A Global Legacy: My Contribution to Maggie Hensel-Brown’s Community Lace Project

When I first heard about Maggie Hensel-Brown’s Community Lacemaking Project, I knew I had to be a part of it. Maggie is an incredible artist, lacemaker, and teacher. After taking multiple classes with her—both in-person and online—I have tremendous respect for her love of needle lace and ability to create highly personal art.

The Community Lacemaking Project is about bringing together hundreds of lacemakers from around the world to create a single, large piece of lace that will be exhibited in Sydney in mid-2024. The art piece, which will be at least three square meters, is composed of small needle lace leaves, stitched by many hands. It’s not only a celebration of needle lace but a visual representation of the connections formed through this centuries-old art form.

My Contribution: A Needle Lace Leaf with a Twist

For my leaf contribution, I decided to create a mixed-lace-media piece. I found the process smooth and intuitive—even though I’ve taken classes with Maggie before, her digital resources were clear and very helpful for any skill level.

To make my leaf stand out, I added a personal touch: a tatted flower in the center of the needle lace. This addition is special to me because I had the opportunity to teach Maggie tatting during one of her visits to the Rocky Mountain Lace Guild. It was fun to combine both techniques, but figuring out how to hold the tatting in place and stabilize it with the needle lace took some creative problem-solving. In the end, it was worth it to create something unique that also reflects a shared learning experience.

A Global Effort in Lace

What drew me to this project wasn’t just my admiration for Maggie, but also the idea of being part of something larger. Knowing that there are other lacemakers all over the world creating their own leaves, each with their own stories, made the experience even more meaningful. It’s exciting to think about how these small pieces will come together to form a single work of art.

I’ll be sending my piece by mail, ensuring plenty of time for it to travel from Colorado to Australia. There’s a special feeling in knowing that my work will soon be stitched alongside so many others, all contributing to Maggie’s vision.

Looking Ahead: The Exhibition in Sydney

Being able to contribute to Maggie’s art, which will be seen by so many people, is an honor. This project is a reminder that lace-making isn’t just about individual stitches—it’s about the connections we form through the art and the legacy we leave behind.

If you’d like to see updates on my lace-making projects, be sure to follow me on Instagram (@BobbinLaceNet) or TikTok (@CajahYupMe).