Creator Profile Spotlight : : Julies Crochet Array

This week we profile Julie from Julies Crochet Array creator of original crochet items…

Creator Profile : : Julies Crochet Array

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/JuliesCrochetArray?ref=pr_shop_more
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliesCrochetArray
Madeit: http://www.madeit.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=62969 

Shop Description: 
Julies Crochet Array is a collection of original, unique, fun and affordable crochet items.

Creative production Ethos: 
To keep colourful, fun and extremely well made crochet creations in my shop. Although my products are low priced doesn’t mean they are low quality. It is because I enjoy crochet and love to get it out there!

Products:
At the moment I have bags, bracelets, necklaces, chokers and bookmarks in my shop. I very rarely follow a pattern, if I do, I tend to tweak it. I also love to do custom creations!

Favourite products:
I have to say my chokers, because I have never seen anything like them in any other shop.

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
Depends on what mood I’m in but I’m a huge fan of Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Foundations , Josh Groban and Tom Jones.

One thing Julie would love to do within the next 10 years:
Although I love my full time job I want to be a “recycled teenager” and travel around Australia with my partner. I can still crochet while I’m travelling too! How good is that??

How Julie got started:
My Mum taught me to crochet, knit, sew etc. She has always being doing one craft or another, so I guess it’s in my blood.

Inspiration: 
This comes from all directions, but I think colour is my main inspiration. It always starts with colour. Do I want to work with yarn, wire or cotton today? Mmmm… now lets add some beads…

Goals for the future:
My main goal is to add a wider variety of items to my shop. I want to continue crocheting forever! Also for people to enjoy my products.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : neddynibbles

This week we profile Karen from neddynibbles creator of fashionable aprons…

Creator Profile : : neddynibbles

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/neddynibbles

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/neddynibbles/287995788158

Shop Description:  
Hand created beautiful aprons for the whole family.

Creative production Ethos:
I like to create aprons which are different from ones commercially produced.  I use mainly designer fabrics and make each apron a work of art rather than just a piece of fabric.  Women should be able to feel beautiful and feminine when they are cooking so why not create a lovely feminine apron.

Products:
My aprons range from the plain classic style to ones with frills and flirty full skirts.  I also make pretty style with box pleats especially for little girls who like to help in the kitchen.  There are also boys aprons make in cute fabric and men’s aprons with catchy slogans embroidered across the front.   I’ve also just included a half apron to my range.

Favourite products:
I think my favourite apron to make is the little girls aprons with the box pleats.  They are just so cute.  I’ve also just started making women’s aprons with three rows of frills.  They are very time consuming but the end result makes it well worth the effort.

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
I usually just listen to the radio but I also like to listen to Michael Buble, Il Divo and John Denver.  This drives my family crazy so I usually only play CD’s when they are out.

One thing Karen would love to do within the next 10 years:
I definitely would love to continue creating beautiful aprons but would like to learn more about designing.  My background is sewing so I’m teaching myself how to design as I go along which has its challenges.  I work on a trial-and-error method and have many disasters before I’m happy with the final design, so learning more about fashion design would really help.

How Neddynibbles got started:
My daughter needed an apron for a fancy dress party but we couldn’t find one anywhere.  We finally found one in the last possible place in the shopping centre and it was so expensive and just a boring brown one.  The next day I went and bought some pretty fabric and made one for her.  Then a good friend decided to start selling her wares at a local market and asked me if I’d like to join her, knowing that I was also a sewer, so Neddynibbles was born.  I’ve now made almost 800 aprons and sell on-line as well as at Perth Upmarket, craft markets and through pop up shops around the city

Inspiration: 
My main inspiration comes from a lifetime of the love of creating.  I’ve always been interested in anything crafty from crotchet, knitting, sewing, macramé, paper tole and anything else crafty.  This started from a very young age when my mum taught me to knit dolls clothes when I was 6.

Goals for the future:
I’d love to continue to grow Neddynibbles into a well-known brand but don’t want to outsource any of the process as I love being hand-on with all aspects of each apron I create.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : individualism enhanced

This week we profile Gill Cordiner from invidualism enhanced creator of fine handmade jewellery in copper silver brass and enamel…

Creator Profile : : individualism enhanced

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/gillthecat
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gill-cordiner/106550242776290
Madeit: http://www.madeit.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=49210
Website: http://www.gillcordiner.com/

Shop Description: 
my work is unusual and creative, playful. There is something there for the discerning design conscious client I think, and there is a large pinch humour in my work it’s not pompous and over bearing.

Creative production Ethos: 
I want to make quirky cool jewellery that you can wear with everything, as great with jeans, as it is with a hot frock. Quality and true handmade – sawn, filed, hammered, heated, made by me not in a factory.

Products:
I make jewellery and I paint, but I’m pretty much focused on jewellery at the moment. I make rings earrings, pendants necklaces bangles brooches and cufflinks.

Favourite products:
copper, silver, brass, and particularly enamel – it’s more like painting – I guess that’s why I’m attracted to it, little pops of colour, and combining colour just like painting. I also love the alchemy of it, appearing out the flames like little phoenixes.

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
Frank Zappa, John Martyn, Adele, Etta James  and Rush – I have so many songs and artists I love, how can I pick??

One thing Gill would love to do within the next 10 years:
I’d like to learn to play guitar, I’ve never learned any instruments and always thought I would, maybe I should get on with it!

How Gill got started:
I have worked as a fine artist my whole adult life, raising 2 children I wanted a creative outlet that I could fit in with the kids and I’ve always had a love for jewellery and sculpture. I enrolled at TAFE 2 years ago, worked hard, here I am.

Inspiration: 
colour, texture, form and composition inspire me. Nature, architecture and images of the sea, nautical images swirl in my head. I seem to always return to some themes, through art and design again and again.

Goals for the future:
first thing is I’d like to clone myself and keep one of me in the studio! I’m going to work on getting my work into quality galleries and shops around Australia and then Europe… oh and to get more time to paint again, once kids are in school full-time.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : Artivity

This week we profile Lorri Lennox from Artivity creator of Art and Jewellery…

Creator Profile : : Artivity

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.artivity.etsy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Artivity/201207913244003
Blog: http://www.auslorri.blogspot.com
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorri_lennox/
Ustream Channel – http://www.ustream.tv/channel/artivity—lorri-lennox

Shop Description: 
Art prints, Greeting Cards, Craft Supplies and handmade jewellery

Creative production Ethos: 
To create with passion,  to pack with care and to deliver promptly – good old fashioned service counts!

Products:
Reproduction of original art by Lorri,  Original ACEO’s (art cards editions originals),  Handmade Jewellery, Art & Jewellery supplies and kits.

Favourite products:
Vintage Papers, Resin, vintage Lucite.

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
something soft and soothing – but then there are days where I like Avril, Adele and Alana

One thing Lorri would love to do within the next 10 years:
To travel more & to meet up with like-minded creative souls.  It’s a dream to see my artwork reproduced on calendars, diaries, journals, canvasses.  I would like to facilitate more workshops in mixed media.

How Lorri got started:
Lorri has always  loved being creative, and has an addiction to pretty paper, and most recently journals – in fact she now says she ‘collects’ journals!  After closing her bricks-n-mortar paper-art store after 8 years, Lorri is now working on promoting her online store.

Inspiration: 
I get so much inspiration from other artists, such as these – From the past – Frida Kahlo, Amadeo Modigliani and from the present – Sarah Waterfield, Diane Duda, Jane Davenport, Jodi Ohl, Tamara Laporte (willowing) Tascha Parkinson, Nic Hohn and SO MANY MORE!

Goals for the future:
To share my love of art and creativity with as many people as possible, to run more workshops in mixed media.  To generate a comfortable  income doing something I love so much. To paint, draw & sketch my way through each day!

Creator Profile Spotlight : : Liz Briggs Designs

This week we profile Liz Briggs from Liz Briggs Designs creator of colourful beaded necklaces, bangles and earrings…

Creator Profile : : Liz Briggs Design

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizbriggsdesigns

Shop Description: 
I design multi coloured beaded jewellery such as necklaces, bangles and earrings made with Kazuri beads which are sold under the Fair Trade Agreement. Colour is one of my passions and I love every piece I make. Sometimes if I have been doing an order for a shop which is very symmetrical I find myself craving a bit of arty/quirk.

Creative production Ethos: 
I try to remain creative and positive and using the beautiful Kazuri beads definitely makes my job easy.  Being my full time job I keep my prices fair so I have a continual turn over of my work.

Products:
Colourful, bold and cheerful jewellery.  I also do a range of beading boxes for children, however I learnt early on that the cost of postage online was prohibitive so I only wholesale them to local shops.

Favourite products:
Handmade and hand painted Kazuri beads from Kenya and semi precious stones.

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
The natural sounds of the ocean and birds because 50% of my work is done outdoors by the ocean or river.  When I’m home I like  Billy Joel and Cat Stevens.

One thing Liz would love to do within the next 10 years:
Be retired and travel, with Ian my husband, around Australia.  I would love to continue creating new and exciting projects as we travel.

How Liz got started:
I found that I was earning more working two hours a night than at my full time job.  Later, working for myself fitted around my family.  I wake up in the morning happy to work, especially being my own boss!

Inspiration: 
Colour makes me feel happy and I love working with the handmade Kazuri beads knowing that I am helping women in Kenya out of poverty.

Goals for the future:
I want to continue to make my jewellery and when time permits start on personalised collage projects for people’s special occasions.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : Every Use Counts

This week we profile Kellee Brown from Every Use Counts, creator of Funky Modern Cloth Nappies!

Creator Profile : : Every Use Counts

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EveryUseCounts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EveryUseCounts

Shop Description:
I make a range of attractive and unusual Modern Cloth Nappies

Creative production Ethos:  
To create a smaller environmental impact from a product every baby will need so many of, and raise the awareness of MCNs through a smile and a conversation with a stranger.

Products:
Modern Cloth Nappies in attractive and durable fabrics

Favourite products:
Wolf Premium Faux Fur Cloth Nappy with Removable Tail

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
Queen or Michael Jackson music DVDs, and Glee. I also like musicals playing on tv while I’m working and my son is asleep. My favourites include Marilyn Monroe, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

One thing Kellee would love to do within the next 10 years:
I’d love to move to our semi self sufficient farm to expand our Aquaponics unit and develop my veggie garden and orchard. I look forward to a sewing room all to myself, so I can clear off the dining table!

How Kellee got started:
I used towelling on my son until he was 3 months, when I was given a couple of MCNs. I liked them so much I developed a pattern and made my own. My friends and family showed keen interest and I expanded to the more creative and fun styles. I began selling them at the local markets and then opened Every Use Counts on Etsy.

Inspiration:
I am inspired by seeing babies wearing disposable nappies and when talking to people who are not familiar with MCNs, often grandparents looking for practical gifts.  Plus, seeing the colourful nappies lined up drying in the sunshine still gives me a kick.

Goals for the future:
To share with as many people as possible the understanding that the change to MCNs does not need to be an all or nothing decision, using MCNs does not need to be in the too hard basket, and promote their added bonus of being green and so much fun.

WA Street Team Meetup

Lets get together and put all those lovely creations to faces!

An informal get together has been planned on:

Thursday 26 April, 11 am
Heathcote Reserve
56 -60 Duncraig Road, Applecross, 10-15 minutes from the City

DRIECTIONS FROM City:
Head south down the Kwinana Freeway and take the Canning Highway exit (on your left, 5.5km from Perth CBD). Turn right onto Canning Highway and then take first right (at the traffic lights) onto Canning Beach Road. Follow this around the river for a further kilometer, turning left on Duncraig Road at the roundabout, head 200 meters to the next roundabout and turn right in to Heathcote Reserve.

Facilities: Kid friendly Playground (amazing!), kiosk, restaurant, toilets, gallery, beautiful views.

We will hopefully plan more of these in the future. Its always great to meet new people with common interests and build our community spirit.

See you all there!

For directions, click on the link below:

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=heathcote+reserve+perth&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=heathcote+reserve&hnear=Perth+Western+Australia&t=m&z=12&iwloc=A&output=embed
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Creator Profile Spotlight : : Hill Side Story

This week we profile Aliya from Hill Side Story, seeker and seller of vintage apparel and accessories…

Creator Profile : : Hill Side Story

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HillSideStory
Blog: http://www.hillsidestory.net

Shop Description:
What began as a little market stall in Singapore has turned into an online vintage store based in the Perth Hills of Western Australia.  Hill Side Story specialises in unique and affordable vintage apparel and accessories.

Creative production Ethos:
I am passionate about reducing my carbon footprint so I’m constantly encouraging people to make eco-savvy choices like buying vintage and second-hand.  I make sure to stock pieces that are high in quality and versatile in design.

Products:
Handpicked vintage pieces from 1950s – 1990s

Favourite Product:
This Escada silk shirt

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
Oh don’t get me started on music!  Pre-1960s musical theater soundtracks and anything by Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens and Ella Fitzgerald

One thing Aliya would love to do within the next 10 years:
To perform in a musical on the West End in London!

How Aliya got started:
I fell in love vintage after seeing pictures of my grandparents’ wedding reception.  My collection of vintage pieces is now kept at bay with me sharing pieces I’m ready to part with, with other vintage lovers.

Inspiration:
Old MGM musicals are my biggest inspiration – especially the scores, dance routines, costumes and lavish sets.  Also, the combination of black and white – from old photos to colonial-era bungalows around Singapore.

Goals for the future:
To be an ethnograph-writing vintage seller by day and stage performer by night!

Creator Profile Spotlight : : Blackcurrant Photography

This week we profile Kell from Blackcurrant Photography, creator of Fine art photography and jewellery featuring Western Australian plants….

Creator Profile : : Blackcurrant Photography

LINKS:
Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/BlackcurrantShop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackcurrant.Photography
Blog: http://blackcurrantphotography.wordpress.com/blog/
Website:http://www.blackcurrantphotography.com.au/

Shop Description:
Blackcurrant Photography showcases the beautiful and unique flora we have here in Western Australia by making wearable photo art, souvenirs, and fine art photographic gifts for yourself, your home, or your workspace.

Creative production Ethos:
We have *well* over 10,000 species of plants in Western Australia with many endemic not only to this part of the world, but to this part of Australia.  I wanted to share the amazing colours, shapes and intricacies with people that may never get to see them in person.

Products:
In addition to professionally printed and matted photographs, I also provide options to have my pictures made into acrylic blocks, put on canvas, giftcards etc.  I also hand make jewellery using my photographs and high quality glass.  Most of these pieces are one-of-a-kind.

Favourite products:
My absolute favourite would have to be my 3D iceblocks.  They’re a 30mm thick piece of acrylic with a metallic photo face-mounted to it.  They provided the inspiration for my pendants. I love the deep green tones on metallic paper the best.  It’s like a shimmering emerald.

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
I honestly don’t listen to music as much as I should, usually just the hum of the computer!  When I do put on music, It’s usually Powderfinger.

One thing Kell would love to do within the next 10 years:
There are big parts of WA I haven’t seen yet, so winning Lotto and spending a few months traveling around wildflower hot spots with my camera would be wonderful.

How Kell got started:
I’d always taken pictures, but back in 1997 I started studying photography at high school and got hooked. I then studied photography at TAFE.  I was initially very much into grainy and contrasty black and white portraiture using high speed film.  After a creativity block, I started photographing  wildflowers 5yrs ago.

Inspiration:
My inspiration comes from the plants themselves and the light.  It’s a bit nerdy, but I treat my flowers like I would a portrait subject – I try to capture them in their best light, attach an emotion to them etc.  It’s very different to traditional nature photography.

Goals for the future:
I really believe that my pieces look best in person, so I’m hoping I can have some ‘meet the seller’ type events later in the year to meet with my customer base in person.  I would also love to have some exhibitions of my work, not just of the flowers, but of my artistic portraiture.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : Yellow Tree Store

This week we profile Laurie from Yellow Tree Store, creator of unique and cute handmade gifts…

Creator Profile : : Yellow Tree Store

LINKS:

Etsy shop:  Yellow Tree Store

Shop Description:
I create cute and simplistic items made from my own designs, I like to come up with new designs regularly to keep my inventory fresh and interesting!

Creative production Ethos:
I guess they are pretty basic, to create unique and quality products with my own two hands that other people would be happy to own.

Products:
I sell a variety of sewn products, using mainly 100% cotton or felt.  Currently Im selling a variety of softies, ring pillows, hair clips & brooches, and even some little clay sculptures.

Favourite products:
Usually my newest project is my favourite,  at the moment my Easter bunny pillow/softies!

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
It changes daily, this week I have been listening to Buffalo Springfield and T Rex

One thing Laurie would love to do within the next 10 years:
Live in another country for at least a couple of years, preferably somewhere with snow.

How Laurie got started:
I took an introductory short course to sewing a couple of years ago and the obsession with making sewn objects started from there.   It took me a long time to finally start putting my products up on Etsy, but I’m so glad I did!

Inspiration:
I find inspiration in many places; Markets, fabric stores, books and magazines. The internet is a great source of inspiration,  I have a long list of blogs I visit daily.   I love simple designs and illustration, my own designs normally start as a doodle on a post-it note or scrap of paper, I love the feeling of turning that simple sketch into a tangible object that someone will hopefully love.

Goals for the future:
To have my products in an actual brick and mortar store, maybe even my own!