Featured Artists and Craftspeople

Kathleen Philip - Clay Sculptor

Kathleen 'Kath' Philip has been a member of the Mandurah Arts & Crafts Pottery Group since moving to Mandurah with her husband, Bill, in 2017. Having dabbled with clay on the wheel for a couple of years in the mid 1970’s, Kathleen initially focused on wheel work. Until, one day, whilst fiddling with a piece of clay, a small cocker spaniel emerged. To Kathleen's surprise and delight, she discovered a wonderful aptitude for creating animal sculptures. Kathleen has gone on to specialize in creating lifelike figurines depicting man's best friend - their dogs.

Kathleen's first dog figurines were of her and husband, Bill's, lovely old Cocker Spaniel, Timothy, and their Cavalier King Charles, Hamish. She began making figurines for friends and family before going on to advertise in Marketplace and Gumtree. Kathleen began making sales and receiving commissions, many from people whose dogs had passed away, as they wanted something special to go with the ashes. Most of her work is painted with acrylics ( to allow details) after being bisque fired and therefore only suitable for indoors. The photo below showing a dog’s head only, ended up being painted with underglazes and fully fired to be able to be placed on a grave.

Kathleen currently charges $90 per dog for her figurines. They are approximately 12cm high or long, depending on whether the dog is sitting or lying down. It is not unusual for her to spend many hours getting the face and eyes just right to capture the essence of the animal.

At the recent, 2025 Cannington Agricultural Show, Kathleen entered 9 classes and won 6 First Place prizes. She went on to win 2 Champion Certificates in different categories and a sash for most points gained in Hobby Ceramics before being awarded the Perpetual Trophy for Pottery for 2025. This was the second year in a row that Kathleen has won this prestigious award, having also received it in 2024.

Deb Costarella - Patchwork Artist

Deb Costarella was the first MACS member featured in MAC-Chat, the Oct - Dec 2025 edition. She is a member of several patchwork groups, a wonderful teacher, and a much loved member of Mandurah Arts and Crafts Society.

In her own words: 

"I was introduced to patchworking in 1989 when I stumbled upon a charming patchwork shop in Southern Cross. The two lovely ladies who owned it told me about the local quilting group, and from that moment on, I was in love. I had found my tribe, as they say.

Since then, I haven't looked back.

I gradually moved from patchworking into quilting, starting with the purchase of my first Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen. Eventually, I upgraded to a longarm and, in 2022, treated myself to the HQ Infinity.

What I've enjoyed most is the freedom that quilting offers. I began with edge-to-edge designs using the computer, but soon discovered how much fun it is to let my creativity flow with free-motion quiliting. It's incredibly satisfying and meditative.

My happy place is my sewing studio, which used to be the formal lounge and dining room. But really, who uses those anymore?"

To see more of Deb's wonderful creations, follow her on Facebook at Tiny Nannas Quilts. https://www.facebook.com/tinynannasquilts/