Tiny toys make a big difference
It all started when she picked up the crochet needle at a very young age.
Joan Lester has always been arty and loves making and creating thing. When asked how long she’d been into crafting, she simply replied “Donkey’s years”.
“I started with crocheting, then moved on to knitting, embroidery and quilting – the list just goes on and on. I think it’s safe to say that I’ve tried every craft there is because I go through phases where I enjoy different forms of creating,” Joan said.
Currently this creative enjoys making miniature stuffed toys. These delicate little creatures range from piglets, dwarfs and mushrooms to owls, plants and mice, and almost everything in between. If Joan finds a pattern, the tiny toy is as good as made.
It comes as no surprise that she has been part of a Wilro Park craft group for the past 23 years. Apart from getting together regularly and taking on various different crafts, this group particularly enjoys knitting and crocheting items such as toys, blankets, beanies, booties and jerseys, and donating them to the Lions Club for distribution.
“They distribute them where they’re needed most. Premature babies in need of something warm are among the recipients. Most of my creations are donated or given as gifts. I find so much joy in the process of creating,” she said.
“That’s why I enjoy being a part of this group; we try everything, depending on what tickles our fancy at the time.”
She is also a member of the Trefoil Guild, which is a branch of Girlguiding. Its members agree to support the guiding ethos, including the pledge to help other people. Many members pass their skills and knowledge on to local guiding units.
Through being a part of the guild, she is able to help the community in other ways. She also enjoys simply making others smile by hiding painted rocks all over her complex for other residents to find.
This passionate artist acknowledges that making someone else smile can’t change the world, but it can change their world.
