NEW ROCKHAMPTON STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR BINNEYS TORNADO POTATOES

Stallholder Profile for Binneys Tornado Potatoes

Your name:  Steve and Nyree Binney

Your business name and facebook/website name and link:  Binneys Tornado Potatoes - https://www.facebook.com/Binneys-Tornado-Potatoes-522600444563196/ 

The suburb/town you live in now: - Toogoom, just outside Hervey Bay

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?:  Slinky potatoes spiralled onto a stick, placed into a light batter, deep fried and topped with a selection of 9 different flavoured salts.

What inspired you to start your business?:  Steve has been a painter for over 30 years and ran his own business and I had always worked in an office environment.  We had talked about doing something like this but had no idea where to start.  It was total luck that we made good friends with some locals who had been running a food stall and the rest is literally history.  They helped us get started and we have never looked back.  We are very grateful to have connected with these people.

How long have you been creating?:  Steve had been working on the business for 1 year and 3 months and I quit my full time job to join him in June last year. 

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?:  This is our full time job

Where do you sell your creations?:  We travel up and down Queensland for work, our potatoes work best with music festivals, school fetes, car shows, food and wine festivals and of course The Hand Made Expo.  We are so grateful that most of our work comes out of Rockhampton and the CQ area 

What makes you so special or different?:  I don't think we are anymore special that anyone else that does the same product.  We have found what works for us, it differs to what others do with how we prepare our potatoes, we hand pick every spud from local produce farmers to create a streamline product that people enjoy. 

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?:  Hands down it has to be the people we meet and the places we get to travel to.  Everyone is happy to be there, friendly and having a great time

What is your favourite product to make?:  As we only specialise in the one product, it has to be our slinky potato. My favourite salt flavour would have to be Sour Cream and Chive, closely followed by Salt and Vinegar.  At times we also make real fresh cut potato chips, gluten free with nothing added other than the real taste of potato and your choice of flavoured salts 

Do you teach classes or workshops?:  No

NEW HERVEY BAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR BARVERA DESIGNS AUSTRALIA

Stallholder Profile for BarVera Designs Australia

Your name:    Barbara Watts

Your business name and facebook/website name and link: BarVera Designs Australia  (I’m not on Facebook)

The suburb/town you live in now:   Burrum Heads

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?:  I crochet my necklaces and bracelets with wire and complete my sets with matching earrings…   I also create pendants with polymer clay and sometimes revert back to creating more traditional pieces of jewellery with my seemless unlimited inventory of semi precious beads!   My husband and I have travelled extensively throughout the world and I’m constantly intrigued and drawn to creative angles, colour variations and mixes…

What inspired you to start your business?:  I used to create and sell my own party plan clothing line and not wanting mass produced imported jewellery to compliment my garments, I began creating my unique ‘hand crafted’ pieces to accompany my ‘hand crafted’ clothing creations ~ the complete package! 

How long have you been creating?:   30 years or so….. I successfully exhibited my jewellery in the Fernie Arts Festival in Canada, however, I now set up at the Boat Club in Urangan in Hervey Hay every third Wednesday of the month and have participated in the handcrafted markets at the RSL….  I also have some necklaces on display and for sale at Hervey Bay’s Cultural Centre….  I’m looking forward to exhibiting my jewellery at Hervey Bay’s first ‘The Handmade Expo’ in May!!!  However, a lot of my business is by word of mouth and I especially enjoy commissions to accompany a special outfit for a special occasion!

What makes you so special or different?:   Crocheting is a technique passed on by my late Mother who inspired me to start my jewellery business!!!!  My creations are very different ~ very much one of a kind as I’m truly unable to make another just the same!    My finished crochet pieces and also the colours that evolve through the mix of polymer clay never cease to surprise and amaze me! 

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?:  Knowing that my unique jewellery is so appreciated and admired…    My ultimate goal is to enrich people’s lives with my Unique Artisan Jewellery….

What is your favourite product to make?:   Every piece is my favourite at the time as no two pieces are ever the same ~ I love variety!!!  My heart and soul goes into first, choosing the colours, then deciding on what embellishments I’ll add!     Each of my creations is unique which adds that individuality to each piece that my clients so desire and thrill to wear!

Do you teach classes or workshops?:  I have been asked to teach how I crochet with wire on many occasions, however, I really am so consumed creating for my niche market!!!

NEW HERVEY BAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR APRIL SHOWERS HANDMADE GIFTS N YARNS

Stallholder Profile for April Showers Handmade Gifts n Yarns

Your name: Juliette Bland

Your business name and facebook/website name and link: April Showers Handmade Gifts n Yarns    - Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AprilShowersHandmadeGiftsnYarns/

The suburb/town you live in now: Maryborough Qld.

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?:  I mainly make crochet toys as well as knitted long socks, leg warmers. I also make blankets, cushions, Wall pictures, baby clothing.

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What inspired you to start your business?:  I've always had a love of crochet and knitting. Encouragement from family had me taking it one step more and started selling online. Have won many ribbons from craftshows around Australia. And have a lot of my work sell to the overseas market.

How long have you been creating?: Self taught when was only young around 36 years ago.

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: My goal is to become a business but at the moment it is just a full time hobby

Where do you sell your creations?: I sell a lot online & word of mouth. I also sell at local craft markets around the area and will be selling at The Handmade Expo & Vintage market for the first time in May. I am lucky enough to also design and sell some of my designs to a magazine called Yarn.

What makes you so special or different?: I don't think my work makes me special or different. I just love what I do, love colour and can only hope it shows through in my finished products.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: Love seeing the children's and adults faces from receiving one of my products. Knowing that just one little toy can bring joy to someone and know that it is going to be loved for years to come.

What is your favourite product to make?: I don't really have a favourite but if had to choose would have to be my toys. No 2 toys turn out the same way.

Do you teach classes or workshops?: Yes I have classes/workshops in my home.

NEW HERVEY BAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR QUILT ART BY JEAN GRIFFITHS

Stallholder Profile for Quilt Art by Jean Griffiths

Your name: Jean Griffiths.

Your business name:  Quilt Art by Jean Griffiths.

The suburb/town you live in now: Dundowran Beach, Hervey Bay.

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: I use my quilting skills to make cot quilts, queen quilts on commission, place mats, and unique bags using rich fabrics to make Victorian crazy patchwork.

What inspired you to start your business?: I was originally inspired by the Welsh coast where we lived before migrating 10 years ago.

How long have you been creating?: I have been quilting since 1974, but before 2000 I only made things to raise money for the church. I still make loads of charity quilts for the Hervey Bay Quilters

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: It is a full time hobby!

Where do you sell your creations?: I have a regular spot at the Harbour Gift Gallery at Urangan, and attend Artslink craft Fairs and now will attend The Handmade Expo & Vintage Market.

What makes you so special or different?: My specialty is making landscapes in fabric. I exhibit at the annual Randwick Art society exhibition and craft fair in Sydney where I am still a member. My work is unique there as I'm the only member to date who's medium is fabric and my work receives a lot of praise. Last year I received an award for my technique.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: I love what I do both to sell and for charity and it's good to know that people love it too.

What is your favourite product to make?: I love what I do both to sell and for charity and it's good to know that people love it too.

Do you teach classes or workshops?: I have held workshops in the U.K. but now I teach within my quilting group.

NEW HERVEY BAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR KATHRYN'S CREATIONS

Stallholder Profile for Kathryn's Creations

Your name: Kathryn Rodda

Your business name and facebook/website name and link:  Kathryn's Creations    www.facebook.com/kathrynscreations   www.madeit.com.au/kathrynscreations

The suburb/town you live in now: Hervey Bay

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: I make clothing, swimwear and dancewear for ladies and children. 

What inspired you to start your business?:  I began making my youngest son some shorts when he was a baby/toddler because his legs were way shorter (and chubbier) than his two older brothers, so the shorts they wore were long pants on him. I enjoyed it and as a stay at home Mum, and with my friend's encouragement, I decided to make them to sell. I have changed the style I make over the years and have gradually extended the sizes I make for. Swimwear and dancewear were last year's addition, and this year I have added a ladies line. 

How long have you been creating?:  I have always been creative and love craft. My Mum was a dressmaker while I was young, and she made amazing wedding and formal dresses in the small town we lived in. I learnt to sew with her and loved home economics in high school. She says I'm better than her, but I'm no where near up to making a beaded wedding dress like she use to make!

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?:  I spend most of my time sewing, as I love being at home with my boys even though they are at school now. My husband is a nurse and works all kinds of shifts, so me being home works well for our family. I do a little bit of relief work at the local school but enjoy sewing more.

Where do you sell your creations?:  I have an online store through Madeit.com.au and also sell through Facebook and local markets. People can also contact me for custom orders that are able to be collected locally or posted all over Australia.

What makes you so special or different?:  I believe children should be dresses as children, not mini adults or teenagers. So, particularly for girls, my clothing is all modest and age appropriate, including my swimwear. This is particularly why I started making swimwear after seeing girls at the beach locally in very skimpy bikinis and also having friend's with girls complaining about the skimpy options once they reach the tween sizes. I like to make things that are bright and pretty and fun but still keep girls covered in the right places.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?:  I love seeing a piece of fabric transform into a beautiful item of clothing and then to see pictures of people and children wearing my items is just the icing on the cake.

What is your favourite product to make?:  I love making pretty floral twirly dresses. I have 3 boys, so I love to indulge in my girly side through my sewing for little girls.

Do you teach classes or workshops?:  Not at this stage. I have toyed with the idea, but found it difficult to set up a teaching studio while we are renting. One day we might own our own house and I'll have a studio!

NEW HERVEY BAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR POCKET FULL OF SUNSHINE FEATURING UNICORN PLAY

Stallholder Profile for Pocket Full of Sunshine Featuring Unicorn Play

Your name: Tarassa Instone and Rhonda Shaw - two friends who met in sewing class 4 years ago and it went from there :).

Your business name and facebook/website name and link: Pocket full of Sunshine Featuring Unicorn Play, https://www.facebook.com/Pocket-full-of-Sunshine-featuring-Unicorn-Play-1601548313428483/ 

The suburb/town you live in now: Hervey Bay.

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: Creating custom Bags (including Nappy, Satchels, Duffels,  Handbags and kids bags), making earrings, and Amigurumi.

What inspired you to start your business? Tarassa loves creating and started Pocket Full of Sunshine (as there is only so much you can give to family right?)  Rhonda joined as Unicorn Play as her family started showing people what the unique bags they had received  and some requests were received.  Best part is we both encourage and work well together.

How long have you been creating?: Both of us started doing all sorts of craft in our teens .  

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: Both Hobby and our Business.  While Tarassa's big seller is her Amigurumi and Rhonda's her bags, we still love creating and designing the items.  It is our happy place/time.

Where do you sell your creations? Online via Facebook and various local markets and soon to be The Handmade Expo.

What makes you so special or different?: unique bags and personalised products.  We both take the time helping our customers pick their materials and how they will work together.  This has lead to repeat business and happy clients :).

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: seeing the enjoyment and happiness of what we make when people see it.  You always put a piece of "you" in the work and when they love it - nothing beats it.

What is your favourite product to make?: Tarassa: My crocheted unicorn  Rhonda: Swoon Belle Nappy Bags.

Do you teach classes or workshops?: Not at this time. 

NEW TOOWOOMBA STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR ELISE HEATHER DESIGNS

Stallholder Profile for Elise Heather Designs

Your name: Elise Heather Loxley

Your Business name and Facebook name and link:

Elise Heather Designs – Modern Bohemian Home Décor, Accessories & Art.

https://www.facebook.com/eliseheatherdesigns/

The suburb/town you live in now: Toowoomba, QLD

What is it that you make and what skills do you use? I weave, do macramé, embroider and sew. I make wall hangings plant hangers, cushions, clutches/bags, pouches and baskets.

What inspired you to start your business? Elise Heather Designs was born through the undeniable passion I have for creating. I find the act of making something with my hands relaxing, soothing and spiritual. I believe it to be not only a passion but an obsession of sorts. My need to create soon blossomed into a hobby then a business where I still make everything myself. From the idea, through to design, creating through to placing the finished item up for sale. It’s all done by me.

How long have you been ‘creating’? My whole life but EHD has been going for almost 2 years now.

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business? At the moment I study business full time but hope that in the near future EHD will turn from a part time hobby business to become a full time job.

Where do you sell your creations? I sell at local artisan markets in Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane and have an online store that ships internationally. www.eliseheatherdesigns.com

What makes what you do special or different? I make everything myself from design, through to the finished product. I take custom orders and can work with you to come up with a truly unique piece.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do? Seeing photos of people enjoying my work.

What is your favourite product that you make? It changes a lot. I get bored making the same thing over and over but I am particularly enjoying macramé wall hangings at the moment.

Do you teach classes or workshops? Yes. I teach beginners macramé classes at Triangle House, North Ipswich. I am currently working on holding a class in Toowoomba. For more information please visit eliseheatherdesigns.com

NEW STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR FAITH HOPE LOVE CANDLES

Stallholder Profile for Faith Hope Love Candles

Your name:   Gwyn Alcorn

Your Business name and Facebook name and link:  Faith Hope Love Candles    www.facebook.com/faithhopelovesoycandles/?ref=bookmarks 

The suburb/town you live in now:  Bellbowrie Qld

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?  Soy candles

What inspired you to start your business?  My love of candles

How long have you been ‘creating’?  4 years 

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business?   It started out as a hobby 4 years ago but now it is a small business.

Where do you sell your creations? Online/markets etc..  I sell from home, through social media, and have a stockist and now will be attending The Handmade Expo in Ipswich and Forest Hill.

What makes what you do special or different? .  I like to think that because each candle is individually made, the quality of the product is very good.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?    Making something beautiful that other people appreciate and like as much as I do.

What is your favourite product that you make?   I love finding antique or old bowls etc and giving them a new lease of life as a candle.  

Do you teach classes or workshops?   Not currently.

NEW FOREST HILL STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR MISS POPSY

Stallholder Profile for Miss Popsy

Your name: Genevieve Berlin

Your Business name and Facebook name and link: Miss Popsy (www.misspopsy.net) (www.facebook.com/misspopsy)

The suburb/town you live in now: Upper Tenthill

What is it that you make and what skills do you use? I make a range of floral arrangements, from posies I sell each Friday for $35 and deliver to Toowoomba & the Lockyer Valley, to wedding/function arrangements. I describe my style as country cottage - I want my designs to look as though I've walked through Grandma's garden and picked whatever was in season. I also create Kokedamas (hanging plant balls) and potted succulents.

What inspired you to start your business? I've always wanted to run my own business and I love gardening. After I created our wedding floral arrangements I started to think maybe this could be a business idea. The idea stuck in my head for months and I finally made the jump October 2016 when I started Miss Popsy. December 2016 I took the leap of faith, leaving my corporate job to focus on building Miss Popsy.

How long have you been ‘creating’? Officially since October 2016, but I think I've always been creating posies and potted delights for my home.

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business? Full-time Business.

Where do you sell your creations? Miss Popsy is run mainly online through my online store and through facebook. Forest Hill Handmade Expo Markets will be my 2nd market day, so I'm very excited to try something new!

What makes what you do special or different?  I think what I do is unique as I don't trade as a 'florist'. I admire what florists are able to do and create, they are very talented. I try to stay away from traditional florist arrangement styling, and stay within my country cottage style. I also think the custom order aspect of my business, whether it be florals or living plants, is unique. For my wedding and function customers, I prefer to meet face to face prior to quoting. I believe this allows them to feel comfortable with me, and I find I can understand what they are wanting better. I also have very limited wedding dates I make available throughout the year. This is so when I'm working on a couple's wedding, I'm only working on their wedding. They are 100% my focus. I really try hard to give the customer what they were wanting at the end of the day.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do? Hand delivering orders and seeing the smiles on people's faces. It makes the early 4am starts worth it when you know you've made someone's day!

What is your favourite product that you make? Wedding arrangements or custom orders were I have free reign to be creative. I tend to get so absorb in the arrangement, I will sit on the floor in my dining room for hours and I don't realise how much time has passed.

Do you teach classes or workshops? Unfortunately not at the moment. This is something I would love to do in the future though!