A young Wagga woman did not let her disability get the better of her yesterday as she took day two of the Henty Machinery Field Days by storm with her jewellery designs.
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Maddison Tooze was born with Down syndrome and was far from limited by her disability as she was turning out creations for her growing business.
The 21 year old draws inspiration form her favourite artists Katy Perry and Pink to create hand-made necklaces and earrings, alongside decorative garlands for Christmas and newborns.
It was her first year attending the Henty Machinery Field Days and her mother Vicki was warmed by the amount of community support that came through the gates.
“Madi has had stalls at the Lake Albert markets but this is the first time she’s been at the Henty field day,” she said.
Coming to Henty was about Madi being part of the community. It’s about anybody with a disability being part of the community and everyone with a disability has an ability.
- Vicki Tooze
Madi’s flare for art and craft was discovered about six years ago when she was decorating a birthday cake for a relative.
Her skill was identified again through her use of kinetic sand at Northcott Disability Services and her business has flourished with the assistance of The Leisure Company.
Christina Guthrie from the Leisure Company was one of Madi’s support workers on the day and said she has extreme precision with her work.
“Madi loves being at the Henty field day and making jewellery,” Ms Guthrie said.
“She’s very persistent and precise with what she does.
“She does one-on-ones with the support staff from The Leisure Company; we just assist where needed but she pretty much does it all by herself.”
Madi creates her designs out of clay she sometimes rolls out with a pasta maker, which she cuts into heart or flower shapes.
Her mother Vicki then coats the designs in an epoxy resin which dries within 24 hours, giving the creations a glossy, waterproof finish.
“My whole family is crafty. Madi does knitting with my mum using hand spun wool which she creates beanies out of,” Vicki said.
“I love doing all of this to support the girls – I knit and crochet and have done leadlighting and pottery to keep my mind busy.
“Feeling valued is the biggest thing we’re hoping to get out of the field day – creating self-worth and self-confidence.
“As a mum, you just want to see your children achieve their goals.
“I always get a tear in my eye to see anyone with a disability out there and achieving.”
