Back in Australia now, Patty had completely covered her small home in clay flowers. It was then that she decided to share her love of Thai orchids by approaching
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. They were very impressed and were amazed at how lifelike they looked. Patty spent the whole year preparing for the show. Over the years Patty has had much support from her friends Iris, Tina, Tracy, Yvonne and Renee and her husband.
‘Dok Mai Jark Dinh’ (clay flowers) is an ancient traditional Thai art. In Thailand, the art is passed down from mother to daughter as we in the western world would pass down such skills as knitting and crocheting.
In Thailand, the main flower you will see is the orchid. This flower is the inspiration for Thai people and is the predominant flower they make. Each family has their own clay with special ‘secret’ ingredients that are passed down generation after generation.
Ten years ago Patty Ly, a Thai woman fell in love and married Michael and both of them decided to move from Thailand to Australia.
She settled down here, but after a while she became homesick and her husband Michael thought it would be good for her to go home and see her family. So Patty took a trip back to Thailand.
Whilst she was over there, Patty rekindled her love of making clay flowers (‘Dok Mai Jark Dinh’ ). When she came back to Australia, she had with her the clay and cutters used to make her flowers.
