Handmade Wellington

Meet Lydia, the new friend I made in Wellington at the Homemade event.  Lydia is only one of the many wonderful discoveries I made while visiting New Zealand, my new favorite place.  Talk about a well kept secret, this harbourside town was simply stuffed into a rocky face terrain and full of people going at a wonderful pace.   

Wellington is at the southern tip of the north island of New Zealand.  As I flew in I could see a road marked by street lights that wound all along the harbour and I was immediately intrigued.  A short drive from the airport through streets with NO TRAFFIC and I had reached my destination...The Museum Hotel.  This rock and roll hotel was originally across the street on a different location but it was SOOO worth saving that they moved it and its halls filled with fabulous artwork to a new safe place and built a museum on the old spot.  I walked into the lobby and stood still just taking it all in...so much to SEE.
Artwork and clever furnishings at every glance.  Hmm.  I immediately thought to myself, "I'm going to like this weekend!" and sure enough, I really did enjoy every minute of it!

Handmade Wellington started off with an introduction from the mayor, an inspired talk of a town growing creative people! 

 

Imagine if you will a two day event with 150 things to do on offer!  Melanie Walker and her team of event organisers at Avenues put together a diverse and captivating menu of handmade makers.  There was so much to choose from that one would want to run from one class to another all day.  As the weekend progressed it was obvious that many people were doing just that and then meeting in the cafe to discuss what they had learned, experienced or made.

  Yes, there were opportunities galore to make things from cheese and beer to woven baskets, jewelry, clothing, baby bunting, scarves, upcycled clothing and well, you name it and it was on offer. 

Here's my workshop on Saturday.  These lovely women spent the entire day with me doing the Soul Searching workshop. 

 

We talked colour and then they all got busy.  Very busy!  There was a flurry of cutting and some very busy design walls around the room.  I love teaching this workshop.  It is intense, I think they'll all agree but very revealing.  Proof you ask, at 6pm when the day was done everyone was still concentrating.  That is a big effort! 

We made a big colourful mess but I think they all went home inspired to use colour and fabrics in a new way.  The next day I gave a slide show lecture, Masterclass in the morning on how to make personal quilts, where to find inspiration for quilts and a bit of process...my process...but one that opens doors to looking at things just a bit differently.  It was a big learning experience for me.

However, when that was done I had the afternoon free.  What to do?  Did I wander out to shop the clever gift and fashion shops of the district? NO, NO, NO!  The night before at the Pop Up party I met Helene Web and her Cloth Art Doll kits so... I went straight to her class.

These dolls come with screen printed patterns and great instructions for making an individual doll.  Helene also makes some very nice little bags and a variety of other sweet things...We had a ball making the dolls!

 
Although we were warned that we wouldn't finish one in a day I think we did...smiles all around...

ok, I have a camera full of shots of the town which I want to share but there is a dog here that needs me.  Every few minutes she comes and puts her head on my lap to let me know that it is time to hit the road.  So, I'll save some more for next time.  Suffice to say that when they invited me back for Handmade two next year I certainly said yes!  I am already planning some fun things to take along.  I absolutely loved being in New Zealand!  I came home yesterday feeling full, happy and rested even after "working" all weekend. 

Thank you to all the kind people that shared their time with me over the weekend and to those that planned my travel, hotel and the rest.  It is always a pleasure to be in such a creative and inspiring environment and I can't believe I have to wait a year to enjoy that again!  Take care, k

Comments

[V]

What a lovely weekend! Cute doll! Wish I was there!

[Mary Helmke USA]

Hi Kathy~
I took a look at Handmade Wellington's web site..Oh my gosh, can't believe they had so many classes. Your class was 8 hrs.
I've never taken a class for that long...it would be great because a 4hr class is way to short of time.
I can tell you had a great time. Lucky you!
Thanks for sharing...Mary

[Jean]

Kathy
Glad you loved my home town city. I think Wellington is pretty spec.
I think you had a great time and I am sure you would have been well received with your bubbly personality

[Viv]

A lovely post about your weekend. I'm glad that you enjoyed yourself, we enjoyed having you here!

I've posted about your class on my blog (i think you can pick up the link from here).

Hope to see you for another class next year.

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Oh my gosh, can't believe they had so many classes. Your class was 8 hrs.
I've never taken a class for that long...it would be great because a 4hr class is way to short of time.
I can tell you had a great time. Lucky you!

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