Estonian Craft Camp ends :(
Today was our final day, full of excitement and sorrow.
We had an exhibition of our works. Each person had table space to show what they had done over the four days, and we could marvel and draw inspiration from each other’s accomplishments. This year, there were about 70 participants, so there was a lot of talent in the room.
It was evident who had been there before. Their tables were artistically adorned one woman added a simple bouquet of flowers. Another took half a round of birch bark to add height and drape her dying samples. Others brought black paper to provide contrast for their delicate lace or silver jewelry.
Only a few people showed completed items. The bobbin lace attendees had works in progress, showing an inch or two of intricate work.
The showiest pieces were the birch bark weavings, stained glass and carved wooden spoons. The jewelry was delicate, and the person who spent three days in the silver lab brought along a velvet jewelry box to show her accomplishments.
The work was as wonderful as it was varied. Much of it had its roots in Estonian traditions, and like the craftsmen, had adapted to the New World where our post-war ancestors settled.
For me, the most touching moments were those around an unfortunate event. An American woman fell on her second morning as she was reaching for her alarm clock. She broke her hip, and was taken to the University of Tartu hospital for surgery. Her friend spoke of the lesson that her mother taught her of never visiting without a hostess gift, and before coming to Craft Camp, she and two friends collectively made hostess gifts. One friend prepared lavender sachets. The speaker gathered tools (scissors, needles, etc) and the injured friend quilted bags for these treasures. The two healthy participants presented staff who assisted with the ambulance and hospitalization with these gifts with sincerest appreciation for their kindness at that stressful time.
I was reminded of my mother’s similar lesson, and how I've let it fall along the wayside. On this trip, I failed to bring even the simplest thing -- postcards from Victoria. These make good thank you cards, and show the people you’re visiting a bit about your home.
The injured participant has been treated well, and will be transported by hospital ambulance to the airport on Tuesday morning. She's been on her feet for several days, with the assistance of a walking frame, and shows every sign of a speedy recovery. Her friend had a car at craft camp, and visited her every day, helping to abate feelings of isolation. The medical staff was proficient in English, which also helped to allay her concerns.
Tonight, several craft campers who are in Tallinn are getting together for dinner. I'm very happy to have this gentler end to the comeradery and friendship of Estonian Craft Camp 2017.
We had an exhibition of our works. Each person had table space to show what they had done over the four days, and we could marvel and draw inspiration from each other’s accomplishments. This year, there were about 70 participants, so there was a lot of talent in the room.
It was evident who had been there before. Their tables were artistically adorned one woman added a simple bouquet of flowers. Another took half a round of birch bark to add height and drape her dying samples. Others brought black paper to provide contrast for their delicate lace or silver jewelry.
Only a few people showed completed items. The bobbin lace attendees had works in progress, showing an inch or two of intricate work.
The showiest pieces were the birch bark weavings, stained glass and carved wooden spoons. The jewelry was delicate, and the person who spent three days in the silver lab brought along a velvet jewelry box to show her accomplishments.
The work was as wonderful as it was varied. Much of it had its roots in Estonian traditions, and like the craftsmen, had adapted to the New World where our post-war ancestors settled.
For me, the most touching moments were those around an unfortunate event. An American woman fell on her second morning as she was reaching for her alarm clock. She broke her hip, and was taken to the University of Tartu hospital for surgery. Her friend spoke of the lesson that her mother taught her of never visiting without a hostess gift, and before coming to Craft Camp, she and two friends collectively made hostess gifts. One friend prepared lavender sachets. The speaker gathered tools (scissors, needles, etc) and the injured friend quilted bags for these treasures. The two healthy participants presented staff who assisted with the ambulance and hospitalization with these gifts with sincerest appreciation for their kindness at that stressful time.
I was reminded of my mother’s similar lesson, and how I've let it fall along the wayside. On this trip, I failed to bring even the simplest thing -- postcards from Victoria. These make good thank you cards, and show the people you’re visiting a bit about your home.
The injured participant has been treated well, and will be transported by hospital ambulance to the airport on Tuesday morning. She's been on her feet for several days, with the assistance of a walking frame, and shows every sign of a speedy recovery. Her friend had a car at craft camp, and visited her every day, helping to abate feelings of isolation. The medical staff was proficient in English, which also helped to allay her concerns.
Tonight, several craft campers who are in Tallinn are getting together for dinner. I'm very happy to have this gentler end to the comeradery and friendship of Estonian Craft Camp 2017.
At the end of camp, our works of on display for everyone to admire.
My modest work is on the centre table, just above the woman in the dark dress.
The detail on Tiina's bird on the top of her silver broach is amazing for a beginner.
Some workshops, like dying, wood carving, birch bark weaving and stained glass,
produced showier outcomes than others.
produced showier outcomes than others.
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