Friday, August 31, 2018

HERVEY BAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR KATHRYN'S CREATIONS

Stallholder Profile for Kathryn's Creations




Your name:Kathryn Rodda

Your business name: Kathryn's Creations
The suburb/town you live in now: Hervey Bay
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: Handmade clothing and swimwear for babies, children and adults



What inspired you to start your business?: When my youngest boy, now 9, was little, he had very short and extremely chubby legs and the shorts I'd had from my 2 older boys were like long pants on him, so I had to make short shorts for him. I've always sewn as my Mum used to make our clothes and also made formal and wedding dresses in our small town. I developed a new found love for being creative and friends began telling me I should sell my items. So I began at small markets in Brisbane before doing larger ones as my range grew. We moved to Hervey Bay in 2014 and with all my kids at school, I had more time to sew. I now have an online store and do local markets and festivals. I've expanded into swimwear, with my passion for modesty for young girls and tweens I have found flattering swimwear patterns that are still fun for girls, but not styles that reveal too much for their age. I've been blown away by how popular my swimwear range is over the summer months.

How long have you been creating?: I've been in my business about 8 years, but I've always been crafty from a very young age. I began sewing with my Mum when I was in primary school and also enjoy doing cross stitch at night time.

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: This is my business. I am a stay at home Mum and also foster carer, so this allows me to be creative but also bring in extra money for our kids to do sports and arts and music etc.
Where do you sell your creations?: Local markets and festivals, occassionally I travel to special events. I also sell on Etsy and my website.


What makes you so special or different?: My clothes and swimwear are designed to be fun and pretty, but also with modesty in mind, particularly for older girls/tweens. I believe children should be dressed as children, not in skimpy clothing with inappropriate sayings on shirts etc. 
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: Sewing for me is therapeutic, I'm not sure what I'd do all day if I wasn't sewing! (I guess there's always housework!) But one of the most rewarding things is when I have return customers coming back time and time again when their children outgrow their previous purchase or new little bundles come into their families. 
What is your favourite product to make?: Oooh, that's tough! I really enjoy making swimwear, as it's a bit different. But at the moment, I love a new dress I've released that is very pretty and has ruffles and bows. I am a Mum of all boys, so anything pretty draws me in!

Do you teach classes or workshops?: Yes, I teach sewing lessons. I teach children from 10 years of age up to adults, of all abilities. I've taught absolute beginners and am also about to offer a range of classes for more experienced sewers who would like to learn a new skill.

NEW MACKAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR LESLEY WILSON AUTHOR

Stallholder Profile for Lesley Wilson Author



Your name: Lesley Wilson
Your business name and facebook/website name and link:
The suburb/town you live in now: Bucasia, Mackay
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: I’m an author. Major skill is my imagination and the tenacity to commit hundreds of thousands of words to paper.



What inspired you to start your business?: A lifelong love of literature, and a driving force to write about the many characters who rattle around inside my head.
How long have you been creating?: Since I was around 8 years of age.
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: Pretty much full time if promotion of my product on social media is included. I like to think of it as a business, but I don’t make much money. That said, hope springs eternal.
Where do you sell your creations?: Anywhere I can, including markets, expos, and on-line.



What makes you so special or different?: That’s a curly question! My stories are set in 14th century Yorkshire, so I do an enormous amount of research into the period to make sure I get it right. I love to bring the harsh reality of the era to life, but I have also included a little romance, much comedy, enthralling intrigue, some blood and guts, several deliciously evil characters, and a few zany animals.  Orphan Oric, the main protagonist, is apprenticed to elderly apothecary, Ichtheus, so much investigation into the practice of ancient herbs and cures was needed. My readers seem to love my stories, and this gives me the biggest thrill of all.  Currently I am writing my fourth book – a thriller/romance set in the 1960s, which is completely different to my medieval trilogy. If I stopped writing, I believe I would die. LOL
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: Seeing my characters spring to life in my books, reading my reviews, and talking to people - especially youngsters.
What is your favourite product to make?: Books.
Do you teach classes or workshops?: Not so far.

NEW SUNSHINE COAST STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR LOOPZ

Stallholder Profile for Loopz




Your name: Karen Beckett
Your business name and Facebook/website name and link: www.Madeit.com.au/Loopz
The suburb/town you live in now: Yandina
What is it that you make and what skills do you use? I use my passion for beautiful soft draping fabric and an eye for what looks great to make fabric Infinity Scarves.



What inspired you to start your business? A couple of things – with a love of wearing scarves and shawls (they have always been a part of my wardrobe) so I decided to start making some for myself and got lots of positive comments. I also found I’d reached an age where I wasn’t looking too good on paper when applying for jobs so decided it was time to let the “inner me” out!
How long have you been creating?  I’ve been sewing (off and on) for more than 40 years making my own clothes with their own distinct style.
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business? I’m aiming to make it into a business where I can work the amount of time I want to.
Where do you sell your creations? The Handmade Expo is the perfect vehicle for Loopz, this will be my third Expo. The Expo has a lovely relaxed atmosphere about it, and I’ve had wonderful positive comments from stallholders and Expo visitors alike.  I also have on online outlet at MadeIt.com.au/Loopz. Two fine avenues for anyone’s creativity.



What makes you so special or different? My scarves are made with love - a love of making something unique yet practical and oh so pretty. And they are unique, you won’t find other people wearing your scarf!
What is the most rewarding part of what you do? Being free to be creative, have bright (and not so bright) ideas and trying them out – it’s very rewarding when your idea works out!
What is your favourite product to make?: I love turning fabric or a preloved scarf that I have absolutely fallen head over heels in love with into a beautiful Loopz.
Do you teach classes or workshops?: No, I don’t.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

NEW HERVEY BAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR EMMA WILLIAMS DESIGNS

Stallholder Profile for Emma Williams Designs




Your name: Emma Williams

Your business name: Emma Williams Designs
The suburb/town you live in now: Maryborough
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: Handmade earrings using materials such as Fabric, Wood, Clay & Tassel




What inspired you to start your business?: My long standing love of accessories & my inner passion of always creating.
How long have you been creating?: I have pursued multiple creative journeys in the past 15 years.. from Canvas Abstract Artwork, Watercolour Painting & Pallet Board creations, all being unique & have loved each one.
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?:  (I wish it was full time)... My little business is a part time love (for now).. along side my day job, kids, hubby & home life.
Where do you sell your creations?: I sell my designs via Instagram, Facebook & have just recently launched my website. I also have an occasional POP UP Shop from Home or in Maryborough CBD. Soon I'll be at The Handmade Expo.



What makes you so special or different?: I hate questions like this LOL.. but I guess my own unique touch on each piece I make. They are unlike anyone else's.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: The most rewarding part is that I get to create & the special feeling I get when I sell each piece. The fact that someone else loves my designs as much as me. It's a very rewarding feeling which makes me want to create & become bigger & better.
What is your favourite product to make?: I love making my Clay/ Tassel designs.. Each piece is unique & no piece the same.

Do you teach classes or workshops?: No unfortunately.. not enough hours in my day at present.

NEW SUNSHINE COAST STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR NATIVE GARDENS BEEKEEPING & PURE HONEY

Stallholder Profile for Native Gardens Beekeeping & Pure Honey




Your name: Joanne & Bruce Murphy

Your business name and facebook/website name and link: Native Gardens Beekeeping & Pure Honey

The suburb/town you live in now:  Petrie

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: We provide beautiful Natural Unprocessed Cold Extracted Honey and Information about Honeybees, Native Bees & Beekeeping.




What inspired you to start your business?: After back surgery for us both we had to learn a new Career and my 85year old father needed help with his bee’s, and from there we could the bug of beekeeping & we Love Beekeeping

How long have you been creating?: approximately 7 years

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


Where do you sell your creations?: We sell from our home and also the Handmade Expo only :)


What makes you so special or different?: We are the Beekeepers selling our own Honey & Products, not a onseller.  We are so passionate about what we do that we answer any questions and assist any new Beekeepers or Hobbiest,  We even go to see and assist with their Bee’s.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: We love the passing of our knowledge and selling OUR products, its so rewarding. We are extremely lucky to do what we love “Beekeeping”.

What is your favourite product to make?: 
Native Beehives for me - Jo
Honey Beehives for Bruce 

Do you teach classes or workshops?: Not classes or workshops.  However, If someone wants to learn we will definitely assist them.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

NEW SUNSHINE COAST STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR A MOMENT IN TIME CAST IN STONE

Stallholder Profile for A Moment In Time Cast In Stone



Your name: Michelle Horne

Your business name and facebook/website name and link:
A Moment in Time
My website domain is not yet working but a link to the current website can be found on my facebook page. 

The suburb/town you live in now:
I live in Tewantin, I will be moving to Southside (Gympie), once our house is built. 

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?:
I make 3d impressions of hands and feet. I specialise in newborns, but these can be done a 1 or 101. These are a beautiful keepsake &a great gift idea for grandparents. 
We use the same product as a dentist uses to take moulds of your teeth and they are then filled with a high quality casting stone. 





What inspired you to start your business?:
I needed to go back to work after having my last baby, but I couldn't find anything where I could work around my partners hours (baker). It took 6 months before I decided to go ahead and do this. Now I can work around my partner but still have the family life we enjoy.  

How long have you been creating?:
I have been operating for 12 months, with a few months of trial and error before that. 

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?:
It's a part time business. I would love to be busy enough that I am working full time, by the time my 3 year old starts school in 2020.

Where do you sell your creations?:
I have been to markets before which didn't generate much business. I have a facebook page, website & I have had a lot of word of mouth business recently. I'm looking forward to starting up at The Handmade Expo and seeing how that goes for me. 




What makes you so special or different?:
Not so much special or different, but I love what I do and I will only give my clients the best. 

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?:
When people receive their new frames with their babies casts and seeing how happy they are. I have done some bereavement work and just knowing that they have a little piece of their loved one with them, makes me so happy that I can give that to them. Also meeting new people and getting to know them in the hour that I am there. I have met so many beautiful people in the last 12 months. 

What is your favourite product to make?:
It has to be the hands. It's like opening a christmas present. You never know how they are going to look until the mould is pulled apart. 

Do you teach classes or workshops?:
No I don't, but I am looking into DIY products. 

Thursday, August 9, 2018

NEW SUNSHINE COAST STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR ELEMENT HEART

Stallholder Profile for Element Heart



Your name: Melanie Jackson

Your business name and facebook/website name and link:
website in works

The suburb/town you live in now: Noosa Heads

What is it you make and what skills do you use:
Currently I crochet all sorts of things and make fiber jewelry.
I'm a silversmith by trade, an old fashioned apprenticeship at a special school in Germany, where I learned to make cutlery, plates, bowls and other things out of metal and other materials. I've done a few other occupations in my life, but during both of mt maternity leaves, I've come back to being creative and dabbling in a few crafts.






What inspired you to start your business?
After having my first babe, I need to do something to keep my brain busy during the quiet days of breastfeeding and I needed something to help with post natal depression. I discovered many many websites and blogs, including this woman's blog where she used crochet to help with her depression. Unfortunately she decided to end her time and there was a tribute being shared which I chose to participate. So I retaught myself how to crochet after 20 something years,
And from there I started to build up a small business to try and supplement our families income. Big steep learning curve from with today's way of marketing and social media.

How long have you been creating?
As long as I can remember, but the business exists since 2016.

Is it full time/part time hobby or business?
Its part time, fitting around naps, housework, another business and daycare days.

Where do you sell your creations? online/markets etc.
I sell online on Facebook, Etsy and Instagram. My website is being updated and rebuilt at the moment. And I sell at markets like the Sunshine Coast Handmade Expo and Noosa Junction Twilight markets.




What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Seeing a photo after someone received their order and its a tiny little babe being snug in their bonnet or blanket.
Also going shopping for supplies aka yarn, can't deny that, it's exciting.

What is your favorite product to make?
Baby bonnets are a very rewarding product to make, but I think I most enjoy making different and spontaneous jewelry. 

Do you teach classes or workshops?
I would love to start a crochet group, hopefully where newbies can come and join into learning crochet. Definitely on my list.

NEW ROCKHAMPTON STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR JENNIFER M RYAN

Stallholder Profile for creative Jennifer M Ryan



Your name: Jennifer Ryan 
Your business name and facebook/website name and link: jrcs.com.au
The suburb/town you live in now: Captain Creek
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: artist and author



What inspired you to start your business?: a need to create, meetings with other artists and authors
How long have you been creating?: for sale, 3ish years
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: part time
Where do you sell your creations?:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AA.agnesart/ 
Facebook: Jennifer M Ryan, author
Facebook: Studio Agnes 


What makes you so special or different?: probably not much :) but I have a story to tell, 
1. I am an emerging artist who like learning and being part of a creative community. I am adventurous artist, not afraid to be different, and like to experiment with new techniques and tools.
2. As a writer, I have been writing stories for my grandchildren, every Xmas, for several years. Granny Jen is Missing is one I took the next step with, and published. It is a uniquely Australian story that shows how important patience, teamwork and caring work to solve problems by having animals exhibit the good and bad aspects of these qualities. As an experienced teacher, this book is made to be read to children. It comes with an A4 phamplett that explains where some learning points are, and how you could use them.

3. I retired from full time work when my autoimmune diseases, SLE/lupus and RA/rheumatoid arthritis interfered too too much. I have created a coffee cup that explains/shows the hidden story via 'the story of the cup' and an It's A Flare Ladies image.

4. Photography

5. Digital art
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: all of it. Happy to be alive ... Walking, talking and creating. Sometimes all at the same time
What is your favourite product to make?: Nothing New Here series of art work, created totally from pre-used objects, that were not purchased for that purpose.
Do you teach classes or workshops?: yes. Captain Creek Sport and Rec Centre, art workshops, 10am Wednesday's.

Monday, August 6, 2018

NEW TOOWOOMBA STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR CREATIVE AYUKO OBA

Stallholder Profile for Ayuko Oba



Your name: Ayuko Oba

Your Business name and Facebook name and link: I haven't had a business name yet.

The suburb/town you live in now: Gatton

What is it that you make and what skills do you use? I am making earrings, hair clips, hair ornament, etc. using TSUMAMI ZAIKU techniques. The techniques commence 300~400 years ago in Japan.





What inspired you to start your business? I love Japanese look.

How long have you been ‘creating’? I have learnt the technique of the TSUMAMI ZAIKU in Japan a few years ago.

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business? It is hobby for me, I eventually would like to do as a business.

Where do you sell your creations? I just sell only at The Handmade Expo Market at the moment.




What is the most rewarding part of what you do?  When people like my products, I am really happy. I also would like to introduce Japanese things to a lot of people.

What is your favourite product that you make? I love to make a Kanzashi comb which is a traditional Japanese hair ornament.

Do you teach classes or workshops? I haven't had a workshop yet. If people need to learn TSUMAMI ZAIKU, I am happy to teach it.

NEW AIRLIE BEACH STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR AUSTRALIAN RED OCHRE CUSTOM LEATHER

Stallholder Profile for Australian Red Ochre Custom Leather



Your name:Di Quadrio
Your business name and facebook/website name and link: Australian Red Ochre Custom Leather https://www.facebook.com/customleatheraustralia/
The suburb/town you live in now: Whitsunday
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?:Leather crafter



What inspired you to start your business?:Love of leather
How long have you been creating?:all my life
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?:Hobby but would like to make into a business
Where do you sell your creations?:At the moment just make for friends and family and sell custom made as requested. But soon I'll be at The Handmade Expo.



What makes you so special or different?:
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: Putting together customers ideas into a leather product.
What is your favourite product to make?:Everything, dont really have a favorite.
Do you teach classes or workshops? Not yet. Maybe one day though.

NEW BRISBANE NORTHSIDE STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR CHLOE'S LIVING GIFTS

Stallholder Profile for Chloe's Living Gifts




Your name:Chloe Ditchburn
Your business name and facebook/website name and link:Chloe’s Living Gifts www.facebook.com/chloeslivinggifts
The suburb/town you live in now:Camira
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?:I make living gifts and art. I especially use a lots of Tillandsia (air plants) and love to recuse, recycle and repurpose when ever possible. 


What inspired you to start your business?: I love being creative and friends started to buy my creations from me so it grew into a business. I also wanted to have a job that allowed for me to be with my kids when they need me.
How long have you been creating?:Forever
Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?:This is my full time business
Where do you sell your creations?:I attend both the Ipswich and Northside The Handmade Expos. I will be attending the Botanical Bazaar in September. I also do many online sales.



What makes you so special or different?:I make unusual and quirky things. They add whimsy to peoples yards and houses
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: I love the smile on peoples faces when they look at my creations
What is your favourite product to make?: The Airplant Jelly fish
Do you teach classes or workshops?:no, not at this stage