new seller quick five :: Sandra Darling

New seller :: Sandra Darling
madeit.com.au/SandraDarling

How did you find about madeit?
I discovered the wonderful world of ‘Made It’ through other Australian Hand Made Art and Craft people - through their blogs, forums and word of mouth. The idea of an all Australian Site to buy and sell Hand Made to like minded people through an online facility appealed to me as a wonderful way of uniting and connecting people far and wide who are also passionate about high quality individual Art and Craft.

Explain your style.
Sandra Darling Visual Art Creations is an eclectic reflection of what “speaks to my soul” and that which moves me. Through my Photography and Visual Art Creations, I delivery stories from the psyche drawing much of my inspiration from life experience as well as art, craft and design through the ages. My art works, images rich in layers and textures, explore all that is intrinsically human and in particular feminine. I think the quote "the present is just a moment passed" sums up our fragile existence and give a glimpse into the world of what my art work explores.

What makes you happy?
The beauty of the world around us (Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me with her extraordinary gifts); Memories; love; family; friends; nostalgia; art; music; dance; and so much more.

What makes you sad?
Sometimes it is the inability to be able to help a loved one who is suffering other than to be a shoulder to cry on; sometimes it is a bittersweet memory; sometimes it is a beautiful sad movie, song or dance that touches my soul; sometimes it is just the changing world around us so incredibly fragile.

What can't you live without?
Love, Laughter and Art.

mum who makes :: tractorgirl

mum who makes :: tractorgirl
madeit.com.au/tractorgirl

Tell us a bit about yourself?
My partner and I live on a farm, with cereal cropping and sheep, near Wagga, NSW. We moved here about 14 years ago, and love it, despite the droughts of the last few years. We have three small children (5, and twins 3). It’s a great adventure for them, they love going and checking the stock and crops with daddy, and it’s nice having so much space for them to run around in.

Can you explain your craft/art and the materials you like to use?
I studied jewellery and silversmithing at Uni, and I love it. However, now I have small children around, it’s difficult to do, so now I sew. Because of my Fine Arts background, I have a large aesthetic resource to draw on - for instance, I am using classic motifs from various time frames and cultures for my current designs.


I always try to be gentle on the earth, and use upcycled components somewhere in all my pieces. For me, upcycling refers to fabrics that are remnants from old projects and other sources, and from clothing, homewares and remnants found in op shops. This saves it from going to landfill, and besides, some things are too beautiful to throw out!

How long have you been creating and how did you get into making handmade goodies?
Right from when I was little, I have always felt compelled to make something somehow, and it didn’t seem to matter too much what type of medium – drawing, textiles, then linocuts, and metal.

I have been selling things now and then ever since I finished Uni, but have always had a ‘proper’ job to provide my main income. Now, however, I’m a stay-at-home mother, and consequently I’m becoming much more involved in selling my work.

How do you juggle motherhood & crafting/managing your business?
Juggling the parent-artisan balance is very tricky; sometimes those constant little interruptions get incredibly annoying when I’m trying to concentrate on something. However, I get through it with a (flexible) routine, and a list of stuff to do everyday. The list is essential, as I am inclined to be easily distracted, AND I feel good when I mark stuff off.

Do you have any advice to other Mothers who are wanting to start creating handmade goodies?
Do it because you love it! I say this because I have found it very hard work to get noticed; the internet is a huge place and it’s easy to get lost. Promote promote and promote! And try and sell locally if you can.

Roses are....

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new seller quick five :: Brilliant Trees Collective

New seller :: Brilliant Trees Collective
madeit.com.au/BrilliantTreesCollective

How did you find about madeit?
Picking up the Made It brochure at the Finders Keeps Market in Brisbane last year. I had a look at the website and book marked it and when I was finally ready to sell online I signed up. It’s great that you are able to find handmade Australian products in one place.

Explain your style?
I suppose it’s a bit of everything and really depends on my mood – eclectic, Rock’n’roll, chic, a slight Asian influence and a little bit of glamour thrown in for good measure. This applies to everything – fashion, interiors and my designs.

What makes you happy?
My hubby would say it would be my feet up and a glass of wine. But having my loved ones around me and seeing them smile. Also having the beach nearby is be a bonus.

What makes you sad?
The mistreatment and neglect of animals – really breaks my heart. I am huge animal lover so it really makes me mad seeing any animal mistreated.

What can't you live without?
Hubby and my girl Jaz - a 9 year old border collie and music! I suppose I would also be a little lost without my Iphone but only for a little while. And chocolate!

Project: Post Packet with a twist

Post packets, we all need them at some time or another and this is a brilliant way of personalising your post. If you've got any unpopped bubble wrap (I know, its hard to resist!) then this is a much better way of using it up rather than just throwing it out. Check out the tutorial here.

The instructions are for a 7x5 inch pack but I made mine to fit a C.D. so needed a piece of paper 30x20 cm. The beauty of this project is that it really is up to you what size you make it! I found the standard size scrap booking paper (30x30cm) was a bit squeezy so keep your eye out for bigger cuts of strong paper. Also, keep in mind that you want your precious parcel to reach its destination in one piece so strong paper (wall paper), good glue and decent bubble wrap is essential. Of course, the usual tools of the crafters table, scissors, ruler, pencil, glue and tape are also necessary. Once you've made one you shouldn't need to draw in the lines, in fact, the end product has a much more professional look if there are no lines visible at all, folds alone should see you through.

Big thank you to madeit.com.au/cpercydesigns for suggesting this great tutorial!

Happy folding, sticking and posting!
Vanessa
project & research gal

fresh of the grapevine!

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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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