Creating cordage, binding bristles, sweeping away the mess: Brushmaking with Gemma Stratton
In a world where modern manufacturing often conceals the beauty of everyday objects, Gemma Stratton’s workshops offer an insight into the craft of brushmaking.
With three options to choose from - whisk brush, pencil brush, and hand brush - these enlightening and hands-on sessions will set you up to make many more brushes at home, utilising skills from European and American brushmaking traditions, with locally found (and cost free) materials.
Gemma, who studied sculpture at Canterbury University School of Fine Arts, has spent years exploring this practical craft. Her extensive collection of handmade brushes and brooms, each designed for specific tasks: clearing crumbs off the breadboard, oiling bread tins or woodwork, daily household sweeping or dealing with shavings in the workshop, attests to her passion and practical expertise. There are also brooms throughout her home, hung on the walls to support the soft nature of the Ti kōuka fibre.
German inspiration
Gemma’s interest in brushmaking escalated rapidly during her time in Berlin from 2009, where she lived near a Fabrik where traditional brushes were handmade and brushmaking was offered as a rehabilitation service aimed at folk needing support for mental illness or disabilities. There was a brush available for everything you could think of, crumb brushes, pocket brushes, keyboard brushes to radiator brushes, crafted with a blend of horsehair for the bristles and bound with copper wire into wooden handles. Gemma was inspired, seeing so much beauty and integrity in these sculptural and functional forms.
Discovering and innovating with Tī Kōuka
On her return to Aotearoa, Gemma connected again with the work of Juliet Arnott and the Rekindle team during the Festival of Transitional Architecture (FESTA). Inspired by the use of tī kōuka (cabbage tree) leaves and hazel wood she joined Rekindle, learning to weave with tī kōuka, and soon found herself undertaking a commission for two large lightshade forms for the new Riverside Market. As she wove and the base ends of the tī kōuka leaves piled up around her on the floor, she realised they were perfect for her brushmaking.
Gemma began making brush handles from hand-drilled hazel wood, a material abundant in the Rekindle studio. Greg Quinn also gifted her turned offcuts and experimental pieces from his furniture-making projects as he acquainted himself with the pole lathe. Initially, Gemma created brush bristles by threading whole tī kōuka leaves through holes in the handle and braiding them secure, but soon evolved to lacing the fibre into the handle with cordage, much like the German brushmakers used the copper wire. When she discovered that she could collect the base ends of tī kōuka leaves from weaving projects and process them intentionally - retting the fibres free to brush out - her brushmaking process was transformed.
Instantly useful and a joy to teach
Gemma takes great joy and satisfaction in making an instantly useful object from resourcefully gathered materials, using the brush she’s made to sweep up the mess created during its production, which she says speaks to the deepest intention of her work, to be instantly functional.
A patient and encouraging teacher, Gemma loves sharing her skills with others. She observes that what people get most out of her workshops is in the discovery of the magic and mystery of the transformation of materials. In the beginning, people sit down to a pile of tī kōuka base ends, a bit slimy and slightly smelly it’s hard to imagine what can become of them. They are thrilled to complete their brush, the assembly of Fibre to Handle - strong, beautiful, and useful. Then they get to use it to sweep up the mess!
Gemma’s workshops not only celebrate the art of brushmaking but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the simple tools that enrich our daily lives.
In 2025, Gemma will be teaching her brush workshops at the CWEA: in Ōtautahi Christchurch during March and November, in Whakatū in July, and in Ōtepoti in October.
Craft at the Coppice: A weekend of green woodwork with Greg Quinn
Carve a wooden cup! Kuksa workshops in 2025
Rekindle Charitable Trust Manager Recruitment
We are looking for a part-time (parental leave cover) Manager to guide our Resourceful Craft workshop programme until April 2026. If you live in Ōtautahi, have excellent organisational, interpersonal, project management, and leadership skills, and are committed to our resourceful craft kaupapa, please apply!
Applications close 23 February 2024
For further information please email info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz
About us:
Resourceful Craft is a programme of craft workshops teaching resourceful skills for the wellbeing of people and the planet. It is based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, with additional opportunities in Whakatū Nelson and Ōtepoti Dunedin. The organisation supports a team of highly skilled craftspeople, connecting them to people who are eager to learn and facilitating those workshops. Resourceful Craft is an offshoot of Rekindle, supported by funding from Creative New Zealand and Christchurch City Council. We share traditional craft practices that will provide people with new skills and a refreshed relationship with the local materials and resources that surround them. A crucial part of our approach is growing in understanding of our relationships to the whenua, and the impact of colonisation on craft practices and in many other areas of life in Aotearoa. In Ōtautahi we acknowledge the awa Ōtākaro Avon and Ōpāwaho Heathcote which give life to this area, and mana whenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and Ngāi Tahu whānui. We also mihi to those who whakapapa to Waitaha and Ngāti Māmoe, who are closely connected to this land. We are committed to honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi, and understanding its vital relevance today.
The role:
This is a part time, fixed term (parental leave cover) role from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, for at least 8 hours per week, working from home.
The core responsibilities are:
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Supporting the Workshops Coordinator & Communicator in their role
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Liaising with and reporting to the Board of Trustee
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Recruiting developing and maintaining relationships with craft tutors
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Procuring funding and developing relationships with funders and other stakeholders
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Developing and managing the budget
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Leading the teams development with regard to Te Tiriti of Waitangi
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Strategic planning
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Other tasks as assigned by the Board
Who we are looking for:
It is essential that the person in this role haas a genuine commitment to:
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pursuing our kaupapa toward greater participation in resourceful craft.
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supporting and growing the way our organisation honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
It is also essential that they:
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are able to commit for the duration of the contract.
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have excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills.
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can demonstrate their leadership experience.
It is desirable that they:
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have experience working in and established networks in the arts, wellbeing, and/or not-for profit sectors
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Have experience with grant funding applications
To apply, please:
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Contact Fran at info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz for a full role description.
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Email a Cover Letter introducing yourself and explaining why you are applying for this role and why you would be a good choice for it, along with your Curriculum Vitae to info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz by or before 23 February 2024.
2025 Resourceful Craft Programme – Now Live!
The 2025 workshop programme is here! Book now for workshops in Ōtautahi Christchurch & Rīkona Lincoln, Whakatū Nelson, and Ōtepoti Dunedin. We’re offering a mix of exciting new workshops and returning favourites. Supported by Creative New Zealand, these workshops teach resourceful skills that help us connect – to each other, our planet and ourselves.
We're also delighted to make gift vouchers available, perfect for Christmas! Share the gift of resourcefulness this holiday season.
Many of our workshops are available for private groups, by arrangement—ideal for family, friends, or work teams. For details and pricing, email info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz.
Consider becoming an annual member of one of our craft clubs and enjoy growing your craft practice with a supportive community.
We're so happy to be back with you all, join us in making 2025 a year of connection and creativity.
Join us in Ōtepoti Dunedin this Labour Weekend
Workshop Coordinator & Communicator Recruitment
Resourceful Craft is looking for a new part-time Workshop Coordinator & Communicator to facilitate our workshop programme. If you live in Ōtautahi, have excellent organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills, and are committed to our resourceful craft kaupapa, this opportunity might be for you!
Applications close 11 October 2024.
For further information please email info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz
About us:
Resourceful Craft is a programme of craft workshops teaching resourceful skills for the wellbeing of people and planet. It is based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, with additional opportunities in Whakatū Nelson and Ōtepoti Dunedin. The organisation supports a team of highly skilled craftspeople, connecting them to people who are eager to learn and facilitating those workshops. Resourceful Craft is an offshoot of Rekindle Ltd., supported by funding from Creative New Zealand and Christchurch City Council. We share traditional craft practices that will provide people with new skills and a refreshed relationship with the local materials and resources that surround them. A crucial part of our approach is growing in understanding of our relationships to the whenua, and the impact of colonisation on craft practices and in many other areas of life in Aotearoa. In Ōtautahi we acknowledge the awa (rivers) Ōtākaro Avon and Ōpāwaho Heathcote which give life to this area, and mana whenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and Ngāi Tahu whānui. We also mihi to those who whakapapa to Waitaha and Ngāti Māmoe, who are closely connected to this land. We are committed to honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi, and understanding its vital relevance today.
Role:
This is a part time, fixed term from 4 November 2024 to 5 Nov 2026, for at least 12 hours per week, working from home.
The core responsibilities are: liaising with craft tutors, venues, and the public; social media, e-newsletter, and other comms; monitoring workshop sales and managing bookings; answering queries from the public; other administrative tasks as assigned by the Manager; accounts payable and receivable.
Person specification
It is essential that the person in this role feels a genuine commitment to: our organisational values and to pursuing our kaupapa towards greater impact, and greater participation in resourceful craft; supporting and growing the way our organisation honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi; promoting bookings and the image of the Project through engaging communications across various social media and communication platforms; providing excellent customer service to clients; supporting craft tutors; living in Ōtautahi for the duration of the contract.
It is desirable that the incumbent: is able to commit for the duration of the contract; has excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills; has experience with social media and direct marketing comms; pays attention to detail, and is methodical and process focussed; has data entry and computer skills; works well as part of a team and shows initiative; feels strongly about the wellbeing of our planet and communities; has an interest in the arts and cultural wellbeing and is committed to acting with respect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
TO APPLY, PLEASE:
- Contact Ali at info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz for a full role description.
- Email a Cover Letter introducing yourself and explaining why you are applying for this role and why you would be a good choice for it, along with your Curriculum Vitae to info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz by or before 11 October 2024.
Trustee Recruitment
Rekindle Charitable Trust is seeking new voluntary trustees to help govern the ‘Resourceful Craft’ programme. We are looking to appoint up to 3 trustees, with the priority being a treasurer. We are also looking for someone who has experience in health/wellbeing but these areas of expertise are not requirements, we welcome applications from anyone who is committed to this kaupapa.
Applications close 6 October 2024.
For further information please email info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz
About us:
Resourceful Craft is a programme of craft workshops teaching resourceful skills for the wellbeing of people and planet. It is based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, with additional opportunities in Whakatū Nelson and Ōtepoti Dunedin. The organisation supports a team of highly skilled craftspeople, connecting them to people who are eager to learn and facilitating those workshops. Resourceful Craft is an offshoot of Rekindle Ltd., supported by funding from Creative New Zealand and Christchurch City Council. We share traditional craft practices that will provide people with new skills and a refreshed relationship with the local materials and resources that surround them. A crucial part of our approach is growing in understanding of our relationships to the whenua, and the impact of colonisation on craft practices and in many other areas of life in Aotearoa. In Ōtautahi we acknowledge the awa (rivers) Ōtākaro Avon and Ōpāwaho Heathcote which give life to this area, and mana whenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and Ngāi Tahu whānui. We also mihi to those who whakapapa to Waitaha and Ngāti Māmoe, who are closely connected to this land. We are committed to honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi, and understanding its vital relevance today.
Role:
Trustees would be expected to attend monthly meetings and engage in all communications external to these meetings (emails, phone calls, external meetings with other members of the trust and/or trust manager). The hours will vary according to what is happening within the charity but can be estimated at around 6-10 hours monthly. Trustees would also be expected to attend annual strategic planning workshops, and they will be invited to attend optional social events e.g. pot luck dinners.
TO APPLY, PLEASE PROVIDE:
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Letter introducing yourself and explaining why you are applying for this role. Please tell us the main things that you do with your time (paid and unpaid), why you are interested in joining the trust and what skills you would bring.
Confirm that you are eligible to be an officer of a charitable trust - Curriculum Vitae. Please include any governance experience and referees.
- Email to info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz by or before 6 October
Further information about Resourceful Craft
The materials for many of these workshops include locally foraged and carefully harvested fibres and foliage, green wood supplied by friendly urban arborists, and repurposed textiles that might otherwise have gone to waste. We also offer chances for people to learn to care for their tools and breathe new life into worn out clothing. In addition, we provide opportunities for people to come together with others on a regular basis to practise their skills at our monthly club sessions, where the craftspeople can get to know the participants and better support them in their resourceful craft journey. From spoon carving to basket weaving, drop spindle spinning to soap making, brush making to eco-printing, whether it be all weekend or for just a few hours, we aim to offer something for everyone in our Ōtautahi Christchurch workshop programme. We are also travelling to Whakatū Nelson in March to teach a full programme at Fairfield House, and heading back to Ōtepoti at Labour Weekend with support from the team at Otago Polytechnic Te Kura Matatini ki Otago.
The word resource was originally derived from the Latin resurgō meaning rise again. Life on Earth is deeply resourceful in the inherent ability of all life to continually rise again, to resource itself. Perhaps the form of life will change or decay, but it will always rise again in some shape or form. Resourcefulness requires us to engage with our inner resources whilst strengthening our relationship with the life around us, and in this ongoing exchange we realise the inseparable nature of life on Earth. Through the lens of resourcefulness the relationship between human and non-human wellbeing is inseparable and so when we care for earth we cannot help but care for ourselves. We live in a world confronted by social and environmental challenges. These problems are inextricably linked yet so vast and complex it is difficult to face them together. As these challenges worsen, the need to find solutions that address both human and environmental wellbeing in an interconnected manner grows increasingly vital. Professor Tim Haywood (2006) says “Resourcefulness involves the development and exercise of human capacities, and thus fulfils part of the substance of a good human life; it also eases pressure on finite natural phenomena that are needed as resources in (roughly) inverse proportion to resourcefulness.”
Whakatū Nelson, we are coming to you!
The Resourceful Craft 2024 programme has launched!
Haere mai ki Resourceful Craft 2024! A year-long programme of craft workshops teaching resourceful skills for the wellbeing of people and planet.
Resourceful Craft 2024 is an offshoot of Rekindle, being run as a separate project by a charitable entity. We, the tīma at Resource Craft 2024, are delighted to announce that our workshop programme, run with support from Creative New Zealand, has launched.
Workshops will be taught by the talented craftspeople you have come to know and love, in community venues across Ōtautahi Christchurch and in Rīkona Lincoln, and groups of craftspeople will tour to Whakatū Nelson as well as to Ōtepoti Dunedin. Private workshops will be available by arrangement.
You are in the right place - download our full programme here, or enrol through our workshop booking pages by location:
Ōtautahi Christchurch & Rīkona Lincoln
Whakatū Nelson
Ōtepoti Dunedin
We are also running Resourceful Craft Clubs, where you can practice your skills at our monthly club sessions. See more here.
We hope to have you join us for a resourceful craft experience this year.
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