Tell us where the name Oaktree Mama came from?
Oaktreemama is a simple combination of where I live (Oaktree) and what I do (Mum of two) ~ but I like the reference to nature because it makes sense for my love of upcycling.
How did you get into crafting?
I have always made things - sewing and knitting, but when my youngest started school mid 2012 I was able to indulge more seriously. My inspiration is almost always something my children or I need and I'd much rather recycle, hand-make and/or tailor-make. I also love Op-shopping and looking for treasure that other people have discarded. Re-use and recycling are so important for our environment and I love getting back to the skills and attitude for thrift that my grandmothers and greatmothers had.
What do you make?
I make a wide variety of treasures by recycling vintage fabrics, fabric samples and fabrics from stashes long forgotten about. At the moment I am making mens ties into fabulous bead necklaces, turning fabric samples into Newsboy style hats and upcycling vintage fabrics into purses, wallets, jewellery and coffee cosies. I also make Beach Treasure Bags (fabulous for shell collectors big and small) and little bags containing the games we enjoyed as children - knucklebones, marbles and elastic skipping.
Who or what has been the most influential in your craft?
My two Grandmothers are enormous huge inspiration - both were enormously talented creative women - floristry, gardening, wool crafts and just about every craft fad in the 1960s and 70s.
What handmade possession do you most treasure?
I am surrounded by the most beautiful artwork done by my children every day - my daughter draws pictures almost daily and our doors and fridge are always covered!
What inspires you?
I just love the homewares and furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, especially Scandinavian design. We furnished our first home with light oak and beech furniture because it was cheap and now people covet it when they visit! I also love the thrill of the second-hand hunt and digging in junk shops. I would much rather relove something than have more go into landfill unnecessarily. Being environmentally responsible is more and more important.
Where do you find your online inspiration?
For a belly laugh when things go wrong Craftfail
Pinterest
Upcycling websites - there are heaps!
What is your favourite book?
My latest - over summer I read two by Jojo Moyes and they were both fabulous and hard to put down - Me Before You and The Girl You Left Behind.
And your favourite food?
I'd probably say a good roast chicken and all the trimmings - yum!
What music is on ‘high rotate’ on your stereo or ipod at the moment?
I'm going through a David Bowie revival at the moment - classic!
Apart from making and creating – what fills up the rest of your life?
I am a stay at home Mum, keeping the family ticking along. I also facilitate adult education programmes and am working for the North Shore
When you are not at the Devonport Craft Market where can people find your work?
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