Beauty in discards: Sriyani’s handmade dolls and more at Australia Sri Lanka Craft Expo 2024
Doll and patchwork items: Ready for the upcoming exhibition
An array of patchwork quilts, handmade dolls and up-cycled boxes sit on a wooden table in a quiet house in Colombo 5. They are all embroidered and intricately sewn – lined with flowers, forest animals, cottages and Christmas wreaths of all colours.
An advocate for crafting and doll making from a young age, Sriyani Tennekoon is putting together the Australia Sri Lanka Craft Expo 2024 which will take place at the BMICH from December 20-22 at the Mihilaka Hall.
The event pays homage to the rich heritage of both Sri Lankan and Australian craft. The expo will showcase creations done by Sriyani, as well as Sri Lankan artisans in rural villages and Australian quilters.
There will be free workshops on how fast patchwork can be completed, titled “Patchwork Magic” conducted by Sriyani, and a doll making workshop for children above the age of five titled ‘Make and Take’. A doll making kit would need to be purchased and children can make a doll, with help and guidance from Sriyani’s students with the added bonus of taking it home.
With passion and love for arts and crafts, Sriyani learnt how to sew from her mother and from the nuns at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, where she went to school. Taking a course in patchwork, she also grasped the concept of doll making on her own, collecting magazines and books to help develop her knowledge and then began teaching in 1996.
“I have selected those who do quality work,” says Sriyani who believes in good quality products and neatness.
Sriyani says when she makes dolls it can take up to two to three hours to complete if done in one day but it all depends on having “free time”.
She mentions that this expo is a chance for talented artisans to display their work, “preserve their cultural heritage” and be recognized internationally.
“Crafting is about finding beauty in what others might discard. Through this expo we’re showing that sustainability and artistry can go hand in hand.”
The Australia Sri Lanka Craft Expo 2024 will be at the BMICH’s Mihilaka Hall from December 20-22, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
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