By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend your Friday morning? Head to the Belgrave Library for a unique craft experience with local textile artist Karen Ridley.
In this ‘Upcycled Sari Ribbon Brooches’ workshop, which will be running from 11am to 12.30pm on Friday 22 November, Ms Ridley will teach participants how to create their own colourful, one-of-a-kind brooches using upcycled sari ribbons and lace embellishments.
Ms Ridley has been working with upcycled materials in her mixed media and textile art for years.
“I just love the beauty of sari ribbons, the colours are so vibrant, like a pink on one side and a blue on the other, and there are beautiful embroidery details from the sari silk waste,” she said.
“I love the challenge of bringing those colours out through stitching. I turn the ribbons into a piece of art, stitching them onto acrylic felt, and then finishing it with a brooch clasp. It’s a fantastic way to turn something discarded into something truly special.”
During the workshop, the textile artist will guide participants step-by-step through the process of crafting a unique brooch.
Each participant will get to select their own colours and materials, making each brooch truly one-of-a-kind.
“I like to get everyone involved in their project,” she said.
“I provide a range of colours and threads, and it’s important that people feel like they are creating something personal.”
The event is completely free for library members – though it has already reached full capacity.
Despite this, Ms Ridley emphasised the importance of workshops like this, not just for providing creativity but also for the mental health benefits that come with mindfulness and the therapeutic process of slow stitching.
“This isn’t just about making a brooch,” she said.
“It’s about reconnecting with an old craft, slowing down, and taking time for yourself. I’ve run workshops in a few libraries, and it’s amazing to see how the group dynamic works – everyone’s supporting each other, whether they’re young mums or older women.”
“It’s about learning something new, but also just taking the time to relax, unwind, and be in the moment.”
The artist’s love for upcycling is a key part of her artistic practice.
“I’ve always been drawn to the idea of reusing materials, whether it’s fabric, old teapots, or, in this case, sari ribbons,” she said.
“Upcycling isn’t just good for the environment; it also gives these materials a new life and new purpose. It’s an ongoing part of my art—whether I’m turning teapots into llamas or using fabric scraps to create something beautiful, I think upcycling adds so much depth to the artwork.”
While the ‘Upcycled Sari Ribbon Brooches’ workshop is fully booked, she has other workshops coming up throughout the year, and her work can be seen in several exhibitions, including the Australian Society of Art’s Annual Brooch Exhibition in Fitzroy and the YAVA Gallery’s Sculptural Exhibition in Healesville.
“I think it’s so important for local libraries and councils to host events like this,” she said.
“Not only does it support local artists, but it helps build a sense of community. Especially in times like these, where a lot of people are struggling, offering free creative workshops gives people a space to come together, learn, and unwind.”
“And for those who might not be able to afford to buy artwork or attend paid workshops, it provides an accessible way to experience creativity and take something home that’s made by hand.”
The workshop will provide all necessary materials, including sari ribbons, lace embellishments, felt, threads, and brooch backings.
“Participants don’t need to bring anything,” Ms Ridley said.
“I make sure everything’s ready for them. The goal is for everyone to leave with a completed brooch – or, if they’re not quite finished, they can take it home and finish stitching it there.”
She was previously a nurse and case manager in aged care, disability and mental health.
But art has always been something she loved doing and now it’s her main job.
For Ms Ridley, these workshops are not just about creating art, but about the joy and connection that comes with it.
“It’s not just about making something beautiful, but rather, it’s about bringing people together, teaching an old skill, and creating a space for people to connect, create, and just be.”
If you’d like to connect with the textile artist, follow her on Facebook and Instagram, @ Karen Ridley Textile Art.
