The Madeit Blog features a collection of eight items curated by a Madeit Seller. Since it's spring, my brain is all full of the garden. What better than 'Plant It' finds?
Check out the full selection.
Showing posts with label madeit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label madeit. Show all posts
Wednesday, 7 October 2015
Madeit Blog Editor
This week I am a Blog Editor at Madeit.
The Madeit Blog features a collection of eight items curated by a Madeit Seller. Since it's spring, my brain is all full of the garden. What better than 'Plant It' finds?
Check out the full selection.
The Madeit Blog features a collection of eight items curated by a Madeit Seller. Since it's spring, my brain is all full of the garden. What better than 'Plant It' finds?
Check out the full selection.
Saturday, 1 August 2015
Thursday, 14 May 2015
Madeit Blog Editor
This week I am a Blog Editor at Madeit.
The Madeit Blog features a collection of eight items curated by a Madeit Seller. I love a colour theme and selected some gorgeous black and white finds.
Very sophisticated.
Zipper pouch by One Busy Sloth eye candies for practical souls
Onesie by OneString beautiful things, handmade
Wall décor by Chatterbox City bringing you and your children quality fun handmade items
Coasters by Studio Astratta home decor to add colour and style to your home
Planter set by Urban Decor a range of concrete urban décor pieces and typography prints to compliment the authentic industrial décor and vintage style
Magnets $12.50 by Badge Bliss badges, magnets and more
Plate by The China Hutch hand painted porcelain with a difference
Overalls by Ted and Toot quality children's clothing, bags and hats
Check out the full selection.
The Madeit Blog features a collection of eight items curated by a Madeit Seller. I love a colour theme and selected some gorgeous black and white finds.
Very sophisticated.
Zipper pouch by One Busy Sloth eye candies for practical souls
Onesie by OneString beautiful things, handmade
Wall décor by Chatterbox City bringing you and your children quality fun handmade items
Coasters by Studio Astratta home decor to add colour and style to your home
Planter set by Urban Decor a range of concrete urban décor pieces and typography prints to compliment the authentic industrial décor and vintage style
Magnets $12.50 by Badge Bliss badges, magnets and more
Plate by The China Hutch hand painted porcelain with a difference
Overalls by Ted and Toot quality children's clothing, bags and hats
Check out the full selection.
Friday, 19 December 2014
kaetoo 2014
2014 was a great year for kaetoo and I hope that it was for you too.
This year has been kaetoo's biggest yet and my products have shipped to more countries than ever before. kaetoo display boards, art kits and mini pegs can now be found all around Australia, as well as in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ireland.
I have received some marvellous feedback this year, which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Amazing communication, product and imagination as always. X
Fabulous gift and friendly and helpful seller. Thanks!
Great pegs, thanks for the excellent customer service, gorgeous product, and quick delivery.
I've had a great time getting out and about in Internet land. This year, kaetoo reached 100 features in Etsy treasuries, as well as being seen in multiple Madeit Sellers Picks, in the shopping guide and front page of Madeit, and in the shopping guide at Craftumi. I was interviewed at EtsyKids and Handmade Cooperative, was a Madeit Sellers Picks Editor, wrote a guest post over at EtsyKids and took part in a collaborative design challenge between {KID} independent and Handmade Cooperative. Phew!
Wishing you all a safe and relaxing festive period. See you in 2015!
xx Kate
This year has been kaetoo's biggest yet and my products have shipped to more countries than ever before. kaetoo display boards, art kits and mini pegs can now be found all around Australia, as well as in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ireland.
I have received some marvellous feedback this year, which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Amazing communication, product and imagination as always. X
- Ebony, November 2014
Fabulous gift and friendly and helpful seller. Thanks!
- Sally, September 2014
Great pegs, thanks for the excellent customer service, gorgeous product, and quick delivery.
- Natalie, June 2014
I've had a great time getting out and about in Internet land. This year, kaetoo reached 100 features in Etsy treasuries, as well as being seen in multiple Madeit Sellers Picks, in the shopping guide and front page of Madeit, and in the shopping guide at Craftumi. I was interviewed at EtsyKids and Handmade Cooperative, was a Madeit Sellers Picks Editor, wrote a guest post over at EtsyKids and took part in a collaborative design challenge between {KID} independent and Handmade Cooperative. Phew!
Wishing you all a safe and relaxing festive period. See you in 2015!
xx Kate
Friday, 28 November 2014
Paint Your Own
Paint your own kits are ideal stocking stuffers. They come with watercolour paint and one mini canvas designed with super cute outlines. More canvases for artistic kids or siblings are available for purchase alone.
Why not grab some for your little ones this year?
Visit my Madeit or Etsy stores to see the full range.
Why not grab some for your little ones this year?
Visit my Madeit or Etsy stores to see the full range.
Friday, 14 November 2014
Mini Washi Tape Pegs
Friday, 31 October 2014
Friday, 10 October 2014
Materials and Techniques: DeeDeeDeesigns
I'm a big fan of the handmade world and I love finding out about the different ways in which artists create. Each fortnight, I chat with a different designer about how their products come about. Today I am talking to Dawn from Ballarat in Victoria, Australia. She is a practicing artist working in ceramics who has the online store DeeDeeDeesigns
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I have been a practicing artist for about twenty years and also teach in my studio, community centres, schools and anywhere that wants me! I have travelled overseas on artist residencies and to exhibit, and have also exhibited widely in Australia. I also enjoy writing about art and have had a few articles published here and there. I am new to Madeit, though I joined a while ago, I only started the store a few months ago. The work I have listed in the store is mainly functional domestic ware, as most of my artwork would be too big and heavy to list in terms of postage costs. Having said that people can place a custom order via my shop for a sculptural or art piece and have the cost of the art absorb the postage.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
The materials I use in my Madeit store at this stage are only clay - mostly wheelthrown, though there are a few hand built pieces listed. Within my wider art practice I use almost everything and anything. A lot of my sculpture is mixed media - I love scrounging for rusty found objects and combining them with the organic qualities of clay.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
Challenges can range from anything from physical to financial! It was a physical challenge, for example, that initiated me into making ceramic jewellery. I chopped off my finger a couple of years ago while preparing work for a pit firing (firing ceramics in the ground) and couldn't make any large work for a long time, so began making beads and pendants and various small trinkets. And of course financially it is always difficult being an artist, especially if you don't want to work in a conventional job at the same time - which I don't as I find you then have no energy for art. So I do a lot of teaching and workshops to supplement that side of the equation.
What drives you to create?
Most of my artwork is inspired by natural textures, colours and shapes - I live in a regional part of Australia, so finding this inspiration is easy. In term of getting started.... that is not too much of an issue for me because, as mentioned earlier, I don't work outside of my arts practice, so there is nothing else distracting me or filling my head except my art practice.
What is coming up next?
A little while ago I wrote a book titled Pit Firing Ceramics: Modern Methods, Ancient Techniques. The book has officially launched in July in Australia in the town where I live at the Gallery of Ballarat. It was being accompanied by an exhibition of pit fired works by a range of international artists. After that I was involved in a group exhibition in August and a solo show in September - both local to where I live. Apart from that I'll just keep making stuff!!
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I have been a practicing artist for about twenty years and also teach in my studio, community centres, schools and anywhere that wants me! I have travelled overseas on artist residencies and to exhibit, and have also exhibited widely in Australia. I also enjoy writing about art and have had a few articles published here and there. I am new to Madeit, though I joined a while ago, I only started the store a few months ago. The work I have listed in the store is mainly functional domestic ware, as most of my artwork would be too big and heavy to list in terms of postage costs. Having said that people can place a custom order via my shop for a sculptural or art piece and have the cost of the art absorb the postage.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
The materials I use in my Madeit store at this stage are only clay - mostly wheelthrown, though there are a few hand built pieces listed. Within my wider art practice I use almost everything and anything. A lot of my sculpture is mixed media - I love scrounging for rusty found objects and combining them with the organic qualities of clay.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
Challenges can range from anything from physical to financial! It was a physical challenge, for example, that initiated me into making ceramic jewellery. I chopped off my finger a couple of years ago while preparing work for a pit firing (firing ceramics in the ground) and couldn't make any large work for a long time, so began making beads and pendants and various small trinkets. And of course financially it is always difficult being an artist, especially if you don't want to work in a conventional job at the same time - which I don't as I find you then have no energy for art. So I do a lot of teaching and workshops to supplement that side of the equation.
What drives you to create?
Most of my artwork is inspired by natural textures, colours and shapes - I live in a regional part of Australia, so finding this inspiration is easy. In term of getting started.... that is not too much of an issue for me because, as mentioned earlier, I don't work outside of my arts practice, so there is nothing else distracting me or filling my head except my art practice.
What is coming up next?
A little while ago I wrote a book titled Pit Firing Ceramics: Modern Methods, Ancient Techniques. The book has officially launched in July in Australia in the town where I live at the Gallery of Ballarat. It was being accompanied by an exhibition of pit fired works by a range of international artists. After that I was involved in a group exhibition in August and a solo show in September - both local to where I live. Apart from that I'll just keep making stuff!!
DeeDeeDeesigns Etsy
DeeDeeDeesigns Madeit
DeeDeeDeesigns Blog
DeeDeeDeesigns Facebook
DeeDeeDeesigns Google+
DeeDeeDeesigns Pinterest
DeeDeeDeesigns Twitter
Don't you just love finding out about how artists create? Find out more through the archive of materials and techniques interviews. If you'd like to contribute your story, leave a comment.
Sunday, 28 September 2014
We're taking a short break
We're off on a road trip to meet my new niece. Whoop! I'm looking forward to a relaxing break and some fun family time.
kaetoo stores will remain open, but orders will be shipped from 6 October.
kaetoo stores will remain open, but orders will be shipped from 6 October.
Friday, 26 September 2014
Materials and Techniques: Gorgeous - Jewellery By Carly
Exploring different crafts is so interesting. There are loads of new skills to learn and people to meet. Each fortnight I speak with a creative about the materials and techniques that they use in the creation of their products. Today I am talking to Carly from New South Wales. She makes jewellery for her label, Gorgeous – Jewellery by Carly.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi my name is Carly and I live in Northern NSW with my husband, 1 and a half year old daughter Scarlett and our Beagle named Ala. I’m the owner and designer of Gorgeous – Jewellery by Carly. I love all things handmade which inspired me to start a local handmade boutique market in our town, where I showcase my work with other local artists and indie designers.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I started out using handmade porcelain beads made by my aunty in Adelaide, since then I’ve expanded into other avenues, experimenting with resin, fabric and wood. I love finding and learning new techniques. I don’t really have a favourite material to use as I enjoy each one, and I go through stages of what I’m into at the time.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
I’d say the main challenge is getting your name and products out there. For me now a stay at home mum, this is my source of income to help support my family. The way I look at it is if I do a market or even a showcase market on Facebook and don’t make a lot of sales it’s still getting my business recognised. It also helps to network with other handmade businesses. A lot of my regular customers are fellow handmaidens that appreciate the time and love put into each unique creation.
What drives you to create?
Some days I wake up with fresh ideas and just want to get stuck into it. I get inspired by lots of things, usually when I start cleaning up my work space I find something and start creating again.
What is coming up next?
Being a hairdresser by trade I’ve dabbled into hair pieces of late, my focus is bridal. I love all things pretty and vintage, so I’m really enjoying experimenting with and working alongside brides to create a unique piece for their special day. Since expanding into different avenues I’m working towards a new logo and simplify my name to “Gorgeous”.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi my name is Carly and I live in Northern NSW with my husband, 1 and a half year old daughter Scarlett and our Beagle named Ala. I’m the owner and designer of Gorgeous – Jewellery by Carly. I love all things handmade which inspired me to start a local handmade boutique market in our town, where I showcase my work with other local artists and indie designers.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I started out using handmade porcelain beads made by my aunty in Adelaide, since then I’ve expanded into other avenues, experimenting with resin, fabric and wood. I love finding and learning new techniques. I don’t really have a favourite material to use as I enjoy each one, and I go through stages of what I’m into at the time.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
I’d say the main challenge is getting your name and products out there. For me now a stay at home mum, this is my source of income to help support my family. The way I look at it is if I do a market or even a showcase market on Facebook and don’t make a lot of sales it’s still getting my business recognised. It also helps to network with other handmade businesses. A lot of my regular customers are fellow handmaidens that appreciate the time and love put into each unique creation.
What drives you to create?
Some days I wake up with fresh ideas and just want to get stuck into it. I get inspired by lots of things, usually when I start cleaning up my work space I find something and start creating again.
What is coming up next?
Being a hairdresser by trade I’ve dabbled into hair pieces of late, my focus is bridal. I love all things pretty and vintage, so I’m really enjoying experimenting with and working alongside brides to create a unique piece for their special day. Since expanding into different avenues I’m working towards a new logo and simplify my name to “Gorgeous”.
Gorgeous - Jewellery by Carly Madeit Store
Gorgeous - Jewellery by Carly Facebook
Gorgeous - Jewellery by Carly Instagram
Materials and techniques interviews are over a year old, so there are plenty more interviews on all sorts of crafts for you to enjoy. Want to be featured? Leave a comment below.
Friday, 19 September 2014
Friday, 12 September 2014
Materials and Techniques: Jewel Divas
Every fortnight, I chat to another designer about the materials and techniques that go into the creation of their handmade pieces. This is a great way to meet new artists, learn new skills and get some hand hints about the handmade business. Today I am talking to Tiara who runs a jewellery business, Jewel Divas, in South Australia.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Tiara King and my business is Jewel Divas. I have a style blog called Jewel Divas Style which is the second tier to the Jewel Divas brand. I began making jewellery way back in 1990 when I was 16 but never thought about selling it or starting a business. I did some short WEA (in Adelaide) courses on silver jewellery making and how to set up a business, and so started Jewel Divas in 2008, going live on my own website in 2009. Since I care for my mother, times have gotten tough over the years and after some advice I moved my store to Madeit in 2013.
I am a jewellery, accessory and fashion designer, creator, collector and consultant as well as a wardrobe stylist after doing style courses last year. I’m also a self-published author, having written and self-published four novels and two e-books under my nom de plume since 2011, and now two e-books under my own name.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I do it all by hand using jewellery pliers and lay it all out beforehand to get a general idea of how each piece will look. And then it could completely change when I make it. I’m willing to use any material and don’t have a favourite (although Swarovskis and semi-precious stones are gorgeous) but it all depends on the ideas I have for a collection. When I come up with an idea for a collection I think about what I want and decide how it will be.
An older collection, “African Safari”, featured semi-precious stones, resin and glass beads in orange, yellow, brown, black, white, gold and silver, all colours to represent the African desert.
The small four piece collection I released back in March, “Walk like an Egyptian”, consisted of two bracelet stacks and two bracelet stack and earring sets, full of semi-precious, glass beads and rhinestone encrusted snake bracelets.
My latest collection, “Opulence Royale”, based on the French Royal court of centuries gone by, features 61 pieces of jewellery smothered in Swarovski pearls and crystals with cameo lockets and pendants, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, fleur de lis and fans. Each piece has a royal title and name.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
In making and creating there have been no major issues; it’s all been in the business side of things.
What drives you to create?
I think it’s just a matter of the right idea coming at the right time. Like in 2013, I had no plans for a new collection but I’d been buying some beads for myself and was thinking how pretty they were and they’d make great bracelets. I raided my jewellery stock for all the jewellery I had sitting around and turned it into the “Golden Age of Hollywood” collection. That idea simply came from looking at some glamorous beads.
As for what drives me, I love jewellery, I love making it for myself, I love making things no one else has, I love looking at it, buying it, wearing it. I’m so completely obsessed with jewellery and I have no idea where it comes from.
What is coming up next?
Another collection next year. More jewellery is planned for this year. My priority is getting my e-book, “How To Be A Jewel Diva: Tips and Tricks to Buying, Wearing and Caring for your Costume Jewellery” formatted for Kindle and getting it into paperback. It’s already available for sale in my Madeit store as a PDF, so there will be more formats and sale venues by the end of the year. I also sell my other book, “Carers Need Help and Support Too”, and two e-books I wrote under my nom de plume of Lady Jewels Diva for a limited time only. But that’s a long story in itself.
Would you like to share your creative process? Leave a comment below.
Browse through the archive of materials and techniques interviews to learn more creative skills.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Tiara King and my business is Jewel Divas. I have a style blog called Jewel Divas Style which is the second tier to the Jewel Divas brand. I began making jewellery way back in 1990 when I was 16 but never thought about selling it or starting a business. I did some short WEA (in Adelaide) courses on silver jewellery making and how to set up a business, and so started Jewel Divas in 2008, going live on my own website in 2009. Since I care for my mother, times have gotten tough over the years and after some advice I moved my store to Madeit in 2013.
I am a jewellery, accessory and fashion designer, creator, collector and consultant as well as a wardrobe stylist after doing style courses last year. I’m also a self-published author, having written and self-published four novels and two e-books under my nom de plume since 2011, and now two e-books under my own name.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I do it all by hand using jewellery pliers and lay it all out beforehand to get a general idea of how each piece will look. And then it could completely change when I make it. I’m willing to use any material and don’t have a favourite (although Swarovskis and semi-precious stones are gorgeous) but it all depends on the ideas I have for a collection. When I come up with an idea for a collection I think about what I want and decide how it will be.
An older collection, “African Safari”, featured semi-precious stones, resin and glass beads in orange, yellow, brown, black, white, gold and silver, all colours to represent the African desert.
The small four piece collection I released back in March, “Walk like an Egyptian”, consisted of two bracelet stacks and two bracelet stack and earring sets, full of semi-precious, glass beads and rhinestone encrusted snake bracelets.
My latest collection, “Opulence Royale”, based on the French Royal court of centuries gone by, features 61 pieces of jewellery smothered in Swarovski pearls and crystals with cameo lockets and pendants, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, fleur de lis and fans. Each piece has a royal title and name.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
In making and creating there have been no major issues; it’s all been in the business side of things.
- Decide if you want a hobby or business. You may prefer to start as a hobby and see how it grows. I started looking at my business as a business, yet with all the stress of caring for my mother, my own health issues, and not having as many opportunities to sell my goods lat markets or stores, it never really got off the ground. It was a struggle to do it all on my own with no support in any way, shape or form.
- Really nut out whether you have that support to start a business, otherwise start off selling as a hobby and give it a year or two to see if (1) you can give it enough time and energy, and (2) if it becomes successful then turn it into a business.
- Make sure you can afford the start-up costs as they can be brutal. In fact, all of the business stuff can be brutal.
- Also, if you get an ABN and business name then make sure you put in tax returns even if you don’t make any money. I didn’t have any business advice and no one to turn to for help and so I stuffed this bit up royally.
What drives you to create?
I think it’s just a matter of the right idea coming at the right time. Like in 2013, I had no plans for a new collection but I’d been buying some beads for myself and was thinking how pretty they were and they’d make great bracelets. I raided my jewellery stock for all the jewellery I had sitting around and turned it into the “Golden Age of Hollywood” collection. That idea simply came from looking at some glamorous beads.
As for what drives me, I love jewellery, I love making it for myself, I love making things no one else has, I love looking at it, buying it, wearing it. I’m so completely obsessed with jewellery and I have no idea where it comes from.
What is coming up next?
Another collection next year. More jewellery is planned for this year. My priority is getting my e-book, “How To Be A Jewel Diva: Tips and Tricks to Buying, Wearing and Caring for your Costume Jewellery” formatted for Kindle and getting it into paperback. It’s already available for sale in my Madeit store as a PDF, so there will be more formats and sale venues by the end of the year. I also sell my other book, “Carers Need Help and Support Too”, and two e-books I wrote under my nom de plume of Lady Jewels Diva for a limited time only. But that’s a long story in itself.
Jewel Divas Madeit Store
Jewel Divas Facebook
Jewel Divas Pinterest
Jewel Divas Style Facebook
Jewel Divas Style Twitter
Jewel Divas Style Instagram
Jewel Divas Style Pinterest
Jewel Divas Style Tumblr
Jewel Divas Style Google+
Jewel Divas Style YouTube
Would you like to share your creative process? Leave a comment below.
Browse through the archive of materials and techniques interviews to learn more creative skills.
Friday, 29 August 2014
Materials and Techniques: Kathryn's Creations
Oh what a lot of talented people there are out there in the world. Each fortnight I talk to another creator about what they make and the way that they make it. Today I am talking to Kathryn from Queensland who makes clothing in her store Kathryn's Creations.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Kathryn from Kathryn's Creations. I am a mum to 3 young boys, Jack, Mason and Harry. I am married to a wonderful man who works as a nurse in aged care, a very special profession I feel. I love being able to go to school and kindy and help in the classrooms each week, having my own little business allows me this privilege. I not only love to sew, but I love to bake as well. Makes me sound very domesticated, however I don't like to clean! I'd much rather be sewing or cooking - just ask my hubby!
I make baby and children's clothing and have just started a range of maternity wear. I love being able to create beautiful but affordable clothing for people on all budgets. I sell online and also love heading out to local markets to meet and chat to customers in person.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Kathryn from Kathryn's Creations. I am a mum to 3 young boys, Jack, Mason and Harry. I am married to a wonderful man who works as a nurse in aged care, a very special profession I feel. I love being able to go to school and kindy and help in the classrooms each week, having my own little business allows me this privilege. I not only love to sew, but I love to bake as well. Makes me sound very domesticated, however I don't like to clean! I'd much rather be sewing or cooking - just ask my hubby!
I make baby and children's clothing and have just started a range of maternity wear. I love being able to create beautiful but affordable clothing for people on all budgets. I sell online and also love heading out to local markets to meet and chat to customers in person.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
My most
commonly used fabrics are cottons, they are so lovely and easy to sew
and for customers to care for. The choice is just unending! I also enjoy
adding tulle ruffles or lace and other trimmings to add that little
something extra to my items. I do a lot of appliques on singlets,
t-shirts and overalls and dresses. I love how a plain piece of fabric
can be made alive with a colourful caterpillar or other little applique.
You will find lots of little bows on my items for girls, I just think
they add that little extra touch to a special outfit. As for techniques,
I do a lot of rolled hems on my ruffle nappy covers, so my overlocker
gets lots of work! I have also just discovered the joys of a ruffle foot
- my goodness it saves me a lot of time!
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
My
biggest challenge has been when I've wanted to expand my range so that
it reaches more than people just with babies in their lives. Gradually
I've been adding to my sizes, so I now make up to size 4, although my
most popular sizes are 0000 - 2. I've also added some maternity clothes
after discussions with friends and customers about the lack of pretty
maternity clothes that don't cost a fortune. This will be expanding into
feeding tops as well in the near future. I would say, it's a bit of
trial and error. I tried making baby blankets, cloth wipes and bibs, but
found that I don't enjoy making them as much as clothing, and I also
don't sell them as much or as easily as I do my clothing range. So I
have decided to stick with clothing, but expand sizes and the maternity
range. Try to think outside the box sometimes, and don't hesitate to ask
your customers or friends what they think or what they would like you
to do. It doesn't mean you have to do what they say, but it gives you
some ideas.
What drives you to create?
I just love to sew! I love
looking at fabric and thinking about what I could make with that
particular piece. I also love when people look at my stuff at markets
and comment on how lovely it is and how talented I am, it does give me a
little boost of confidence. My inspiration is the fact that I have 3
boys and we have a very tight budget, so I want to make pretty and
unique things for people so that pretty much everyone can afford them. I
do have some jackets on the pricier end, but my singlets start at $5,
making them a cheap but pretty little gift for someone.
What is coming up next?
Well, at this point in
time, our family is preparing to move from Brisbane to the Sunshine
Coast for a short time to live with my mum and grandparents - 4
generations under one roof! We are saving for our own house, which is
daunting and exciting! But, my mum is a dressmaker, so I will have her
on hand during my busy Christmas period, which will be wonderful! Once
we are at the coast, I'd like to look into having some of my items in a
little boutique store that are scattered around the coast, just another
way of getting my name out there.
Kathryn's Creations Madeit
Kathryn's Creations Facebook
Kathryn's Creations Instagram
Kathryn's Creations Pinterest
Kathyrn's Creations Twitter
All images provided by Kathryn of Kathryn's Creations.
So many more materials and techniques interviews to read. Want to share your story? Get in contact.
Friday, 22 August 2014
Friday, 15 August 2014
Materials and Techniques: Redressd
It's great fun finding out all about the different crafts out there in the world. Each fortnight I speak to a different designer about the materials and techniques that they use in the creation of their products. Today I am right in my very own backyard, speaking to Nicole from Blackburn in Melbourne, Victoria. She makes gorgeous women's clothing for her store Redressd.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, my name is Nicole and I started my business Redressd in 2006 after I had my boys who are now 10 and 13. I remember my first market in Camberwell in the January, it was so hot my shoes were melting on the bitumen. My designs then were a vintage fabric nappy bag and a simple wrap skirt with a vintage panel which I still made to this day. After receiving great feedback, I branched out into other local markets including Warrandyte, St Andrews, The Botanical Gardens, The Sisters Market, The Makers Market at The Abbotsford Convent and supported many school fund raisers including Tarlaye (which I still do after 8 years). My fabulous mum helped me at all these markets!
I learnt to sew and make patterns at school in the 80’s and started making my own clothes when my mum gave me her sewing machine at age 14. I would copy the latest out of magazines. My Nan always had beautiful ball gowns, tins of buttons and drawers of silk scarves that I played with when I was little. I studied and worked as a Special Education Teacher and now feel very lucky to work full time on my creative passion. Redressd is run from my home studio in Blackburn, Melbourne. I draft the patterns and sew all the garments all myself. I sell my products online through a great Australian site called Madeit and through independent shops. I was very excited when The Cat's Meow wanted to stock my designs in 2007. These shops currently include The Cat's Meow, Inspirasia, The Crafty Fox and Little Wing Clothing.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
In the future I would love to find more independent stockists throughout Australia to sell my clothes.
All images supplied by Nicole of Redressd.
I have lots of other lovely materials and techniques interviews for you to catch up on. Would you like to share your story? Leave me a comment.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, my name is Nicole and I started my business Redressd in 2006 after I had my boys who are now 10 and 13. I remember my first market in Camberwell in the January, it was so hot my shoes were melting on the bitumen. My designs then were a vintage fabric nappy bag and a simple wrap skirt with a vintage panel which I still made to this day. After receiving great feedback, I branched out into other local markets including Warrandyte, St Andrews, The Botanical Gardens, The Sisters Market, The Makers Market at The Abbotsford Convent and supported many school fund raisers including Tarlaye (which I still do after 8 years). My fabulous mum helped me at all these markets!
I learnt to sew and make patterns at school in the 80’s and started making my own clothes when my mum gave me her sewing machine at age 14. I would copy the latest out of magazines. My Nan always had beautiful ball gowns, tins of buttons and drawers of silk scarves that I played with when I was little. I studied and worked as a Special Education Teacher and now feel very lucky to work full time on my creative passion. Redressd is run from my home studio in Blackburn, Melbourne. I draft the patterns and sew all the garments all myself. I sell my products online through a great Australian site called Madeit and through independent shops. I was very excited when The Cat's Meow wanted to stock my designs in 2007. These shops currently include The Cat's Meow, Inspirasia, The Crafty Fox and Little Wing Clothing.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I am
always on the hunt for unusual fabrics and love to mix different fabrics
together which makes it fun and interesting to work with. This also
creates challenges with fit and care for the garment. I have to test
and wash all fabrics before I cut them out and adjust patterns to fit as
some have stretch and others don’t, some are vintage or remnant and
don’t come with a care tag and colours can run or fabrics can shrink. All these issues have to be controlled before the final product hit the
shops. But who doesn’t love a challenge, it makes every creation more
interesting and I beam with pride when I send off a package.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
It
is trial and error and I make everything for myself to wear and test
out beforehand, parading around the house, seeking input from the men in
the house. They find it amusing as most times I ignore their advice
and do what I originally thought. I take great pride in my sewing and
like everything to be perfect and my garments last for many years.
What drives you to create?
I
love it when my friends as well as people I don’t know stop me in the
street and ask "Where did you get that gorgeous dress?" I love saying
“I made it!" My customers tell me whenever they wear one of my dresses
or skirts they always get compliments. This keeps me
motivated and always on the lookout for new and different fabrics and
creating patterns that will fit all shapes and sizes.
What is coming up next?
In the future I would love to find more independent stockists throughout Australia to sell my clothes.
All images supplied by Nicole of Redressd.
I have lots of other lovely materials and techniques interviews for you to catch up on. Would you like to share your story? Leave me a comment.
Friday, 8 August 2014
Friday, 1 August 2014
Materials and Techniques: Made By LT
There are lots of talented artists out in the handmade community. Every fortnight I talk to a different designer about how they make their pieces. Today I am talking to Lisa from Melbourne, Victoria. She hand paints and decorates jars and bottles for storage and display. The colours are so fantastic! Her store is Made by LT and she is a fellow member of Handmade Cooperative.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Lisa Trovato and I am the owner of Made by LT. I am by profession a Child and Adolescent Psychologist but have taken
some time out to raise my son Connor who is six years old and my
daughter Isabella who is 18 months old. I am married to a lovely Dutch
man, Rudi, and we live happily in Donvale, Victoria. I have always been
interested in creating things and throughout my youth dabbled here and
there. Prior to having children I painted abstracts using oils on
canvas, many of which are still hanging on our walls at home. I love
expressing myself through colour and I think a splash of colour goes a
long way!
Made by LT
was born after many months of experimenting, researching, dreaming,
obsessing and chatting to people. I decided to let my creative side
come to the forefront (instead of my analytical side!), and 'Wild Jars'
are my current featured product. 'Wild jars' are for functional use
and display, made especially for those that
don't want "run of the mill" pieces. I also create hand painted and
distressed Mason 'Ball' vases and bottles. This is just the start of
things to come as my head is full of designs and concepts. For me it is
all about producing quirky pieces of art that are enjoyed, functional
and get people talking.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
My
passion at the moment are my 'Wild Jars' - handcrafted for bits and
bobs! They are animal topped trinket/storage/display vessels if you
like. The glass jars are genuine 'Ball' Mason jars imported from the
USA. I love the intricate details on these jars, close up the jars are
really quite beautiful. I add a gorgeous animal painted in a knockout
colour to create a unique functional piece of art sure to get people
talking. I also hand-paint and distress reclaimed bottles and Mason
jars (made into vases).
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
A
big learning curve was the technical side of things: What paint
actually adheres to glass (not many by the way!). Challenges have been
many from paint that just doesn't cure or adhere to turning up to school
pickup with spray paint on my eyelashes! As a lot of my work involves
using an enamel based paint, I have to work outdoors, luckily my
workspace is a large covered balcony but is is still cold in winter!
The
other challenge was finding a wholesaler of the genuine 'Ball' Mason
Jars. Luckily I found one prepared to give me samples to practice on,
advice on 'what is selling', tips on how to package fragile goods and
encouragement that what I was making was actually pretty good.
The
creative process involves a lot of trial and error, if something
doesn't work the first time, sleep on it and try another day. Don't over
analyse or complicate things. Don't give up no matter how many emails
or phone messages you never get a reply to. Most importantly believe in
yourself and your product, be patient and if you are having fun keep
doing it!
So my motto would be "Keep trying, keep it simple, keep having fun and laugh at problems"
What drives you to create
I
go to bed with thoughts of what I want to create, I dream about it and
then I set about making it a reality. I am slightly obsessive in this
way. I am just starting out in terms of selling my product (instead of
making them for friends!) but have decided to throw caution to the wind
and pursue something that challenges me and brings me happiness. I
believe being creative is good for the soul.
What is coming up next?
I
am aiming to get my work out there so to speak. I can really see my
products working well in styled photos of interiors (children's bedrooms
for the 'Wild Jars', living spaces for the painted bottles and vases)
so that is my next mission, to make that happen. I hope also to keep
expanding my line with quirky unique products.
All images provided by Lisa of Made by LT.
Enjoyed that? Read more Materials and Techniques interviews. If you'd like to contribute your store, leave your link in the comments.