Gloria Continues Passion for Arts and Crafts at Seaton Place.

Meet our talented Seaton Place resident, Gloria, who has continued to pursue her life’s passion for arts and crafts through a variety of ways. From beading to Christmas earrings and repairing jewellery for staff and residents, and generously creating bag tags and bracelets for raffles as donations.

Curious about how her love for craft started, we asked Gloria to share her story.

“I have been a lover of arts and crafts all my life. I started doing craft as a young girl, taught by my mum who was a Salvation Army Captain and had spent five years nursing in missions in Bombay, India, and taught arts and crafts. After returning home to Australia she married and worked with her husband on a sheep station, where I was born and grew up to live the bush life. I did correspondence schooling, and our form of entertainment was what we could make ourselves. We always had the radio and heaps of books, but arts and crafts took over. My mum taught me how to sew, and I used to make clothes for the kids and myself. Flannelette pyjamas were a big hit with the kids.  Mum also taught me to crochet and knit. Dad was also crafty, making watch bands, belts and whips out of kangaroo hide. I finally got a lovely sister and brother and we all grew up to love our family life on the sheep station and enjoying arts and crafts, which became an everyday addiction. It continued all through my life, and now at 88 years old, I still enjoy doing some craft, in a smaller way.”

Gloria’s talent is evident in the beautiful queen-size patchwork and appliqué she used to sew. Some of her stunning work, including pieces featuring birds, and her parents at the sheep station homestead, are proudly displayed in her room, showcasing her creativity and skill.

In addition to her personal projects, Gloria is also a member of the Seaton Stitchers ladies group at Seaton Place. The group gathers twice a week to connect, share ideas and create together. Gloria said that she looks forward to these afternoons and has made some nice friendships along the way.

“It’s wonderful to know that I am ageing, because that means I’m still on the planet. The most powerful thing we can do, and should do, is to talk and listen to each other. I know my life is changing and I know what I must do. I believe in myself to keep on doing the best I can” Gloria said.

At McKenzie, we encourage residents to continue to pursue their passions and hobbies when moving into a home. Our lifestyle program is designed to incorporate residents’ interests and keep them engaged and active, contributing to their overall wellbeing and quality of life.