17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast crafter goes viral after photo of Wallace and Gromit postbox topper proves an online hit
Debbie Thompson's crocheted creations sit on a postbox on the Glen Road in the west of the city, and her colourful design has gained attention around the world after she shared a photo in a popular craft group.
The topper features characters Wallace and Gromit, with 'new topper in progress' spelled out in yarn.
Debbie explained that she hadn't expected such a reaction, as it's a temporary piece placed to show that a new summer topper is being made.
She said: 'In between seasons, some people put cones out to show a new topper is on the way. I wanted to put my own twist on that.
'I created a Wallace and Gromit, with Gromit knitting on the topper just because he's known for having a wee knit.
'It was always meant to be temporary until the summer one is finished, but the reaction on social media has been crazy since I posted it. Every time I look, the likes and comments have grown.'
Debbie has been knitting since she was a child, learning at school and from her mother. She later taught herself to crochet by following instructions in a book.
Although her recent craft has gained massive attention for its detail, Debbie had only made two other postbox toppers.
'I started making them at Easter. Someone on a local community site mentioned that the person who looks after the toppers nearby was wanting two bunny rabbits, so I offered to make them.
'Then I noticed a nearby postbox had nothing on it, so I decided to give it a go too.
'There is an online community for toppers, and I decided to post my creations in those groups.
'I shared it on the UK Post Box Toppers site to see the reaction and it got 2,000 likes.
'I thought, 'Flip me, that's absolutely brilliant', but I never expected the most recent one to get the attention that it has.'
News Catch Up - Tuesday 17th June
Debbie added that she finds creating the quirky designs 'therapeutic' and that crochet is a way for her to unwind.
'I have neurological problems and other health issues, and sometimes when I'm in pain, crocheting helps clear my mind and takes my focus away from it.
'Now, I can't sit without my crochet, I find it to be really relaxing. I love sitting in the evenings once everything's done and settled, just crocheting. That's my thing.'
Debbie added: 'We're all very stressed out at the minute about what's going on in the world around us.
'I find the postbox toppers to be a nice wee light-hearted joy.'
