Marie Brunton

I was thrilled to be able to join this challenge as I had just accepted a challenge from an English Stitchery club. "Scraps, Stitch and Recycle.”



I started my log book with no idea as to where it would lead. After mindmapping possibilities I chose wood. This proved to be a great advantage as the Covid Lock down prevented me leaving the village where I live. My son is a wood carver so delivered sawdust and floor scrappings to my village gate.

Using the quote “Show me the person who has never failed and I will show you the person who has never tried anything new,” I set out.


Many days spent exploring the materials. I made several batches of paper from sawdust, finally getting pieces like cardboard to fine paper. I dyed some fabric using some gum bark which was amongst the floor scraps.


Somewhere along this route I decided to make a Kakahu (cloak) of the forest floor. Instead of feathers I used the paper to make leaves, the boiled bark for the top and the dyed fabric for the form. To be able to hang the piece I mounted it on an old blanket piece.



I called the piece, “Aroha the forest provides a kakahu (cloak) of love.” Everthing used was recyled and the whole piece is recyclable.


My additional piece, "Angry Nettles". Based on a Peruvian stinging nettle. Work on pewter and lots of beading. The piece is part of an on going leaf project using as many techniques as I can.

Marie Brunton
Auckland, NZ

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