Woven mat created from cardboard light blue and white Warfarin medicine packaging

Small woven mat created from cardboard light blue and white Warfarin medicine packaging, woven by Sumi Richardson in Norwich, England, during the first lockdown between April and June 2020

Like many, Sumi used craft to fill her time and keep busy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sumi created lots of mats like this over lockdown. Sumi has made mats like this for years, having learnt the weaving technique from elderly ladies whilst growing up in Trinidad.

This mat is woven from empty packets of Warfarin, a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. Jess, Sumi’s daughter said when speaking about the craft activity and her mother’s dementia: “In relation to mum’s dementia, it is interesting that she still has a very vivid memory of learning this craft. She now classes herself as an elderly lady and she is keen to pass this knowledge onto others and has already taught her grandchildren the basics.”

Jess also noted that during the pandemic, they found that Sumi’s manual dexterity had declined to such an extent that this was the only example of crafting she could do. “It was also beneficial in exercising her hands and mind.” The recycled materials and simplicity of the design has meant Sumi could create this craft independently.