Old cutlery gets new breezy life

If you've ever wondered what to do with your old knives and forks, Sandra Williams of Katikati has the answer.

For the past year she has been fashioning such items into wind chimes and yesterday she and other like-minded craftspeople were selling their wares at the Forta Leza Art and Craft market, just south of Katikati.

Mrs Williams organises the event and says her family has a strong connection with the market building, which is now a restaurant.

"My Mum, Rose, used to work there when it was the dairy company.

"I've always been quite arty, and do leadlighting mobiles, too. It's a hobby rather than a job," she said. Thirty of her silver retro-antique wind chimes, all silver and adorned with glass beads and mineral stones, were on display.

Anything from toast racks, trivets, and jam dishes are incorporated into each piece.

The smaller utensils make a lighter sound as they swing in a breeze, while the larger knives, forks and spoons make a deeper sound.

Mrs Williams collects her cutlery at garage sales, antique shops and from friends.

"I trinket hunt," she said.

"It takes about half an hour to an hour to make one. It's always a good wet-day project for me."

Her son, Jesse, was also at the market air-brushing temporary tattoos on marketgoers.

Meanwhile, Pauline Johnson was a first-time stallholder at the market, selling handmade gift cards, knitted and crocheted babywear and decorated beanies.

Mrs Williams said it had taken quite a while for people to get to know about the Forta Leza Art and Craft Market. "We're getting more people off the highway, but we are constantly needing more stallholders who focus on art and craft."

The market is held on the third Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm. It also features live music, and has hot rod car owners calling in.

Market hours will be extended heading into summer.