Stallholder Profile Cairns Market
Sarbet Designs
Name: Beth Kerr
Business name : Sarbét Designs
The suburb/town: Edmonton, Cairns QLD
What is it that you make and what skills do you use?
I specialise in unique custom-made cushion covers and lamp/pendant shades. I use high quality fabrics to make my products all by hand.
My cushion covers are all machine sewn and over locked in a variety of sizes from standard to large cushions ideal for lounging on the floor.
The shades are made with a professional rolled edge and I source many of the materials for these from down South. I also offer the service of the client providing their own fabrics for me to work with, this offers them a personalised product that will compliment their home.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired by the fact that a family member was looking for lamp shades to compliment a makeover she had recently done in her home. As she became very frustrated with finding nothing but bland plain shades it was then that I decided to go ahead with my idea that I had had swimming around in my mind for a few months. After making a successful shade I decided to compliment it with cushions and from there Sarbét Designs evolved.
How long have you been creating?
I had been thinking about starting my own business for awhile and procrastinated over it for months before taking the plunge in February 2014. I have always enjoyed working with fabric and creating things with my hands since I was a child.
Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business?
At the moment I would classify my business as part time, however I am hoping to turn the tables this year by getting myself out there and known and turning it into full time.
Where do you sell your creations? .
Currently I have my products at Stella Florist and Gift Gallery in Cairns and The Cairns Furniture Gallery. I have a shop on madeit.com and I am hoping to also attend the Tanks Markets on the 4th Sunday of every month between April and November as well as Carnival on Collins which is a huge event each Fathers Day in Cairns, attracting lots of wonderful hand crafted products and amazing food, plants and entertainment. Of course I can't go past this question without mentioning my stall I will now be having with The Handmade Expo.... very exciting!
What makes what you so special or different?
I would have to say I am different from other artisans in the area as I have not come across anyone else who does what I do and the fact that I offer the service of the client supplying their own fabrics which result in an item that gives them their own personnel product.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
I really enjoy watching a piece of fabric be transformed into a lovely decor item.
I thoroughly love what I do and everything I make is done with all my heart and love, I find it very satisfying to watch my work evolve into something someone will appreciate and place in their home.
What is your favourite product that you make?
I enjoy making both Cushion covers and Lamp/Pendant shades. I have days where I prefer to make one item over the other, but as a whole I have no favourite.
Do you teach classes or workshops?
No, I have thought about it, but at this stage just been focusing on getting myself into markets and getting my products and name out there.
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