Golden Designs Tabloid

Caption: Valrie James (seated) receives guidance from Art Educator Dr. Verona Barnes in the crochet/layered textile class hosted by Golden Designs. Colliecia Wright/ Media Intern "I needed something to do; sitting at home was very horrible," reflected Valrie James when asked about her decision to learn the art of crocheting. The spirited 73-year-old from Seaview Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica, discovered the transformative power of crocheting in her pursuit of a purposeful life. Just four months into her crocheting adventure, she has blossomed into a skilled artisan, crafting beautiful decorative pieces and fashion-forward creations that have captivated shoppers. Retiring in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic after many years of working as a janitor, James found herself without a source of income. Struggling financially and with a desire for independence, she sought a meaningful way to fill her days. Little did she know that her journey to self-discovery was just around