CHRISTMAS AT SOUL GALLERY

Soul Gallery is a co-operative venture showcasing and selling a wide range of beautiful arts and crafts, all designed, created and produced right here on Norfolk Island. "Soul" opened a few months ago, and since that time, the range of creations has increased considerably. It is a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to obtain items that have a distinct and authentic Norfolk flavour.

Here, standing outside Soul Gallery, are Louise and my niece Tina, who are two of the original members of the co-operative, and who both work very hard to ensure that things run smoothly and successfully.

There is a large range of items available - paintings, prints and photos, cards, weaving, textiles, jewellery, clothing, toys, carvings... and much more. Tina does some beautiful decorative painting, and her marine studies are really striking.

 Lou produces stunning photos which are put onto cards or canvas.

Although I am not a member of the co-operative, I was invited to put items into the Gallery. I have really enjoyed the feedback, as well as the "pocket money" which enables me to purchase more supplies for my creative endeavours. The low table below holds some of my creations - felted apples, eyeglass cases, market bags,and hanging above-amulet purses. Draped over the chair are knitted shawls made by my sister in Sydney. Who would have thought we would both have things on display in the same place at this stage of our lives???

 I managed to produce a number of special items just for Christmas, including Christmas stockings in a range of sizes and fabric gift tags.

 Many of the things I made were hung on a Christmas tree, including little decorative bags, felt hearts, mini-stockings and doves, and more Victorian-style Christmas tags.

Unfortunately I did not seem to have my camera on the right setting when I took these pictures - it refuses to do ALL my thinking for me - and these pictures are a bit fuzzy.

The small stockings, in a more classic and romantic style, proved very popular, but most of the more modern and funky ones remained unsold. I must remember next year that there is no need to depart from my instinctive and natural choice of materials and style.

 These are the amulet purses, hanging among Tina's floral swags.They are made of silk, with silk ribbon embroidery. I loved making these.

 A basket of my  felted wool apple pincushions. These are a steady seller, and I try to keep a good supply on hand.

Some of my other Crazy Patchwork bags and spectacle cases.

Suzanne, another member of the Co-operative, makes these lovely little peg doll angels, Polynesian style.

 There was a little Norfolk Pine Christmas tree decorated with Suzanne's creations and ornaments.

 If you are on Norfolk, do visit Soul Gallery. You will be delighted by what you discover there!