Hoppers Crossing resident Marion Wilkinson turned her artistic hobby into a business, Gooseworks Craft. 75791 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Alesha Capone
MARION Wilkinson, who has turned her creative talents into a business, is a familiar face at markets around Wyndham.
The Hoppers Crossing resident sells her creations – including handcrafted gift cards, height charts for children and 3D paper tole kits – at monthly markets held by the Italian Social Club of Werribee and the Iramoo Community Centre.
“I’ve been going to the markets for at least 13 years,” Ms Wilkinson said.
The mother-of-two said people were often amazed by the paper tole pictures she makes.
Paper tole, a French practice dating from the 14th century, involves taking four or more copies of the same print, then cutting, shaping and layering the pieces to create a three-dimensional artwork.
“I think what it is, when someone sees it for the first time, they say, ‘How do you ever do it?’” Ms Wilkinson said.
“It’s all cut by hand and they’re very time-consuming.
“It takes lots of practice, it is a confidence thing. The more you do, the better you get.”
Ms Wilkinson said she first took up the historical craft as a hobby, but started a small business around 15 years ago, after her youngest son was born.
The name of her business, Gooseworks Craft, originated from the childhood nickname ‘Goose’, as Ms Wilkinson’s maiden name was Goossens.
Ms Wilkinson said she enjoyed meeting people at the markets and seeing children’s reactions to her products.
“They love the height charts and standing next to them, to see how tall they are,” she said.
Ms Wilkinson’s stall is at the Italian Social Club of Werribee market, on the first Saturday of the month, and at the Iramoo Community Centre market in Wyndham Vale on the second Saturday of the month. See www.gooseworkscraft.com.au for more information.
