- Heleen Niere, an artist from Edgemead, started an arts and crafts WhatsApp group that has grown to 160 members since its inception in November last year.
- The group provides a platform for members to share ideas, socialise, and participate in workshops and competitions.
- Heleen emphasises the therapeutic benefits of arts and crafts, aiming to create a supportive and engaging community.
An artist from Edgemead says it is the friendliness and engaging nature of the neighbourhood that struck her and lead to her starting an Arts and Craft group on social media in the area. Heleen Niere, the artist, relocated to the area just over a year ago.
She says after moving in, it became apparent that there was a strong crafting community, which lead to her starting the group on WhatsApp in November last year with just a few members. Today there are about 160 members.
“The group has exceeded my expectations. We socialise, share ideas, buy, and sell each other’s creations. It has become a space for friendship, encouragement, workshops, socialising, and new ideas.
“We currently do not have a meeting place as the group is about 160 strong. I had an informal workshop at my house where we could socialise, eat, and drink, but it only allows for 15 people. Other members also have workshops where they meet at coffee shops or pennies market,” Heleen explains.
The group also runs regular competitions where members can use their knitting, crochet, and weaving skills when entering. The competition encourages people to try something new and move out of their comfort zone, says Heleen.
Early years
“Many years ago, I worked for an arts and antiques magazine, managing the artist section. This is where my passion for art truly began.
“I have always been crafty and being around artists inspired me to try my own hand at it. However, after moving on to a different job, I took a 20-year hiatus from art.
“I returned to art when I was feeling depressed, and it became a powerful tool for coping with the loss of a friend. I believe that many people struggle with depression or anxiety, and arts and crafts can be an affordable and effective form of therapy. There are many others in the group who share this view,” Heleen says.
The competition aspect of the group was introduced to encourage participation and combat procrastination.
“My goal is for people to explore different art forms and discover something they truly love to pursue long-term.
“Understanding that many members are women facing health challenges alone, I wanted to provide an outlet that could shift their focus from pain to something exciting.
“Winning has never been the sole purpose. Simply taking part makes everyone a winner,” she says.
The group was started on WhatsApp in November last year, and Heleen says they really stand out from other groups on this platform because of its relaxed atmosphere.
“The only two rules from the beginning have been to keep content related to arts and crafts and to be respectful towards others. Members can post anytime, and those who prefer not to be disturbed can simply mute the group.
“My intention is to provide a space where people, especially those who might be feeling lonely or keeping late hours, can connect with others. They should feel comfortable reaching out to what has become a true family of artists and crafters.
Heleen says the group has grown organically through word of mouth, and everyone involved feels it is the best WhatsApp group ever. “I certainly do not want to take the credit; the success of the group truly belongs to its members,” she says.
The group welcomes anyone with a love for crafts in Edgemead and the surrounding areas.
