We had our community art bin out last weekend with bits of wood, sharpies and instructions, and asked people who stopped by to draw a little picture for the scrap wood community Christmas tree that we we are making.

Thanks to everyone that took the time to do a picture or a pattern. They were all pretty cute.

Note, there may still be more bits of painted timber that Lee will be putting out over the coming week … so keep your eyes peeled if you are walking past. We’d love you to contribute too!

Projects are already afoot as the Women in the Shed learn to use new tools and build their confidence and ability to tackle new things.

This week Debbie started restoring a timber garden chair, Anne decided to learn mosaics so she could breathe new life into a broken ceramic duck, and Sheryl began making bamboo cutting boards from offcuts she sourced at a local business.

We will share some images of these projects as they progress and hopefully the final results. It is quite exciting to see how quickly everyone is progressing.

This week our letter to the neighbourhood comes from a medical research scientist. Collect your copy from the butcher shop window.

Unfortunately the fabulous Alphington Open Studios weekend has been unable to run this year, but local artist Bridget, who is part of this annual event, contacted us to let us know that she will be having a weekend opening at her house as part of the Australian Ceramics Open Studios.

Call in this Saturday or Sunday, 22-23 November, to admire and/or purchase works by Bridget Foley (ceramics) and Avis Gardiner (jewellery and sculpture).

30 Smith Street, Alphington from 10am- 6pm.

So … last week we started contemplating making a community Christmas tree. I know, a minute ago (and yet also a lifetime ago) it was March, and now it’s nearly December. It’s a pretty weird time-vortex type year … but there you go.

And here’s where we got to on the Christmas tree front - lots of exciting Pinterest pins … and some cutting. Can you tell which tree we’re thinking about making from the Pinterest inspo? Not an exact replica of course … we’ll be adding out own touches.

From Thursday this week we’ll have the community art bin out again, with triangles and sharpies and instructions. So you can pop past and collect a piece and add your two bobs to the project. Because the more the merrier (Christmas) right?

After a loooong year we’re looking forward to sharing community Christmas wishes and happy holiday vibes …