She taught me garter stitch and how to do treble crochet, plus I learned basic sewing at school in Delegate, NSW.

Then, of course, I didn’t do anything crafty at all until I was in my late 30s.

I soon became a grandma of four and, while making things for my grandchildren, I discovered my own love of creating. 

With no formal training in art I am self-taught.

When my husband Ray and I travelled Australia, living on the road for five years, I sold my craft as we travelled from place to place, either from outside our camper trailer or at local markets.

I had many disasters along the way, as I learned to knit and to crochet toys, bags and novelty items.

In Narooma, I joined the Creative Threads group that meets Monday afternoon at the MACS Studio just over a year ago.

Since then I have happily learned, laughed and, as they say, reverse crochet or knitted many projects.

As a result of my experience of all things crafty I have become braver at tackling more technically difficult items.

Today, I am fortunate enough to sell some of my craft items at the Narooma Visitor Information Centre.

And I’m often asked to make things for people.

Mainly, I use single crochet for my toy making and for my bags, as it gives a better finish to the item and I embroider woollen flowers, insects and animals on some of my bags.  

Along the way, I have taught myself to sew not only toys but clothes for myself and for my family.

Certainly I have picked up knowledge from some wonderful people, from fellow crafties to my grandmother and yes, even YouTube!   

The internet is full of fabulous ideas. So I find that I do a bit of everything: knitting, crochet and sewing.

But now I paint too, since becoming a MACS member.

And the great thing about being a member is that I can exhibit all my creations at the local library, galleries and exhibitions.

Last year, I had the lovely experience of teaching my very first crochet workshop which gave me the chance to share my passion with others. 

I love creating and hope that others will give it a go too, because life is better when you are crafty!