I stopped in yesterday at a little house in my neighborhood that "takes care" of older people during the day while their families are off at work and school etc. I think there must be about 8 grandmas who come on a fairly regular basis. The "center" was having their Culture Day which means they were displaying the arts and crafts that some of the grandmas have been making and I was just amazed at all the things! Gee! I wish I were old enough to join their class and learn some of their crafts! They very proudly showed me the patchwork they had sewn, the baskets they had woven, the flip-flop slippers that they had made. Really amazing what some of these people at age 80 and 90 can do!
The teacher just seems to borrow books from the library, basically learn the craft by book and then supplies the materials and gives hands-on instructions. She said some of the people are so gung-ho and fast that they run out of supplies before the end of the day is out! I love the slippers. I saw the process being done, but I sure wouldn't be able to make one of these without a lot of trial and error!
The grandmas very nicely gave me a couple of the baskets that they made out of a bamboo sieve and Japanese paper. The paper is from an old account book (found at an antique shop) written nearly 80 years ago by brush and charcoal, and cut up and applied like paper-mache to the sieve and then stained in persimmon juice! It looks like some very expensive antique yet the grandmas just make them in their spare time!What inspiration! Ah! I hope when I'm 90 I'm still working with my hands and being creative!
10 comments:
that accounting paper looks wonderful. very sweet gift. I'm with you - I want to go and particpate and learn crafts too!
I want to sign up for that class as well -- and I have the feeling that when you are 80 or 90 you won't only be doing the crafts, you may just be teaching the classes!
Hope I can still make things when I am 90, the flip flops looks terrific.
Kerry
Just shows - you're never too old to have a go!
What terrific pictures, terrific crafts! Thanks for sharing.
THEY should sart an etsy to support their care! I just LOVE them!
I too have seen classes advertised at senior citizen homes, etc., and have wanted to go. I'm sure if I asked they would welcome me, but I've been too chicken.
They certainly have done wonderful work.
loved the "account form" sieves? Beautiful.I enjoy reading your blog....and seeing the photos. We visited our son and daughter in law in South Korea in April...and I was amazed at some of the crafts sold in the markets. Lovely things. Colleen in South Africa
I love that they used that old accounting paper, with the beautifully worked figures. What lovely baskets, & they are talented ladies!
What great projects. I would love to learn how to make those crafts. Those ladies are fortunate to have the opportunity provided to them.
Post a Comment