Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Review: Head Full Of Love

by

Roxanne McDonald and Colette Mann are the two stars who bring this play by Australian playwright Alana Valentine to life.

It’s a simple story. Two women, who are worlds apart, come together to form a friendship that leaves them both touched. The humble beanie is showcased as a woven entangled tale, each section with it’s own story to tell.  The small Cremorne theatre makes it cozy and intimate, you feel like you are sitting in the Alice Springs with them.

The dialogue is easy to follow with occasional bursts of laughter coming from the audience as issues of racism and pre-determined judgement are made about Tilly the Aboriginal woman. Nelly the “white fella” from the big smoke finds a friend and in the end a new life for herself crocheting beanies to clear her head.

WHAT: Head Full of Love, presented by Queensland Theatre Company

WHERE: Cremorne Theatre, QPAC

WHEN: Until August 11 . TICKETS $35.-$65 dollars. The theatre is small so all the seats are close to the storytelling.

Have you read?

Clay Studio Series – YouTube Video Review DIY Pottery Christmas Tree Platte

The Christmas holidays are the perfect excuse to bring festive charm into your studio, and this video shows how to do just that by handbuilding a ceramic Christmas tree platter. With its iconic silhouette and the ability to decorate it however you like, this project makes a wonderful seasonal centerpiece, serving dish, or heartfelt handmade gift.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvLj16RIqKI 

The Video

The tutorial walks you through creating a slab-built tree shape from clay, smoothing edges, and preparing it for firing. What makes this project stand out is its versatility—you can keep it simple with a classic glaze or go bold with textures, stamps, or layered finishes to really emphasize the holiday spirit.

It’s a calm, step-by-step process that beginners will appreciate, but also offers enough room for experienced potters to explore their own decorative flair.

What We Loved

 Seasonal Focus: Perfect for Christmas holiday entertaining, handmade gifts, or even as a keepsake decoration.
 Simple Techniques: Just a slab of clay, a template, and some smoothing tools—no wheel required.
 Creative Freedom: Endless options for surface design—imprints, underglaze painting, or festive glaze combos.
 Relaxing Style: The video is quiet and meditative, letting the sounds of working with clay shine through.

Key Takeaways

  1. Slab Pottery Basics – This project is a gentle introduction to working with flat clay slabs. 
  2. Template Power – Using a Christmas tree template ensures a balanced, uniform piece every time. 
  3. Practical Meets Festive – The platter isn’t just decorative—it’s functional for serving cookies, cheeses, or other holiday treats. 
  4. Perfect Gift Idea – A handmade pottery platter is the type of thoughtful gift that’s treasured for years. 

Why You Should Watch

If you’re looking for an approachable holiday project that combines ease, creativity, and festivity, this video delivers. It’s a project that celebrates both the joy of making and the warmth of giving during Christmas. Whether you make one for your own table or as a handmade holiday present, the Christmas tree platter is sure to become part of treasured seasonal traditions.

 Watch the full video here: DIY Pottery Christmas Tree Platter