Theres no doubt about it. Handmade is cool. The world wide web is a wonderland of kooky, hip and funky creations by those crafty types whod rather weave wool than sit in an office. And with the tide of negativity aimed at the mass-produced stuff that eventually ends up in landfill, putrefying the earth for eternity, its fortunate that so many of us are nurturing and purchasing handmade.
It makes sustainable sense to support the clever folk who craft, revive,recycle and upcycle. Theres a joy connected to giving (or keeping) something thats made locally (or not) and fashioned with such loving attention to detail. And as each unique piece has a story attached, its much more likely to be treasured than trashed.
We at Handmade Emporium take handmade seriously. There are so many beautiful, creatively crafted products out there and our greatest joy is to peruse the plethora of Facebook and blog posts and tweets about whats
going on in the world of handmade.
So support handmade and buy something wonderful today!
With Halloween right around the corner, and all this Christmas talk, its understandable if you’re a little un-organised and have not yet sorted out costumes. Here are a few really quick and simple ideas to get your little ones ready to trick or treat.
Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Linda from Blue Jacaranda a little bit better, so Linda¦
Tell us about your business:
In my Blue Jacaranda shops on Etsy and MadeIt I sell original designs hand printed on art cards, ACEO and t-shirts, stretched on canvas and as PDF files to print at home. I also have a line of upcycled burlap items made from coffee sacks, such as pillows, pencil rolls, bookmarks and cards.
What inspired you to start your business?
I am an art quilter, and quilts take a lot of time to make, so between quilts I enjoy making small fabric items (postcards, bookmarks, pencil rolls). In July 2010 I decided to try and sell these small items, and discovered that they sold quite well!
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
I am originally from the Netherlands and moved with my family to Brisbane in March 2007. In October of that year I saw the jacarandas in bloom for the first time and fell in love with those gorgeous lilac trees. When I started my business in 2010 the name Blue Jacaranda immediately came up “ a combination of these trees and my Dutch background (think Delft Blue). Later I discovered that the tree is actually called Blue Jacaranda!
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
I love doing custom orders. Making something that someone else had in mind, and then hearing it is just what they hoped it would be, is a great feeling!
Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
Yes, I have tried things that I thought would be a success but werent, and had other things sell much better than I had expected. I guess it shows that you just cant predict the market! (or is it just me that is lousy at it?)
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Make sure your prices are right! Dont forget to include a decent hourly rate for yourself. People looking for bargains have plenty of places to go “ you want to aim your products at people who can appreciate that they are handmade and not factory-produced, and who are willing to pay for that.
What is your favourite item you make?
I love my Kookaburra Word Art print, especially framed in an embroidery hoop!
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
In September I was given the opportunity to attend the Artful Business Conference here in Brisbane. It was an amazing experience; it has not just provided me with the tools and knowledge I need to take my business to the next level, but also changed my mindset and considerably expanded my network.
3 things about you (not business related) that people might not know:
I grew up in a women-only household (my mother, grandmother and me) and now I am the only woman in a family of five! (my husband and me and our three sons)
My mother and grandmother were both accomplished seamstresses, but as a child and teenager I was not interested in sewing at all. It wasnt until I was expecting my first child in 2002 that I started knitting, making baby clothes, quilts etc.
I cant wink! Just cant close one eye at a time.
Thank you Linda, it has been a pleasure meeting you, the maker!
Supremely soft 100% organic cotton bodysuit,
hand printed in Australia for your precious little one.
Available in sizes from newborn to 24 mths.
from Earthly Inspirations
Tickle or Treat Enchanted Garden Mobile
Beautiful handmade owl, bird and butterfly mobile. $55
Available from Handmade Emporium
Limited Edition Combi Print
Designed for quick & easy changes, comfort, warmth & durability
Made from Organic Cotton, excellent for sensitive skin
Available sizes: Newborn – 6-9 month
Available from Inuk Designs
The sizes of the 4 piece set are from 0000 through to size 12-18mths. The fabrics & singlet are 100% cotton. The shoes from size 00 to 12-18 mths have non slip grip on the sole.
Available from Kids Klosset
The boys lamp is about 80cm in diameter and is slightly tapered smaller at the top. The star material is made from good quality rubber backed material. It is a light beige in background colour and comes in navy blue or deep red stars. The shade includes the wooden base.
Available from Little Jewels Decor
This set of 3 happy animal canvasses is perfect for a newborns nursery, suitable for either a boy or girl.
They are all original mixed media artwork canvasses and can be hung or placed on a shelf.
Each canvas is 25 x 30.5 x 3.5 cm.
The depth of the canvasses are larger than average, giving them greater impact and having the added bonus of not requiring framing.
Available from Little Lambs
Set of 3 Softie Tools – Hammer, spanner & screwdriver
Optional rattle inside hammer
Made to order in girl, boy OR neutral designs in a range of Organic & regular 100% cotton fabrics
A beautiful soft 100% Pure Wool blanket, in a modern chevron design.
These gorgeous colours work well to make a bold, timeless blanket that your baby can love now & keep forever – navy blue, soft grey, mustard yellow and teal.
Measuring 74 x 98cm, this blanket is a perfect size for a bassinette, stroller or cot – and just to snuggle with too! The yarn is gorgeously soft and thick, warm and comfortable.
Suitable for gentle machine wash, wool blankets will last a lifetime. From Lolli & Bean
Bambini Snap Clip Trios
Add a little sparkle to your little ones outfit. Will stay in the thinnest of hair, even a few strands of hair!
Available from Maisie May
Lulu Flutter Baby Dress in Aqua Roses
This is a sweet baby dress made from pure cotton designer fabrics, featuring cool flutter sleeves and matching ric rac at the base.
This and similar styles available in sizes 00, 0, 1 and 2.
Available from Nicobelle Design
