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August 11, 2010
Recently we were lucky enough to spend 5 minutes with Vic, creator of the fabulously unique New Zealand label, Free Range Baby and here is what she had to say:
Tell us a little about how your business came to life.
About 5years ago I was an Anthropology honours student, drowning in readings and procrastinating writing essays. Then a few close friends had babies and I wanted to give something sweet and special. I think it was the combination of being a poor student, being put off by all the pastels in baby shops and not wanting to write my essay that saw me pull out my much neglected childhood sewing machine and start sewing baby things. And there was no looking back. I was totally hooked.
I never did become an Anthropologist, instead I applied for a government business grant the following year and found a little workspace in a studio with a collective of creative folks (I was sick of finding pins in my bed, clothes, carpet… I needed more space!)
Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?
My very first creations before I became FREE RANGE BABY, were little Martha Stewart inspired baby Kimonos. Through a friend I met a local boutique owner who became my first stockist. I was so excited the first time I visited and saw my little creations hanging on her wall! Oh and she took my first ever origami fabric cranes, they have come along way since then took.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
I didn’t realise at the time that there was a bit of a Free Range Baby movement going on and that expression was actually used. I just thought the phrase ‘free range’ really fitted my own ethos.. it made perfect sense.
At first a few people thought it was strange… like free range eggs? “So what do you do, farm babies?”
I think people generally get it though, and most of the time it really makes people smile.
Where does most of your creating take place? Show us … if you want.
My studio is a crazy ever changing environment. There are 6 others who share a big section of an old warehouse building with me and my giant fabric collection. It’s a funny place, and you get a feeling that building could tell a story or two. I’ve heard it was once an eye hospital and someone else told me it was a hosiery factory???
I love working with other creative people, it’s such an inspiration, but boy it gets messy in there!
What is your favourite item that you make? Show and tell!
Oh that’s too hard. I love dresses, there is really no escaping that. Partly it’s the fabric, there is just such a variety of lovely floral vintage prints. Plus there is nothing sweeter than a little toddler in a dress.. too cute!
This week though, I’m all about my t-shirts! After much screen printing drama I’m super excited to finally have them sewn up. It’s my favourite thing at the moment because my partner Richie illustrated them, and I love that they are our first Free Range Baby collaborative project.
What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
I have this super awesome brooch from TOAST. It’s really simple and sweet, but it just goes with everything I own and it holds my very necessary scarf in place, or my jacket closed on the cold morning bike rides to the studio!
What handcrafty thing couldn’t you live without?
Does a person count? I really couldn’t live without my good friend and sewing mentor/inspiration, local Wellington designer Frances McMullen from Swonderful.co.nz.
Being a self taught sewer and being a one woman operation, it’s really invaluable to be able to turn up with a project I can’t work out, can’t decide if it’s worth working out, or just hang out and soak up someone else’s creative juices and talk about dresses!
A huge thank you to Vic for taking some time out of her very busy business to share with us.
May 13, 2010
Recently we spent 5 minutes with the gorgeous wolf and willow. You must check out the beautiful wolf and willow blog site, it is quite breathtaking. Recently we spent 5 minutes with wolf and willow and here is what they said:
Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?
My first sale was a cute little ruffle skirt with red polka dots and an apple print. It was really exciting as it happened almost as soon as I opened shop. I knew instantly that these skirts would be popular, as there’s a big trend toward pinks and reds in girl’s clothing. It’s actually the retro colour schemes from the 60s and 70s, like chartreuse, olive green and mocha, that I love best. I spend a lot of time searching for vintage reproduction fabrics and retro-inspired prints. Although, I have to admit, I am addicted to pink too – can you tell?
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
In a way, Wolf and Willow represents two figures in a child’s imaginary world. The wolf is strong and stands for protection and companionship; the willow is soft and represents shelter and somewhere safe to play. Wolves feature in many children’s fairytales, such as Peter and the Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood, as well as in Greek and Norse mythology, as do trees and magical forests, so it’s a nod to all those beautiful bedtime stories. And lastly, it’s simple really, but most of my creating is done on weekends after I’ve taken my little “wolf” Harvey for a walk through the willow trees  Where does most of your creating take place? Show us … if you want.
Most of my creating takes place in my “workshop”, here is a link to my studio tour with photos.
What is your favourite item that you make? Show and tell!
My favourite items are the Patchwork Petal Ponies – Petunia, Violet, Zinnia and Hyacinth. They are made from a mish-mash of recycled vintage patterns and I just love creating little personalities and adoption certificates for them.
What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
My most favourite handcrafted item was actually made especially for me by a good friend. It was my wedding garter! And it was made from my friend’s grandma’s vintage lace, with two peach satin bows and tiny little crystal beads. It was so beautiful and delicate. I will cherish it forever, and maybe give it to my own daughter on her wedding day.
April 13, 2010
Tell us a little about how your business came to life.
My Dutch mother in law Daphny came to Australia to hold her first grand daughter when Sequoia was 8 months old. Daphny had me instantly hooked into quilting. She taught me most of the techniques to patchwork and make quilts.
In a Downunder Quilts magazine she bought I saw that Prints Charming were printing their own fabrics, which inspired me to do the same. Having been a fashion designer previously, I just loved the idea of printing my own designs onto fabrics and sewing them into quilts and snuggling under them or giving them away for presents.
Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?
Probably my Mum, as she always buys the first piece of any range. But I remember the day I launched my fabrics at the Australian Quilt show in Darling Harbour when Kath Doughty of Material Obsession and Sarah Fielke came over and bought a stack of fabrics at the opening. It was a really special moment as they were so encouraging. Then came the Prints Charming staff! That was a good first hour.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
Well, Saffron Craig is my name. My mum constantly craved Saffron cakes while pregnant in Cornwall in the UK so I am her Saffron cake.
Where does most of your creating take place?
Show us … if you want.– will get a picture to you today.
Gosh a lot of thought takes place in my bed, while meditating or having a rest. I get some great ideas then. A lot is done on my chair sketching. The serious work is done in my studio, which is a cozy room in my house. I do tend to take over the entire house though.
What is your favorite item that you make? Show and tell!
I am so genuinely excited about the new range of Forest Elementals. People are contacting me about them from all over the world and it feels really special to be the creator. I am always the most excited when I have a new design idea.
What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
There’s no real favourite as I have so much hand-made stuff, I love it all. Clothing, furniture, fabrics, paintings, pottery, lights, softies, jewellery—my wedding ring—and of course quilts. It is a seriously hard question. I am lucky enough to be given presents from other bloggers too, which are all hand made.
What handcrafty thing couldn’t you live without?
In winter I really could not live with out quilts. I use them everyday. In summer I have a lot of pottery I really love for those yummy salads, the majority of it is hand made by a family friend Peter Williams in Mogo. I would really miss my handcrafted wedding ring! Designed in the shape of a leaf.
UPDATE: NEW FABRIC RELEASE
Saffron’s new range of fabrics is now available in her store in yummy plum and magenta shades as well as the delightful chocolate and aqua the forest range is perfect for winter sewing. It combines those gorgeous winter colours but with a bit of pop for vibrancy in the colour combinations.
March 9, 2010
Handmade Kids are delighted to introduce Danielle Stewart (who you may know from her Etsy store or from her lovely blog) who recently spent five minutes with us. Here is what Danielle has to say:
Tell us a little about how your business came to life.
Firstly I studied fashion and textile design at TAFE, where I discovered a passion for textiles and screen-printing. I then studied visual arts at uni and all my works kept incorporating screen printing.
When I first started my business a few years ago (working under the name of Paper & Thread) I was printing up small pieces of fabric in my backyard shed. I would sew these fabrics into products and started up my own online shop on made it. I then got into blogging and discovered Etsy. I found that there was a real market for handprinted textiles with crafters and sewers looking for original fabrics to use in their own projects. So I did some research and started designing repeating patterns. I got one of these patterns printed up as a roll of fabric and listed it in my Etsy shop. The response was great and so I have kept getting more designs and colourways printed up and it’s kept growing from there.
Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?
I think my first Etsy sale was a coin purse… it was pretty exciting that someone liked my work and wanted to buy it!
What are the grand plans for your business – are you wanting to grow, stay the same or become the next Donald Trump, Martha Stewart or Richard Branson?
I’m definitely planning to keep growing my business. The last couple of months have been a period of change as I have rebranded to work under my own name (Danielle Stewart Design). I am feeling quite focussed about the style of fabrics I want to be producing and have lots of new designs in the works. Am feeling very inspired!
Where does most of your creating take place? Show us … if you want.
I have a ‘messy’ desk where I play with ideas using ink, papers and pens. I then refine my ideas on the computer and produce artworks ready to be put on screen and printed onto fabrics. I also have a lovely workroom where I cut and package fabrics for orders.
What is your favourite item that you make?
I do love making up scrap packs. It’s fun putting together different combinations of colours and patterns! And it’s always inspiring to see the things customers end up making using these small pieces of fabric!
What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
Oh gosh, it’s hard to choose just one… I did purchase a gorgeous handcrafted necklace recently from Umbrella Prints which I love so much! Have been wearing it non-stop!
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Thanks Danielle – we really appreciate your time with us!
If you would like to visit Danielle’s Etsy store or blog, they are definitely worth a visit.
For those of you out there that can NEVER have enough fabric (the Fan Fabric Grab proved that in a scary sort of way!) you can join up here to receive an email when Danielle has new fabric in store.
Caz x
February 22, 2010
Tell us a little about you and how your store came to life.
Moo Woo was born one year after my second child arrived! Whilst on maternity leave from teaching I started making greeting cards as a hobby. I’ve always had an interest in crafts such as mosaic, glass painting, etc but finally I had found a practical hobby, the products I could use rather than them just being dust collectors. When my collection of handmade cards grew, beyond what I could ever need myself, I began supplying friends and family who inevitably encouraged me to take the hobby a step further. This idea evolved into a gift and card shop, stocking my greeting cards alongside more locally sourced handmade greeting cards and gifts. Living in a remote town I also expanded to some of my favorite commercial brand. I now source beautiful handmade cards and gifts locally and from the wider Australian community.
Can you remember your first sale of one of your store’s items? What was it? How did you feel?
A friend had seen my cards and ordered a pack of 20. It was a real confidence boost and gave me the encouragement I needed to launch into business.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
The ‘Moo Woo’ title came from the nick names of my two beautiful children – Mia ‘Moo’ and Tyler ‘Woo’. I’m usually the worst person when it comes to picking names for anything but this one came instantly. Our third is due soon and I often think I should somehow intertwine their name somewhere into the business…just so they don’t feel left out!!
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about owning and operating an online store?
Oh… it would have to be prepare your partner…they need to learn to come second best to the computer!!
Have you tried something in your business that didn’t work out as you planned, or on the flip side – worked out better than expected?
It would have to be my photography which always disappoints and surprises me!! I photograph all of our locally produced handmade products. I spend so much time photographing some products; load them onto the computer and feel so disappointed…so off we go again. Other times they just work perfectly and I feel like a ‘professional’. I could really do with a photography course!
What is your favourite Aussie handmade item that you sell? Show and tell!
Oh, too hard to pick! These new locally handmade ‘reversible’ hats are divine. The clever design by ‘Gaysie’ allows the hat to be reversed for a totally different look. Each one has been perfectly made and embellished with ribbons and/ or lace. They come in a whole range of colours and sizes for boys and girls..
For mums my favourite would perhaps be these delicious locally made soy candles. I’m not a big candle girl but I’ve realised how wonderfully scented, natural and safe these are…and they last forever!!!
Do you have a favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
YES my amazingly beautiful Kerri Blades original canvas! Kerri lives in Kununurra and I managed to spring her creating this piece. It was love at first sight and was sold before it was finished.
What hand-crafty thing couldn’t you live without?
It would be a toss up between my guillotine and measuring tape…I always seem to have one of them in hand!
February 16, 2010
We recently had the pleasure of spending five minutes with Katherine from The Savannah Room, here is what she had to say
Tell us a little about how your business came to life.
Where do I begin ! I wanted to head in a new direction, combining my love of animals, interior design / decorating, children’s spaces & be successful in my own business which I’d like to initially run from from my home office / studio.
I initially began designing smaller things such as stationary using fabric & raw materials, selling via my Etsy store. I spent a lot of hours researching until I eventually found my niche in the market place, something modern yet timeless in design. I submitted my first completed design to Bebe in Melbourne (www.bebeonline.com.au) as part of their Handmade to Retail Challenge in late 2009 & was lucky enough to be one of the three designers to win, receiving fantastic coaching from the gorgeous Carey at Bebe. I
continued to finalise my product designs, continued to research, introduced myself to the children’s industry & I can’t wait to release our product catalogue alongside Bebe !
Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?
I sure can ! When I initially began an Etsy store, I was making fabric greeting cards, I had just sold some fabric mini greeting cards in a box set to a fellow Seller on Etsy, she was going to use them as little Thank you notes to her customers with their orders, I didn’t care if I had made any profit, I was just so chuffed that someone thought they were good enough to send to their ‘own’ customers !
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
As much as my dwarf lop rabbit Savannah likes to think the business is named after her, it has a few meanings behind it .. I have a love for all animals, in particular those which can be found on the African Savannah, which is a flat open grassland & home to a variety of animal species, something which will be reflected in my future animal
collections from around the world
I wanted to bring nature back into children’s spaces through colour & originality whilst keeping that modern edge. I needed a name which was ‘open’ to new ideas & designing of various products, a name which I could take with me in whichever direction I decided to take or find in the future ..
Where does most of your creating take place? Show us … if you want.
Whilst it’s all still work in progress, I currently switch between my office inside my home & my separate studio .. I initially seek inspiration from my laptop, books, magazines, anything really and begin drafting ideas which I then work on in the office. Once I’m happy with the design, I continue through to the studio where I play with fabrics, sizing, cut outs, sewing & eventually finalise the design on my part, ready to be completed by our suppliers.
What is your favourite item that you make? Show and tell!
One of my favourite designs to date is the red / white stripe on denim canvas, shown on my sewing desk & can be seen in my upcoming catalogue, I never seem to grow tired of this design !
What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
Definitely my two mini wooden chairs, completely handcrafted by hand on the ivory coast in Africa, they are real one of a kind pieces which had travelled the world from store to store with a Frenchman before finally landing in his new store in Guildford here in Perth, something I will always treasure .. I was then lucky enough to be at a garage sale a few days later where a lovely man had handcrafted a little table out of jarrah, it seems to match perfectly ..
Another item I will always treasure is a painting, which was ‘trunkcrafted’ by Tricia or Permai at the Perth Zoo .. complete in it’s own frame, each one is truly unique !
What handcrafty thing couldn’t you live without?
My drawing table / storage crates in the studio ! These were initially custom made for a retail store in Perth using raw wood materials & a few nails though, to my benefit, were no longer needed so I was able to purchase them for a bargain price. The table top was then made by my partner, wooden crates were stacked together to form storage spaces for both my fabric & other bits of pieces under the tabletop. Being so versatile, they have definitely been the most functional yet space saving pieces to allow an increase in productivity in such a small space
Ps .. there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think how lucky I am to be
a part of such a wonderful industry !
You can visit The Savannah Room here
January 27, 2010
Holly Chic is the fabulous New Zealand store of gorgeous manchester. Recently we spent 5 minutes with Keri and here is what she had to say:
Tell us a little about how your business came to life.
I started Holly Chic after my daughter was born in 2008. I searched for modern contemporary baby bedding in New Zealand but all I came across was plain pink, white & blue sheets, licensed kids bedding or bedding that had tiny teddies or ducks on it. I just wanted something different than the norm, wasn’t made in China or mass produced. I sourced some fabric with modern patterns and made some sheet sets and quilts for Holly. I received lots of positive comments from friends and family and
had always wanted to have my own small business so took the next step and bought more fabric and introduced change mats and bedding sets.
I now have a range of baby products I make under the Holly Chic label and have started introducing products from other indi designers to complement our range.
Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?
I’ll never forget my first sale, it was such a buzz. A lovely lady from Switzerland bought a change mat from my Etsy shop and I remember thinking wow! someone from the other side of the world wants one of my products.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
Holly Chic is named after my daughter Holly. She was the inspiration for starting the business so I wanted to recognise her in some way. I added the Chic to give it a modern contemporary feel.
Where does most of your creating take place? Show us … if you want.
I’d love to say in the studio above my little baby shop, but that’s just a dream, maybe one day though
My creating takes place on the kitchen table and I have shelves nearby which makes it easy to keep things close by and in order. I have also taken over space in one of my sons room to store bolts of fabric and other products. He loves to tell me that I’m making it messy and I need to tidy up.
What is your favourite item that you make? Show and tell!
I love making our signature change mats (seen above). They’re just so practical with the in built pocket to store nappies and wipes and I love seeing babies and toddlers lying on something comfy and soft.
What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
I recently turned 40 and shouted myself a pendant from koolamandesigns with all three kids names hand stamped on it. It feels like the kids are always close by when I’m wearing it.
What handcrafty thing couldn’t you live without?
My little toy bag I made for my daughter. Its only small but fits a couple of small toys in and ties up, fits in the nappy bag, is easy to carry around or I just throw it in the car ready for those moments she needs a distraction. She loves to open it herself and see what surprises are inside.
January 8, 2010
Tell us a little about how your business came to life.
Having a background in Commercial Industrial Property Management hardly
allows the creative juices to flow, so I jumped at the opportunity to work on a creative project while being at home with my two daughters . Poss Bloss was born when my eldest started school and I was becoming annoyed at her uniform being ruined by paint seeping through her fabric art smock.
After brainstorming with a girlfriend who mentioned her son disliked wearing an all pvc smock, I got to work on a design which included comfortable fabric sleeves but the practically of a clear pvc front that could just to wiped down after use and which also had a soft bias neckline.
Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?
I sure do! It was at the Berwick Craft Market and I was sharing a stall with my sister in law and her friend. The item the lady purchased was an apron and I was so excited and nervous that I gave her too much change back!!! The three of us laughed for the rest of the day.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
It’s a little long winded but basically it’s from the children’s tale ‘the wide mouthed frog’. In it, the possums eat blossom. When I called either of my two girls ‘poss’ they would reply, ‘I’m not possum, I don’t eat blossom’. I had wanted Possum Blossom but it seemed like such a mouth full so I shortened it to Poss Bloss!
Where does most of your creating take place? Show us … if you want.
For the last 5 years it has been at the kitchen table. So it has been a little trying at times, having to pack everything up, (mid seam) every time I need to serve a meal. Every spare corner of the dining room is filled with fabric, pvc rolls and mdf templates. We are in midst of an extension so I can’t wait to move into my new studio.
What is your favourite item that you make? Show and tell!
The Poss Bloss range all started with the Pink Painted Smock with gingham sleeves. This smock has now evolved into a simpler smock with vinyl laser cut stickers instead of the hand painted flowers but it continues to remind me of where Poss Bloss originated from and how far it’s come. (current design is included in the group shot of children)
What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
Michelle from Kids with Crayons reproduced two drawings that my girls had done into wonderful framed masterpieces. They hang on their walls and I just love them. Michelle did an amazing job.
What handcrafty thing couldn’t you live without?
It’s without a doubt is my lime green felt pincushion (which I made myself), it’s really big and holds a huge volume of pins which is perfect for while I’m sewing.
January 4, 2010
Gorgeous Designs for your little sprout!
We wanted to find out more about Brusslesprouts, so we asked Victoria to spend 5 minutes with us and here is what she had to say about her fabulous business:
Tell us a little about how your business came to life.
It began after I had a premature baby in winter, I wanted to dress him in wool as its so warm and natural but I couldn’t find anything small enough or anything that wasn’t made from acrylic. I started knitting everything for him myself and got alot of positive comments whenever we were out. I wanted to earn some income while at home and with the positive feedback I had received I decided to list a few items on Etsy. It was while I was visiting my parents I saw that my mother had been sewing and that is where the idea started of us working together and so I started to sew again too. Now we combine the two and that is how our summer range began by using my mothers ability to crochet and putting a modern take on it with fabric.
Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?
My very first sale was a handknit beanie I had listed on Etsy. I was so excited I ran out and bought a bottle of champagne, I felt very honored knowing that someone liked my beanie enough to spend their money on it.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
We wanted something that would be easy to remember, androgynous and synonymous with children. I had read a review on a restaurant called Aubergine and the name Brusselsprouts just popped into my head.
Where does most of your creating take place? Show us … if you want.
At home in Kalgoorlie WA I have a spare room that I do all my sewing in and my mother does all the crochet in Noosa QLD so there are alot of postbags being sent back and forth across the country.
What is your favourite item that you make? Show and tell!
I love making our little Cowpoke shorts, the fabric is so cheerful and I get lots of emails from parents saying how much their little cowboys love them. (attached photo)
What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
I bought my mother a gorgeous patchwork pin cushion from dearfii on Made It. It gets a workout that pin cushion!
What handcrafty thing couldn’t you live without?
I have a handmade journal that I was given as a gift and I use it to sketch all my ideas, make notes, write down fabrics etc. It is so handy and full of all the scraps of paper I use to write on and was forever losing!
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