On Saturday I did something that was pretty amazing. I got together with some people for the second ‘KUK crafters’ day. The idea of KUKcrafters is that a group of people get together on a regular basis - online or off - to make crafts. You don’t have to be an artist to turn up, or even a project to work on, you just have to be enthusiastic and feeling creative. (More pics of the day can be found here)

I got introduced to the whole thing by random/Twitter. Fiona, my ex/often-employer, knew about KUKcrafters and suggested I come along. It was right up my alley, because as regular readers know: there’s just nothing like that for puppet makers in Melbourne. I viewed it as my opportunity to have a puppet making day with other creative people.

The day started off pretty bad, as I was given the wrong location info (I eventually found everyone, thank goodness for nice people who decide to walk you to the right building), but the rest of it was great.

I sat down and began work reconstructing parts of a giant turtle shadow puppet that I had made for a commission a while back. I want to put photos on my website of the puppets, but never had the chance for some decent shots. But I did have part of a puppet that got screwed up (minutely) by the laminating machine. It’s ideal for fixing up for some promo shots, but I’ve not had the chance to sit down and do it. So I spent a lot of time working on that, but didn’t manage to complete it. All I need to do is string it though.

The other thing I did was work on a brand new shadow puppet to sell. I definitely haven’t completed that one, although I must say that it’s looking very good. I’m using Japanese papers for the base and the colours/patterns are perfect for the character I’m working on. It is an extension of the ‘Flying Dragon‘ series, and it’s great to do something new.

While I was there there was plenty going on. Apparently 18 people turned up for the first KUKcrafters day, but there were about 10 or so this time around. There was button artwork (on canvas) going on from @DoTheWoo; sewing of clothing; a couple of people working on books and web designs; doodles on pillowcases from @joidesign; a discussion on the merits of selling photograph books online to raise money for the recent Queensland floods from @Conscious_me and @digital_kulcha … plus a table full of art/design books for inspiration, coffee/tea and biscuits, and music on CD. (In case you can’t tell, most of us are followers on Twitter, or friends of followers on Twitter) The event also took place at a local arts centre/nunnery (yeah, don’t ask me how that works) which has a Saturday fresh food market.

The whole crafting session was 5 hours - although less for me since I got there late - and though I didn’t chat much with other people, it was great to sit down and work on some shadow puppets without the distraction of the TV/fridge/microwave/phone/etc. Fiona also came along - extremely late - and we chatted about the things we’re up to and afterwards herself, @poppykat and I went for a drink and chat.

All in all, a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon! I’m already looking forward to the next sessions. There’s been discussion of a group curated online shop, a group stall at the centre’s market, field trips to galleries, and other fun things. My only pity is that KUKcrafters only meets once a month