It was my honor to interview, photograph, and write the following personal feature for The Landing senior center’s monthly member newsletter.
Laura Thielke learned to knit and crochet around the age of 12 from her maternal grandmother, a talented seamstress who designed ornate clothing for Laura and her siblings.
Nearly 60 years later, it’s clear how creativity became a common thread throughout Laura’s youth as she participated in 4-H, took as many art classes as possible at Medford High School, and discovered graphic design as a career path while attending a technical college.
Before earning a degree, Laura shifted focus to marriage and raising her three children – a time that called for more practical applications of her skills such as sewing her own wedding dress and baby sleepers. The decline of the newspaper industry made it challenging to find work in the graphic design field. It wasn’t until retirement and becoming a grandmother that Laura fully embraced her artistic passions.
“I thought I better start doing something that a grandmother would do, but it had been many years since I crocheted,” said Laura. “A friend provided patterns and helped me get going again.”
Get going she did. The photos on Laura’s phone showcase much more than crocheted baby blankets and baskets. She’s gone “whole hog” on everything from crewel embroidery to acrylics, oil, and watercolor paintings, mosaics, and decorated jackets. She’s even sold some finished pieces online and in local gift shops.
While Laura would welcome more sales, she says it’s the act of crafting that brings the most satisfaction, providing a way to stay busy and socialize. And after dipping her toes in with some art and writing classes at The Landing, Laura quickly became a regular at the Tuesday Crafters group – a place where strangers become tight-knit friends.
“It’s the high point of my week. We work on our projects, exchange ideas and recipes, and gripe about bills or our aches and pains. Despite our different backgrounds, we go through many of the same things.”
Barring health or family emergencies, you can find Laura among the Tuesday Crafters “no matter what.”
If you want to start a new project or dust off an abandoned craft, join Laura at a table in The Landing Art Room on Tuesdays from 12 to 2 p.m. It just may become the highlight of your week, too.
The Landing Wausau is a place to imagine age as a time for connection, movement and growth. From personal relationships to empowering programs, The Landing is creating more than a local senior center. It’s a place to explore new passions and embrace every age.
