Beautiful gifts

On Thursday, I stepped down from my role as secretary of the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre. I left as a volunteer when Hanno had his accident. It was a good AGM, with a new group of eager community people to step up and take over. I felt sad to leave but relieved as well. I've been there for six years and have a place in my heart for the Centre that I know will be there until I die. But it's time to do other things and to let new life thrive there, just like I did.

I was presented with a gift, and after many hugs and good wishes, I left for the last time, slightly saddened it was over but oh so grateful I had the chance to work there. That placed changed me for the better. I opened my gift when I came home and found an absolutely beautiful hand-worked copper punch ladle and metal spoon. The spoon handle is the shape of a gum (eucalyptus) leaf. When I looked at the small labels attached, they were by Barry Smith, the president of the Centre! Barry never fails to amaze me. He is an ex-public servant who, with his wife Fiona Dempster, are now artists and have "retired" to Maleny where they work for and in their community and do an ever decreasing amount of consulting work.

I checked out Barry's website and it is the reason I'm writing this post. He has a shop there with the most wonderful handmade objects for sale at VERY good prices. Too good. If you're looking for an original and beautiful gift for someone this Christmas, I can recommend Barry and his work to you. It's textural and exquisite and the first time I picked up my ladle, it felt like the cover of my book. I'm so pleased I know about his shop because when I buy gifts now, I like them to be unique and worth buying. Barry is using recycled materials in the most beautiful way - I particularly like Daily Words 4 and Simple Silver Bowl and I know two people who would love them.  Have a look and see what you think.