Meet Lucy Patterson - artist and maker
What is the name of your brand and where did the name come from?I use my name, Lucy Patterson, for my overall brand, but my range of creative kits go under the name ‘Hands-on’ (which is also the name of my blog).
I like being ‘hands-on’, whether it’s crafting things, growing food, or doing Reiki (a kind of hands-on healing that I practise). So many hands-on skills are being lost to technology. For me, being ‘hands-on’ is not only useful, it’s joyful. It’s about really engaging with life.
When did you begin making and what was your inspiration?
I’ve been making things my whole life! My current range is inspired by three main things: my collection of vintage kimono fabrics, the set of Russian matryoshka dolls I was given as a child, and a desire to pass on my own love for making beautiful things to other people through my craft kits.
What do you make?
Lots of things!
• Russian matryoshka doll cushions, key rings, art cards and magnets.
• Vintage kimono-printed felt squares
• A range of creative kits, for example: cushions, toys and bunting flags made using kimono felt; or delightful projects using kimono paper.
• Purses / makeup bags made out of my own range of fabrics
• Sets of inspiration cards (think angel cards but with beautiful Japanese illustrations!) that come in their own little kimono fabric purses.
Who has been the most influential in your craft?
I come from a creative jack-of-all-trades kind of family. As a child I was sung lullabies composed by my father, I played with dolls handmade by my mother, wore jumpers knitted by my grandmother, and read books that were meticulously bound by my grandfather. I think the biggest influence this had on me was to really understand that creativity is something that we all possess. It’s not a magical, illusive, special gift that only a few have. You just have to do it! And it’s fun and nourishing and deeply satisfying.
What inspires you?
Creative people doing what they love. Travel! I first got bitten by the travel bug at the age of 13 when we spent 8 months exploring India as a family. Nature – infinitely beautiful and miraculous.
What is your favorite book?
For visual inspiration, stylist Sibella Court’s gorgeous, hefty, magpie tome Etcetera: Creating Beautiful Interiors with the Things You Love
And your favorite food?
Anything that’s grown in our own garden and then homemade with love.
Where do you find your online inspiration?
Geninne’s art blog
Mikodesign
maya*made
Closet Visit
Rifle Paper Co.
What handmade possessions do you most treasure?
Some of the handmade things I’ve brought home from my travels have become really precious to me. The vintage rugs from Morocco, neon embroidered Hill Tribe bedspreads from Vietnam… Every piece tells its own stories.
Apart from making / creating - what do you do with your spare time *wink*?
Reiki - I teach classes and give treatments. Reiki underpins everything that I do. I begin each day by giving myself a full Reiki treatment.
What music is on high rotate on your stereo or iPod?
The new Scalper album, Butchers Bakers. Captivating, complex, thought-provoking...
When you are not at the Devonport Craft Market - where can people find your work?
My blog/website
My Etsy
My original fabrics can be purchased through Spoonflower
You can also find me at other markets in Auckland!
Lucy has generously provided a special offer to all of those who read and mention this Meet the seller interview. the details are:
If you make a purchase from my stall at the next Devonport Craft Market (Sunday 6 May) and spend $20 or over, I will give you 20% off your entire purchase (just mention this Meet the Seller interview). Or buy anything from my Etsy store before Monday 7 May and you'll also receive 20% off (use the code DEVONPORT at the checkout). Happy shopping!
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