I am wife to Red, Mum to Carly and Ben, Mum-in-Law to Sam and Nannie to gorgeous Scarlett, Christian (our beautiful boy who’s forever in our hearts), crazy River and cheeky Ocea. After decades of working, I’m now retired and free to explore the creativity that has lain dormant in my heart for all those years. I have always had a love for various types of craft: sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross-
stitch – all sounds very boring doesn’t it! Now I find that without the need to focus on work, I’m able to expand my handmade ideas and think outside the sewing box. The challenge: what name to give this project of mine? I looked for a word that captures the way I feel and the attitude that I bring to each piece that I create. I discovered it: Meraki (may-rah-kee) – to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself into your work. It’s of Greek origin, derived from a Turkish word – two countries that Red and I have great affection for. My tagline: recycle – repurpose – refresh. Like so many of us, I feel passionate about our need to recycle, to reduce our carbon footprint – to be kinder to our beloved Mother Earth. So much of the fabric from which I create is pre-loved. A garment, an accessory, a tablecloth, a serviette, a quilt cover – washed, ironed, repurposed – given a new life. In what has become our throw-away world, how satisfying it is to replace broken parts to make something new again, to give a coat of paint to a tired old piece of furniture. Back in 1982 I bought an old wicker arm chair for $7. It’s since had numerous coats of paint and is still a beautifully functioning piece – and a treasured possession in our family. Now to my long awaited project. Meraki Craft by Anne Gibson offers a range of handmade pieces of craft: harmony garlands, bunting (for all occasions), prayer flags, fabric art, Baby Shower blessings packs, beaded wind chimes, fairy pebble sun catchers, seashell wind chimes, lace doily bowls, gift boxes with handmade trims and gift card packs. My product line has been created to appeal to a wide group – from granddaughters’ right through to grandmothers’. From October I will be displaying my pieces in a market stall at local craft markets in the Perth metropolitan area every few weeks. Items will also be available for local pickup. There will be regular updates on Facebook and Instagram, and if you would like to “like” these pages – it would be much appreciated. Thank you so much for your interest. I look forward to the coming months and years with excitement – and know in my heart that each piece of art that I create will be done so - with Meraki. With love,
Annie
