Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Meet the Seller: Amy from APT CreatioNZ

In the summer you will see Amy and her beautiful products out the front of the market. She has a broad range of beautiful pieces - a regular crafting machine!! 



Where did your brand name come from?
APT CreatioNZ was made using my initials (APT) and the word 'creations' to express the broad product range. I decided to use a 'Z' in the place of 's' at the end, and use capitals for the 'NZ' to link it to my roots in New Zealand. Later I added the li'l luv'd ones collection to be the branding for my children's range

When did you begin making and what was your inspiration?
I was lucky enough to grow up in an artistic home where my passion for creativity was born. I learnt to knit and sew at a young age, although I didn't pick them up again until I had children of my own.
APT CreatioNZ is the result of my passion for authentic design, fine art and all things cute, translated into items for little ones.
Starting out small before my first daughter was born, my designs have continued to grow and evolve.

I am now a stay at home mum of three cheeky little angels, who are my constant inspiration, with many designs beginning as creations for them.
Working from my little sewing room in our Auckland home, under the watchful eye of my mini design consultants, I lovingly create each item individually. Often producing one offs, before jumping to the next idea so it isn't lost into the ether



What do you make?
I have quite a large product range, everything from home decor and cot bedding through to boutique children's clothing and toys. I sew, crochet, knit and paint in order to create something unique which can be treasured for years to come. I have also recently added some D-I-Y kits to help inspire others to create items of their own.

Who has been the most influential in your craft?
My mother taught me to embrace art and creativity as a child and I have never looked back! She showed me the value in trying new mediums and techniques and I have carried that through with me, which is probably why I have such a wide range of products. In fact I recently taught myself how to crochet simply because it was something I have wanted to be able to do for a while. I really hope I can pass on the same passion to my own children.



What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from everywhere! Sometimes the colour of the sky will trigger me to think of a fabric I have in my stash, or one of my daughters will need a dress, hat, scarf...so off I go designing it. Often I will see something in the adult fashion world and adapt it to suit a child. I am also in love with the Arts & Crafts and Deco eras - shapes, design and fashion.

What is your favourite book?
'The reader' by Bernhard Schlink has to be up there...although I am enjoying the game of thrones series at the moment.



And your favourite food?
oooooh...thats a hard one....I think my all time favourite has to be my Nonna's home made Gnocchi with sugo. There is nothing like a true Italian family recipe...I am yet to find a restaurant who can match it!

Where do you find your favourite online inspiration? Blogs etc
I must admit I am a pinterest addict...I love sitting down with a cuppa and having a look at the latest 'pins'. I also love facebook for keeping up to date with some of my favourite designers.

 
What handmade possession do you treasure the most?
That would have to be the little clay pot my daughter made for me at kindy last year.

Apart from making and creating, what else do you do with your life!
I am a mum to three beautiful girls and wife to a very understanding husband who puts up with my creations taking over various rooms of the house. I also run a website for other homebased handmade labels www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz

What music is on ‘high rotate’ on your ipod or stereo at the moment?
There are a few on there at the mo....I was listening to 'florence and the machine' this afternoon and 'mumford & sons' gets played a lot too.




When you are not at the Devonport Craft Market where can people find your products?
I have a website www.aptcreationz.co.nz as well as a facebook page www.facebook.com/aptcreationz and am also on felt and littlekiwisnest

You can also find some items at the little frock shop in Hamilton and Organic baby in Wellington.

Amy has a special offer for all of you lovely people - check it out below - THANKS AMY!
I would like to make it feel like we are at the market all month by offering free shipping to anyone who orders after reading this, order via my www.aptcreationz.co.nz site and select 'shipping discount' on the product listing then type 'devonport' in the code box.


Thursday, July 4, 2013

Meet the Seller: Ingrid from BookBeads & Felted Fellows




Meet Ingrid from BookBeads and Felted Fellows

Where did you come up with your brand name?
I needed something self explanatory for the book markers that wasn’t already taken and found BookBeads fit the bill.  Felted Fellows came later, I was brainstorming a name for the line of felted dogs I had started , only I didn’t want to be committed to just dogs as I knew in the future that may change. My neice came up with Felted Fellows and I realised it was a perfect fit for all manner of felted animals!

When did you begin making and what was your inspiration?
A good five years ago my sister saw some beaded bookmarks in Australia and suggested I try them out here. Searching online and through other markets I couldn’t find anyone doing any similar so began my version. The choice of glass beads most definitely inspired me with their vibrant colours and shapes and I find every marker differs from the other as a consequence.

Felted Fellows started with an article in the UK interiors magazine that a friend at work pointed out. After going to the library and finding book after book on how to needle felt, the little dogs found their way into my heart!

What do you make?
The beaded bookmarks differ from most as they are secured to an elasticated band that is wrapped around the book, with the bling of beads resting on the outside.
Felted fellows started out as only dogs. I found the wire haired terriers, and schnauzers the most fun and popular to make, but make a range of other breeds too. Every now and then I will branch out to an Afghan Hound or a Great Dane to spice things up. Am often asked to make cats, but despite having my own cat as a model have yet to take that on! 
Just recently I have started a range of birds in bauble shape, with the mind to have a range of christmas tree decorations up and running soon.



Who has been the most influential in your craft?
I think it all stems from growing up with a pretty artistic and creative family. I was always encouraged and as a consequence have never come across something I thought I coudn't do. That drive meant I always tried a new skill, sometimes that wouldnt work out as well as I hoped, but I knew there would be something that I would try next that I would be happy with. 

What inspires you?
I am constantly in awe of the talent of those around me, in markets and online. I work at Auckland Art Gallery and I find in my line of work inspiration is always around the corner with the next exhibition.


What is your most treasured handmade possession?
My Dad is a photographer and I have a number of his earlier black and white photos that I particularly love. My sister does splendid ceramic sculptures, I only have a few smaller ones though as her larger pieces (of which I would love to have!) are just too heavy for me to bring over from Australia! 
I did a course way back when, of bronze sculptures in the lost wax process, which I am proud of and wish I had the time and money to start up again.

When you are not making what do you do?
I am a paintings conservator at Auckland Art Gallery.  The gallery has 5 conservators overall, and we all specialise in specific areas, Works on paper, Objects and Paintings. Our primary role is to care for the collection but we also have private service available to members of the public.



What is your favourite book?
Hard call, possibly 'Its all Fun and Games until Someone loses an Eye' by Christopher Brookmyer.         

And your favourie food?
Any Thai food

Where do you get your online inspiration from?
 I don’t really follow any blogs or specific sites, I find I am a bit of a google fiend though and will follow where any search takes me.

What music is on high rotate on your ipod?
I’m pretty eclectic when it comes to music, but I find I’m going through an extended phase of listening to my older stuff, so a lot of Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, James Taylor and Elkie Brooks.                                



When you are not at the Devonport Craft Market, where can people buy your work?
I have the Felted Dogs on Felt.co.nz under FeltedFellows,
I also sell them at Tessuti on Jervois Rd, Ponsonby and in Newmarket.

I can also be found at Craft Harvest in Parnell, but all my works have email addresses and people can find me at them too.

Meet the Seller: Debbie from Sew in Joy


Meet Debbie from Sew In Joy!

Where did you come up with your brand name?
My middle name is Joy and it is such a happy uplifting word and I just love to sew so Sew In Joy was an easy choice.

When did you begin making and what was your inspiration?
I was lucky that my Mum had endless patience and taught me to sew when I was a young girl and as a teenager I would rummage through her stash looking for the right fabric to whip something up for the next mufti day or "big night out" on Saturday. Sewing class was my favourite at school and was the only thing I consistently came first at!  During my second pregnancy my emotions went totally haywire so during my third pregnancy (due in five weeks time) I wanted to make sure I had a wonderfully calm time and what was just sewing for a hobby has become a wonderful home based business around my family.  I'm totally inspired by fabrics and love sourcing fabrics - the pile grows daily!  I have a very supportive partner who has never once asked me to tidy up my untidy stash of fabric which overflows into our everyday living space.



What do you make?
I love to sew and my range continues to evolve.  At the moment it includes funky four-panelled skirts for women, fun tunics for young girls, bandana bibs, aprons, cushions, bags, cool boys trousers, hottie covers and I'm looking to extend my range for women in the spring and adding a couple of fun and functional dresses. I make a lot of custom orders and I really enjoy that as you are interpreting peoples design concepts as well.           

Who is the most influential in your craft?
I have an awesome group of family and friends who are not only customers now but are also fantastic at giving me feedback on my range. Their feedback, along with feedback from my customer base, help to guide me on what people are wanting.  I have two young boys so am always checking in with my friends little girls as to what colours they love and what styles etc they want to wear.  So a lot of influencers really.



What inspires you?
I am inspired by seeing people wearing my creations and as I can see they are fantastic fits, styles and fun to wear it makes me feel good inside.  I always wanted a home based business that could work in with my family and to provide something that would be affordable and fun for my customers.  I have the most gorgeous space to sew in and look down over our garden which has banana palms, laden fruit trees and happy chickens.  And I am definitely inspired by fabric!

What is your favourite book?
I loved the Sara Donati series and was sad when they were over.  The main character is strong and courageous in a harsh environment yet maintains her femininity throughout.           

And your favourite food?
Wow!  That is a difficult question.  My partner is a chef by trade so anything he makes is awesome and full of flavour.  He would probably tell you it is "MEAT"!  I was brought up on a farm so meat was definitely big in our diets and when I've had a rough day he brings home the best steak to make all things better.  And chocolate could certainly be served to me for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Where do you get your online inspiration?
I'm definitely a Pinterest girl - it always astounds me how clever people are.          

When you are not at the Devonport Craft Market, where can people buy your work?
I work from our home in Red Beach/Orewa and welcome people to come and visit to choose their next item or be involved with the selection of their fabrics.  Our home is a big old beast with "lots of potential" and a wonderful view of the Estuary.  We have a big back yard which is great for two busy children (soon to be three) and a partner who loves to grow as much food as possible.  I'm a real home body and you will generally find me at home or out looking for fabrics.

 


What is your most treasured handmade possession?
Most definitely a card my oldest son made for me on Mothers Day last year.  He made a gorgeous big cardboard sign which tells me how much he loves me and spent quite some time gluing individual pieces of rice on to make the letters.  I had to pretend I didn't know what was going on and when I saw what he had done with such patience and love I was super stoked!   

When you are not making, what do you do?
What do I do?  I ignore housework as much as possible and play with my two boys (nearly seven and 18 months old).  My partner loves the outdoors and living near so many beautiful places we like to take the children to the beach, for bush walks and enjoy the free things that life has on offer.     



What music is on high rotate on your ipod?
I very rarely put music on as our home is either noisy with children or when they are asleep I totally enjoy the quite time.  Sunday mornings is filled with Bad Jelly the Witch and other old radio favourites from our childhood.                   

Debbie has a special offer for anyone who mentions they read her profile:
I feel very lucky to be able to do something that I love and share with other people.  For anyone who reads my profile and would like to purchase one of my fun creations I am offering a 10% discount on any full priced item. I upload my creations at www.facebook.com/sewinjoy and just remember to mention this offer when you contact me.  This discount is valid for custom orders as well.