Meet Kim Whalen and I am the artist and designer of all things Kute Kiwi.
Kim's Designs are quirky, fashionable and edgy - read on to find out where she draws her inspiration, and some of her recent successes.
Make sure you stop by to meet her at the market on Sunday
Who are you and what do you do?
Wool is my passion. I create lots of different items and it is all mostly centered around wool. I make fashion accessories such as bow ties, necklaces, and funky glasses. I also make some home wares including pom pom flowers, pretty garlands, and original art. I also make lots of other random bits and bobs like my notebook sets.
How long have you been crafting and what is your first crafting memory or experience?
I have been crafting ever since I can remember. I guess my first crafty memory was when I was little on sunny days I used to group different colored crayons together in a small pile on the cement in my backyard and wait for them to melt all together. Then I was able to color in my coloring books with multi-colored crayons!
What inspires you?
Everything, I am very easily inspired! I gain inspiration by everything around me...from beautiful natural scenery and animals as well as films, music, books and photography. I find vintage design and fashion very interesting and this has a large influence on some of my work. I also love many historical periods especially the Georgian era! I also love to just wander craft stores or home stores and look at all the beautiful furniture or items I can possibly create something new with. Sitting in a park and people watching is inspiring as well, people are fascinating.
What is the crafting achievement you are most proud of?
Kute Kiwi collaborated with World (NZ’s top fashion house) for their 2011 Autumn/Winter Collection. Watching my bow ties, chain scarves and glasses walking down the run way last week at New Zealand Fashion Week was a proud moment. I cannot wait until next year when Kute Kiwi will be in World stores all over NZ and Australia
What item from the craft, art and design world would you most like for Christmas?
I am so in love with Dear Colleen’s "Skills to pay the bills" print!
What is your favourite blog / book and food?
I hate picking favourites…but If I had to just choose one blog it would probably be Design*Sponge. I love books too. I love science/ fantasy fiction novels and of course all the classics like Jane Austin. Oh and my favourite food is anything Mexican!
Why buy handmade?
Buying handmade means you’re buying something that is special, unique, one-of-a-kind, and made with care. That just doesn’t exist in the world of mass production. You’re also usually directly supporting an independent artist which I am a big fan of.
When you are not at The Devonport Craft Market where can people buy your things?
I am an artist on Foxes. I also sell on my personal online stores Etsy and Felt. Tiny Space, a cute shop off K Rd. in Auckland stocks Kute Kiwi. And more stockists to come soon (hurray!)! Oh and other markets around Auckland, which can be tracked weekly via my website.
