mum who makes :: Pork Chop

mum who makes :: Pork Chop
madeit.com.au/porkchop

Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Leonie and I’m a mum to Tyler, 2, and Holly, ten weeks. I live in Blacktown NSW but am comfortable being a ‘westie’! My dream is to one day open a cafe/gallery space that supports local artists however the budget won’t allow that at the moment so I am content to hide in my closet-sized spare room and get crafty.



Can you explain your craft/art and the materials you like to use?
So far I’ve been working with fabric making baby things and pretty home wares, although who knows what path this will eventually lead me to... I also love calligraphy, scrapbooking, ceramics, landscape design, graphic design, dyeing, beading, sculpture and loads of other things, so I’m hoping the process will be quite organic I will eventually find my niche quite by accident!

How long have you been creating and how did you get into making handmade goodies?
I’ve been crafting in some sense ever since I can remember, and am constantly drawn to creative roles, spaces and people. I’ve worked as a copywriter, founded a boutique marketing firm, done mindless admin, cleaned hearing aids, made sandwiches, sold safety glasses and headhunted staff but nothing makes me as happy as just sitting down to sew, draw or paint. I’m hoping that by building a small business making quality products, I’ll eventually be able to sustain my soul as well as my bank balance.

How do you juggle motherhood & crafting/managing your business?
With great difficulty!! Seriously though, being organised is super important, as well as not having an expectation that you’re going to be able to create when you want to. We all know how unpredictable kids are so being able to go with the flow is imperative, and when you do find those precious moments when both kids are asleep at the same time, pack in as much as you can! I have a little to do list stuck to the fridge, and its full of enjoyable things – the washing can wait!

Do you have any advice to other Mothers who are wanting to start creating handmade goodies?
Don’t expect everyone to be supportive and say things to boost your confidence, especially your friends and family. My husband comes up with such gems as ‘you’ll never make any money from sewing’ and ‘wow that’s great’ (loaded with sarcasm). He’s my toughest critic! But if you don’t believe in yourself nobody else will, so when people ask what you do, say with confidence ‘this is my business’, rather than a sheepish ‘uh, this is kinda my hobby’.

new seller quick five :: wingbysea

New seller :: wingbysea
madeit.com.au/wingbysea

How did you find out about madeit?
I can't quite remember the first time I heard about MadeIt, but it was really brought to my attention by the feature article you did on Kirsten of ForgetMeNot. I love buying handmade, and I love the idea of being able to buy all Australian handmade - all while the little one sleeps!

Explain your style.
My style - well it gets a bit eclectic, because sometimes I'm feeling a bit more fun and tomboyish, or glamourous, or chic and minimalist. I'm also very influenced by people watching and the feel of where I live, Avalon is a pretty relaxed, beachy place, with a hint of urban influence.

What makes you happy?
Those unplanned moments of family time when it all clicks and we are just happy to be together are the best. The opportunity to be creative and make something, that's pretty good too!

What makes you sad?
I start getting sad when I'm too tired! Also watching the news, and being faced with situations or problems - especially those of close friends and family - that I can't fix makes me sad. I'm a fixer-upperer.

What cant you live without?
I cannot live without my husband, my son, sunshine, water, and laughter. My morning coffee is pretty important too!

pattern love!

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Visit madeit.com.au for more handmade goodies

mum who makes :: Here We Go Loopy Lou

mum who makes :: Here We Go Loopy Lou
madeit.com.au/herewegoloopylou

Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Melinda and I live in Melbourne. I am Mum to two little boys aged 4 and 2, and I have another baby due in April! I am also a social worker. Like all Mums, my days are jam packed, but I wouldn’t have it any other way right now!

Can you explain your craft/art and the materials you like to use?
I make and sell fabric greeting cards. I would say that I have a slight addiction to fabric! I am always amazed at all the wonderful designs, patterns and colours available and the endless possibilities fabric creates. I love how a beautiful fabric can transform a greeting card into something so unique and worthy of being a keepsake.

How long have you been creating and how did you get into making handmade goodies?
I have enjoyed creating things since I was a child. Here We Go Loopy Lou started about one year ago after I became frustrated trying to find Birthday Cards for little ones that weren’t mass produced or covered in licensed products. I decided to experiment with some of the beautiful fabrics I had in my stash, and my business has just grown from there. I am always inspired and motivated by the encouraging comments I receive from my wonderful family, friends and customers. I love introducing new designs into the store and I still get excited by every single sale!

How do you juggle motherhood & crafting/managing your business?
Some days are better than others!! I adore spending time with my boys – going to the park, the Zoo, the library, playgroup, etc. However, Here We Go Loopy Lou is my “me” time. It is my creative outlet, my time to engage my passion for designing and creating. That being said, the business is mostly fitted in around the kids, naps and kindy runs. I probably do most of my work at night when the house is quiet! This is working well for now, but I would love to grow the business to a point where I need dedicated business days! We all need goals!

Do you have any advice to other Mothers who are wanting to start creating handmade goodies?
Never think you cannot do it because you can. Find something that you love doing and pursue it. I think it is great for Mums to have a passion that is all their own. We all need our “me” time. You can start small and build from there. You don’t need to build a creative empire overnight. Made It is a great place to sell online. There is so much work going into promoting the site and therefore your own handmade goods. There is a really fabulous online supportive community through the forums. Just do it, you won’t look back!

new seller quick five :: Sarah's House

New seller :: Sarah's House
madeit.com.au/SarahsHouse

How did you find out about madeit?
I was thinking about selling online for a while, and I found made it purely by chance whilst surfing the net! I really loved the idea of an Australian site selling handmade wares...so I excitedly opened my store.

Explain your style.
For me this is a tough question because I have only recently discovered craft as an outlet for my creative side (that I never knew existed until last year..at age 38..argh) I have always had eclectic taste in homewares and I love lots of colour in my house. I also believe that recycling/upcycling is an important part of current day life. SO, I would say that my style is colourful, eclectic and eco conscious.

What makes you happy?
My "morning cuddle" from my little 5 year old makes me happy and gives me a warm feeling to carry me through the day. I also must say that colour in my surroundings makes me happy...

What makes you sad?
I am saddened by others distress or unhappiness and by wastefulness.

What cant you live without?
I cannot live without coffee, colour, cuddles or almost obsessive visit to the local op shops!!

Perth Market this Sunday!

Perth Upmarket is Perth’s premier quarterly market for original and handcrafted wares. The market brings together over 100 of Perth’s most talented artists, designers, craftsmen and gourmets all under one roof at the University of Western Australia’s Winthrop Hall. The market showcases high quality wares such as handcrafted clothing, jewellery, skin care products, handbags, wall and paper art, wood products, toys, cupcakes plus lots more. Parking and entry are free and the venue is easily accessible.

Next Market:
When: Sunday 28th March 2010
Where: University of Western Australia
Time: 10am-4pm
Entry: Free
Future Market Dates: Sunday 27th June, Sunday 12th September and Sunday 28th November.
This event proudly supports the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Visit website www.perthupmarket.com.au

Canberra market this Sunday!

Next Market:
When: Sunday 28th March 2010
Where: Kamberra Wine Company
Time: 10am-4pm
Entry: Free, Parking Free
Future Market Dates: Saturday 5th June, Saturday 11 September, Saturday 4th December
Website www.handmademarket.com.au


Handmade - Canberra's quarterly Upmarket brings together talented artists, designers, stylists, craftspeople and gourmets all at one destination. It is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the quality, handcrafted and locally designed.

Established in 2008, Handmade market has quickly established itself as Canberra's Premier Quarterly market for handcrafted wares. Due its popularity, in 2010 Handmade will move from the Yarralumla Woolshed to the beautiful Kamberra Wine Company.

The new venue offers more room for customers as well as easy access and free parking.

Handmade is also about to launch the fabulous Shop Handmade, A place to browse beautiful handmade goods. Our gorgeous shop will be full of Handmade designs. Shop Handmade will open on Friday April 16 2010. Shop Handmade is an extension of the very popular Handmade Market established in 2008.

mum who makes :: apooki

Mum who makes :: apooki
madeit.com.au/apooki


Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Ange and I can be found in the Northern part of Tassie in a town called Launceston. My days are spent juggling my day job (in Printer Consumables) my night job (my craft) and my full time job (mum to my beautiful 10 month old son Oscar). I have 3 great loves in life (apart from friends and family) CUPCAKES, CRAFT & CURRIES!

Can you explain your craft/art and the materials you like to use?
I make all kinds of fabric covered button goodness, from earrings to hairslides. I’ve just started venturing into the world of appliquéd onesies, and have many other crafty project ideas swirling around in my head. I love fabric, I called fold and re-arrange and gaze at my fabric adoringly all day long.

How long have you been creating and how did you get into making handmade goodies?
I have been creating on and off for over 7 years now, starting with beaded jewellery. I had a break for a few years and only really got back into it last year. Apooki was born last year just after I had my baby, I was on maternity leave and things were going swimmingly, I had such a good little sleeper that I found myself with all this time on my hands while he slept, so I started making fabric button earrings, and I haven’t looked back since.

How do you juggle motherhood & crafting/managing your business?
I’m slowly getting into the groove of juggling crafting and parenting, I also work part time as well so it’s a matter of getting as much done on my days off and after Oscars gone to bed. I have an extremely supportive husband which helps greatly, he’s even been known to make a fabric covered button or two!! The key for me is organisation, and to make time for all the important things in life, weekends are family time for us, so most of my craft work is done in the evenings, which means late nights. I have a goal, which is to eventually quit my day job and make a living from my craft business, having that goal at the back of mind constantly, makes all of the late nights worth it.

Do you have any advice to other Mothers who are wanting to start creating handmade goodies?
Nike says it best – JUST DO IT!! No seriously get out there and give it a go, I have made some great friends through crafting and have found so much support from the other MadeIt sellers.

New seller quick five :: Bedros Designs

New seller :: Bedros Designs
madeit.com.au/BedrosDesigns

How did you find about madeit?
Through my good friend Ebony (Off The Peg). We both share a love for creating beautiful handmade products and wanted a way to share our creations with other handmade lovers and the world. Madeit is just the perfect place for that.

Explain your style?
I would describe my style as Vintage Chic, accessories that would not be outdated by fashion trends. I am mostly inspired by the materials I source and I try not to limit my creativity as I am always keen to explore new things.

What makes you happy?
The freedom to create beautiful hand made products for my customers and when I make a sale on Madeit....Oh and how can I forget coffee 1st thing in the morning.

What makes you sad?
Loosing my dog Benji last year on Boxing day and human trafficking, especially of young children.

What can't you live without?
My beautiful family and their encouragement, my Bamboo Pen Tablet (cannot do my computer graphics without it)....oh and did I mention coffee?

Websites we ♥ :: Handmade Cooperative

Tell us a little bit about your website?
Our Handmade Cooperative blog is all about promoting strictly Australian handmade items for kids to as many people as possible. We have two blog posts per week: i) a themed shopping guide where we showcase 10 items, and ii) either a Clever Crafter interview and giveaway, or “The Sensational Six” which promotes kids items around a common theme from crafters not necessarily within the Coop.


When/why did you open your website?
Our blog is almost one month old and already we have close to 400 fans on Facebook and almost 100 followers to our blog. We started our blog because we were disappointed in the outrageous advertising rates large corporate style guides were charging work at home mums and other small businesses – we certainly could not afford these rates and knew that a lot of other people were in the same boat. The blog was born because we wanted to provide crafters with a cooperative environment where people could contribute to blog posts and could have their logos and links permanently on the website and be “Members”. In return we ask that they promote the blog posts to all of their own business’s customers, fans and followers. We believe “word of mouth” and a “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” approach are powerful tools.

What is the favourite part about running your website?
Getting a sneak peek at all of the fantastic kids items created by our clever crafters before they get uploaded to the shopping guides, and conversing with such a great team of people. We also love meeting lots of lovely crafters and building a strong and supportive network of like minded people.

Why do you love handmade so much?
We love the passion behind what people make. You will find that most handmade products are made by women (wives and mums) who use crafting as their personal release. They do it for themselves because it makes them happy and it gives them a sense of satisfaction and personal worth. The best thing though is that customers can share in this passion by purchasing and enjoying the wonderful items created.

Name 5 reasons why your visitors keep coming back to your website?
Team-work, word-of-mouth, quality products, supportive environment, promotional opportunities


Visit handmadecooperative.blogspot.com for your daily dose of Australian Handmade Kids wear and goodies!

Vote for madeit seller Susannah Tucker's polaroid!

Lovely madeit seller Susannah Tucker from Susannah Tucker Photography has been chosen to be a part of the The Best
Polaroid Photo Competition by Blur Magazine.

To vote simply click here and give Susannah's polaroid a score
out of 10...

You will find Susannah butterfly photo "She Wore Butterflies in
her Hair" on the 4th row, last on the right.

To see more of Susannah work visit her madeit store here.