The Handmade Cooperative is a shopping blog dedicated to promoting quality Australian handmade products for children. Their regular shopping guides & product reviews feature unique and stylish handmade products made by talented coop members.

As a cooperative, their 60 members create all kinds of wonderful children’s products, whilst collectively supporting and promoting the wider handmade community.

Keep an eye out for their regular popular features including the  ’Sensational Six’ and themed shopping guides.

Winnie and  Clem  ~  Sun Safe Sunhat – Vintage Blooms Pink

Love Paper Scissors  ~  Family Tree Art Made to Order

Marjorie Handmade  ~  Autumn Greens Vintage Floral Skirt

Sheeps Clothing  ~  Pure Wool Chunky Knit Infinity Scarf

Ben & Jess  ~  Kokeshi Doll Happy Birthday Banner

Little Lambs  ~  Teal & Chocolate Bird Long Sleeved Top. Retro Boy

Pollykinz designs  ~  Cot Crib Quilt – ‘Vintage Floral’

Tell us about your business:

I create and make decor for kid’s rooms with my main 3 mediums being paint, timber & paper. ~ It’s My Room.

What inspired you to start your business?

The lack of quality Name Sets available inspired me to make my own for my son and it continued on from there.  I have always been arty and have no issue with looking at something and thinking and knowing that with a bit of hard work, I could make it myself- probably not a good thing sometimes as my mind is constantly thinking.

Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?

Everyone has a room or area that is their favourite and children are always connected to their room from very early on in their lives.

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?

Creating artwork to compliment rooms (from mostly email consulting with customers) and the positive feedback.

Have you tried something in business that didn’t work as planned, or on the flip side – worked out better than expected?

I’ve put together a number of items that I just haven’t been able to move.  At the start of the year, I resolved to improve on what I do best and have found that being able to concentrate on a specific product allows me a clearer mindset.

What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?

Always look at the finished product as the customer- asking yourself if you would pay for it?

What is your favourite item you make?

I adore my Name Sets!  I’ve expanded the range so they are now available in 3 sizes, but my favourite size is the 6cm.  I rarely get a repeat name and each design is made to order so they are all unique.  I love working with the customer in determining the final product.

Any personal or business highlights in the last year:

I’ve set myself a goal for 2013 to try and get my little business out that little bit more so have invested in advertising, markets and really just trying to get myself out there.  My Christmas products kept me busy at the end of 2012 so I am planning ahead for hopefully an equally busy Christmas 2013.

3 things about you  that people might not know:

• I have a background in Real Estate.
• I’m mum to 2 (a boy & girl and would love a 3^rd)
• I was brought up by a European (Maltese) family who never once said to me that my gender determined what I could and could not do.

Molly and Mama  ~  Personalised Cushion Cover

Budgie Corner  ~  Owl Door Stops

Precious Pieces  ~  Zig Zag Leggings

Your Cheeky Monkey  ~  Bunny Rug

THE PRIZE:

Win Two beanies, one for you and one for a friend to the value of $64.00

TO ENTER:

Simply like C Percy Designs on Facebook via the Rafflecopter link below.  Bonus entries are also available.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions:

1.    Giveaway is open from the 7th June 2013 and will end on Midnight 30th June 2013.

2.    Winners will be drawn randomly by raffletcopter.com and will be announced right here on the 1st July.

3.    Competition is open to Australian residents only, one entry per person.

4.    Winners will also be notified via email.

5.    Both beanies will be sent to the prize winner.

6.    Winner can choose from a range of designs on offer in the following sizes –Newborn, Baby,Toddler and Child.

7.    Winner can also choose their colour from the C Percy Designs range.

8.    Winner will notify C Percy Designs the size, design and desired colour within 7 days of being notified of win.

9.    Items will be posted to the winner within 30 days of receipt of winners instructions

Good luck x

I was really looking forward to receiving the products to review for Lily & Charlie. One of their hair tie designs in particular really caught my eye and I was secretly hoping it would be amongst the package.  And yes, it was and just as gorgeous as the photo!

Lily & Charlie is a small business based in Tasmania, run by the very friendly BJ.  Lily & Charlie specialise in hair accessories handmade with care and great attention to detail.

The first thing I noticed was just how beautifully the package was wrapped and presented; I was scared to mess it up. Each item was carefully displayed on a card, again with real care and passion for details.

So far we have been wearing them for the last few weeks; including my daughter who is only 3 and is not the gentlest with her possessions; but I’m happy to report the hair clips and ties have stood up to the challenge and look as beautiful as the day we received them.

I’m a sucker for the Shabby Chic Vintage style range. They are just gorgeous and have that extra special touch to them.

Shabby Chic Vintage Style Range

 

Welcome to Lily & Charlie

Welcome to the world of Lily & Charlie. My products are hand crafted and made with the highest attention to detail and quality. I will only use the finest quality fabric. Often designer or organic, hand screen printed hemp/cotton.

As a Mum of two very spirited little people, I found there to be an absolute lack of practical yet stylish & contemporary hair accessories. I began making my own, and received many compliments and questions of ” where did you find that?” which was very often followed by requests of orders for their own little girls. My brand Lily & Charlie has grown organically from very humble beginnings  & I have recently added a beautiful range of bookmarks and brooches.

I aim to be as unique as possible while still offering flair and style.

 You can find Lily & Charlie online :

Website

Madeit

Facebook