On the Grapevine | Good friends, great times

The two women learnt from a friend about classes that Barooga librarian Wilma Silveira conducted each week, and decided to give it a try.

That was more than eight months ago and the friends now travel together each fortnight from Deniliquin and Finley, looking forward to two-and-a-half hours of creativity in a welcoming environment.

By the time the pair arrive in Barooga, they have caught up with all the latest news.

“Our creative juices are about ready to explode after two weeks,” Wendy said.

Libraries have been going through a transition period and are now diversifying to the point where today they offer not only books, but also eBooks, newspapers, magazines, audiobooks and musical recordings for reading and study.

Some, such as the Barooga Library, offer a hub of activities to meet the needs of their community, where people can join together to learn something new.

Wendy and Sue have created interesting pieces with paint-pouring and the little-known art of decoupage.

For those who don’t know, decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing on to it coloured paper cut-outs alongside special paint effects and other decorative elements.

This can be done to enhance a wall hanging, a small item or almost anything in need of a lift.

Tubes of water colours, along with charcoal and black lead pencil drawings, both large and small and intricately detailed, provide various avenues for creative artwork. The sky is the limit in the world of art.

Both Sue and Wendy are ‘big’ up-cyclers.

“We can see a use for just about anything, and it helps to expand our imagination,” Sue said.

Constantly amazed at what other people create from very little, the two women are inspired to consider what their next project could be. It’s something which leads to lots of discussion and planning.

The Barooga Library is the perfect location for such activities, Wendy said.

“It is a delightful, peaceful space with a lovely outlook and fantastic facilities and Wilma is extremely accommodating. Nothing ever appears to be a trouble for this wonderful woman,” Wendy said.

A Deniliquin resident, Wendy is always working on something creative at home too, especially crochet and needlework.

Meanwhile, Sue enjoys the challenge of drawing small, intricate designs on cards and paper, something which makes excellent gift cards.

The two women enjoy their trip each fortnight to the library. They buy their lunch at the Border Bridge Cafe, known for its excellent food, and make a coffee or tea in the light-filled craft room. On the drive home, they feel totally at peace with the world. And importantly, after their great day out, they feel they have accomplished something good.

If you have artistic talents in any way, it appears to stay with you.

However, for the two friends, it is more than that.

For Wendy and Sue, it’s about taking time out for what you enjoy, and as a wife, mother and grandmother it’s generally easier said than done.

Women of their generation often didn’t take time out for their own interests; it was always the family that came first.

Do they feel as though they’re sneaking away to have some fun?

Perhaps they do. But they have earned some time out after raising families, going to work, cooking for the family, cleaning the house and being there for everyone 24 hours a day.

It’s their turn now.

Wendy, 60, has four children and three grandchildren, while Sue, 61, has one daughter and two little grandsons aged six and four.

For further information on group activities at the library, please email the above or contact Wilma Silveira on 5874 2633.