Tara Murray
Shirley Yeates had never folded a book before lockdown. Now it’s her new special talent.
The resident at Arcare in Sydenham was named the Victorian residential winner of Arcare’s inaugural talent quest competition.
Ms Yeates said she tried a few different things during lockdown and this was one that she fell in love with.
Book folding involves folding the pages of books to create art.
“Having just settled into Arcare, the coronavirus came along and turned my life and everybody’s upside down,” she said.
“I kept myself occupied and positive by starting all sorts of projects – from card making and knitting through to flower making.
“Eventually, I found book folding. I had never attempted book folding before so I searched the internet, Pinterest and YouTube and found some patterns that I could follow.
“Although I found the craft challenging and requiring a lot of precision, it was great fun and a great distraction from what was going on in the world outside.”
Ms Yeates said the folded books were a real hit with other residents and at one time she was taking orders.
“The themes for the book folding included – hearts, I love you, graduations, baby’s, rabbits – just to name a few.”
Ms Yeates said she was encouraged by the staff to enter the competition and thought she would to encourage other residents to do the same.
A panel picked the three best pieces in each category, before a social media vote decided the winner.
“I was absolutely stunned and thrilled to be named the Arcare Talent Quest resident winner for Victoria,” Ms Yeates said.
“There were so many worthy entries and to be named the winner was very overwhelming and humbling.
“I would like to thank everyone that voted and supported me as without you all this would not have happened.”
