Profile

Kevin Menzies

My daughters were given a 'Holly Hobby' Papertole completed on a bathroom tile in the early 1970's, but my passion and interest in Papertole came after seeing it at a friend's home in the 1980's. I was so inspired by the integrate work and detail that went into a finished project that I set about teaching myself more about the craft, before finally locating a teacher to learn from.

Having taught Papertole now since 1990, I am fortunate to be internationally renowned, with students coming from Canada, Greece, Spain, Singapore, South Africa and New Zealand among other countries to learn the ancient 17^th century craft of Papertole. I believe a lot of inspiration can be learnt from my students and encourage them at all times to attain there best, therefore my is Motto - ''Aim High' and together we will achieve'.?

In my trips overseas for both work and pleasure, I seek out Papertole teachers and Papertole Workshops to gain inspiration and discuss techniques in this fabulous ancient craft.

My work and that of many students have also been entered in numerous competitions resulting in major awards at Royal Shows and Country Craft Shows on the east coast and in country Australia - a total of now well over 620 in the past 11 years.

Papertole classes are held in Belfield, Revesby, Green Point (Gosford), Mortdale, Clemton Park with teaching up to 7 classes some weeks. and with average of 9 students per class.

I also attend Craft Shows demonstrating and presenting workshops on specific techniques e.g. feathering and furring throughout Australia, this is also a source of great enjoyment, as well as producing commissioned Papertole work, that has now spread internationally.

For those who are unable to attend classes I write and organise instructions for Papertole along with writing and producing projects that appear in numerous Australian and International Craft Magazines.

Should you have any questions, regarding Papertole, e.g. cutting techniques, framing etc. please do not hesitate to contact me, and I will endeavour to respond as soon as I am able to.