Meet the maker: Black Swan Designs

What do you make?
Distinctive laser cut jewellery and other vintage inspired pretties.

Why would you buy something handmade?
The more immersed in the craft scene I become the more I find myself buying handmade products over those that are made in China, and even end up feeling a little guilty buying mass produced goods. It's great to know that you're supporting someone local and has a lovely warm fuzzy feeling attached with purchasing!

Where else might we see your work?
I have a bunch of stockists scattered throughout New Zealand, details for which can be found on my website, and of course I sell through felt at www.blackswan.felt.co.nz.

How did you get into your craft?
I've been crafting ever since I can remember. I think that's just what happens when you have a crafty Mum. I work as a graphic designer now, and subsequently spend a lot of time on the computer, which was how I ended up getting into laser cutting. I've had a little taste of traditional jewellery processes, and the level of detail that you can achieve with laser cutting just wouldn't be possible to do by hand, unless you had many spare hours to spare, let alone even considering making more than 1 of each item.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
I have a degree in Art and Design, and spent the vast majority of my 3 years at Polytech playing with all the machinery that was available to the craft students instead of working in the computer suits. I've always preferred more hands on activities, and managed to turn most of my graphic design based projects into something with a crafty flavour.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
My favourite tool would have to be my computer, but it's a bit of a necessary evil. I couldn't do what I do without it. I also relish in time spent mass assembling in front of the fire over the winter months, and getting out and about around the countryside collecting images for future creations. I would like to get into some more traditional crafting methods, but with 2 businesses on the go I suspect that I would need a few more hours in the day to make this possible!



blackswan.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: Hobby Horses & Second Courses

What do you make?
All sorts of cute wee things including: adorable felt toys, hair accessories, wooden brooches, bowls, jewellery and clocks made from old records, ear warmers, upcycled cards, bags, cupcakes galore (I don't sell these yet though), secret treasure books, dresses, cassette wallets, tshirts and all sorts of other things!

Why would you buy something handmade?
Because it is a piece of art, and it's unique. I think often people forget the value of art which is a shame. Also you can see the work that has gone into each individual item, and each flaw is a reminder of that. I also think when you buy, you have a say and by buying handmade goods it supports individuals doing what they love as opposed to huge companies that may or may not be using slave/unfair labour. But that's a whole other story!

Where else might we see your work?
www.hobbyhorsesandsecondcourses.blogspot.com and Felt.

How did you get into your craft?
I am an idea-collectomanic! I love trying to make almost anything and sticking to one craft would not keep me satisfied. I have always been creative/arty so I've been making things for as long as I can remember. But got more inspired by seeing so many wondrous blogs and thought 'I should make more things'. Also little Japanese craft books were very inspiring too.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
Not quite. I used to work as a graphic designer and have courses related to that, whereas crafts have always been more a hobby. I really want to do a fine arts degree after my current studies are finished though.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I like to put 'how to' instructions on my blog to encourage other people that they too can make crafty things, and that you don't have to be really good at sewing or anything to give it a go. So I guess I like to encourage and inspire people with my crafts, and also promote unique handmade gifts over bought. Perhaps sustainability too, as I like to upcycle lots of things, because more and more junk gets made everyday and I like to think that we should use what we already have and make it last instead, by rehashing things. Also having limits helps creativity.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
FELT! I keep going back to it, it is so versatile and easy to work with. I really like making up my own processes and learn by doing!



hobbyhorses.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: Satch & Sam

What do you make?
I screen print tees for little people and tea towels and bags for big people.

Why would you buy something handmade?
'Cause it's exactly that and handmade is well-loved.

Where else might we see your work?
Dusk in Christchurch, Pocket in Lyttelton, and www.satchandsam.blogspot.com.

How did you get into your craft?
I took a screen printing course...it was love at first print.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
Just the course I did in Auckland - through the Art Station

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
Not really. I guess it's what I would want to dress my kids in (when I have any!), everything I print is something I would use myself.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
Fabric of any sort and anything that can be screen printed on.

www.satchandsam.blogspot.com

Meet the maker: Needle Food

What do you make?
Hand dyed knitting yarn, using yarn milled especially for us. We also have needles available.

Why would you buy something handmade?
I would buy and have bought hand made items because they represent a little piece of the maker's soul. They're a little piece of them that speaks to me and if it happens to be something that I really love, then that makes it really special. I only keep things around me that are useful or that I love. Thankfully my family also fulfill both criterion :)

Where else might we see your work?
My yarn is available on my website store - www.needlefood.co.nz. Come on over - I'd love to dye you some yarn!

How did you get into your craft?
I took up sock knitting a couple of years ago and quickly learned that to bring in the special yarns from overseas was going to financially non-viable. It seemed ridiculous to me that there was nothing available here, in the land of sheep, so set about finding a solution. Here we are a year on and we have added a number of other yarn weights to our selection, some are locally made and others are imported but they are all colourful!

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
The more saturated and unabashed colour, the better! I think there are colours you may not ever wear near your face but with socks especially, you can get away with wearing the most outrageous, exciting and statement-making colours you like. I know people who wear suits to their corporate day jobs and continue to express themselves by wearing bright purple socks. I think that's awesome and sums up the essence of Needle Food's philosophy. Have fun with it - enjoy life and spread a little colour!

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
I love the fact that I get to work with colour every day, and it feeds my need to create. Dye tends to be a medium that surprises. Happy accidents happen all the time and then the challenge is to recreate them. Other times, the colour I am hoping to create just works out beautifully and my heart leaps just a little bit. Those days are fun - when you wash the yarn out and it looks delicious - I love those moments.

I also enjoy packing orders up for shipment. We take a great deal of care to present everything as a gift. We like to add special touches to make the recipient feel special and enjoy receiving their Needle Food as much as possible.

www.needlefood.co.nz

Meet the maker: Bruce Dyer

What do you make?
I make fabric lampshades in a variety of shapes and sizes. I manufacture the rings and support parts myself and so can make sizes others can't. Currently large drum shades are popular. I prefer customers to supply their own fabric as there is such a huge range to choose from and everyone wants something different. I also make a limited range of lamp bases.

Why would you buy something handmade?
Because one can hand-pick the size shape and fabric. The alternative is mass produced Chinese shades, cheaper but little choice.

How did you get into your craft?
I have made lights for 30 years but recently due to demand started making fabric shades which put me into the craft bracket.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
Mostly self taught as I like to do things differently.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
Keep the customer happy.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
The computer which makes the organising much easier.

www.lightingbybrucedyer.com

Painting the town crafty...

Lovely posters and postcards for A Craft Affair came back from the printers today – keep your eyes peeled around town for that pretty heart and the flirtatious fantails.

Meet the maker: Relique Vintage Jewellery

What do you make?
Vintage inspired & contemporary art jewellery using recycled and vintage materials.

Why would you buy something handmade?
To embrace the fact that handmade isn't always perfect but instead UNIQUE & QUIRKY because it is indeed handmade – someone has poured their heart and soul into that very piece of whatever you bought.

Where else might we see your work?
There is a little shop in Vanuatu called Pandanus which has a small selection of pieces, otherwise I sell mainly online. Felt is my main shop and I have a bit on Etsy too.

How did you get into your craft?
I'm actually a painter but after the birth of my son I found it difficult to get the time needed to really get my paintings finished (plus my art room became the new nursery!). So after a spontaneous trip one day to the Little River Gallery, I became inspired to turn my art into little pieces of wearable art.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
I gained my certificate in Visual Arts studying at Christchurch Polytechnic but I also love just trying out different possibilities and techniques so a lot is self-taught. I find that being naturally artistic helps so much when creating my jewellery – I'm not afraid to be bold and the more contrast I can create between colours the better.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
To create original, non-mass produced pieces of jewellery that are totally unique to the wearer using recycled components where possible.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
Antique buttons are my favourite – like little works of art in themselves. I love to take something that is beautiful in itself and try to make it even more beautiful and unique – which can be really challenging. The Art Deco & Art Nouveau movements are my main influences which encourage me to constantly evolve my designs.



relique.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: Tumbleweed Press

What do you make?
I design and print bespoke letterpress wedding stationery, and also have a new range of event stationery for parents and children. This includes birthday invitations, thank you notes, baby announcements, baby shower invitations, notecards and gift tags.

I print my stationery on a treadle operated Chandler and Price platen press. Each piece is hand fed into the press, one by one. It's a very labour intensive process and slight variations are inherent, making every piece a one-of-a-kind artwork.

Why would you buy something handmade?
Some items can only be made in this way, so their value lies in the time, expertise and investment by the artist. I buy handmade items that support original artists to continue their great work.

Where else might we see your work?
www.tumbleweed.felt.co.nz and www.tumbleweedpress.co.nz

How did you get into your craft?
I was working in Melbourne as a graphic designer, when an opportunity arose to purchase a vintage letterpress. I began designing and printing custom wedding stationery for couples throughout Australia, as well as brides in NZ, UK, New York, Hong Kong and Dubai. After returning to New Zealand, I put the business on hold to be a mum. I have now re-launched with a new stationery line.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
I have a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) from CPIT. I worked as a graphic designer in New Zealand and then Melbourne for 4 years before I started my letterpress business.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I design stationery that is modern with a touch of whimsy, combined with the art of vintage letterpress printing. I like clear, simple design with interesting features, quality fonts, and fresh colours.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
I like good fibre tip pens and my mac computer. I love letterpress and have accumulated quite a collection of printing presses (and would keep adding to my collection if my husband would let me). You can’t beat the noise of ink being rolled, and the hum of the press as it prints. I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing the finished product, it’s hard to visualise on a computer screen the texture and dimension that letterpress adds to a design.



tumbleweed.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: The Sewphist

What do you make?
I make things with fabric! I make little things like cute little coin purses and elegant notebook and visual diary covers, which make wonderful presents, or little treats for yourself. I make practical things, like big tote bags (perfect for carrying all those goodies that you've picked up at the market) and stylish satchels. And then there's the handbags and clutches: just the right size for carrying those few essentials in style! Just recently I've also branched out into making fabric-covered bangles, using up little slips of material that I had left over from other projects.

Why would you buy something handmade?
I buy handmade art and accessories because they will last and make me happy when I look at them. I buy handmade handcreams and cosmetics because they are made with natural ingredients and have subtle scents that agree with me. Other things that I buy are because it is something I need, and I like supporting small businesses.

Where else might we see your work?
You can check out my website, www.thesewphist.com, which will link you through to my online stores and my Facebook page. If you are in Wellington, you can find a selection of my work at Harach Tailoring, in The Grand Arcade on Willis Street.

How did you get into your craft?
Sewing was something that everyone did in my household, brothers and father included! So it was natural that I would learn too. I started off making things for myself, then gifts for friends and family, then for swaps. Finally about 18 months ago I decided I was ready to try selling my bags, and the rest has come from there.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
Apart from Manual and third form Clothing classes, I was either taught by my family or I taught myself. I learn a lot just by being willing to try things out.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I like to make things that are practical and will last a long time. I also like those things to look really good!

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
Fabric, my iron and sewing machine, and turning out a neatly stitched corner.



thesewphist.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: Songbird Designs

What do you make?
A bit of this and a bit of that! Mostly hair accessories, jewellery, paper goods & stationary but there are a few other things thrown in there!! The theme of my work is modern, vintage inspired and romantic. I try and fit everything I do under that aesthetic.

Why would you buy something handmade?
When you buy handmade, you are buying more than the product. You are buying a story. Many times, it is a very unique story. You are often buying from the maker themselves and you are supporting a community of people to continue to create and realise their dreams.

Where else might we see your work?
I sell online on Felt and I can also be seen monthly at the Devonport Craft Market and at other Auckland markets less regularly – see my blog for details of the markets I am attending.

How did you get into your craft?
I have always been creative. I studied Art right through school and Art History in my degree at University. I was never a ‘fine artist’ and when I was exposed to the world of craft, I felt I had found my creative outlet. There began my obsession!

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
No, aside from my strong interest in Art and Art History.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
My philosophy is simple. I make things that I like, that embody the modern vintage and romantic aesthetic. People have described my products as ‘girly’, I would add fun and whimsical to that description too. I have recently been working on making my products more planet-friendly so have built a set of products that utilise recycled and up-cycled items. I would like to grow that side of my product lines in the future.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
I love fabric. I love paper. I love colour, floral images and birds. I like ‘being involved’ in my processes for example, I hand cut and hand punch the majority of my paper goods.



songbird.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: Wishing Tree

What do you make?
I make all sorts of things, including silver jewellery, copper foiled glass, and crafty jewellery out of a mixture of materials. I enjoy painting and making whimsical pictures which I plan to bring a few along to A Craft Affair.

Why would you buy something handmade?
I buy handmade because I want to have things that show something about the maker of them. It is a sort of interaction with another human being who is creative, and often an inspiration for me, or an admiration of something I cannot do myself.

Where else might we see your work?
My shop on Felt is my main outlet. I exhibit with the Silversmiths Guild of Canterbury at their annual exhibition, this year in December. A fellow silversmith and I are having an exhibition at the Cloisters at The Arts Centre, from 27 July until 2 August.

How did you get into your craft?
I can't remember a time I wasn't making something, or planning something new! I love learning new skills and taking aspects of one set of skills and applying them to another area of creativity. One of my grandmothers spun and had a love of textiles, helping at the sheltered workshops in Christchurch with the weaving. My other grandmother was a great knitter, and as I grew up my mother was always spinning, knitting, or sewing among her other domestic skills. I guess I had a sense that things are made by people with skills making choices about materials and colours and ideas that came from watching their creations grow and emerge under their hands, and being allowed to join in by helping from time to time.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
The only formal training I have is a three year Visual Communication and Design course 15 years or so ago. I loved the printmaking and illustration aspects of this and enjoyed learning some of the more formal aspects of design too.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
My philosophy.... I love colour and can't imagine a life that isn't touched by it. I love the way colours have an effect on your emotions, how a small bright spot on a gray day can lift your spirits, or being swept away by a huge expanse of intense hues, or again being soothed by something cool and gentle. And textures too. I believe that given approximately the correct materials, tools, and instructions, plus a little imagination, everybody can make something beautiful! I cannot bear a world where everything is made by faceless, factory processes!

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
It depends on the prevailing obsession! I love glass, it glows and shines and is such a big part of our daily existence. I love working with silver and copper too. There are so many possibilities to embellish their surfaces, shape them and join them together, and add other things to create something different, then wear the outcome which adds again to something else. I think I am a visual alchemist at heart!



wishingtree.felt.co.nz

Our City O-Tautahi – craft central!

We're very lucky here in Christchurch to have such a fabulous central venue for A Craft Affair. While it might get a bit crowded (okay, a lot crowded) during the fair, Sarah and Fiona at Our City O-Tautahi bend over backwards to accommodate A Craft Affair, and the event just wouldn't happen without them.

Located on the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Oxford Terrace, Our City O-Tautahi is a gorgeous building with a long history. In 1851 the site housed the newly built Land Office, and it was from here that the European settlement of Christchurch began.

The building as we know it today was designed by Samuel Hurst Seager in response to a competition in 1885 for the design of new Municipal Chambers. His motto for his submission was "Design with Beauty: Build with Truth" – I think this makes Our City a particularly fitting venue for crafty events.

Since it opened as the Municipal Chambers in 1887, it has functioned as the centre of local government, and later as the Christchurch Information Centre, which many Cantabrians still remember it as. In 2002 it was officially opened as Our City O-Tautahi and now provides a space for the people of Christchurch to meet to present and exchange ideas and knowledge about the city, as well as celebrate its life, colour and creativity.

So as you browse the array of handmade goodies on offer at A Craft Affair, take a moment to look around and absorb a little Christchurch history!

Meet the maker: SewItSeams

What do you make?
Giraffes small and large, gollies, hand knitted bunnies with cardigans, padded coathangers with crystals, hand embroidered pincushion and needle case sets.

Why would you buy something handmade?
Being a craft person, I can appreciate the time and love that has gone into the item.

Where else might we see your work?
Toi Toi Gifts, Cows Go Moo, The General Store and Halswell Florist in Christchurch.

How did you get into your craft?
Through Christchurch Polytechnic I attended a 2 year course and received my Diploma in Embroidery and my interests in crafts just grew from there.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
As above... I do enjoy the challenge of learning new things and try and nut things out myself.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
I love bright colours and mixing and matching them to make appealing funky toys that stand out. Oh and I love my new Bernina sewing machine.



sewitseams.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: Random Little Things

What do you make?
Groovy little pieces of fun to add a splash of colour and creativity to your day and wardrobe! I specialise mainly cold cast enamel and silver, although I am branching out into gold this year too... very exciting... As well as experimental pieces I also make bespoke items, so feel free to run your ideas by me – I'm always happy to talk creative ideas through with people.

Why would you buy something handmade?
Why wouldn't I..??? Handmade is beautiful, it's an opportunity to buy something unique that's been crafted by, usually, the person you're buying it from. It's so personal and the antithesis of the malignancy that is mass produced tatt... handmade stuff totally kicks the ass of anything you can buy from typical high street stores... why would you buy mass produced generic mindlessness when there's a choice to buy something else...

Where else might we see your work?
Two Rivers Gallery in Cheviot, about an hour's drive from Christchurch towards Picton, or my website.

How did you get into your craft?
Through play and hugely encouraging friends.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
Not really but I do have a degree in arts psychotherapy and thoroughly believe that art is therapeutic... which I guess is the truth about how I got into crafty stuff... thought it would be cheaper than a therapist's bill....

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
Only in as much as I think it's very human to be creative and making stuff is an outlet for all my nuttiness.....

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
Silver is a very satisfying material to work with and I have a leather mallet that I absolutely adore... and these tiny needle nose pliers that I wouldn't be without... is that too geeky?



littlerandom.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: Kerri Devine

What do you make?
I make screen printed wall art, cushions, tea towels etc. I also cover chairs and stools with my screen prints. I am a photographer too.

Why would you buy something handmade?
Handmade is a real and tangible thing. Handmade items are never exactly the same, they have a story and a personality and I love that. Also, I like the idea of supporting individuals or small communities of creative people rather than giant companies.

Where else might we see your work?
I have a Felt shop and you can also see my work on Etsy.

How did you get into your craft?
I trained in fine art photography, but was always looking for a way to take my images a step further. I really wanted a more physical art practice, where I could use my hands as well as my eyes. I began to think about screen printing, and then took a weekend workshop run by Carla Watson from Imprint, and absolutely loved it.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
I have formal training in photography but not in screen printing.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
My philosophy is just to highlight the beauty in nature; to remind people of the wonder of the natural world. I believe there is beauty in simplicity.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
Some of my favourite materials and tools are – beautiful linen, the perfect shade of ink and my camera. I also really enjoy playing with composition.



poetryandcloth.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: Natural Star

What do you make?
I design and handknit merino knitwear, ranging from newborn through to 5yrs plus sizing. I also design the patterns for sale, make handmade buttons and knitting kits, along with a few other handknitted products.

Why would you buy something handmade?
I LOVE buying handmade, not only does it support many small businesses but the products I have found are usually far more superior in quality than massed produced items. The product also has a history of being created by someone that loves what they do and puts that time and effort into the finished item.

Where else might we see your work?
My work can be seen at www.naturalstar.co.nz where you will also find a stockists page. I have stockists in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. You will also find me on Felt, Etsy (naturalstar) and Trademe (under the username brendaml). You will also find some of my patterns at www.e-patternscentral.com and www.anniesattic.com.

How did you get into your craft?
Handknitting for me has always been a passion, I started when I was 7 (taught by my mother) and have never really put the needles down. As I grew more confident with my knitting skills I had fun playing with knitting and using different fibres. The pattern designing is something that I have always been interested in, even from a young age where I used to tweak/adapt vintage patterns to my pattern knowledge. Now I find nothing more satisfying than sitting down with a ball of wool, needles, pen and paper and coming up with the perfect design.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
No, what I know now has been self taught.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I only use fibres that are natural and sourced in New Zealand.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
New Zealand has a great resource of some of the best fibres in the world which are perfect for our precious babies and children. My favourite fibres are NZ pure merino wool and NZ Treliske Certified organic merino wool. I am in the process of adding more pure bamboo knits to my range because it is a perfect fibre for babies delicate skin and can be worn by those that react to wool. These fibres and my designs together produce timeless, classical, vintage inspired handknits. My favourite knitting needles to use are bamboo.



natural_star.felt.co.nz

Meet the maker: Little Minx

What do you make?
Tote bags, shoulder bags, zip wallets, zip pencil cases, rabbits, and sometimes needle books.

Why would you buy something handmade?
I just love handmade, the fact that someone has lovingly created something always adds so much to the experience. In today's world we are so surrounded by plastics and mass-produced items, to see something handmade just lifts the spirits.

Where else might we see your work?
I sell my creations on Felt – and there are photos of past projects on http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlesaucyminx. I also have a blog http://www.littleminx.wordpress.com

How did you get into your craft?
I have been sewing since I was really little, but hadn't done so for quite a few years. Recently I bought a new (very old) sewing machine and rediscovered the joy of creating. I love how a large piece of fabric (or two or three) becomes something you can use after only a few hours spent cutting and sewing.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
No formal training – just my Mum and my Grandmother and a couple of years of Home Economics at Intermediate. I'd love to do Fine Arts someday though.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
Yes, I like to make things that are useful and durable, and things that solve problems, like zip wallets, for containing things you didn't know what to do with previously. I started making the tote bags because I felt that life didn't fit into a handbag. I believe in being surrounded by nice things, and get real joy from pulling a wallet out of my bag that is made from a much loved fabric. I am a firm believer in recycling as well, so try to involve as much vintage and pre-loved fabrics, zips, and buttons as I can. Having always been an Op-Shopper, I love to see things have a new life and use.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
Fabric, fabric, fabric! I am a bit nuts for it I have to admit – patterns, designs, and feel. I love natural fibres, and use cotton, linen, and wool as much as possible. Favourite tools – my vintage Bernina and a needle book filled with needles.



littleminx.felt.co.nz