Evidence that you can't keep passionate crafters down, the annual From Picture to Page Papercraft show is moving online, running a free three-day event on Facebook to help older Australians beat loneliness and stay in touch with the crafting community during the pandemic.
Creative director and host Michelle Brown has organised for a bevy of talented craft retailers and guest artists to take part in a free weekend of live interactive video demonstrations on Facebook.
Running from October 9-11, Michelle will chat with local and overseas guests as they share projects and explore new craft supplies for scrapbooking, art journaling, card making, stamping and much more.
Usually, more than 2000 dedicated crafters from across Australia head to Melbourne's Sandown Raceway each October to attend the three-day craft expo.
"This year, we're running the entire expo on Facebook and making it free, to make it as easy as possible for Australians to attend," Michelle said. "Many people are living alone and struggling to find enthusiasm during the lockdown, so we hope bringing engaging demonstrations to them in their own homes can inspire them to start crafting again.
"With most of our crafting community aged over 65, many with chronic health conditions who are forced to stay at home during the pandemic, maintaining a connection to crafting online is more important than ever."
The online expo is built on the back of Michelle's successful Facebook and YouTube video series 'P2PCrafts Presents', with her team refining the approach to help technology-challenged craft retailers reach new audiences.
"Our vibrant crafting community tells us how our online videos have brought them a much-needed spark of joy during the lockdown, so we're really excited to bring the From Picture to Page expo to Facebook so we can share it with all of Australia," said Michelle.
Some of the topics to be coverted over the weekend are ink art, scrapbooking, mixed media art, art journaling, creative memories and scrapmatts with Christmas cheer.
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Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
