Crafty classes offer support
New tutor keen to share skills with others
Creativity is a great distraction and outlet in tough times. Kirsty Jackson , CanBead Wellington
Asmall charity offering therapeutic jewellery making classes for groups of people experiencing illness, trauma or loss, has appointed a new tutor for its Ka¯piti classes.
Steph Lewis, of Paraparaumu Beach, who manages the Raumati Social Club, said she felt privileged to take on the CanBead role.
“I am so glad to be helping out this charity and am very excited to teach others how to do the things I love doing at home.”
She joined to share her skills with others and support the cause.
“My partner’s dad went through treatment about a year ago and I discovered CanBead while on a visit.
“Myself and his wife went to the workshop and I fell in love.
“I then offered my help to them and now we are here.”
There was a lot she liked about CanBead.
“I love the people involved , the community helpfulness in bead donations, and I love that we give people a kit set to take home so they can carry on.”
What can people expect from a CanBead workshop?
“Support, creativity, conversation, company, knowledge, and skills to take home about how to create the set craft, and a little cheeky banter with the right people.”
Arts and crafts are a hobby Steph has been doing since she was a teenager with her elder sister.
“I liked it and started my own collection.
“Now 26 , I have a full office set up and a cupboard full of stuff ready for the workshops.”
CanBead Wellington co-ordinator Kirsty Jackson said the charity works with host agencies such as Birthright Ka¯piti, Grandparents raising Grandchildren, MS Society, Cancer Society and Mary Potter Hospice.
“There hasn’t been many workshops in the last year or two because of Covid, but three are coming up in May and June, with Birthright, the MS Society, and with Grandparents raising Grandchildren,” she said.
Funding from Ka¯piti Coast District Creative Communities is supporting those events.
Jackson said at the end of the workshop, each participant is given a kitbag, containing tools, equipment, beads and findings, so that they can continue their new skills at home.
“Creativity is a great distraction and outlet in tough times.”
The charity has drop jars in Otaki ¯ (at Ekko Naturals) and at the Mary Potter Hospice Day Centre in Paraparaumu, where people can drop their old/broken/unwanted/ugly/ old-fashioned jewellery.
“Our volunteers break down these items for us to re-use the components in our workshops.”
www.caninspire.org.nz