I grew up on a farm in outback QLD and I spent many happy hours sewing, baking, crafting and making with my siblings under the guidance of my very creative and patient mother. My caring nature and my love of creativity led me to a career in Occupational Therapy where I worked with people from all different backgrounds - helping them regain independence in their daily lives. My career took me to lots of places including Far North QLD, the UK and then to Sydney where I met my husband and started a family of my own. Becoming a mother unleashed my creativity which had laid dormant for many years and I found myself returning to my old creative pursuits - baking, sewing, painting and crafting - but this time with my own three children. I had a strong desire to nurture my children’s creativity and foster the sense of wonder, joy and delight that comes from making something from nothing. Being an OT I also recognised that crafting offered a way for my children to practice skills that were important for their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. Making craft involves listening, planning, sequencing, organisation, concentration, fine and gross motor strength and coordination to name but a few. Not to mention the social and emotional benefits that it brings - a sense of curiosity, achievement, mindfulness, social connection and play. A lot of what I use in my class is recycled material as we dispose of many wonderful treasures that are perfect for crafting and it also provides the double benefit of recycling! In my class we strive for fun…not for perfection! I want kids to come away feeling inspired and joyful - for them to feel the sense of delight that comes from creating something using their hands and their imagination and something that they can take home and be proud of. So, if you are looking for a place for your kids to create, explore, make connections and have fun.. then Mini Makers is for you!
