Say HELLO to Lorraine, our newest design team member.
Please, could you briefly introduce yourself?
Lorraine Haddath – I am a wife to Richard, mom to Bridget and Granny to Michael and run a small business from home in the beautiful village of Henley on Klip, South of Johannesburg.
I had never heard of scrapbooking or paper crafting until I attended a charity box painting day here in Henley in 2017 which was held at the local scrapbook shop but that was it! As soon as I saw the gorgeous papers, embellishments and creations I was hooked and joined an enthusiastic group of ladies once a week. I quickly learned the basics but was soon known as one who never followed the instructions on a kit and so I started creating my own projects. With the closure of the shop and classes my friend and I decided to launch “A Touch of Craft” and hold craft days as well as regular scrap and chat groups.
Running a business keeps me extremely busy but I have incorporated my craft room into my office at home which gives me time to switch from one to the other when time allows and the “boss” isn’t around!!
Do you have a specific process to get the juices flowing or does it come naturally?
Sometimes as soon as I see a range of papers an idea jumps into my head immediately but more often than not it takes a while to get the juices flowing then there’s no stopping my creative side from kicking in.
What role does the artist or creative have in society?
To inspire and encourage others to explore their creative side which I believe we all have in one form or another.
If you could change one perception in this world, what would that be?
That you are never too old to pursue your dreams.
What’s your strongest positive childhood memory?
Growing up in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Lake District in the UK and being totally spoilt as a young child by my parents, grandparents and 3 aunties who every Friday without fail would bring me a small gift such as a pretty ribbon for my hair, a book or a dress for my doll and who taught me to knit, sew and appreciate the beauty of nature. One of my most treasured possessions is a small teddy bear called Percy which was hand-knitted by my eldest Aunt when I was 2 years old and sits proudly on my desk.
If you were an artwork, which one would it be?
An English country garden painting.
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
When I had a reunion of some of my old school friends a few years ago. It was so inspiring to discover what they had all been up to over the years and we all just picked up where we had left off even though some of us hadn’t seen each other since school days. One of the girls has become a well-known artist in my home town and when I saw her watercolour paintings of the local beauty spots it inspired me to try different mediums in my creations.
Care to share your most embarrassing moment?
Having to assist a friend of mine who had suffered an accident at a busy intersection with my hair covered in perm rollers just put in by the hairdresser…
If you were a shoe, what kind of shoe would you be?
Hiking Boots as I love to walk and enjoy the outdoors.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
To lead by example.
What are you doing when you’re not creating? What (other) hobbies do you have?
Walking and gardening are my other hobbies and when I am not working and crafting it’s keeping house…
Do you collect anything?
Memorabilia which in itself collects dust as well as teapots, also collecting dust!!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I have been on the stage in a number of Henley Performing Arts productions including playing a housewife masquerading as a spy to being Miss Sophie in “A Dinner for One”.
What is your favourite:
Colour: Green
Animal: Horse
Season: Spring
Movie: The Magnificent Seven
Book: Woman of Substance – Barbara Taylor Bradford
You can get in touch with Lorraine on these Social Media platforms.
Watch this space for more exciting projects from Lorraine!
3 Comments. Leave new
Loved reading all about you & how it all began. Looking forward to your next inspiring chapters of creativity.
Thank you, Mary! Lorraine is a very interesting and inspirational woman :)
Thankyou so much Mary for taking the time to read all about me and I am looking forward to creating all sorts different things with the gorgeous Lady Pattern Papers…