Crafty Fingers
Notes from Viera Billson, Chairman of Crafty Fingers
In 2004, I, along with a few other friends, attended a course at St Albans Community Centre. When this finished, we made the decision that we wanted to carry on with crafting and following encouragement from Tonia, the centre manager, the decision was made to form our own group. On a personal note, I have always been craft orientated, having “dabbled” in as many things as possible to widen my knowledge, no matter what the subject – therefore in April 2005 I created Crafty Fingers.
On the outset, there were only six of us, but over the years the club has grown, and from word of mouth recommendation, the numbers slowly increased. In 2010, the club continues to thrive, and, at present, there are around 18 ladies attending on a regular basis. All but two are past retirement age, and one of the main features of the group is that from the beginning it gives a warm welcome and is a source of making new friends. Anyone is welcome to come along and join us. We meet each Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30am. Occasionally, someone attends the meeting merely for the pleasure of seeing friends, catching up on gossip and sharing the laughter enjoyed by everyone. I think this is one of the main assets of the club, and the friendship and warm welcome offered are especially important features for anyone in isolation, in that it gets that person out of the house, into the community and introduces them to the art of card making and a new circle of friends. I think if I had to change the club name it would be “Crafty Friends!”
In its lifetime the club has covered many crafts, but card making is the main activity carried out. However, I have also taught the girls how to make fabric sewing boxes and the basic principles of silk painting. The items painted have included scarves and flower pictures, these pictures being of such high standard that they were framed, given as gifts, sold or have pride of place in the maker’s home. Both I and Janet (Treasurer) try to bring to as many ideas as possible to the class, and are always on the lookout for things to do as a class project. The group is always a happy one, with birthdays celebrated, conversations and ideas exchanged, and a generally happy place to be.
St Albans Community Association,
St Albans Road,
Smethwick,
West Midlands B67 7NL
For enquires call reception
Tel: 0121 558 0018 Ext 1
Email: info@stalbans-cc.co.uk
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