Meet the Maker..........Sheraleen from "Vintage Ruby"

Sorry about the late Meet the Maker interview, I have been out of the house all day......only just got to sit down!  Tonight I have the lovely Sheraleen from Vintage Ruby.  The products are just gorgeous.......sit back and take a look.......

Name:  Sheraleen Pattison

Business Name:  Vintage Ruby

Website:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/vintagerubygiftware

Twitter:

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself.......
I am very fortunate to have grown up on the Mornington Peninsula, enjoying all its great places and spaces as a kid.  While I have always loved working with fabrics for my own pleasure, it wasn't until I became a mum that I seriously considered giving it a stronger presence in my life.  I was a Sales Manager in IT and felt that the time had come, as well as listening to the encouragement of my friends and family, to recognise my creative side just a little more.  So, these days I enjoy creating children's clothing and baby furnishings under my label "Vintage Ruby", while spending quality time with my 2 beautiful children, Lachlan 7 and Ruby 3.  They keep me on my toes, especially my 3 year old.  And they also keep me forever road testing my products.


2.  Why handmade?
There is something uniquely special about receiving a handmade gift, knowing that someone has put their heart and soul into creating it for you.  Even more so for personalised gifts......these are the gifts you treasure forever.  Given that I work with vintage material quite a bit, I love that my items have a story to tell, even before I have finished with them.


3.  What influenced you to start your business?
For as long as I have been able to, I have been making gifts for friends and family.  I used to crochet baby blankets, but they used to take me a while.  It was on the way to visit a friend with a new baby and I was racing to finish a blanket in the car, that I realised I needed to do something different.  My husband bought me a sewing machine and that was it!  I started making rag quilts and I was able to whip one up pretty quickly.  I then discovered vintage chenille bedspreads and fell in love.....actually, it borders on obsession with over 70 bedspreads in my collection.  My friends were on my back to start selling them, so I decided to start my own business and haven't looked back since!

4. What type of products do you sell?
I sell giftware for babies and toddlers mainly.  Most of my products incorporate vintage, recycled or new fabrics.  I make quilts, chenille dresses, bibs, burp cloths, bags, buntings, hats and framed pictures.

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
I am constantly inspired by the creativity of others.  I have so many ideas, but don't always have the "free" time to play around with them.  I am also inspired by the spontaneity and innocence of children.

6.  Where do you sell your products?
My range of products is currently available at MP Kids in Dromana ( a huge supporter of local handmade ) and previously at Miss Kitty's in Red Hill, but sadly they have since closed. There are some annual markets that I do, but I sell most of my products through word of mouth.

7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?
It all depends on what I have on at the time and how many orders are coming through.  Usually I spend at least a few days a week sewing.  As I mentioned earlier, my children keep me busy, so most of my sewing is done at night.

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
I wish!!  Unfortunately, like so many in the craft industry, I don't.  I do all of my cutting out at my kitchen table and all of my sewing in my bedroom.  I sew at my dressing table and lay my work out on the bed.  It's not unusual for me to be sewing a 3 o'clock in the morning.  My poor husband has learnt to sleep through it, often oblivious to the fabrics draped over him....

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
I am self taught.....my mum showed me how to use a sewing machine when I was young, but didn't really get into it until my husband bought me my own.  I've really enjoyed the journey so far.

Meet the Maker..........Lisa from "Elefunk"

Another inspiring Meet the Maker interview today, from the very talented Lisa and her business, Elefunk!
Thank you Lisa for the wonderful piece and cute product photos x

Name:  Lisa Foran
Business Name:  Elefunk

Website:  www.elefunk.com.au

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/elefunks

Twitter:

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself.......
I'm a wife, a mum to 4 year fold Mietta and now, a business owner and crazily, a crafty sewer!

2.  Why handmade?
I've always felt handmade items have so much more meaning than mass produced items. It's the love and care that goes into every stitch, and of course the unique designs and the quality.

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
2 years ago, my husband asked me what I'd like for Christmas and I said "A sewing machine".  Such a joke in our family, as I have never shown the slightest interest in sewing! My intention was to make clothes for my daughter, but I thought I would start with a soft toy elephant as both my daughter and husband love elephants.  I wasn't quite happy with the pattern, so I adapted it, found some funky fabric and it became an EleFunk!  Personalising them for friends who had babies became the next step.  I gave them as gifts for 18 months and then people started asking me to make them for them to give to friends.  By the way, I never did make those clothes for my daughter!

4.  What type of products do you sell?
Funky cushions, soft toys and bunting flags.  All can be personalised.

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
My daughter has an unusual name which I knew I wouldn't find on any commercially made items, so I wanted to make things I could put her name on to.  Aside from that, I wanted kids items that were bright and funky and that would brighten up a child's room.

6.  Where do you sell your products?
On my Facebook page and at markets around Melbourne.  Currently I'm at Mornington Racecourse market, Red Hill Community market, and I will be at Mathilda's Market and Huckleberry Market in months to come.

7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?
Depends if it's the week before a market or not!  I sew almost every day, always trying to balance it as second to my family.

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
I do now!!  Our billiard table used to be used for billiards, now it has a cover that was designed as a cutting table for me.  We used to have an office/study too, but the laptop has been relegated to the far corner to make room for three sewing machines!

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
I'm mostly self taught, although my mum does sew and has given me some good tips along the way.

Meet the Maker.........Alison from "Alison Gibbs Creations"

I am so excited to introduce you to Alison and her wonderful creative pieces!  Sit down and put your feet up for a while, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and escape into another handmade adventure!

Name:  Alison Gibbs

Business Name:  Alison Gibbs Creations

Website:   www.alisongibbs.com

                 http://alisongibbs.blogspot.com.au/

Online storefronts:   Website shop

Facebook:

Twitter:  

Questions:

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

I live in Mt Martha.  I am a wife, mother to four and grandma to seven.

2.  Why handmade?

I grew up with a very creative mother, who could put her hand to anything - sewing, knitting, crocheting, oil painting and always paying attention to the finest of details.  Handmade creations are so satisfying to make and receive.  You put your heart and soul into what you create.  One thing I love about handmade pieces is that no two pieces are the same.

3.  What influenced you to start your business?

I couldn't find the jewellery I wanted to wear so decided to make my own.  My jewellery is made using vintage elements - cottons, ribbons, buttons, laces, beads and some costume jewellery for decorative accents.  My friends liked what I made and suggested trying to sell some.

4.  What type of products do you sell?

I create various things - necklaces, bracelets, hand-dyed lace cuffs, heart plaques, bunting and gift tags.

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?

Oh wow - what are my inspirations??  When creating my jewellery, I love to lay out all the elements (lace, ribbons, trims, buttons, beads, etc) in different colour ways.  Then its a bit like....ah ha....this goes with this, this goes with that.  Its whatever takes me at that moment.

6.  Where do you sell your products?

I have a website www.alisongibbs.com  Some of my jewellery is also available at Open Drawer, 1158 Toorak Rd, Camberwell.  Appointments can be made to view my work. 

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

Hard to judge how much time I spend creating as I currently babysit grandchildren four days a week, so free time is scarce.  Due to these time constraints, I probably only spend about 12 hours a week creating.

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

I am lucky enough to have a studio - a room all to myself.  To dream, be inspired and create my pieces.  It is also somewhere to display my various pieces for people (by appointment) to come for a look.  

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

Definitely self taught.  I think I have my mothers 'can do' attitude.  I have a great group of friends who are very creative in so many aspects.  I tend to first off create for myself, then if I really like it, I will set about making a couple of similar pieces to sell.  If its not something I like myself, then I think probably no one else will either.

Meet the Maker..........Jacinta from "Roxyoxy Creations"

I hope you are all having a lovely evening......it has been a hugely busy day, hence the late posting of this week's Meet the Maker.....I hope you like it!!  May I present the very creative Jacinta, from Roxyoxy Creations!!!

Name:  Jacinta Oxford

Business Name:  Roxyoxy Creations

Website:  www.roxyoxy.com.au

Online storefronts:  www.roxyoxy.com.au

Facebook:  roxyoxy creations

Twitter:  n/a

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself.......
I am a mother to 2 gorgeous kids, Ryan - 9 and Ajarnae - 7 and wife to an amazingly supportive hubby, who just adores me sooo happy creating my artwork.  I have had a HUGE career change since having kids, as pre-children I was an extremely busy DIETITIAN, running 5 private practises on the Mornington Peninsula and lecturing at TAFE and Cerberus too.  When I fell pregnant with my first child, I sold my practises as I knew I wanted to a MUM, first and foremost.  I have always been creative but since having  kids, this was exemplified with spending a lot of time with kids doing fun paper based activities.  I started playing around with simple wall art for my own kids rooms.  Friends saw my work and wanted me to create pieces for their children's bedrooms.  I just loved it.

2.  Why handmade?
Its such a wonderful thing to buy something someone has loving spent time creating for you.  I just love the originality, detail and effort that goes into handmade products.  Just inspiring!!

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
After making some artwork for girlfriends' children, they really encouraged me to branch out and start making art for others.  At the time, my kids were at school so I had a little more time during the day to think about maybe turning my art into a small business.  Hence Roxyoxy Creations started.

4.  What type of products do you sell?
I only sell beautiful, original 3D children's art which I design myself, make templates of every little piece, before meticulously hand cutting all the paper to create my design.  I mount and then frame them myself. All of my work has the feeling it is 3D, as I mount the paper with foam padding behind it.  I never make two pieces the same and can custom make artwork to suit individual colour preferences if required.

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
I draw inspiration from EVERYWHERE!  Children's illustrations, websites, t-shirt designs and "definitely" from my own children.  I am drawn to "old fashioned play" and the simple things that make kids happy.  Blowing bubbles, imaginary play, tea parties, cubbies, skipping, tree houses, beach, flying kites, etc etc.  In my own family, I am very much an advocate of encouraging "creative play" that doesn't involve technology!  My artwork is evolving all the time, as I get more confident, my skills develop, trends change and what people are asking for.  I have a head full of new ideas but TIME is the issue - there is simply not enough hours in the day.

6.  Where do you sell your products?
At this stage I am keeping my business small and selling at local markets (Red Hill) and occasional city markets (Mathildas and Boutique Markets).  I have a website set up so work can be viewed then ordered via my website.

7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?
This varies from week to week, as my children's demands change.  I also do all the administration for my hubby's building business and exercise (running/cycling) is an extremely important part of my day.  On average I would spend 3-5 hours most days on my craft.

8.  Do you have a dedicated draft area or studio in your home?
At the moment I work from my home study - but my darling hubby says there are plans for a new studio in the near future!!  Wow, that's exciting!!!

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
I am completely self taught.  I have always collected and been fascinated with PAPER.  Ask my hubby!!  I say I am a PAPER ADDICT - I am like a kid in a candy store when I enter a paper shop - JUST LOVE IT!!  Since having the kids I just love everything about children's design, fashion, room decor, etc.  So being able to marry my two passions has been AMAZING!!  I just hope people love my work just as much as I adore making it for them!!!

Meet the Maker..........Jo from "Old Flowers 4 Me"

Hello and good morning.......
Today we have a peek into the world of Jo Anderson and her business, Old Flowers 4 Me, situated at Fairy Cake Pond.  Jo and her creations are quirky, vintage, unique and full of whimsy.......lets have a look..........

Name:  Jo Anderson
Business Name:  Old Flowers 4 Me

Website:  oldflowers4me.blogspot.com

Online storefronts:  N/A

Facebook:  Fairy Cake Pond

Twitter:  N/A

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself.......
I feel like I am about to giggle.......I'm Jo Anderson, I am wife, lover and friend to Mr Australia and we have four naughty divine children, Jessica Opal (26), Jordie (24), Jeremiah (18) and young Angus (14) and a boy cat named Mr Bella Donna.  I live at a place called Fairy Cake Pond....you may smile but it is true.  I love to recycle, op shop and I have a veggie garden too.  Big shopping centres do my head in.  I'm just a girl, who loves singing and skipping....... I had no idea how to use a computer until a few years ago.  Jessie Opal said to me, "Mum, I am going to set up a blog for you".  She set it up alright and then left me to it, so that was the start of Old Flowers 4 Me.

2.  Why handmade?
I have always handmade things for birthdays or Christmas, presents for my family or best friends.

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
My jewellery started with me not being able to find any......so I just started making my doll necklaces.  I love them and I get stopped most days and people ask about them.

4.  What type of products do you sell?
I don't know if I like the word "product".....I keep thinking about that.  I make things that make people smile, that make people happy.  I make fairy tales under glass-made out of unwanted things....like little old dolls and tea sets, cup cakes, birds, things of beauty, to me anyway.  I make food covers as well, very over the top like, lots of colour!

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
My inspirations.....it is like holding a bag of 100's and 1000's!  I have so many things and people that inspire me....old travel dolls, tea sets, child-like things, my taxidermy rabbits, velvet ribbons, old wedding dresses, butterflies, flowers.. oh yes fresh flowers, cake shops, op shops, book shops, even fruit shops!  Over the years I have met so many divine people, some artists, Mirka Mora, William White, David Bromley, Victoria Spring, Jan Fryer.  I would love to sip tea and eat cake with many more.

6.  Where do you sell your products?
Once a year, I have a stall at Christmas at the Studio and I sometimes sell things in the new shop in Blairgowrie - White Nest.  I have sold my things in Antipodes in Sorrento as well.....or by appointment here at Fairy Cake Pond.

7.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
A studio at home, yes the whole house is my studio, room upon room!  The whole house is over full with inspiration, which makes it a great studio!  Fresh flowers, to the rugs on the floors, the cast iron bed painted in the colour of deep lilac, to the lead light window of a fairy.

8.  Are you self taught, or have you had a good teacher?
I have never been to art school.  My best friends and I talk about making things all the time.  Books and magazines are great for ideas.

Meet the Maker.........Donna from "Little Boubba"

Many thanks to Donna for providing this lovely insight into her day to day life and business...

Name:  Donna McCall
Business name:  Little Boubba

Website:  Little Boubba blog

Online storefronts:  www.madeit.com.au/Littleboubba
                               www.etsy.com/shop/Littleboubba

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/littleboubba

Twitter:

Questions.

1.  So, tell us about yourself........
I am a SAHM to 3 gorgeous children, Bayleigh 9, Sienna 7 and Tanner 2, who keep me very busy with all their parties, after school activities and interests.  We moved to the Mornington Peninsula 18 months ago and although it took a little while to get used to, I can't imagine ever going back.  As a family we do a lot of water sports, so we spend a lot of time on the Murray River on down at the beaches.

2.  Why handmade?
Why not?  I love beautiful material and trims.  I am the sort of person that looks at most things and thinks "I can make that!".

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
My influence came one day when I was looking for a bib to put on Tanner, who was then about 9 months old and I couldn't find one anywhere, so I decided to get the machine out and whip up a few.  A few friends saw them and suggested I start to sell them online, so I took their advice and it has grown from there.

4.  What type of products do you sell?
My product range is growing all the time because I love trying new things.  At the moment I make and sell fabric covered Notebooks and Diaries, Bibs, Ribbon lankies, Ruffled nappy covers, Sienna tops and dresses.  I have just ventured into the land of dolls, which I am really, really enjoying but have a long way until they are as gorgeous as many of the other sellers.

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
My inspiration comes from boredom, if that makes sense?  I love to be making and I love to challenge myself, so that inspires me to give new things a go.  My children also give me a lot of inspiration, as most of my fabrics and products are aimed at that end of the market.

6.  Where do you sell your products?
I sell mostly on Facebook.  I have had some success on both Etsy and Madeit, but have had trouble keeping the stores stocked, as I was making a lot of customer orders which I have now stopped.  So I hope to be able to get back into selling on the handmade sites again.  I have done a couple of markets but they are very hit and miss.  I really think you need to be a regular to really have success.

7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?
How long do I spend making my items....well how long is a piece of string literally?  Some weeks it is as little as 20 hours, but much more often it is 40-plus hours.  I always feel like I should be creating and staying on top with all the new fabrics.  I buy a LOT of fabric, so as soon as it all arrives, I have to be creating with it immediately!

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
My craft dedicated area is a running joke in my house, my husband has 3 double garages and a dedicated office and I have literally a corner in our kids lounge that is my whole sewing desk.  I cut on the kitchen bench and all my fabrics are in various cupboards around the house.  We have been discussing putting a studio on to the house this year.

9.  Are you self taught, or have you had a good teacher?
All of my sewing is self taught.  I did textiles at school and surprisingly, it was NOT my favourite subject.  I have always sewn and have had a machine since my 18th birthday.  I have since upgraded that machine and really think I need to take a couple of classes, to teach me how to use this fancy new one :).

Meet the Maker........Kirsty Owen from "Two Little Monkeys"

Hello, yes it is back for 2012!  Meet the Maker is our most popular post, so I hope you enjoy reading about the new round of clever makers.........

Name:  Kirsty Owen
Business Name:  Two Little Monkeys

Website:

Online storefronts:  Hand-made.com.au - Two Little Monkeys
                               Madeit:  www.madeit.com.au/Twolittlemonkeys
                               Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoLittleMonkey

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/twolittlemonkeys
Twitter:  n/a

Questions:

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

I am a 35 year old Mum with two boys, 4 & 21 months.  I have lived on the Mornington Peninsula all my life and could not imagine living anywhere else.  Life is always hectic, between looking after my boys, working part time from home and of course running Two Little Monkeys.....but I enjoy every minute of it and wouldn't change anything.  Two Little Monkeys is supported by my Mum, who also enjoys sewing.

2.  Why handmade?

I have always loved handmade items, mainly due to the care and time taken by someone to create the items.

3. What influenced you to start your business?

In 2010, after making a pencil roll as a Christmas present for my cousin's son (Bree, of Cheeky Monkey Craftwork) she approached me about making them to sell through her Facebook page.  Then in Jan 2011, I decided to go out alone and set up Two Little Monkeys.

4.  What type of products do you sell?

We offer a wide range of items, Pencil rolls, Makeup Brush rolls, Kids Tote Bags, Little Girl Handbags & Personalised Santa Sacks.........and have just released some new items for 2012, Personalised Cushions, Toy Sacks & Appliqued T-Shirts.

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?

I try to make items that I would buy for the children of family and friends, and of course my boys.  Most importantly though, is that I enjoy making the items I sell.

6.  Where do you sell your products?

Online - Facebook & Hand-made.com.au I also have some items listed on Madeit and Etsy.
Markets - Huckleberry Market, Mulgrave Makers Market and Bumble Bee Baby & Kids Market.
(Check my events tab on my Facebook page to see when and where my next market is)

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

This varies, depending on custom orders and if I have a market coming up.   Anywhere from 5 - 20 hours a week.

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

No, since having my second son I lost my sewing room and currently have a Horn cabinet and bookcase in the family room.  However, it does mean that I am able to sew while my kids play.

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

A mixture of both.  My Mum, who has always sewed and made the majority of my clothes as a child and is always there to help if needed.  I have always had some sort of craft hobby, starting with Cross Stitch when I was about 12, sewed clothes for myself on and off during high school and uni.  I started making mohair bears when I was 22 and then moved on to patchwork about 10 years ago.

P.S.!!!  Two Little Monkeys are having a SALE!!  It starts tonight, Jan 25th from 8pm, until Sunday Jan 29th at 8 pm.   ALL STOCK DISCOUNTED UP TO 25% and HALF PRICE POSTAGE to celebrate our 1st Birthday!!

Meet the Maker.........Lucy Knol from "Lucy Knol Recycled Jewellery"

Hello to everyone,
What a perfect day down here on the Peninsula!
Today I have a rather special Meet the Maker, I loved reading all about Lucy and her crafty adventures.

Name:  Lucy Knol
Business Name:  Lucy Knol Recycled Jewellery

Website:  www.lucyknol.com

Online storefronts:  Lucy Knol on Etsy

Facebook:  Lucy Knol on Facebook

Twitter: -

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself.....
I'm Lucy Knol and I'm a 21 year old student and lover of beautiful things, from Mount Martha.  I am currently in my 3rd year of a Bachelor of Science, and loving every minute of it.  In my free time I like to spend as much time as possible outdoors, exploring the glorious Peninsula, drinking good coffee and scouring antique and op shops for treasures!

2.  Why handmade?
I fell into my craft quite by accident.  I have always had a love for antique china and have been collecting pieces for years.  When I dropped a favourite willow piece I was too upset to throw the pieces away, so I decided I would try to make something with them....my ideas (and skills!) have been developing ever since!

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
I started out making pieces just for myself to wear, and shyly began giving them to friends and family as gifts.  The response was enormously encouraging!  And my dear friend Sarah Dingwall helped me into the world of retailing, by offering me a share of her stall at the Christmas at the Studio 2010.

4.  What type of products do you sell?
My main products at the moment are my animal shaped brooches, which I hand cut from antique china.  I have recently started making earrings and am trying to master a design for a patchwork-style collar (spoilers!).

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
I draw inspiration from lots of places - people's pets mostly!

6.  Where do you sell your products?
Etsy, Zeega in Flinders, McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park in Langwarrin and Gleaners Inc. in Brunswick.

7.  How much time do your spend making your products each week?
"Making time", as I call it, varies from week to week depending on my part time work & study load, but I try to get at least 2-3 hours a week in!

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
I seem to have invaded/completely taken over my Dad's shed with my studio space.....it just keeps expanding!  There's a progression of work from the back seat of my car to the shed.....and ultimately to my bedroom floor for finishing!

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
I had the most wonderful teacher - my grandad!  Who helped me set up my studio with all the necessary tools and showed me how to use them and care for them properly.