From bold, joy-filled art to lovingly handmade crochet keepsakes, two local creatives are turning passion into pieces to treasure.
Colour, creativity and a genuine sense of joy sit at the heart of E.L.SART, the vibrant artistic practice of Tamworth-based artist Emma Louise Stanley.
Working in mixed media, Emma creates bold, expressive pieces designed to lift the mood and spark the imagination. Her work — often described as “dopamine art” — is grounded in the simple but powerful idea that art should make people feel good. Every piece is infused with energy, personality and a sense of play, inviting viewers to connect emotionally as well as visually.
Emma recently returned to Tamworth, where she lives and works as a dedicated practicing artist, high school art teacher, and special educator.
“I’m a proud mum to two beautiful kids who are 8 and 5, and after spending around 20 years away, I’ve returned to my hometown where I now live with my husband and children.”
Each E.L.SART artwork is immediately recognisable. Bright palettes, bold patterns and expressive mark-making come together to create pieces that feel alive — artworks that don’t just sit quietly on a wall, but actively shift the atmosphere of a space. Whether it’s a statement piece for the home or a thoughtful gift, Emma’s work is designed to bring a sense of happiness and lightness into everyday life.
“My practice spans acrylic on canvas, paint pens, digital mediums and mixed media. My style is playful, decorative, and ever-evolving — inspired by pink, pop culture, and all things a little bit quirky, and created with the hope of bringing warmth, colour, and a sense of joy into everyday spaces.”
Emma creates and sells her work through galleries, exhibitions and private sales, with several exciting exhibitions planned for the year ahead. Her work has also been exhibited at Weswal Gallery, Tamworth Regional Gallery and Aspire Gallery, reflecting her growing reputation within the region and beyond.
Heritage, craftsmanship and heartfelt creativity come together in Handy With A Hook, a Guyra-based business creating beautifully handmade crochet keepsakes designed to be treasured for years to come.
“Inspired by a family love of fibre arts spanning over generations, with teachings passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter, naturally the legacy continues,” Stephanie said.
That deep connection to tradition is at the core of Handy With A Hook, which was established in 2018 after years of refining techniques, perfecting designs and sourcing the highest quality materials.
“Handy With A Hook was established in 2018 after years of practicing stitches, perfecting designs and sourcing the highest quality cottons & filling,” she said.
Each piece is thoughtfully handmade, blending time-honoured skills with a modern eye for design. From charming amigurumi animals to cosy knitwear, every item reflects the care, patience and attention to detail that only handmade work can offer.
“I make amigurumi animals with 100% cotton filled with pure Aussie merino wool,” Stephanie said. “Recently I have created cotton knit beanies and scarves and, by popular demand, crochet cot-size blankets will soon be available to pre order on the HWAH website.”
Living in Guyra, Stephanie has spent a lifetime developing her love for crochet and design, building a loyal following of customers who value both the quality and sentiment behind her creations.
“I have loved crochet and design for decades,” she said.
What sets Handy With A Hook apart is not just the craftsmanship, but the emotional connection each piece carries. These are not mass-produced items — they are keepsakes, often gifted to mark special moments and milestones.
“I’ve been so grateful for the beautiful feedback on my work,” she said.
“It truly fills me with pride and happiness knowing the pieces I spend so many hours creating are treasured and loved.”
At its heart, Handy With A Hook is about continuing a legacy while creating something meaningful for others — pieces that will be held onto, passed down, and cherished.
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