Young, New South Wales, Australia
Hello
Greetings from Australia
- We are located in Young NSW, on a property called Derrymore. Hence the name Treasures at Derrymore.
Young is known as the Cherry capital, as there are many acres of Cherry trees planted around the region. However, the Hilltops area is varied in crops and agriculture so cherries are not the only produce that is available. We have some of the best wine, meat, fruit & vegetables. Especially if you can grow your own or get it fresh from the farm gate. Nothing beats freshness for taste.
We were fortunate to move to the region a good few years ago and couldn't be happier.
The best part is I am able to have my very own workshop where I do all my Creating.
Having been diagnosed with multiple Chronic illness problems this shed is my haven. It is where I can shut the door & just leave my mess until I am able to get back in there. It truly has been a godsend to cope with my problems.
This is me and my dog - Miss Maise
A little about myself
Chronic Illness and creating
Whilst I have been blessed with great creative genes from both sides of my family & loved creating ever since I can remember, I have also been cursed with the bad. My main problems started back in 2011 when I had a slow speed motorbike accident which started the fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis & anxiety on top of the pre-existing osteoarthritis & depression. In 2016, I had both hips replaced & with that my pain levels decreased. However, I still have daily pain, it just depends on what decides to give me grief & how much. I don't take a myriad of drugs, preferring to rely on osteoparacetamol, rest, meditation & exercise. In late 2019 I joined a Rural Cottage Craft Facebook page and this is where I first started selling some of my work.
After posting a generic carved bird for sale in 2020 I was asked to carve a Superb fairy-wren. I had done very little three dimensional work and this was a challenge. I managed to carve and paint some, and they were so well received that I was asked to carve more. Carved bird requests were frequently asked over the next 18 months for a variety of different birds, so my repertoire increased and so did my carving knowledge. With each sale, and many projects completed, I was finding my rhythm and I was managing my pain better and understanding what my body needed and when. I realised that I can only manage a couple of hours (if that) of work at a time before needing a break, but I am extremely fortunate in that I have my very own workshop and it can be left a mess ! In the last couple of years I have sold a variety of projects, 70% being carved items, and my self esteem is pretty high now, all due to being able to create and sell my projects. I try not to dwell on my problems as it has allowed me to be where I am today- creating everyday in my very own workshop on a few acres in a small country town. Being creative has helped me immensely to deal with my chronic illnesses by doing the things I love & getting absorbed by the process.
#Chronicillness
My first three dimensional carving
Carved boot
-My Carved Boot-
This is my first attempt at Creating a 3D object. It was also done whilst at my lowest ebb, regarding my health. You would be correct in thinking that it took a lot of brain power. At the time, I didn't have much to spare and would constantly have to complete the lessons requirements over several days.
This was directly taken from my old bush walking boots. They saw many hikes and Australian bush. These boots had a lot of character and made an interesting subject to carve.
When carving the boot, I added in as much detail as I could see and actually carve.
Trying to make it look realistic was a challenge, but having the real one in front of me was good, as I could always refer back to that, for both the carving and painting.
After many weeks I had finally completed a project that took a great deal of concentration and skill.
I was extremely proud of my achievements, especially when my life had taken such a dramatic turn -for the worse.
It has been life changing, being able to carve and I am still learning and loving the craft. I can make it as difficult and complex as I choose. It is flexible enough to suit my needs while having a chronic illness. And I can take it with me where ever I go, even if it is only around the paddock!
