or lethargic or need to encourage physical exercise and a competitive spirit. Red will help with positive progress and success, and to put your plans into action..." Putting plans into action is certainly on the agenda this week.  A couple of Rotarian friends and I had an idea about two months ago and we weren't sure how or what would eventuate, but it seems to have come together. We heard about how a city council had destroyed belongings of homeless people, and thought we should do something about  supporting the homeless in our own city.  Co...