Sunday, March 18, 2018

BRISBANE NORTHSIDE STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR KOKONUT NQ

Stallholder Profile for Kokonut NQ




Your name: Christine Stewart
Your business name and facebook/website name and link:  Kokonut NQ
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Kokonut-NQ-624674597679600/ 
The suburb/town you live in now: Strathpine Qld


What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: I make unique items from coconut shells, driftwood and native seed pods. I am somewhat of a gatherer. Items include Weefolk Houses, candle holders and shelves.



What inspired you to start your business?: Until recently I lived in North Queensland, where we often ate fresh coconut and I made coconut products for my family including coconut milk, yoghurt and butter. Of course this left me with many coconut shells which I started using to make gifts for family and friends. A cousin asked me to make some fairy houses for her daughters, so I started, Weefolk homes for the homeless tiny people.
How long have you been creating?: I have been creating my Kokonut NQ products for almost 3 years but didn't start selling them until March 2016. 
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: I would like it to become a full time business.
Where do you sell your creations?:  I have been selling my wares for 2 years at markets in Townsville including Cotters Market, Renegade Handmade Market, and the Renegade Handmade Shop. I have a Etsy Shop and will have my first stall in SE Qld corner at The Handmade Expo Brisbane Northside in April. 
What makes you so special or different?: After visiting many markets between Cairns and Brisbane, I have not found anything like my Kokonut NQ pieces. Every item is created from naturally sourced materials. Each item I create is unique by nature and I let the materials guide my imagination in every piece. 
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: The element of surprise and smiles on people's faces when they explore the detail in my tiny houses. 



I love spending time at the beach gathering my materials, picking over the high tide mark flopsum, and kayaking to my favourite coconut tree overhanging the Ross River. (Not that I can do that lately). I did bring a very limited supply of NQ coconut shell with me.
If anyone has or knows of a coconut tree could you let me know.
What is your favourite product to make?: Weefolk Houses. There are many homeless Weefolk, needing shelter. My childhood spent around water fuels my inspiration in many of these houses.
Though candle holders were where I started. Sourcing coconuts in SE Queensland is not easy, especially lovely large nuts. My candle holders may not be a regular item on my stall.
Do you teach classes or workshops?: No, I use very sharp and rotating tools, the responsibility and thought of someone else injuring themselves prevents me from doing lessons. 

BRISBANE NORTHSIDE STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR POCKET FULL OF SUNSHINE FEATURING UNICORN PLAY

Stallholder Profile for Pocket Full of Sunshine featuring Unicorn Play




Your name:  Pocket Full of Sunshine featuring Unicorn Play
Your business name and facebook/website name and link: Tarassa Instone is Pocket Full of Sunshine and Rhonda Shaw is Unicorn Play.  Find us at https://www.facebook.com/pocketfullofsunshinefeaturingunicornplay/ 
The suburb/town you live in now: Hervey Bay 
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: We make Unique and Custom Bags and Accessories - ranging from Duffel Bags, "Man" Bags, Handbags, Satchels and Wallets. Our range is diverse from Floral to Anime and beyond :) We love to play.




What inspired you to start your business?:Began making bags for family then friends.  People started asking if they could order and the Business has evolved from there.
How long have you been creating?:All our Lives, lol, but focussing on the Bag Business for approx 3 years.
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?:Both Tarassa and I work full time, so this is our play.  Part time business at this stage.
Where do you sell your creations?: Mainly sell our Bags via Word of Mouth, Facebook and various markets including the Handmade Expo in Hervey Bay.



What makes you so special or different?:  We both have different styles and able to Customise our Bags to SUIT our clients. You choose the Fabric, You choose the design, You choose your style.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?:When the bags are received and they are LOVED!!  Nothing beats that :)
What is your favourite product to make?:Cannot pick just one.  You are asked to make something that you may think HMMMM and then when it is finished go WOW.    Love the creative process.
Do you teach classes or workshops?:  Not at this time, between Full Time Work and this, not a lot of time left in the week :)

Thursday, March 8, 2018

SUNSHINE COAST STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR ARTS BY SIMI

Stallholder Profile for Arts By Simi



Your name: Simone McArdle
Your business name and facebook/website name and link: 

https://artbysimi.wixsite.com/modernart   
https://www.facebook.com/ArtsBySimi/

The suburb/town you live in now: Maryborough, Qld, Australia
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: Artwork often using acrylics or mixed media.


What inspired you to start your business?: I'm creative by nature and decided to focus my attention on the art styles I really enjoy creating. I have a desire for it to be more than just a hobby.
How long have you been creating?: Since my youth.
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: It was a hobby but I am now focusing on turning it into a business.
Where do you sell your creations?: Word of mouth, my facebook art page and one art exhibition so far. I now aim to sell from my new website, instagram and the The Handmade Expo.


What makes you so special or different?: My artwork is often vibrant and varying in methods. I find I do my best work by not sticking with one style or method. It keeps my ideas fresh and the creative juices flowing.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: Seeing someone hang my artwork in their home or office and to know they're very happy with it. 
What is your favourite product to make?: Artwork sets. Each piece matching and the sets being able to hang in different positions to accomodate and compliment the room. 
Do you teach classes or workshops?: Not yet but I'm planning to this year.

SUNSHINE COAST STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR HELEN SAINT-SMITH ART

Stallholder Profile for Helen Saint-Smith Art




Your name: Helen Saint-Smith

Your business name and facebook/website name and link: Helen Saint-Smith Art
fb https://www.facebook.com/HelenSaintSmithArt/

The suburb/town you live in now: Buderim

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: Artist





What inspired you to start your business?: Too many paintings to store under the bed!

How long have you been creating?: Started painting 10 years ago

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: Part time hobby

Where do you sell your creations?: Sell through fb, BlueThumb, Sunshine Coast Collective Markets, The Handmade Expo Sunshine Coast




What makes you so special or different?: Distinctive angular style

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: Love loosing myself in a painting – so relaxing.

Do you teach classes or workshops?: No teaching.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

BRISBANE NORTHSIDE STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR RESONANT ART CREATIONS

Stallholder Profile for Resonant Art Creations




Your name: Erika Faichney
Your business name and facebook/website name and link:  https://www.facebook.com/Resonant-Art-Creations-1808863239365396/ 
The suburb/town you live in now: Ferny Grove
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: Anything with Resin, Art, furniture and jewelry 



What inspired you to start your business?: Being able to create my pieces and they share with others
How long have you been creating?: 14 months
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: part time hobby / business
Where do you sell your creations?: Mainly market around Brisbane.



What makes you so special or different?: I have my own style and more recently adding other mediums to my work
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: When people enjoy my pieces and take them home
What is your favourite product to make?: Large resin pieces
Do you teach classes or workshops?: just for friends