Meet the Maker........Karen from "REN"

Good morning everyone.........thunderstorms everywhere this morning, I love it!!  Outside it is dark and gloomy from the clouds, but with that tropical weather feel which I adore and my garden is loving all this rain!!
Today's Meet the Maker is the lovely Karen, from REN.........

Name:  Karen Goddard
Business Name:  REN

Website:  none at this stage
Online storefront/s:  none at this stage
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/THEONLYREN
Twitter:  Theonlyrensk

Questions:

1. So, tell us about yourself.........
Hi, friends call me Ren.  I was born in England, in Essex South-End-On-Sea and moved to Australia in 1987 with my family, aged 12.  Instantly fell head over heels in love with the Australian beaches and that way of life.  I mean if you could see the beaches from where I came, you'd completely understand.  Just Google South-End-On-Sea and you'll get the idea, but beautiful in their own right of course.  I now reside in Dromana, on the Mornington Peninsula, with my ever patient, loving man and our four children.  Two teenagers...boy and girl...FUN, one daughter aged 6 and my youngest and by far cutest and cheekiest little boy, who is 4.  But in case they are all reading this???  You're all beautiful REALLY!!!   I was a florist for many years, working in many different styled florists shops, making flowers for many different events and people..........The International Flower and Garden Show in Melbourne, flowers for the Grand Prix and famous tennis players, actors, weddings and more.  I now draw on those times and ideas, plus sourcing new ones constantly for REN. It's all been a fantastic ride at the moment and I'm not taking it too seriously but on the other hand, I'm serious about delivering a great final product, having happy customers and a happy family.

2.  Why handmade?
I just love the satisfaction that comes with making something yourself from scratch or coming up with a great new idea.  It's really quite addictive and fun, plus you can recycle a lot of really cool stuff in the process and also meet amazing friends.

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
Like most stay at home mums, I have dabbled in a few things over the last couple of years, trying to work them in with my family.  I was a florist for over 15 years and sold a few of my original Acrylic paintings, so I love working with my hands creatively.  I was painting out of my garage and had made a few shell hangs for myself, for around the garden.  When really, a good friend recommended we should do a market together and it has all grown from there....I've got to say I am just loving it!!!

4.  What type of products do you sell?
Aussie beach inspired products.....beautiful items that I myself would love in my own home. Like my Shell and Driftwood hangs/mobiles, quirky chalkboard items from rocks to silver serving trays.  Felt Fings, which include starfish, felt and driftwood mobiles.  Shell necklaces and some of my own photos and acrylic paintings, both in which I am self taught.  I'm always adding new products, that way it keeps it fun, fresh and interesting.

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
The beach, beach decor shops, natural things, nature, movies and recycled materials.  My friends inspire me, as well as my family.  Inspiration can be everywhere you look, you just have to open your eyes and see it and then not get brain overload!

6.  Where do you sell your products?
I sell mainly at markets.  My main one at the moment is Boneo Craft Market, every third Saturday of the month, where I share a stall with two other very talented market buddies.........Rita & Frank and I Am Daniela.  We also occasionally attend other markets like Tootgarook and hoping to be at a Mornington market soon.......but I will keep you posted on that one.  Then there is my Facebook page, REN, which you can also purchase from.

7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?  
How much time I invest varies, really depending on what's happening.  With Christmas approaching, I have dedicated a little more time that usual but normally no more than 8 to 10 hours a week at the moment......but I don't include beach combing in there, because that's not work, it's fun!

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
We have a small house considering how many there is of us, so I don't have an office or workstation.  I pretty much work where I can grab a space, depending on who's doing what, or I retreat to the garage which I have pretty much taken over...Ooops!

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
Mostly self taught, although the 15 years of being a florist has given me a lot of knowledge and tips on a few things that are useful for what I'm doing with REN.  Like being resourceful, using ribbons and some wholesaler knowledge if I require it.  Google, YouTube, friends, books and just getting out there and seeing what's going on with the world helps.  Its always great fun, very addictive and useful, whether I'm learning how to make a shell Christmas wreath.....or believe it or not, how to blanket stitch!! Yes you heard right....I didn't know how to blanket stitch!!  BUT DO NOW.

Look forward to seeing you around REN soon or at the Boneo Market.
Cheers, Kind Regards,
Karen Goddard
AKA REN....

Home made room spray.......chemical free!

Hello there!
I don't know about you, but I am really aware of what I breathe in and put on my skin, hair, etc.  Commercial room sprays and deodorisers make me shudder when I think what they may contain.  Whilst searching the web last night, I stumbled across this simple recipe to make your own room spray!  Yay, no more hideous chemicals floating around in the air!  Plus......a lot cheaper than buying supermarket sprays, which can be quite expensive......

This recipe contains lavender and grapefruit essential oils, but you could use any of your favourite essential oils.  You could use synthetic scented oils, but it is defeating the purpose and these are really not as nice as natural essential oils in my opinion.  This homemade version is a lot safer to use around babies and the little ones in our lives.

The recipe is from the very useful and interesting blog:  www.bestgreentips.com and the link for the room spray recipe is HERE.

Small spray bottles can be found at chemists, storage shops or sometimes $2 shops.

I hope you try and make your own.......these would make great gifts too, wrapped in some beautiful ribbon and placed in a handmade gift box!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Meet the Maker.....Marnie from "Marnie Louanne"

Good morning......
First of all, just a quick thanks to Marnie for putting together a brilliant interview, in such a speedy record time last night......well done!!  It is a great read about a fellow passionate crafter and Mornington Peninsula lover.......


Name:  Marnie Umbers
Business Name:  Marnie Louanne

Website:  www.marnielouanne.com.au
Online storefronts:  www.marnielouanne.com.au
Facebook:  www.facebook.com.au/marnielouannehandcrafts
Twitter:  thenanthatcan

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself........
Where do I start?  I'm a home decor designer, wedding and event planner, public relations manager, screen printer, knitter, crafter and I'm generally appreciative of the chance to potter about.  I've grown up on the Mornington Peninsula and couldn't imagine living anywhere else.  I just feel so lucky each night to drive home to a holiday destination!  I'm currently in Somerville with my partner Simon, our cat Roxie, our lovable dog Matilda and our two chickens....Black Betty and Shirley. I also love nothing more than a beautiful Mornington Peninsula wine.....some of my favourites include Pier 10's Pinot Grigio and Paris Rose, Box Stallion's Rose and T'Gallant's Pink Moscato!

Marnie with her prize scarf 

2.  Why handmade?
I actually work full time in public relations for the Victorian State Government, so crafting and creating something unique keeps me sane!  I began knitting in the last few years and entered a scarf I knitted in the Novice Knitting section at the Royal Melbourne Show in 2010.....and walked away with a blue ribbon!  It was very exciting but also earned me my nickname....The Nan That Can (thanks Maggs)!  But that really was why got me back into crafts!

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
Marnie Louanne evolved because my beloved (Sime) threatened to throw all my handmade nick nacks out if I didn't get rid of them.  You see, I was creating in what some would call a hoarding style.....so I contacted the lovely ladies at the Boneo Market and began selling my wares on the third Saturday of each month.  That was 18 months ago now and I've never looked back.  Now, the idea of being able to run my business full time and not have to work for someone else is VERY appealing.

4.  What type of products do you sell?
To be honest, whatever I feel like!  The product line for Marnie Louanne really has evolved since we first began with just door stops.  Now we have bookmarks, magnets, cushions, lavender products, and the newest area......screen printing!  We've produced a range of 100% linen tea towels and cotton canvas shopping totes, which have been such a hit I'm struggling to keep up with the demand - but I wouldn't have it any other way!

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
I subscribe to pretty much every Australian home wares magazine!  I'm seriously a home decor tragic!  Depending on what I'm making, I let the material guide what I make.  I am always receiving comments on my material choices, which makes me smile.  I really love organic fibres, especially linen, so right now I'm trying to merge the two.

6.  Where do you sell your products?
I have an online store through my website marnielouanne.com.au and I'm currently stocked at The Studio at Flinders, but you'll usually find me at Boneo Market, Red Hill Market and Mornington Racecourse Market.  I'll also be at Mulgrave's Maker's Market leading up until Christmas and also Huckleberry Market.

7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?
I wish I could do it while I was at work!  I would say at least 8 hours a week but more when I have a big market like Red Hill coming up......add another 4-6 hours onto that for marketing, public relations and packaging.

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
Yes I do.  Although my "mess" is still all over the house, I do have a spare bedroom that has now been officially labelled "the studio".  I was lucky enough to score some awesome sewing tables from the Thread Den, when they closed down their North Melbourne shop.  They were the base to the studio and really helped to form a workable space.....although it could do with a good spring clean!!

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
A bit of both really.  Mum always sewed our dancing costumes, school uniforms and embarrassing clothes that were somewhat out of fashion, even for the the early 90's!  I did pop into Thread Den to complete their Module 2 and 3 classes which was fantastic!  Skills I'd long forgotten came flooding back!!!  I also took a class with Laura Day and Learn 2 Screenprint!  That's when my screen printing started and I haven't looked back.  Laura has been such a fantastic printing mentor, she's always on hand for printing and product sourcing advice!  Other than that, crafting has always been my thing.  Very much self taught in that department, I'm always trying to create something that you can't buy elsewhere.

Dromana market

Hi everyone,
Late night posting........
Last Friday night, some local handmaders and myself had stalls at the Dromana Primary School Christmas market.......I felt quite at home in my old Primary school hall and even saw my Grade 3 teacher amongst the marketgoers!
Luckily, the downpour cleared up while we were all carting our wares into the hall, ready to set up our stalls.  Now most of you have probably seen these businesses on our Facebook page, but it's nice to put a face to the name.........!

D'Lushies

Funky Stars

Juliet's Bags

My Mum at the Designery stall

I Am Daniela

Karen from REN

Vintage Ruby

A good time was had by all.....and it was lovely to chat with the other stall holders on the night.  Great to see some familiar Dromana faces in the crowd......xx

Cheers,

Jodie

MPH xx

Christmas bunting tutorial........

Hello to you all,

Christmas Bunting Tutorial!! 

Last night I found an excellent tutorial for a Christmas bunting.  It looks great (I would change the colours to my liking of course.........maybe some spotty fabrics?) and it is pretty easy to make.  The shape for the stocking is also included to download, just print it out onto some card or paper to use for template.

Christmas Bunting tutorial

Spotlight have some very nice Christmas fabric for sale either in fat quarters (50 x 50cm) or by the metre.
The fat quarter option is great if you would like a few different patterns, or by the metre if you want the stockings to be all the same pattern.  Another option is to use plain fabric and decorate each stocking.

Felt for the back of each stocking can be found at Spotlight, Lincraft or any craft/sewing store or Sam's Warehouse in Dromana sells felt at quite a reasonable price.

The tutorial comes from this blog www.punkinpattern.blogspot.com and the link for the tutorial is HERE

I hope you have a go at creating this project!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Meet the Maker...........Karen Erasmus

Name:  Karen Erasmus
Business Name:  Karen Erasmus Illustration and Portraiture

Website:  www.karenerasmus.weebly.com
                www.karenerasmus.wordpress.com

Online storefronts:  www.madeit.com.au/LittleSplashes

Facebook:  Karen Erasmus Illustration and Portraiture

Twitter:  karenerasmus

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself......
I am an artist who loves to work with ink and watercolour.  I do a lot of portraiture and I work towards getting illustration projects, particularly children's book illustration.  I produce cards on 100% recycled card.  I also have three hilarious and vibrant daughters who are a constant inspiration to me.

2.  Why handmade?
Making cards allows me to practice drawing and painting with a consistent style.  I think its a wonderful thing to receive something that's original and handmade.  I can also choose my own supplier of Australian made recycled card and envelopes.

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
I went back to study illustration after having my children and I love painting and drawing every day.  The cards give me a focus so that I have to keep thinking up new ideas and practice drawing.

4.  What type of products do you sell?
Greeting cards and tags.  I also sell pieces of art through local exhibitions and commissions for portraits.

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
Children's picture books are a wonderful inspiration.  There's such a wealth of different techniques.  I love to look at creative blogs and go to exhibitions, but sometimes just popping into gorgeous little gift shops or sitting watching the girls playing can spark an idea.

6.  Where do you sell your products?
Online, but I'd like to have a go at markets and retail when I build up my stock and get more idea of what sells well.  I sell my paintings through local exhibitions.

7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?
Whatever time I have!  It's a balancing act between work, home-life and various projects that pop up.  Realistically, I probably do about 20 hours a week of creative activity.

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
Yes, I have an office with a computer and drawing table, and I have an easel in the corner of the dining room.

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
I did an art degrees with teaching first time round, then I went back to study illustration at Frankston TAFE part time over four years, when the girls were still small.

Easy peasy Christmas Decoration tutorial

Hello,

OK don't be mad, I have held off until now, but that's it.......it is time to make Christmas stuff!  I love Christmas and the whole decoration thing, so I thought this tutorial would be great for those of us who don't sew...........of course you can choose whatever fabric you like and change it up a bit.  Get your kids involved, it is an excellent project for them......it does involve the use of a butter knife, so you may want to supervise?

It looks fairly simple, foam ball, rubber bands, permanent marker, fabric, glue and ricrac or twine.....you get the picture.

The tutorial is from the brilliantly named blog......."Crap I've Made".......love it!

The link for the tutorial is HERE.

I am curious to see what you all come up with?

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Meet the Maker.......Sam from "Magnolia Nursery Decor"

Name:  Sam Nord-White
Business Name:  Magnolia Nursery Decor

Website:  www.magnolianurserydecor.com.au

Online storefront/s:  Magnolia's Facebook page, Magnolia's Etsy store and Magnolia's Madeit store

Facebook:  Magnolia Nursery Decor

Twitter:

Questions:

1. So, tell us about yourself....

I am a very busy mum of 17 year old twin daughters and a 20 year old son.  This year has been an extremely busy year with my husband starting a job in Port Hedland, WA (returning every 3 months), moving house, having a knee reconstruction and also taking on a second job.  I'm a very keen netballer, unfortunately with the knee redo, I am out of action for 12 months but can't wait to get back to it.

2.  Why handmade?


I'm an Aquarian and if I am not making something I would go crazy.  If I am not sewing, I am building something or recycling something.  Don't get me to cook though......I hate cooking and I hate housework!

3.  What influenced you to start your business?


Pretty much the same as a lot of new mums.  When I had my first child, I made all his bedding and decor for his nursery and then friends asked me to make things for them.  I realised I had something that you couldn't buy in the shops and so Magnolia was created.

4.  What type of products do you sell?


I initially started with just nursery bedding and decor, such as sleeping bags, quilts, toy bags.  But as my kids got older my range few with them and now I make a lot the older kids.  I have just introduced my "big kids" sleeping bags which fit approx 12 - 13 year olds.  My patchwork quilts, runners and cushions I even make for adults.  The patchwork quilts have a bit of a quirky twist to them, with different textured fabrics, felt appliqués and trimmings, which are a real hit with everyone.

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?


I like to have something a bit different to other bedding and homewares.  As soon as I see someone sling something similar to me I'll drop that product from my range.  I like to have unique pieces with a lot of my range being one-of-a-kind and I think that's why Magnolia is still going strong 21 years on.

6.  Where do you sell your products?


Magnolia is available online, on my Facebook page, at Mornington Racecourse Market every month and occasionally at Red Hill, Healesville and Fairy Floss Markets (contact me for dates).  Magnolia is also available through Party Plan.  All you need is a few friends over and I'll bring the range to you!  No fuss and you can buy or order on the day.

7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?


Wow, how long is a piece of string???  I could spend anything from 2 hours a week to 52 hours a week, really just depends on how many orders, markets.....and lunches I have on that week!

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?


We have moved house this year so my sewing "area" is only half the size.  I work better unorganised and under pressure so I'm reluctant to show a photo!!!

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?


Well I'm showing my age here, but I was an 80's queen and also did hairdressing in the 80's, I think the combination of the two lead me to wanting to create clothing that was different to everyone else.  My mum had an old sewing machine that I started out on, but she bought me my own for my 21st Birthday.  Ironically, the first thing I made for myself, for my glory box, was a cot set (much to my mum's horror).  Mum was not a sewer so I basically taught myself.

Feast your eyes.........

Good morning.......
I am loving this tropical weather we are having!  Whilst on the treadmill this morning (panicking about the warm weather and bathers!) it was lovely to see such heavy rain falling on to my little orchard, vegie and herb gardens.

Now I have a visual treat for you all this morning........I am loving this!  While it is not a local handmade promotion, I am hoping the beautiful photography and designs will set your head spinning with inspiration.
This magazine is chock full of just gorgeous gift ideas, I very much enjoy browsing through it and admiring such talented makers.

Now all you have to do is click on the link and feast your eyes.........

A handmade Christmas 2011

Tickle the Imagination........a handmade Christmas 2011

Grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy the browse.....

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Crafty catch up........

Hello to everyone on this gorgeous day...
After a rather busy weekend, I finally have a chance to sit down and catch up on some crafty finds from the weekend.  Yesterday I popped down to have a browse at the Rosebub's Babygoods Market and found some very clever handmaders.

I finally remembered to take my camera along and now I have some pictures too!.......

Lisa from Rafi & Hannah with her beautifully sewn products

Sally from Little Lala......gorgeous lamps, library bags, aprons and much more

I found these adorable appliqued singlets from Penstar.....contact details:  penny.blyth@gmail.com

Katrina from FunkyStars and her huge array of hair accessories and clip holders

The lovely Nicolle from Rosebubs with her unique vintage picture book artwork

I hope you enjoyed meeting some new makers, I most certainly did and it is one of the nicest parts of composing the blog posts.

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Whoops, forgot one!

Oh dear, I forgot to mention it is Red Hill market tomorrow morning also.........I think the camping has relaxed my brain!
Now, I can't get to all these markets, but I hope some of you catch one or two of them...enjoy!!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Back on board......

Hi to everyone,
It is nice to be back home.  A short camping break for a few days soon turns into a week's worth of washing and unpacking, at last I have it under control, I think?

I have heard a little whisper from Lisa from Rafi & Hannah, that she is having a stall at the Rosebub's Babygoods Market this Sunday at the Eastbourne Primary School, Allambi Avenue, Rosebud from 9am to 1pm.  So on Sunday morning I will popping down to say cheerio to the stallholders.

If you are up in the Chelsea area, or would like a pleasant Sunday drive...........I am pleased to announce the lovely Amy from Huckleberry Market has a handmade babies and children's market on this Sunday at the Chelsea Town Hall, 4 Thames Promenade, Chelsea.  Amy devotes a lot of time and effort to making these markets a success and this one is sure to be fantastic.  The gold coin entry to the market is donated to charity and I believe this Sunday's proceeds go the Bears of Hope organisation.

Two other markets are also scheduled for this weekend..............
The Rye Rotary foreshore market is also on this Saturday morning, from 8am to 1pm, Rye Foreshore, Point Nepean Rd, Rye.
Eastbourne Primary School market, Saturday morning from 10am to 2pm, Allambi Avenue, Rosebud.

Wow, OK!  That should keep you all busy for the weekend.........have fun!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx