🌸 Weaving Forward: The One Billion Stars Story Continues
Weaving a Movement of Connection
Many of you know me through the One Billion Stars project — a global movement that began with one simple act: weaving a single star in response to violence. That first star became a symbol of light and community — a reminder that small acts of creativity can ripple outward and bring people together.
Over the past decade, millions of woven stars have travelled across the world — to schools, galleries, councils, and homes — each carrying its own story of care, hope, and human connection. It’s been the privilege of my life to witness how those hands and stories have lit up the world.
And now, as I reflect on where I am — both personally and creatively — it feels like time for a new chapter.
Creativity, Womanhood & Wellbeing
This October, I’ve been reminded again that creative wellbeing isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.
Like so many women, I’m learning to listen more closely to my energy and body. As I navigate peri-menopause and find support for this new season, this brings another layer of honesty and recalibration. My body is asking for grace, gentler pacing, and peace between the creative bursts.
I’m learning to redesign life and work around energy, purpose, and joy — not exhaustion.
This is the heart of Damper & Fetū — a creative home for stories about art, community, wellbeing and leadership. It’s where I’ll continue sharing weaving tutorials, reflections on creative calm, and projects that bring people together, one story and one star at a time.
This is not an ending — it’s a continuation, with softness, clarity, and intention.
The One Billion Stars Legacy
The One Billion Stars movement lives on, right here through Damper & Fetū. Its light remains — a constellation of woven stars that continues to inspire creativity and community around the world.
And every year on 2 December, we’ll keep celebrating World Star Weaving Day — a global pause to create and share light together.
This December 2, I invite you to weave one star and gift it to someone — a small, powerful act of connection. I’ll be running a star weaving workshop to mark the occasion, so stay tuned for details and join me on Tuesday 2 December 2025 for some star weaving bliss!
Remember, any time is a good time to check in with a friend or colleague, share a cuppa, and offer a little light. ☕️🌟
Looking Ahead — Weaving Our Way to 2028
I’m so excited for what’s to come. Over the next three years, we’ll continue building towards a new goal for World Star Weaving Day 2028 — details coming soon.
It’s a big dream, but it begins the same way the first one did — with one star, one person, one act of hope. And I can’t wait to announce it on this year’s World Star Weaving Day.
World Star Weaving Day also falls within the 16 Days of Activism, observed from 25 November — the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women — to 10 December, World Human Rights Day.
If you’d like to be part of this next chapter, subscribe to the Damper & Fetū newsletter, follow along on Instagram (@maryanntaliapau or @damper.and.fetu), or start your own small circle of creativity where you are.
A Personal Reflection
October has always been a month of renewal for me — spring in Australia, Mental Health Month, and a time to pause before the year’s end. This year feels especially meaningful.
I’m feeling both energised and exhausted — that creative tension that comes when you’re reshaping years of work into a new rhythm. It’s not just business planning; it’s transformation.
It’s the same feeling I imagine many women experience when they’re building something from the heart while caring for others, navigating change, and trying to make space for rest.
Through it all, I’m reminded that slowing down is not failure — it takes strength.
Because creativity isn’t about producing endlessly — it’s about being present, peaceful, and connected.
That’s what I hope this next season will be — for me, for you, and for everyone who’s ever woven a star or basket with me.
Take good care of yourself and make time to create, listen to or make music, maybe walk through nature or near the ocean. Your mind and body will thank you for it!