IF you have ever stopped by the Bridge Keeper’s Cottage in Tooleybuc, you may have also encountered the work of Haylee Bosanquet.
Ms Bosanquet is behind the shop’s extensive collection of bracelets, necklaces and cards which she makes in Swan Hill.
Ms Bosanquet remembers her first time making jewellery 21 years ago.
“When I was in school we did a jewellery making course where we all got to show our jewellery to our parents,” she said.
“I just felt great making it.”
What started out as a hobby is now a business for Ms Bosanquet, who had encouragement from disability services and support organisation Echuca Discoveries to sell her works at the shop.
“I made a Pandora bracelet that’s just gotten sold – I went to the op-shop and it was not there anymore,” she said.
“I like that I can make things for other people here.
“I’m not sure if I would have gotten to do this in Melbourne.”
After making the move to Swan Hill from Melbourne seven years ago, Ms Bosanquet, who has autism, said life was harder in Melbourne because it was a city that had “too much going on” for her.
She said she much preferred the peace and quiet the town had to offer, and thanks to NDIS transportation had been easier for her.
“I like Swan Hill,” Ms Bosanquet said.
“It’s a lot more peaceful and quiet here.
“I would have a harder time trying to travel on buses in Melbourne.
“Over here, the buses come to the front of my house to pick me up or drop me off.”
With daily tasks being made a little easier for Ms Bosanquet, she has found time now to focus on her crafts with Echuca Discoveries.
“Making things have always helped me keep calm,” she said.
“On Monday mornings I get up and I come here to do water-colouring and card making.”
“When I do the jewellery making, I bring all the pieces like stone and recycled material from home.”
Ms Bosanquet said participating in activities with others at Echuca Discoveries had helped her manage everyday tasks better.
“I didn’t even wash a coffee cup when I first came here,” she said.
“But now I’ll offer to do all the dishes and clean up after we have social dinners.
“I do dishes for anybody now, and I love making everyone a cup of coffee every morning.
“I can also help out with other chores like taking out the garbage.”
Ms Bosanquet said she was glad to be given the opportunity to learn new skills to be more independent.
“I’d like to tell everyone to do their best,” she said.
“And If you want to do jewellery making, you can.”
“If you want to achieve something, you can do it if you just go for it.”
