Deepavali is just around the corner! Time to think about festive decorations, prepare our homes and get ready to welcome family and friends. And, of course, no Deepavali celebration would be complete without a good cup of tea or chai and some delicious treats! For our monthly workshop with the seniors at THK Active Ageing Centre Cassia, we decided to create something both beautiful and practical: handmade coasters, ready to welcome guests during the festive season. This time, we combined two very different but equally meaningful materials: pre-loved school uniforms and beautiful saree fabrics. While school uniforms carry memories of childhood and school days, sarees often tell stories of family traditions, celebrations and generations of women who have worn and treasured them. Bringing these fabrics together created something more than just colourful coasters. It was a lovely example of intergenerational storytelling: materials once worn by children and mothers now given a new purpose through the creativity and careful hands of our seniors. A little bit of sewing, some patience and good company – and we had a collection of unique coasters, each with its own story. A wonderful way to celebrate Deepavali, connect generations and remind ourselves that even the smallest pieces of fabric deserve a second life.